Tokyo Hotarudō

In a quiet, narrow alley in the center of Asakusa, this shop carries antiques and vintage clothing mainly from the Taisho Roman period of the early 20th century. It’s like time traveling to the days when Japan began to be conscious of foreign cultures. The owner has top-notch taste and can help you find something with the essence of the good old Tokyo. Nothing about this store feels like modern Tokyo, from the items they carry to the fascinating structure of the building itself, the music they play, the smell of the place, and even the fashion sense of the staff. But it all feels natural—not fake and staged. That’s the reason I love this store.