Japan is frequently referred to as the Land of the Rising Sun.
So it’s probably a good thing that it’s brought a little of it over to London.
You’ll find it in the form of Japan House, a “cultural and creative crossroads” that already has outposts in LA and São Paolo. Taking up residence in a gorgeous Art Deco building on Kensington High Street, it packs in a restaurant, a gallery, an events space, a library, a shop, and more:
THE RESTAURANT
A contemporary Japanese number called AKIRA, the restaurant here is headed up by esteemed chef Akira Shimizu. Perched on the first floor, it’s a sleek, understated space dressed in pale wood and harbouring a huge open kitchen at its centre. Here, chefs char meat and fish over the charcoal robata grill and painstakingly assemble bento boxes with multiple compartments, each filled with a perfectly composed, bitesized dish. Tacked onto the restaurant is a Japanese bar, with an array of sakes to try by the glass and a cocktail menu packed with Japanese spirits and flavours.
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THE GALLERY
The vast gallery space is home to a rolling roster of exhibitions from esteemed Japanese artists, designed to showcase the breadth of crafts practised across the country. So far, it’s hosted an impressive 360° video journey through Tokyo and an exhibition devoted to the graphic design behind the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games – but currently you can check out models of the art pavilions built on the tiny Inujima island, which is turning to art to boost tourism for its 47 inhabitants.
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THE SHOP
And like all good museums, you’ll naturally be able to pass through the shop on your way out. It’s stocked with elegant, beautifully-designed pieces by Japanese designers, from ceramics and tableware to stationery, prints, books, and clothing.
They’ve got it down to a tee.
NOTE: Japan House is open daily, and admission to exhibitions is free – you can find out more at their website right HERE.
Japan House London | 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA
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