Shopping - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com A Travel Guide for Exploring the World Sun, 19 Oct 2025 14:15:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://i0.wp.com/thecreativeadventurer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-NewCreativeAdventurerLogo_250x250_v1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Shopping - The Creative Adventurer https://thecreativeadventurer.com 32 32 171399271 The Best Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice: A Guide to Unique, Non-Touristy Finds https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-hidden-shopping-spots-in-venice-a-guide-to-unique-non-touristy-finds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-hidden-shopping-spots-in-venice-a-guide-to-unique-non-touristy-finds https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-hidden-shopping-spots-in-venice-a-guide-to-unique-non-touristy-finds/#comments Sun, 02 Feb 2025 13:17:58 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=46582 The first time I went to Venice, I was overwhelmed with the amount of “tourist tat”...

The post The Best Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice: A Guide to Unique, Non-Touristy Finds first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> The first time I went to Venice, I was overwhelmed with the amount of “tourist tat” (cheap, tacky souvenirs) on what felt like every calle (street) and along those picturesque canals. While Venice remains one of the most enchanting cities I’ve ever visited in Italy, its rich history and timeless beauty can sometimes feel at odds with the endless rows of souvenir stands selling cheap t-shirts and mass-produced plastic Venetian masks.

Every day, around 15,000 visitors enter the city of Venice, with numbers soaring past 100,000 in peak summer! Yet, to this day, 50,000 residents still call this historic city home. Many of them are working to preserve the centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship that has made Venice a world-renowned center for artistry. Venice has been the center of creativity since its inception, with wealthy patrons like the Doges commissioning grand palaces, churches, and masterpieces that shaped its cultural legacy. But where can you find these artisans in a city overflowing with touristy souvenir stalls? The good news is that incredible local shops still exist if you know where to look. On my last trip, I sought them out and put together this guide to the best artisan shops in Venice. From affordable finds to unique treasures, all sorted by neighbourhood, there is something in this guide for every budget and every interest!

Table Of Contents
  1. Map of  Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice
  2. Cannaregio
  3. San Polo
  4. San Marco
  5. Dorsoduro
  6. Castello

Map of  Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice

Cannaregio

Plum Plum Creations

Plum Plum Creations is a charming studio tucked away in a quiet corner of Cannaregio, offering a rare insight into the centuries-old art of Venetian printmaking. This charming studio is where traditional printmaking techniques like etching, linocutting, and watercolour come to life. Arianna, the artist behind each piece, puts her soul into her work, drawing inspiration from both the famous sights and the quieter, lesser-known corners of Venice. Inside, you’ll find a selection of prints, paintings, and postcards, each meticulously crafted and perfect for taking home a unique piece of Venice’s artistic soul.

Sullaluna Libreria

Sullaluna Libreria is the kind of place you’ll never want to leave. This independent bookstore is a cozy little shop where the shelves are crammed with a delightful mix of illustrated children’s books in both Italian and English, guides on Venetian history, and fantastically handpicked selections of poetry and art. It’s the perfect spot for any book lover seeking a piece of Venice that isn’t wrapped in glossy tourist brochures. Once you’ve found the ideal book to get lost in, you can sit at one of their tables inside or along the canal and enjoy a coffee to make for the perfect morning activity.

Despar Teatro Italia

Tucked behind the historic neo-Gothic stone façade, which looks more like a museum than a grocery store, you’ll find a hidden gem in Venice: a Despar supermarket! It might sound odd to recommend a grocery store for unique souvenirs, but I’ve found that these shops often offer the best deals on iconic edible mementos. Here, you can wander through the aisles and pick up some of the best souvenirs you’ll find at an Italian supermarket, like biscotti in beautiful reusable tins, Nutella-filled cookies, local wines, unique pasta shapes, creamy Arborio rice, and, of course, rich Italian coffee.

What makes this one even more remarkable is its setting. Located inside the Teatro Italia, a building some have called “the most beautiful grocery store in the world,” shopping here is an experience. Once a popular silent film cinema, the theatre eventually closed as cinema technology evolved and was transformed into this supermarket. Thankfully, the building’s history hasn’t been lost, with original features like the Allegory of the Glory of Italy still gracing the ceiling, making a trip here feel like stepping into a piece of Venice’s past while picking up some of the city’s most delicious treats.

