Ueno has Tokyo’s first art museum, museum and zoo and is a suitable place to visit for those of you who are interested in the history of Tokyo’s downtown.

 

The Ueno Royal Museum

Chiu Chu Wangさん(@chiuchuwang)がシェアした投稿 - 2015 9月 8 9:00午後 PDT

“The Ueno Royal Museum” does not have a permanent exhibition but rather holds rotating exhibitions such as the “Ueno no Mori Museum Taishoten (exhibition of award-winning works)” and “Nihon no Shizen wo Egaku Ten (exhibition of paintings of nature)” on a regular basis. An original letter paper with the illustration of the Takamori Saigo’s statue is sold at the museum shop since the statue is located near the museum.

 

 

 

 

National Museum of Science and Nature

kaoriさん(@marushi51)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 25 4:42午前 PST

“National Museum of Science and Nature” is a museum where you can learn about the evolution of human-kind, various animals/plants and the development of science technology. It is the only conclusive science/nature museum in Japan which has more than 4.52 million items. The skeletal preparations of Futabasaurus suzukii and T-Rex and the stuffed specimen of animals including threatened species have a tremendous impact.

 

 

 

 

TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM

カロリナさん(@carolina_parlour)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 23 5:48午前 PST

TOKYO METROPOLITAN MUSEUM is the first public museum in Japan which was established on 1926. In addition to large exhibitions where you can observe quality works from both home and abroad, they hold various rotating exhibitions and public invitation exhibitions. You can also enjoy eating/drinking in the restaurants inside the museum. Both western-style restaurants and Japanese-style restaurants where you can eat soba (buckwheat noodles) and donburis are available.

 

 

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Galant

Galant is loved by many people since its opening back in 1977. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of this popular café. The most popular item on the menu is the chocolate parfait (￥900 tax incl.). It is stuffed with cream all the way to the middle. For people who love sweet things this is an irresistible delight.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/76550

 

 

 

Ueno Land

“Ueno Land” which was opened in Ecute Ueno with the concept of “with harmony” and with the theme of coexistence in the Ueno area is offering new kinds of souvenirs with the keywords of Ueno’s history, culture and art. The souvenirs are produced by art museums and museums located in the Ueno area. You can buy many limited items including a figure using the motif of a panda bear cat which is known as the symbol of Ueno.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/46115

 

 

 

Monkey no iru Restaurant & BAR

The first restaurant was opened along Kokusaidori street in Naha, Okinawa and the second restaurant was opened in Ueno, Tokyo. With staff permission, at certain times during the day, guests are permitted to enter the squirrel monkey area, feed them and get to know them! The permanent staff team can speak many different languages. Staff members who are able to correspond with customers in English and Chinese are also permanently positioned at the establishment. Menus in English and Chinese are also available. Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy the authentic foods of Okinawa, such as homemade meat taco rice or Awamori - an alcoholic beverage unique to Okinawa.

Detailed information: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/24471

 

 

 

 PARCO_ya

PARCO_ya上野さん(@parco_ya_ueno)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 3 7:21午後 PDT

It is known as a new sightseeing spot in Ueno and was opened as a shopping facility for adults. The target range is persons 30 to 50 years old, which is a higher age range than other PARCOs. The area around Ueno Okachimachi is one of the most famous downtowns which was established during the Edo Period and many artisans who have been running their businesses from generation to generation reside in this area. PARCO_ya is a new type of space which has the atmospheres of “PARCO” and “downtown.”

 

 

 

How did you like our introduction to popular sightseeing spots around Ueno? Why not enjoy the Ueno area, one of Tokyo’s most popular tourist spots.

“It’s a mysterious café vacuum sealed with an energy that feels like it’s the time of the Japanese economic miracle”   We’re at the third installment of this series where we take a stroll to old-fashioned cafes filled with a sense of nostalgia. I, Ema Tanioka, will be introducing to you another retro café that I am in love with. Today, we go to “Galant” in Ueno, a town where the Showa mood still lingers.   Galant has continued to be loved by many people since it opened its doors back in 1977. This year marks the 40^th anniversary of the popular café. “Galant” sounds a little space-y, don’t you think? It’s a little different from the norm. When I enquired to the staff about the origin of the café’s name, they told me that it comes from the Mitsubishi Galant as the owner is a fan of cars. To think that a car’s name became the name of a café! But it has a ring to it and is easy to remember, so it might actually be a huge success.   Anyway, without further ado, let’s make our way there! Galant is on the 2^nd floor of this building. As you head up the stairs, it no longer felt like I was in the real world. A completely different world opened before me. Because of the entrance’s chic brickwork, I was surprised by the dazzling lights floating inside. And here! Here too! There was so much sparkle. The first thing to peak my interest was the uniform the staff were wearing. So cute... You don’t see that red & yellow combination much these days. It helped amplify that retro mood of the café even more.   The male staff wore red & black! Black was the base colour and had that well defined, guy-like feel to it. Together with the checkered vests, it completed that retro look. It was wonderful. The café was also playing popular Showa era songs. I really felt like I had stepped back in time.       And then... and then! The menu arrived! The most popular item on the menu is the chocolate parfait (￥900 tax incl.). It was absolutely stuffed with cream all the way to the middle. For people who love sweet things this is an irresistible delight. By the way, I must ask, what do you do when it comes to the cherry on top of the parfait? The truth is, I absolutely love parfaits, but I’m really not into the cherry – I usually leave it until the end. Even though it looks so cute on the parfait... Another item is the cream soda (￥750 tax incl.). When going to a café, you just have to get a cream soda!! It’s because you don’t see them around much besides at cafes and family restaurants, so I’m the person that ends up ordering one unintentionally when if I see it on the menu. There’s a nice fat serving of ice cream in there. It’s a drink you can enjoy that has the aesthetic of a dessert. The melon soda is crystal clear like a precious gem. The best part about cream soda is how the ice cream slowly melts into the drink. It’s pretty fun to watch! Galant is the kind of café where the more you get to know it, the more you start to love it. Its fans have been supporting it for many years, and even when I become a grandma in the future, I reckon it’ll still be bustling all the same.  

