A lazy Sunday in Tokyo

Will has come to Tokyo for a couple of meetings and I have joined him for a long weekend.  We have had a lovely time mooching around galleries, shopping districts and quirky streets - all punctuated by enjoyable meals.

Yesterday we visited the Mori museum in Roppongi Hills where there was a wonderful exhibition about the Metabolism Architectural movement.  There were some incredible building models - beautifully detailed in a way only the Japanese could manage. The boys would have loved them. There were some great 1950s videos screening throughout the exhibit of cool architects in their turtle necks describing their work while shrouded in cigarette smoke. Fabulous stuff.

Today we took the subway to the Museum of Contemporary Art.  The building was wonderful.

You could seek the shade underneath the building where the shallow ponds reflected the sunlight onto the ceiling.  The little children there loved it, and the path to it with its waterfall.

There are some beautiful public sculptures set amongst shady trees.

We then headed to Omotesando to explore the little side streets.  The main street of Omotesando is a lineup of the worlds greatest fashion brands.  But the side streets are much more interesting - full of quirky little spaces.

This van selling coffee was in the carpark of the Benetton Store, just metres off the main street.  The funny thing about this photo is that it was about 30 degrees and humid as can be. We were expiring in short sleeves, so this poor little dog would have been suffering for fashion.

Just further up the same street I found this sweet little shop in a very stylish building.  It was selling thousands of different types of chopsticks - mostly with a children's theme.  I got sets of chopsticks for the boys with the bullet train painted on them, and a laquer spoon for Adelaide with an animal painted in the bowl.

The presentation of the shops is rather quaint, with vintage furniture pieces or flea market finds used in the display.

It's an interesting juxtaposition to the mega-brands in the main street.  It definitely makes Omotesando a fascinating place to have a poke around.  

We had lunch at Maisen, which is renowned for offering the best Tonkatsu in Tokyo.  Tonkatsu is pork deep fried in breadcrumbs and served with a barbeque style sauce. (That's the organic health retreat diet out the window.)  When in Rome...

Comments

[Rocio]

It sounds like a great weekend, Kristine!If I ever visit Japan, I will make sure I visit Omotesando - those pictures have made me very jealous!!

[corrie]

ohhhhhhh the jealousy! I love tokyo! you lucky thing and I love ometesando too. We had lunch and walked with an expat there and I loved everything he showed us!

great stores on the side streets and such a great area! I found marimekko, la drogeurie and a cute toy shop where I had a vegetarian lunch!

and you just would have regretted it if you didn't have the tonkatsu!

oh it sounds like heaven! super jealous!
corrie:)

[Lynda]

looks like you have your mojo back!
as always I enjoy 'travelling' with you! Eating tonkatsu shows you were relaxed and enjoying yourself. It's all about balance and you've got that!

[bicocacolors]

thanks for this beautiful trip,
those pictures are gorgeous!!!

[Sam Kimura]

Hi, Kristine, I hope you remember me.
It is interesting for me to read your "A Lazy Sunday in Tokyo", especially the comment on Omotesado's backstreet. There are many streets like it not only in Tokyo but in other cities in Japan.
Kagurazaka is another example in Tokyo, and Nihonbashi must be much "quirkier" for you. This area is the centre of Japanese textile trading!
Kobe, my place, also has some lovely streets. Please visit some of them next time you come. My wife, Mary, will take you.

[Suz]

Wow! What an amazing way to spend a long weekend!! Hope you are enjoying doing some more sewing for your children now that your business is winding up :)