G. Benevento

This century-old textile shop, established in 1883, has been passed down through four generations and stands as one of the 15 longest-running businesses in the Veneto region! Inside, you’ll find an impressive selection of fabrics, from silk and cotton to satin, linen, yarn, and wool. Venice’s fabric history is closely linked to its influence as a cultural and economic hub during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The city’s strategic location as a trade hub allowed it to import exotic silks and cotton. These materials were woven into luxurious textiles like brocades, velvets, and damasks, prized for their intricate patterns and rich designs. Venetian velvet, especially, became famous for its opulence, often used by royalty and the elite.

Today, fabric shops like G. Benevento continue to carry on the city’s rich legacy of textile artistry, offering fabrics that echo the high-quality, luxurious textiles for which Venice was once known. The store carries everything from bedsheets and bedspreads to towels, pillowcases, and kitchen textiles, all available in both traditional patterns and modern designs. They also produce handcrafted items, such as shoes, bags, cushions and fans, all made with their prestigious fabrics. It’s not just a fabric shop; it’s a place where the city’s centuries-old tradition of textile craftsmanship is woven into every thread.

Gianni Basso Stampatore

Gianni Basso Stampatore is a hidden gem where the ancient crafts of printing and bookbinding are still alive and thriving. Gianni Basso, the master printer behind it all, continues a family legacy, creating stunning custom invitations, fine art prints, and high-quality stationery. Venice has a rich history in printmaking that dates back to the late 15th century when it became a key center for the new printing press technology. The city’s printing industry flourished with figures like Aldus Manutius, who revolutionized typography and made classical works widely accessible. Today, workshops like Gianni Basso Stampatore continue this tradition, preserving time-honoured techniques.

Libreria Miracoli

Libreria Miracoli is a treasure trove of literary gems, vintage posters, old postcards, and various books in various languages. This unpretentious shop, with books stacked to the ceiling, offers a peaceful escape and a rare glimpse into the literary soul of the city. Venice has a long and storied literary history, dating back to its emergence as a major center of trade, culture, and intellectual exchange during the Renaissance. Influential writers and poets, including Marco Polo, whose The Travels of Marco Polo offered a unique glimpse into Asia, and Pietro Bembo, whose work helped shape the Italian language. Renaissance poet Vittoria Colonna made her mark, as did Thomas Mann, whose Death in Venice immortalized the city. You never know which of these beloved authors you’ll find hidden here at Libreria Miracoli.

Oro e Disegni

Stefania Dei Rossi’s enchanting shop, Oro e Disegni, invites you into a world where art and craftsmanship beautifully intertwine. This exceptional atelier specializes in the creation of stunning art pieces that combine gold leaf and graphite, resulting in contemporary masterpieces that capture the eye and ignite the imagination. Stefania’s thought-provoking designs delve into universal themes, offering a delicate and introspective perspective. With collections that include luxurious gold-embellished glassware and intricate pencil drawings, each visit promises to be a journey into artistry that you won’t want to miss.

Studio Saòr

Studio Saòr was founded by a group of creative architects and urban planners whose shop and studio specializes in bespoke illustrations that capture Venice’s lesser-known architectural details and urban landscapes. The shop features a collection of notebooks, prints and stationery featuring designs which manage to blend bright, fresh and modern aesthetics with Venetian nostalgia. These aren’t just pieces of stationary; they are pieces of art that inspire a fresh perspective on Venice

San Polo

Rialto 79

Venice is choc-o-block with stores featuring Murano glass jewelry, and for a good reason, this iconic, centuries-old craft has been a hallmark of Venetian artistry, celebrated for its vibrant colours, intricate designs, and unmatched craftsmanship for ages. But when you see shop after shop selling the same thing, you begin to wonder if any real Venetian craftspeople are still working in the city today. Thankfully, there are, and Rialto 79 is one of them. This shop is committed to designing pieces that honour Venice’s heritage but reinterpreting it in modern, fresh ways.

The M Venezia

Ok, I think we’ve all seen the slightly less than stylish jewellery that you often come back with from vacation. Wanting to support local artisans and traditional craftspersonship, but wish it were a little more to your style. But thankfully, M VENEZIA was created especially to shake up tradition while also preserving it. The brand reimagines Murano glass, pairing it with modern, wearable jewelry designs that bring new life to this ancient craft.

Each piece is handmade using authentic Murano glass, crafted by the island’s master glassmakers. Customers can even design their own creations in M VENEZIA‘s artisan workshops, choosing from murrine, pearls, and vibrant shapes to match their favourite jewelry bases.

