Time Traveling in Tokyo

Japanese pop culture has stolen the hearts of many, with anime, j-dramas, and video games gaining cult followings worldwide. But while the rest of the world looks at Japan with wonder, a subculture within Japan is staring back at us… and carefully selecting the best parts of our cultures and histories to study and preserve. After wandering around Tokyo’s vintage stores and record bars for a few days, we were struck by a feeling of nostalgia for mid-20th century “Americana” and we were longing for an era of American history that we weren’t even alive to experience first-hand (think the 1960s - 1980s). While perusing the carefully curated selections at stores like Expo and Hooked Vintage, I caught a familiar scent- the scent of my grandmother’s basement in suburban America, where my family’s old records and analog knick-knacks have gone to retire and to make room for the new. 

Japan’s appreciation for eras-past may come as a surprise to some, who view Japanese society as one of the most “hi-tech” in the world. However, after a few cocktails at Bar Martha, where the DJs spin vinyl records and the amplifiers are analog, this perception of Japan might change. Japan is not about blindly racing toward the future. In fact, in these Tokyo spots, there is a strong sense of appreciation for and preservation of the very best from around the world. Built with floor-to-ceiling speakers, Bar Martha’s staff strictly prohibits taking pictures inside and the owner encourages listening intently to the DJ's selections for the evening. Everything about this bar is designed to enhance the listening experience and ground you in the present moment- which ironically includes a soundtrack from the past. 

Vintage stores

Expo

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Address: 4 Chome-26-30 Ikenohata, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0008, Japan

Nestled in Taito City, Expo has an expansive collection of vintage gems from clothing to collectibles, figurines, accessories, and homeware. There are some amazing ceramics and homeware pieces at very reasonable prices. 

Hooked

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Address: 2 Chome-12-６ Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

The eclectic selection of homeware, clothing, and jewelry at Hooked is not to be missed. Situated in Shibuya, Hooked is neighbors with a number of other vintage stores so it’s easy to dedicate a whole afternoon to shopping.

Arms Clothing Store

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Address: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 2 Chome−2−3, Senkai, 1階

Arms Clothing Store has a great selection of both men's and women’s attire. Shoppers can find everything from vintage graphic t-shirts to chic and timeless leather goods. There are even a few pieces from the late 19th and early 20th century.

Gypsy Antique

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Address: 2 Chome-4-4-102 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Gypsy Antique’s collection of jewelry is a sight to behold for any serious collector. The shop’s owner used to work in antiquities in London and has carefully selected all of the jewelry for the shop, searching near and far for the most unique pieces. There are beautiful art deco bangles and rings. There’s also a wide selection of pieces for men.

Bars

Bar Martha

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Address: ヴェラハイツ恵⽐寿, 109, 1 Chome-22-23 Ebisu, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0013, Japan

Bar Martha is a paradise for true vinyl lovers. The sound quality is incredible and their selection of records is so vast that you could be transported from a 1960s bossa nova album to an early 2000s daft punk album in one night.

Aoyama Hachi

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Address: Japan, 〒150-0002 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Shibuya, 4 Chome−5−9 青山ビルディング 2F-4F

It’s unsurprising that Aoyama Hachi was voted the “best club” in the Time Out Tokyo 2022 Love Local Awards. The underground club is comprised of four stories, each floor with a different DJ, vibe, and dancefloor. On any given night you could go from a disco session to a hip-hop session. There’s truly something for everyone here.

Museums

Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum

Address: 5 Chome-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan

The Teien Art Museum is the former residence of Prince Yasuhiko Asaka in the 1930s. Prince Asaka spent his formative years studying in France and traveling to the US, where the Art Deco movement was having its heyday. He was so inspired by Art Deco style that he commissioned his palace to be constructed in this style when he returned to Japan.