Tokyo Matsuya is a Japanese Edo Karakami washi paper producer established in 1690. Edo Karakami is the hand-crafted patterned washi paper for interior decorating such as Fusuma sliding doors and folding screens. It has been handmade by artisans in downtown Tokyo since the Edo Period. Japanese motifs and craft of Edo Karakami paper ooze traditional charm but itsContinue reading “Toyko Matsuya Washi paper show/sales room”
Category Archives: Studies
One Hundred Views of Edo by Hiroshige at Suntory Museum of Art
At the time of writing, Suntory Museum of Art in Midtown, Roppongi is exhibiting Utagawa Hiroshige’s One Hundred Views of Edo and Famous Views of Sixty-odd Provinces (collection of Japanese businessman Hara Yasusaburo). These two series, almost all in superb condition, are being exhibited in their entirety which must be a rare occurrence. First brieflyContinue reading “One Hundred Views of Edo by Hiroshige at Suntory Museum of Art”
Pirouette
Just down the street from my apartment towards Toranomon on the street level of Toranomon Hills Mori Tower is glass encased, airy and hanging Edison bulbs lit Pirouette. Pirouette is one of those cozy, elegant neighbourhood über-canteens, if there ever was one. Cass and I looked at each other and exclaimed ‘this is it’ asContinue reading “Pirouette “
Cathay Pacific Business Class
Few business classes do minimalist travel better than Cathay Pacific. Their lounges are in transition from being kitted by Forster+Partners to Ilse Crawford replacing bright, airy and efficient spaces with more warm and comfortable elegance. Professionally economical is their service and aesthetically adult are the fittings, you are distracted little from concentrating on things that matterContinue reading “Cathay Pacific Business Class”
Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) in winter
Of all the parks and gardens in Tokyo, Shinjuku Gyoen evokes to me the most Central Park in Manhattan. It’s not the size (it is less than one fifth of Central Park) but rather how the park is completely encased by the maddest section of the city yet feels peacefully detached from it. Minutes after you enterContinue reading “Shinjuku Gyoen (新宿御苑) in winter”
Hamarikyu Gardens (浜離宮庭園) of Shinbashi
(August 2024 update) If you find yourself in the bustling Ginza district, a short stroll leads you to a much-needed escape from the crowds. Passing through the stone-walled gates of Hamarikyu Gardens, the world seems to slow its pace. The manicured lawns stretch out before you, offering a serene oasis in the heart of Tokyo.Continue reading “Hamarikyu Gardens (浜離宮庭園) of Shinbashi”
Sampling the best of Korean table at Jung Gang Won (정강원 한국 전통음식 체험관)
Perched in a quiet valley in the village of Jangpyeong in between Yongpyong and Pheonix Park (roughly 30min west of Yongpyong and 10min east of Pheonix) is 정강원 한국 전통음식 체험관 (Jung Gang Won Korean Traditional Food Experience Center). It offers traditional home stay, cooking classes and a small tour dedicated the the art of ‘Korean fermentation’Continue reading “Sampling the best of Korean table at Jung Gang Won (정강원 한국 전통음식 체험관)”
산채정식 (sanchae jeongshik, mountain vegetables course meal)
산채정식 (sanchae jeongshik) is the dining experience you can’t miss when in Pyeongchang area. Mountain ranges in the area boast endless variety of wild vegetables. They are leaves, sprouts, fern, roots of all kind which are foraged, simmered, cured (mostly in soy sauce and vinegar but also in red chili paste occasionally) and then stored inContinue reading “산채정식 (sanchae jeongshik, mountain vegetables course meal)”
Star architect mania in Minami Aoyama
Minami Aoyama (South Aoyama) is the area north and south of Omotesando dori, east of Omotesando Metro station. It is an haute couture version of its neighboring Kita Aoyama (North Aoyama) and has a more relaxed and refined atmosphere. Even on Sunday afternoons crowding is less of a problem to be able to stroll around furniture shops andContinue reading “Star architect mania in Minami Aoyama”