Damocle Edizioni

Damocle Edizioni is a captivating independent bookshop that feels more like a fusion of a bookstore and an art gallery. It offers a carefully curated selection of rare literary works, including limited editions and hard-to-find books, each one a piece of art in its own right. Many of the books are hand-stitched and printed using traditional techniques, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship that defines the shop. The vintage printing press on-site brings these works to life, producing unique treasures that are as much about the art of the book as the words inside.

Il Pavone

Il Pavone, a delightful stationery shop, is the creation of Paolo Pelosin, a master artisan who has been handcrafting paper products for over 30 years. The shop offers beautifully crafted notebooks, hand-coloured papers, silk scarves, and unique stationery items. Each one was made using Paolo’s dedication to his craft. Every piece, from vibrant paper-covered wastepaper baskets to exquisite notebooks, is an exceptional work of art, handmade with art and creativity.

Ocio!

Ocio! shop stands out against the rest of the repetitive tourist shops in Venice due to the fact that here you can find unique, artistic pieces, no mass-produced trinkets, made by local artists from Venice, Milan, and the surrounding region. You can find everything from colourful porcelain coffee cups to creative bags, jewelry, and home decor items, with a selection here that is always changing. The shop’s owner, Sophie, adds a personal touch with her warm welcome and helpful service.

Livy Wine

If you’re searching for a perfect bottle of wine to savour yourself or share with loved ones, Livy Wine is a must-visit for any wine enthusiast. Established in 1420, this charming shop is staffed by friendly, knowledgeable experts eager to offer personalized recommendations and share fascinating stories behind each bottle. Keep an eye out for the DOC stamp, a mark of quality on local wines made from ingredients grown right here in the Veneto region. And if you’re in the mood for a quick sip back at your hotel, they even have a selection of chilled wines ready to enjoy on the go!

Vintageria Venezia

If you love vintage treasures, Vintageria Venezia will be right up your street! Inside this hidden little shop, tucked away off the canals, is a mix of antique accessories, retro clothing, timeless jewelry, and classic collectibles. It’s like stepping back in time, where every piece has a story to tell and, thankfully, all at very reasonable prices, often a rarity in Venice!

Charity Shop – T.I.B.E.R.I.A.D.E.

I often wondered, where do the locals shop in Venice? Surely, they look for more than just souvenirs and expensive brand names. T.I.B.E.R.I.A.D.E. is the answer. Charity shops like this are the soul of any city, offering a constantly changing selection of treasures as locals clear out their storage rooms to make space for new items. Every visit promises a chance to uncover a unique gem. Keep in mind that the shop is cash only, but with such affordable prices, you won’t need much to treat yourself to something truly special.

San Marco

Angolo Fiorito

Whenever I stay in a city for more than a few days, one of the first things I do is visit a local florist to buy a bouquet. Even the simplest hotel room feels brighter with a fresh arrangement! And Angolo Fiorito is THE spot to find carefully arranged bouquets of seasonal flowers, ranging from delicate roses to vibrant lilies, all artfully combined with lush greenery. The shop, which feels like a secret garden in the middle of the city, is in a quiet corner. The flowers come spilling out the door, making even passing by almost impossible without walking away with a bouquet!

Piedàterre

Piedàterre are the true pioneers and modern specialists of the authentic Venetian slipper, the Friulana. The Friulana slipper originated in the Friuli region of northern Italy in the late 19th century, created out of necessity after the war. Local families repurposed materials like velvet curtains and bicycle tires to craft functional and stylish footwear. The slippers quickly gained popularity in Venice for their comfort, practicality, and ability to navigate the city’s cobblestone streets.

Piedàterre began as a cart on the Rialto Bridge and became a renowned store dedicated to these iconic slippers. Today, the brand is a symbol of la dolce vita, with slippers made from natural cotton velvet and hand-stitched by Italian artisans, continuing to be a timeless symbol of Italian craftsmanship. These shoes don’t come cheap, but there is a certain allure in owning a piece of Venetian craftsmanship that carries decades of tradition, artistry, and timeless elegance.

Il Papiro

In an era when junk journaling has become a popular way to capture travel memories, Il Papiro stands out as one of the best destinations for a beautiful selection of stationery, journals, and decorative paper items. Epitomizing Italian excellence in hand-decorated paper, Il Papiro employs traditional 17th-century techniques such as paper marbling and xylography, preserving the enduring artisan traditions of this historic city.

