Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
227
Fuji-Torii Open since 1948, this small, one-room shop in Harajuku specializes in
traditional Japanese works of art and antiques, mainly screens, scrolls, woodblock prints
(including reproductions), and ceramics. Open Wednesday to Monday from 11am to
6pm; closed the third Monday of the month. 6-1-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. & 03/3400-
2777. www.fuji-torii.com. Station: Meiji-jingumae (2 min.) or Harajuku or Omotesando (5 min.).
On Omotesando Dori, next to Kiddy Land.
Ginza Antiques While not nearly as extensive as the Antique Mall Ginza (see above),
the half-dozen or so stalls here on the second floor of the Ginza 5 Building (located under
an expressway) offer a variety of high-end antiques, including porcelain, furniture, dolls,
kimono, and other treasures from Japan and Europe, interspersed with stalls selling crafts
and jewelry. Open daily 10am to 7pm. 5-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku. & 03/5568-2650. Station: Ginza
(exit C1, 1 min.) or JR Yurakucho (2 min.). On Harumi Dori, across from the Hankyu and Seibu
department stores.
Kurofune Antiques Located in a large house in Roppongi, Kurofune is owned
by American John Adair, who, for more than 25 years, has specialized in Japanese antique
furniture in its original condition. The largest collection here is of mid- to top-quality
pieces, but browsing is a delight even if you can't afford to buy; stock in addition to
furniture includes hibachi, fabrics, prints, maps, lanterns, screens, folk art, and the coun-
try's largest collection of Japanese baskets. Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm.
Closed early April through Golden Week. 47-7-4 Roppongi, Minato-ku. & 03/3479-1552.
www.kurofuneantiques.com. Station: Roppongi (5 min.). From Roppongi Crossing, walk away
from Tokyo Tower on Gaien-Higashi Dori, take the diagonal street (Ryudocho-Bijitsukan-dori)
to the left (across from Tokyo Midtown), and then take a right at 7-Eleven.
Okura Oriental Art Established in 1975, this small shop offers Japanese antiques
and folk art, including tansu (storage chests), hibachi, Imari porcelain, and bamboo ware.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm. 3-3-14 Azabudai, Minato-ku. & 03/3585-5309.
www.okura-art.com. Station: Roppongi, Roppongi 1-chome or Azabu Juban (7-8 min.). Just
off Iikura Katamachi Crossing, about halfway btw. Roppongi Crossing and Tokyo Tower.
9
ARCADES & SHOPPING MALLS
ARCADES IN HOTELS Shopping arcades are found in several of Tokyo's first-class
hotels. Although they don't offer the excitement and challenge of rubbing elbows with
the natives, they do offer convenience, English-speaking clerks, and consistently top-
quality merchandise. The Imperial Hotel Arcade (station: Hibiya) is one of the best,
with shops selling pearls, woodblock prints, porcelain, antiques, and expensive name-
brand clothing such as Hanae Mori. The Okura and New Otani hotels also have exten-
sive shopping arcades.
UNDERGROUND ARCADES Underground shopping arcades are found around sev-
eral of Tokyo's train and subway stations; the biggest are at Tokyo Station (the Yaesu
side) and Shinjuku Station (the east side). They often have great sales and bargains on
clothing, accessories, and electronics. My only complaint is that once you're in an arcade,
it seems as if you'll never find your way out again.
SHOPPING MALLS Sunshine City ( & 03/3989-3331; station: Higashi Ikebukuro
or Ikebukuro) is one of Tokyo's oldest shopping malls, with more than 200 shops and
restaurants spread through several adjoining buildings. Its popularity, however, is now
challenged by newer and grander shopping centers, including chic Omotesando Hills
(www.omotesandohills.com; station: Harajuku, Omotesando, or Meiji-Jingumae), with
 
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