Although there are varieties of pubs and bars in the world, the Japanese gastropub has a very different atmosphere. Some bars in Asakusa or Ueno open from the morning, and recently you can spot foreign tourists in there sometimes. One of the good things about these types of bars is you can stop by there freely without making reservations like other restaurants. Although it is great to drink in the traditional Japanese pub and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere, the unique new types of bars has been becoming popular these days. Young people are fond of their casual yet unique atmosphere.

The bar called “Yang-Shan Aji-bo” which opened last year in Ueno-Okachimachi which is known as the bar sanctuary is one of the bars that you can casually enjoy drinking at lunch time.

As the same bar keeper who is from North East China of the one in Kanda called “Aji-bo” which serves natural wines, they proudly serve lamb meat or appetizers that go with wine or noodles.

lamb skewers(1080yen include tax)

You should order the lamb skewers(1080yen include tax) that is cooked with many parts of lamb to begin with. They have five different kinds of skewers including lamb shoulder and lamb neck, and that goes great with wine(540yen include tax). It is also fun to do bar hopping in two or three different bars around this area, but this place has good food, drinks and comfortable space so that you can’t help staying here for long hours.

 

■Information

Yang-Shan Aji –bo

Address:3-12-6 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Tel：03-6803-0168

Holiday：Open 7 days a week

Hours：Mon – Fri 7:30AM to 9:30PM , 11:30AM to 11:00PM(L.O)

Sat, Sun,Holidays: 13:00PM to 11:00PM(L.O)

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13200566/

 

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Related article：【Tokyo Lunch】 Gorge on the best hamburgers at Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite tasting meat

 

Related article：【Tokyo Dinner】The yakiniku restaurants that you want to use for special occasions.

Harajuku is the origin of kawaii culture which is broadly known all over the world nowadays. This city is also one of the most popular sightseeing spots that you can get any items from unique young fashion to trendy fashion. Today, I went to visit some places, mainly the vintage clothing stores that certainly have the latest Harajuku culture with Fashionista Yabe Yuna who is active in Japanese fashion magazines etc.

 

 

Starting from “Aloha Amigo”

 “Aloha Amigo” is a new style mixed culture café and dining located in the commercial facility called “Six Harajuku Terrace.” Since this building located in back street of Cat Street, you can spend a relaxing time staying away from the hustle and bustle in this place.

 

First of all, I ordered “Amigo Taco Rice (994yen include tax）” and “Home-made lemonade. (518yen include tax）” This healthy taco rice has spicy taco meat and fresh vegetables on the top of ten-grain rice. It might look plenty, but even the girls can eat this up easily!

 

I took a picture with the friendly owner at last! All the staff are friendly, nice, and it has a great atmosphere. This place is really comfortable to me. You don’t have to hesitate to talk to them when you visited here.

 

 

 

To “thrift-tokyo”

The next one that we visited was “thrift-tokyo” where you can purchase a variety of generations’ fashion items and miscellaneous good for a reasonable price. It is also located in the back street of Cat Street. They carry a variety of merchandise from men’s to ladies’.

One of the features of this “thrift-tokyo” is that you can get great vintage clothing for a very cheap price. They often do the sales like “50% off buying more than 10 items” or “buy 2 get 1 free.”

Why don’t you find the good one like going treasure hunting?

 

 

>>next page

To the “FUNKTIQUE”, the vintage clothing store which carries trend items

The next one was “FUNKTIQUE”, the vintage clothing store located in along with Ton-chan Street. They basically carry the latest trend items basis on 90s to 00s street culture fashions.

They carry a variety of items from vintage sports brand, artistic miscellaneous goods, to the latest select items in good condition.

 If you bring one item on your fashion as an accent, you can enjoy a variety taste of arrangement.

“FUNTIQUE” is said to be a place where models, stylists and people who are associated with fashion often visit. Once you visited here, you might be able to learn an advanced style of fashion.