The Merchant Of Venice

If you’re looking for a perfume that truly captures the essence of Venice, The Merchant of Venice is the place to go. This luxury fragrance brand is inspired by the city’s deep-rooted connection to the ancient art of perfumery, which flourished thanks to Venice’s role as a major trade hub. The scents here are designed around the historic Mude, the maritime trade routes that once linked Venice to ports across Asia, Africa, and Northern Europe. These connections brought rare spices, exotic flowers, and precious ingredients to the city, fueling a famous perfume tradition across European royal courts. Venetian artisans, known as Muschieri (perfumers) and Saoneri (soap makers), developed unique techniques that made their creations some of the most sought-after in the world.

A visit to their San Marco boutique is a feast for the senses. The space exudes old-world Venetian luxury, with deep red and gold accents that create a warm, opulent atmosphere. Elegant glass display cases showcase exquisitely crafted perfume bottles, many inspired by Murano glass, blending artistry with tradition.

Patty Paillette

It is always surprising to find a true gem in a tourist centre like San Marco, but Patty Paillette‘s new flagship store in Venice is a must-visit for anyone who loves bold, whimsical fashion and Venetian flair. Known for its playful eyewear, accessories, and statement pieces, Patty Paillette turns everyday fashion into wearable art. As someone who wears glasses all day and has a pair for everyone on every occasion, Patty Paillette is an absolute wonderland, and each item feels like a celebration of creativity, with bright colours, glittering details, and a sense of humour that’s unmistakably from the mind of Patty herself. It’s a splurge, but you will never find a pair as unique as these!

Alessandra Venezia

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of Furlane shoes but found the prices at Piedàterre a bit steep, Alessandra Venezia is a fantastic alternative. This boutique offers beautifully crafted Venetian slippers, once favoured by gondoliers, in a variety of rich velvets and intricate jacquard fabrics, each pair showcasing true Venetian craftsmanship. Personally, I found the designs here even more creative than at Piedàterre, perfect if you’re looking for something a little more bold and modern at more affordable prices. If you love unique patterns and a touch of extravagance, this is definitely the place to check out!

Dorsoduro

Signor Blum

Walking through the quiet streets of Dorsoduro, I stumbled upon this little shop that looked straight out of a storybook! Inside, colourful wooden creations, a handcrafted blend of wooden puzzles and decorations, lined all the shelves. Signor Blum (aka Mr. Blum) opened the shop here in 1978, and today, the next generation carries the tradition of creating these adorable creations. Although some of the toys might look like they are only for children, the wooden puzzles featuring iconic sights in Venice honestly make for such incredible decorations to bring home that you can feel good about buying from a local artisan.

Pastor Saverio Le Forcole

In Venice, the traditional forcola is a highly specialized version of an oarlock, uniquely designed for Venetian rowing. Unlike standard oarlocks, the forcola is asymmetrical and sculptural, allowing gondoliers and other rowers to adjust their grip and rowing angle depending on speed, maneuvering, and water conditions. Made from beautifully carved hardwood, it is a functional tool and a piece of Venetian craftsmanship. Saverio Pastor, a master artisan, has spent decades preserving this tradition, carefully shaping each piece from walnut, cherry, pear, and maple wood. And in his workshop in Dorsoduro you can find miniature forcoles, perfect for those wanting to take home a piece of Venice’s maritime heritage. He even sells wooden bookmarks of the various Forcole designs, so even if you only have a carry-on, you can still take home one of these collector items.

Casin Dei Nobili Showroom

Alright, let’s get one thing straight. I cannot stand the cheap, mass-produced plastic masks cluttering every souvenir stall in Venice. But the real, handcrafted Venetian masks? Those are a different story. Their artistry and history are woven into the very fabric of this city. Venetian masks date back to the Middle Ages when the city was a hotbed of gambling, secret affairs, and shady political dealings. From the 13th to the 16th century, masks became essential for anyone who didn’t want to get caught in the wrong place with the wrong people. They were worn at lavish parties, feasts, and gambling houses, offering a cloak of anonymity in a city where indulgence was everywhere. Even when Napoleon banned mask-wearing in the late 18th century, the tradition never truly disappeared. And when Venice revived its Carnival celebrations in the late 20th century, the art of mask-making came back to life.

With all this history, avoiding mask shops altogether would be a shame because the Venetian mask practically symbolizes the city. The trick is finding the real thing. One of the best places to do that is Casin dei Nobili Showroom, an authentic Venetian workshop where skilled artisans still create meticulously handcrafted masks, each with a distinct style and character. If you want a mask representing Venetian tradition, this is the place to go.

