Everything I'm shopping for in Japan
Crystal glassware, Onitsuka Tiger sneakers, and limited edition notebooks
Hi! We’re headed to our favorite place on earth during cherry blossom season (more from
) in a few weeks, and among many other things, I can’t wait to shop. Shopping in Japan is a dizzying delight: More often than not, you’ll find quality craftsmanship, impeccable service, and thoughtfully designed retail experiences.I’d started writing up a Tokyo shopping list for my girlfriend, and seeing as this newsletter is basically a series of emails to my internet gfs, I figured I’d share the tea here. Come along with me on my Japan shopping trip: We’ve got sneaks, stationery, sweets, oh my! Consider this the opposite of no-buy January. There are no rules.*
Let’s get into it.
Teresa
*Actually, there is one rule. The rule is BUYING THE THING YOU LOVE when you’re abroad. Unless it’s beyond your budget, thoughtful travel souvenirs will always bring you joy once you’re home... No regrats!
EVERYTHING I’M SHOPPING FOR IN JAPAN
Ikebana vases. Japanese floral arranging has been on my mind/Pinterest lately, and I’d love to browse this specialty shop for ikebana vessels and teaware.
Kagami crystal whiskey glasses. Mike has pined over these finely etched crystal glasses for at least nine years, which can be found at the Michelin-starred likes of Ryugin. Our glassware cabinet may be bursting, but hey, I’m glad I married someone who also likes beautiful things.
Hirota glassware. I will also be paying a visit to this recently discovered glassware maker. These soy sauce pourers, EXQUISITE. They also make gorgeous drinking glasses with opalescent designs on the surface—so pretty, just look!
Wooden and ceramic bowls. I drink a lot of miso soup on weeknights (#girldinner) and getting a few traditional wooden miso soup bowls would just elevate the experience! We’ve also broken a few of our ceramic ramen and rice bowls over the years, so I’m hoping to find a few more that I love.
Matcha and matchaware. Matcha has taken over my morning routine recently, so I’d love to pop into a tea boutique like Seisho-en in Shinjuku or Ippodo near Tokyo Station to find a whisk holder and upgraded bamboo chasen whisk.
Specialty ingredients. I love browsing Tokyo’s Tsukiji outer market, Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, and grocery stores for a few specialty ingredients to bring home like soy sauce, miso, kombu, dashi, nori, etc.
Onitsuka Tiger sneakers. Convinced on the versatility of these as they’re a fave of
. I’ve been holding off on buying a new pair of sneakers for spring because I’m excited to shop the Onitsuka store in Omotesando. I’m thinking silver—y/n?A Cartier Panthere. OK, I’m not actively on the hunt for one but if I happen upon a very good deal on a very good quality Panthere at a vintage watch shop, I’m not NOT going to buy it… it’s called manifestation.
Stationery. Stationery aficionado
has me hyped up for Japan stationery shopping. On my list is a Traveler’s Notebook (formerly Midori) from the Traveler’s Notebook Factory in Nakameguro. Find me journaling it up in my new notebook in cozy coffeeshop corners and under clouds of cherry blossoms. / newsletter also turned me onto Stalogy notebooks, which I’ll search for at Tokyu Hands. Also, erasers. I’m still a baby on my pen enthusiast journey, but if you’re into specialty fountain pens, pen boutique Shosaikan sounds like a dream.