Tokyo: week one

I'm having a great time in Tokyo... as if there was any doubt that I would. We had a little technical difficulty to start off with but we're all sorted now so I can show you a few of the things we've been doing.

On Wednesday I met up with the gorgeous Kaori and her lovely friend Ken in Harajuku. They took us to a charming little boutique in the backstreets of Harajuku called Marble SUD. The store has an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories as well as a selection of items from local designers and artists, including Kaori's handstitched french bulldog keycharms. Marble SUD will be holding an exhibition of Kaori's work in November.

It was the last day of a 5 day holiday so the streets in Harajuku were pretty crowded. Kitson had only recently opened at La Foret (just around the corner from here) so there was a lineup to get in there.

We also spent some time in the beautiful shops of Omote-Sando.

Another highlight so far has been our visit to the Teien Art Museum at Meguro. We saw the amazing Stitch by Stitch exhibition featuring a group of Japanese textile artists. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take any photos but I'll try to find some information and images about artists and their work when I get back home. It really changed my understanding of how embroidery can be used as pure art.

The exhibition finishes this weekend but if you are ever in Tokyo you should try to visit the Teien Art Museum and gardens. It is the former residence of a Japanese prince and is the most exquisite example of art deco decor and architecture I have ever seen. Worth a visit just to see the light fittings and door knobs alone!

Oh, I mustn't forget to mention my new favourite Tokyo discovery... Takano Fruit Parlour. I visited the one at Takashimaya Times Square (Shinjuku) but there are several around Tokyo.

Seriously, I never knew fruit could taste this divine. The peach sorbet is like heaven.

We've also been a bit touristy and visited Mt Fuji and Hakone via bullet train and today we spent the day in Yokohama city. Thanks to everyone who has been emailing and leaving comments with their favourite Tokyo haunts. I'm trying to squeeze in as much as I can so hopefully I can check out some of your suggestions.

Comments

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1.

oh! you went out everyday! I had a wonderful day with you. I like MarbleSUD too. This shop is using animal motif for clothes. Sometimes I watch this shop on TV and magazine in Japan.So staffs said "oh! kids are like angels!".
Next time I'll take you many places! Come to Tokyo again! and someday I hope to visit Australia.:)

Kaori