Castello

Arzanart Paper Studio

Walking by the windows outside Arzanàrt, you won’t be able to pass by, as the vibrant swirls of colour seem to create a mesmerizing trance that inviters you inside. Founded by Isabella and Federico, the studio preserves this centuries-old craft, with each piece created using traditional marbling techniques, where colours are floated on water and carefully manipulated before being transferred onto paper. The result is a bewitching fusion. Beyond their stunning marbled paper, Arzanàrt offers handcrafted journals, albums, decorative boxes, and even paper jewelry, all featuring their signature patterns.

Artefact Mosaic Studio

One of the highlights of my latest trip was discovering Artefact Mosaic Studio, a hidden gem where ancient craftsmanship meets contemporary design. Founded by master mosaicists Romuald Mesdagh and Alessandra Di Gennaro, both graduates of the prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli, the studio is dedicated to preserving and evolving the art of Italian mosaics. Their work, created with Murano glass and carefully selected marbles, showcases both precision and artistry. While they specialize in custom commissions, the shop also offers beautiful mosaic jewelry, allowing visitors to take home a small yet stunning piece of this centuries-old craft. If you appreciate true Venetian artistry, this is a must-visit.

Trilly Collezioni Esclusive

As a book lover, I couldn’t resist stepping into Trilly Collezioni Esclusive when I spotted the miniature libraries displayed in the window. This charming shop is known for its handcrafted artistic pieces, including traditional papier-mâché masks and marbled paper gifts, but the real highlight for me was their one-of-a-kind miniature bookshelves. Each one is uniquely styled, with some featuring carved busts of famous writers, while others are decorated with tiny mirrors, perfume bottles, and intricate details. No two are alike, making it easy to find the perfect little library that matches your personality!

Bottega Girani Caffè

Italians are famous for their coffee, so why not bring a taste of Venice home with you? Bottega Girani Caffè, a family-run artisanal coffee roaster since 1928, is the perfect place to pick up high-quality beans to relive those dreamy Venetian mornings. Their signature “Fassina” blend, a carefully crafted mix of nine premium Arabica varieties, was developed in collaboration with a legendary Venetian bartender, making it a true local favourite. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a delicious souvenir, this historic roastery is a must-visit.

Cera una Volta

When I first glanced into the windows of Cera una Volta, I thought I had stumbled upon a party shop. It took me a full minute to realize that the macarons, panettone, cakes, and fruit I admired weren’t desserts; they were candles made entirely of wax! The name Cera una Volta, meaning Once Upon a Time, couldn’t be more fitting for a shop that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Each candle is meticulously handcrafted by skilled Italian artisans, depicting everything from sweets to flowers, Venetian masks, sea creatures, and more. The hardest part isn’t choosing which to buy; it’s finding the courage to burn such a beautiful piece of art!

Shopping in Venice isn’t just about souvenirs; it’s about discovering the city’s rich artisan traditions and taking home something truly special. From handcrafted Venetian masks and intricately marbled paper to one-of-a-kind jewelry and artisanal coffee, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship that still thrive beyond the tourist traps.

The key to finding shops that aren’t just run-of-the-mill tourist traps is taking your time to wander the quiet streets and let Venice surprise you! You never know what hidden gem you’ll uncover next.

Happy Travels, Adventurers

The post The Best Hidden Shopping Spots in Venice: A Guide to Unique, Non-Touristy Finds first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-hidden-shopping-spots-in-venice-a-guide-to-unique-non-touristy-finds/feed/ 2 46582 18 of the BEST Spanish Souvenirs: Must-Have Items from Spain You’ll Actually Use https://thecreativeadventurer.com/18-of-the-best-spanish-souvenirs-must-have-items-from-spain-youll-actually-use/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=18-of-the-best-spanish-souvenirs-must-have-items-from-spain-youll-actually-use https://thecreativeadventurer.com/18-of-the-best-spanish-souvenirs-must-have-items-from-spain-youll-actually-use/#respond Wed, 01 May 2024 18:46:06 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=42267 Spain is a place that captures the hearts of travellers from around the world, and what...

