Japan House brings a taste of Tokyo to Kensington.
Japanophiles are in for a treat today, as Japan House throws open their doors for a grand opening. Not to be confused with Japan Centre, the Japanese food hall that opened last year, this place is an initiative by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote authentic Japanese culture. And from June 22nd, it will be open for business.
London is the third city to get its very own Japan House, after Los Angeles and São Paulo. Inside, you’ll find an exhibition gallery, a theatre, and multiple opportunities to shop for bespoke Japanese products. Additionally (and perhaps most importantly), there’s a fine dining restaurant run by Akira Shimizu, former head chef of Engawa. He also ran that Isle of Dogs ramen bar that made waves earlier this year. A wander around Japan House will show off the latest in Japanese design and technology, so you can keep one eye one upcoming gadgets too.
Japan House are committed to showing off the best of Japanese culture, and will add temporary exhibitions, workshops, and events to their programme in upcoming months. First up is an exhibit of architect Sou Fujimoto, who designed the Serpentine Pavilion back in 2013 – it focuses on houses of the future. If you’re aiming to visit the Land of the Rising Sun, but haven’t stumped up the cash yet, Japan House is a pretty nifty place to start.
Location: 101-111 Kensington High Street, W8 5SA.Opening hours: Japan House is opening 10am-8pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12-8pm (Sunday). The restaurant opens 12-3pm & 6-10:30pm (Monday to Saturday) and 12-4pm (Sunday).
Entry: Free! Find more free things to do in London.
More information: on their website.
Featured image: @japanhouseldn