Space Un is the first contemporary art gallery in Japan devoted entirely to the work of African artists. In addition to organizing exhibitions in their spacious Aoyama gallery, they also run a residency program, bringing the artists they represent to Japan for months-long working visits. The gallery itself is a friendly, relaxed space where visitors are encouraged to take a seat and browse... [Continue reading]

If you're a diorama fan, the highly detailed, room-size layout in the basement of this museum is one of the more impressive examples in town. It's got trains, planes, container ships, trucks, and streams of cars, with big cranes actively loading and unloading cargo. Traffic is in constant motion as buildings and roads in a model city's warehouse district cycle through a 24-hour day. One of... [Continue reading]

This specialized museum houses thousands and thousands of dolls. The collection starts off with a huge display of traditional dolls and human figures from more than 100 countries around the world. Japan is represented by numerous styles such as Hina dolls for Girl's Day celebrations, daruma good-luck amulets, and kokeshi dolls with distinctive cylindrical bodies. Other exhibits focus on... [Continue reading]

A surprisingly detailed diorama of a crowded Ikebukuro market square in the early 20th century is one of the highlights at this tiny history museum. There are also scale models of a 19th-century residential neighborhood, a collection of ancient pottery, and a big Toshima-related library, though there's not much description of anything in English. Special exhibits provide a glimpse into the... [Continue reading]

With its inspiring collection of housewares, stationery and assorted knickknacks from up-and-coming designers, Koncent is a fun shop to browse even if you don't need anything. You'll find colorful tote bags, beautiful pastel crayons and stylish geometric-print umbrellas. There's a good assortment of stuff for kids, from tastefully crafted toys to cute animal-themed tableware. One corner of... [Continue reading]

This relatively large contemporary art gallery is conveniently located just behind Yokohama City Hall, in one of the beautifullly restored Imperial Silkworm Warehouse buildings that date back to 1926. Run by the BankART 1929 NPO, they exhibit a range of contemporary Japanese artists in solo and group shows. The sprawling museum shop area next to the main gallery showcases the work of local... [Continue reading]

This small building on a Bakurocho side street looks like it's midway through the process of being demolished, but it's actually home to three cutting-edge contemporary art galleries on its three floors. It's definitely worth stopping by if you're doing a gallery tour of the Bakurocho art district. Fourth floor: Con_ Gallery (closed Monday through Wednesday.) [Continue reading]

Located on the second floor of a popular pet shop, Coorikuya has a more relaxed atmosphere than your average cat cafe. Unlike places in more touristed neighborhoods like Shibuya or Akihabara, there were only a handful of visitors on a weekday afternoon in spite of the bustling crowds in Nakano Sun Plaza just downstairs. The cafe occupies a single large rectangular playroom looking out over the... [Continue reading]

Young children who are fascinated by package-delivery services are perhaps the main audience for this rather specialized corporate facility, although professional museum designers and connoisseurs of quirky museums may also find it of interest. Younger visitors can dress up and pose in delivery uniforms and caps, and then explore the inside of an actual delivery truck. For the more nostalgia... [Continue reading]

Clearly someone with excellent taste has curated the cool merchandise for sale at this stylish little design shop. The eclectic wares are all over the place, with area rugs and clothing, desk lamps and audio equipment, cosmetics and plants all neatly arranged on the shelves and display tables. The shop is particularly strong in tableware, showcasing the work of artisans producing beautiful... [Continue reading]

We were greeted by loud squawks as we entered the building - just a small taste of the exotic-bird adventure ahead. In spite of the name, this current incarnation of Tori no Iru Cafe (Cafe with Birds) isn't technically a cafe but a pet store - a very immersive pet store. Several dozen parrots and other birds fly freely around the main bird room, ready to meet visitors and entertain with their... [Continue reading]

Illustrator Chiharu Sakazaki's beloved penguin mascot, Suica's Penguin, now has an exclusive character goods shop inside JR Ueno Station. Images of the efficient urban penguin, originally designed to promote prepaid Suica cards from private railway JR East, adorn everything from stationery goods to folding umbrellas. There's a surprisingly wide range of penguin-themed clothing as well as... [Continue reading]