It's time to add another tick to the list of unlikely Tokyo shopping spots: Urasando Garden, found in the backstreets of Omotesando, is a collection of eight different stores shoved into an old private house. The idea is to introduce shoppers to traditional Japanese culture and crafts – from green tea to artisanal stationery.
Take a step into this over 60-year-old house and you'll instantly feel the nostalgia hit – the abode has been expertly refurbished with period-correct doors and furnishings, and exudes a charming retro ambience. Also, each shop has been made as small as possible to allow for a yokocho-style common area, which encourages comfy mingling.
The ground floor hosts a tea store where you can try your hand at preparing matcha. Not sure how to go about it? Worry not, the staff here are more than willing to teach you how to whip up a batch. Right next door is a branch of Cafe Facon, whose Nakameguro location has plenty of loyal followers. At this miniature outpost, you can get your dose of hand drip coffee or go for some coffee jelly over ice cream.
Head upstairs to find Juttoku, a shop selling wagashi-shaped inko incense and incense burners, and offering the chance to make your own incense with the nine different scents available. Make sure to also check out Kakimori, a stationery dealer selling ink, pens and paper, along with notebooks that can be customised to your liking.
See here for more info on Urasando Garden.
