Ever since I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden years ago I’ve had a fascination with Japan. I have even purchased a traditional silk kimono I have never worn I don’t have an Obi, the traditional sash needed to belt it and without it trails the floor. So it exists solely as a work of art amongst my possessions.

I remember being mesmerised by Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation, earning her the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay starring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson who form an unlikely friendship in Tokyo. It’s an atmospheric drama filmed entirely on location primarily within the Shinjuku and Shibuya districts of the City, places I promised myself to visit and experience for real. The film focuses on themes of alienation and connection, highlighting the characters' isolation and the surreal, neon-lit beauty of the city. I connected.

Another film Babel 2006 I remember for its Japanese segment, directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu. Even though it’s an unusual film, a multi-story international film (with segments in Morocco, the US/Mexico border, and Japan), I didn’t really enjoy in it’s entirely, the Tokyo storyline I remembered on its own because it’s so distinctive and emotionally intense. And of course set in my beloved Japan.

I’ve already told you all about Studio Acca in Primrose Hill where you get a totally Japanese haircare experience like no other. Definitely check this snoop out if you like a nurturing experience like no other I have ever encountered in a hair care setting or traditional European salon.

The Japan House on High St Kensington is also a noteworthy establishment, a must visit cultural centre for anyone like me a little bit Japan mad. It opened in London in June 2018 as part of a global initiative by Japan’s government, with sister locations in Los Angeles and São Paulo, and includes exhibitions, a shop, and a restaurant. It’s located a short walk, less than a few minutes from High St Kensington tube or buses stop directly outside from Knightsbridge or other areas around central London.

It’s actually an experiential experience for Japanese aficionados whether you love the art, the culture, the food, the fashion part gallery and exhibition space that’s free to enter. It’s a wonderful place to visit and while away an afternoon either alone or with friends. There’s always something different happening and going alone you are sure to strike up conversation with other visitors. Its warm and friendly atmosphere is conducive to an interactive and immersive experience.

For afters the first floor restaurant Akira serves lunch, dinner and afternoon tea and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 12.00pm, last orders for lunch at 2.30pm and for dinner 10.00pm they close at 11.00pm.

I went recently to visit “Hyakkō 100+ Makers from Japan not a person or place, but a large exhibition of contemporary Japanese craft that’s been running since Dec 2025 and if you want to experience you’ve got until the 10th May, 2026

The word “Hyakkō” literally means “100 makers” (or more broadly, “many makers”)

It was absolutely fascinating to see around 2,000 handcrafted objects by 120+ artisans from across Japan made from a load of different Material and mediums including, ceramiccs, wood, glass, metal, lacquerware

The focus is on everyday objects, bowls, trays, tools, showing how craft fits into daily life.

The idea isn’t flashy art pieces but more the beauty of ordinary things, often tied to Japanese ideas like wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection).

I loved wandering the rooms looking at the different everyday objects. It made me chuckle to myself the irony of H&M home being situated right next door.

The exhibition has been getting quite a bit of attention I read about it in the Guardian before Christmas and planned to go for a couple of months. There’s not much time left to enjoy the amazing free experience.

To sum up the beauty of this. It’s unusually minimal in explanation, sometimes just labeling the material rather than the maker which pushes you to focus on the object itself rather than the artist’s story, how it might be used and how you’d enjoy the piece in your everyday life.

Unlike my Kimono.

It does get busy so whilst you can just walk in it’s advisable to book a time slot to avoid queuing when you arrive. Also check out the events hosted at the Japan house. There are lots of talks and demonstrations going on around this exhibition for you to enjoy and mingle amongst others fascinated by all things Japanese. Afterwards we enjoyed an incredible lunch upstairs on the first floor at Akira. The sushi nigiri works of art in themselves whilst not inexpensive about £35 per person was absolutely delicious. We had a light meal one roll plus a couple of pieces each and one drink. When the food arrived we savoured it for a while just observing the colours and presentation. What a treat it was. Almost too beautiful to eat.

All in all a wonderful afternoon spent in Japan without getting on a flight.