unless otherwise noted all photos by Ben Richards courtesy Keiji Ashizawa Architects Hirakawaya is a tofu restaurant that has been serving a local specialty for over 60 years. Known as onsen tofu, the dish (as the name implies) is cooked and served in pristine, mineral-rich water sourced from onsen, or natural hot springs. Their new, […]
Are you like us and finding yourself perpetually tired, in need of quick naps and rests several times a day? Well then you’re in luck because we have the perfect attire for you. Meet the wearable bean bag pillow. Is it comfortable? Yes. Cozy? Sure. Will it make you look ridiculous? Absolutely. advertisement The wearable […]
In Japan, early spring is graduation season, which means it’s the time of year art students across Japan are proudly displaying their years of hard work in the form of senior thesis exhibitions. Here at S&T we have a tradition of highlighting some of our favorite work by the young artists who are heading out […]
all images courtesy Genki Hirano Genki Hirano is a Japanese glass artist based in Iwate prefecture who creates delicate works that range from glass cups and vases to more whimsical designs like glass clothing hangers and pens. For a design festival last year in May, Hirano decided to respond to the theme of sea life […]
image courtesy google maps Waguya is a seemingly nondescript shop on a quiet residential street in Mie prefecture. With small, potted plants outside and several porcelain vases in the window, it would be easy to pass right by. But do so and you would be missing out on the secretive, cavernous interior that reveals itself […]
photos by Kenta Hasegawa courtesy Suppose Design Office Every day is a holiday, even if it’s laundry day. At least that’s the idea behind Laundry Holiday, a laundromat in Ehime prefecture the underwent a drastic facelift last year, rebranding itself as a community-centered gathering spot where neighbors can come together, get chores done and, of […]
this post is sponsored by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Okayama and Niigata prefectures are not necessarily household names for those visiting Japan. But if you’re looking to avoid the thronging crowds of tourists in Kyoto and Instagrammers in Naoshima, consider a destination off the beaten path. From historical shrines and castles to craftwork and […]
all images courtesy Miyabi The second Monday of January is a special day for youths across Japan who are turning 20. A national holiday in Japan, Coming of Age Day is meant to celebrate, congratulate and encourage those who are entering adulthood. And celebrate they shall. The Kyushu region of Japan in particular is known […]
If you’re heading to the Setouchi art islands this year, do yourself a favor and stop by Mt. Yashima in Kagawa prefecture. Just a 15-minute drive from Takamatsu Port, which is the gateway to the many islands, the summit of Mt. Yashima now boasts a gorgeous, snaking, mountaintop pavilion that recently opened. Walk around the […]
Himeji Castle and its iconic white plaster walls (photo courtesy Himeji Castle) Japan’s Himeji Castle dates back to the 1300s but at the time it was just a fort on a hill. Its current form really took shape in the early 1600s and since then it has remained intact. And in 1993 it became one […]