 

 

To the import select shop called “GALLRIE”

The last one we visited today was “GALLERIE.” This is an import select shop located on the basement floor of PATRIA BLD which is next to La Foret Harajuku. The philosophy of this store is “dedicated to all adult saucy women who enjoy fashion.”

They suggest the styles that you have never encountered at any other select shops. You can get the latest but really unique items in this 230 meters wide store. You can be different than anyone else if you shop in this sophisticated store which carries only one item. You absolutely should check this store if you are fashionista.

 

 Did you have fun visiting the café you can spend relaxing time staying away from the hustle and bustle in the city, three vintage clothing stores and select shop that carry latest trend items in Harajuku? If you check these stores, you can be the advanced Harajuku stroller. Please refer to this article for your next trip to Harajuku.

 

Photo & Writer：Haruka Yamamoto

 

Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling around in Harajuku which has a lot of unique spots such as popular graffiti and artistic miscellaneous stores.

 

Related article：【Tokyo Stroll】Strolling in Okushibuya for half a day, which is a sophisticated town that is away from the hustle and bustle.

 

 

Hello. My name is Shiota and I am the director of MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center .

In this article, I will introduce to you some shops in Harajuku run by famous people such as models, Instagrammers and entertainers.

Why not get your very own Harajuku trendy items!

 

 

BATTY GARAGE BY AYMMYSさん(@batty_garage)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 10, 2018 at 8:34午後 PST

BATTY GARAGE BY AYMMYS

This is an apparel brand directed/designed by Ayumi Seto, a model.

It is a select shop created under the concept of ,“a select shop which was started by the concept characters of “Aymmy in the batty girls.”The characters are “Aymmy,” “Veronica” and “Cassarine”in the garage of Ammy’s house.

Many items bought by these three characters and clothes brought from their closets are sold.

 

 

 

jouetie officialさん(@jouetie_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 15, 2018 at 12:27午前 PST

jouetie

This is a brand directed by a twin unit called AMIYA consisting of twin sisters who work as a models, singers and DJs.

Many fun, street-style clothes are sold and thus the brand is gathering much attention as a brand where you can buy unique items.

 

 

 

BUBBLESさん(@bubblestokyo)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 8, 2018 at 10:43午後 PST

BUBBLES HARAJUKU
This is a brand created under the concept of “Good Girl or Bad Girl?” You might feel like you are looking inside a Western girl’s wardrobe since they sell unique items, simple items and used items.

Many staff working in this shop are also working as a model or Instagrammer so it might be a good idea to use their styles as a reference.

 

 

 

faithさん(@faithtokyo)がシェアした投稿 - 2月 11, 2018 at 12:54午前 PST

faith

This is a brand directed/designed by Manami Hanashiro who has experience of working in “NADIA’s” (Harajuku) staff and designing “BUBBLES.” Her photos uploaded onto her Instagram is gathering much attention these days.

The shop which is gaining popularity nowadays sells vintage items for women that has a dark atmosphere.

 

 

 

PECO CLUBさん(@pecoclub)がシェアした投稿 - 1月 7, 2018 at 9:47午後 PST

PECOCLUB
This is a brand produced by the very popular model, Testuko Okuhira. Many girls are imitating her style and such girls are called a“Peco Girl.”

Make sure to check out information about this brand via her website and her SNS since the store is opened for a limited time offer and fixed holidays are undecided.

 

How did you like this article about purchasing trendy items in Harajuku?

Keep your eyes focused on these famous fashionable shops in Harajuku!

 

 

 

ZIG is located on Chazawa Street that connects Sangenjaya and Shimokitazawa/Higashikitazawa and it takes 7 minutes on foot from Sangenjaya Station to get to the shop. The interior of the shop is made of wood. The shop has a moody atmosphere like an old folk house.

The items for men are placed at the right side of the shop and items for women are placed at the left side. Small racks are installed in the center of the shop.

ZIG was opened in 2015. Mao Taniguchi, the owner of the shop selects the men’s items and his wife Mai selects the women’s items.

She comments on her selections: “I am particular about details, the design and the sizes of the clothes. You have to be a woman to find just the right item.”

 

Items with wide sleeves and tight waists, lace items which are firmly made, and jersey tops which look good to be coordinated with girly skirts… The selection is superb! I couldn’t meet with Mai but I thought she must be a person who has a good sense while looking at the clothes.

ZIG is a made-up word but they realized after that the word is an adjective meaning “drowsy.”

“The three of us working in this shop are kinda “drowsy” so I like this word.”

 

The shop is owned by the Taniguchi couple and Matsuo.

“I think the name of our shop is very catchy. ZIG. I like this name very much!”

Nighttime is a mysterious time that makes us feel free and innocent. The shop which is open until late night has items such as sexy dresses and oversized clothes for men. Let’s visit the shop and encounter their special clothes!

Dress 16,000 yen ＋ tax, belt 73,000 yen ＋ tax

Vintage tunic 23,000 yen ＋ tax

Tops 7,500 yen ＋ tax, Jacket 12,000 yen ＋ tax