The post 18 of the BEST Spanish Souvenirs: Must-Have Items from Spain You’ll Actually Use first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Spain is a place that captures the hearts of travellers from around the world, and what better way to remember your visit than by bringing back beautiful and practical souvenirs? Early on, as a new traveller, I often returned from a trip with a whole of nonsense that I didn’t use and stayed in a drawer, never to be seen again. But after years and years of travelling, I’ve narrowed down a list of treasures to pick up along the way that you can display in your home without feeling too kitschy. Or, best of all, items you can eat or enjoy when you return home, a way to evoke flavours and memories from your travels!

Table Of Contents
  1. Tapas Dishes
  2. Perfume
  3. Flamenco Fans
  4. Handcrafted Espadrilles
  5. Spanish Vermut
  6. Paprika
  7. Olives Stuffed with Anchovies
  8. Turron
  9. Spanish Olive Oil
  10. Candles
  11. Cups and Mugs
  12. Olive Oil Lotion
  13. Cacao a la Taza
  14. Paella Seasoning
  15. Local Magazines
  16. Beauty Products
  17. Almendras Fritas
  18. Spanish Honey

Tapas Dishes

There is no trip to Spain without tapas, and there are no tapas without those iconic little dishes in which every treat is served. Spanish ceramic pottery, particularly tapas dishes, make for an excellent souvenir. Known for their vibrant colours and intricate patterns, these pieces are crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations, especially in regions like Talavera de la Reina and Andalusia. Not only are they practical for serving food in true Spanish style, but they also serve as a cultural touchstone, bringing a piece of Spanish art and dining tradition into your home. You can use them at home to serve olives or pickles on a cheese board. But I use many little dishes to hold jewelry or coins throughout my house. Little gems that have all those little items like car keys that need a pretty little home.

Perfume

I have kept up with a new tradition on all my travels: buying a bottle of perfume. Specifically, perfumes made in the country I’m visiting, scented with the iconic aromas of the landscape. There is no better trigger for memory than scent. While some might think that perfumes are too pricey, I have found that as long as you aren’t shopping at high-end perfumeries, you can find amazingly priced perfumes all over the place.

Most surprisingly, one of my favourite places to go for perfume is the Farmacia or Pharmacy in Spain. European pharmacies are so much more elevated than the ones we have here in North America and because of that I always scour the shelves for some perfume. The last time I was in Spain I fell in love with Álvarez Gómez perfumes, founded in 1912 by Herminio Álvarez Gómez who began producing Mediterranean scents reflective of the region. These eau de colognes or eau de toilettes, are different from traditional perfumes as they contain a larger percentage of perfume oil, making them much less expensive. Their Flores Mediterráneas are a fantastic collection of perfumes all inspired by the scents of plants of the Mediterranean. And best of all, each bottle was less than €12!

Flamenco Fans

Flamenco is an integral part of Spanish culture, and as such, you can find a range of souvenirs inspired by this passionate art form. Before you jump to the conclusion that lace or painted fans are just a tourist-only item, look around yourself in the summer in Spain, and you’ll see hundreds of locals fanning themselves outside with a myriad of uniquely designed fans. It’s a fashionable way to keep cool in the unending summer heat. I love to display my fans inside my house like little works of art, and I always bring them out for friends in the summer to enjoy on the patio. Skip any shop selling expensive, “hand-painted” fans; you can find exquisite options for only a few euros all over the place that look just as good and serve the same purpose at the end of the day.

Handcrafted Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a staple of Mediterranean fashion, and Spain is famous for its handcrafted varieties. These lightweight, comfortable shoes are perfect for strolling the city’s picturesque streets and bringing home a piece of iconic Spanish fashion history. Espadrilles have been a staple in Spanish footwear since the 14th century, originating from the Catalonia and Basque regions, where they were once the humble shoes of peasants. They are now loved worldwide for their comfort and chic style. They come in various colours and designs, so you can find the perfect pair to suit your style. I didn’t think Espadrilles would suit my style, but there were so many different shops in Barcelona that cater to unique varieties that it’s almost impossible not to find something you love. They can be found reasonably inexpensively, making them great souvenirs for friends and family (so long as you know their European shoe size).

Spanish Vermut

I hadn’t really appreciated Spanish vermouth, or vermut, until my latest trip to Barcelona. Before then, I had only tried the bitter Italian version and was unaware of how distinctively different the Spanish variety could be. Even within Spain, there is a wide variety of vermut styles and flavours, with each region producing its unique version. For example, you can find sweet vermouth from Catalonia, dry vermouth from Andalusia, and white vermouth from Galicia. 

Spanish vermouth typically incorporates a blend of herbs, spices, and botanicals, including wormwood, gentian, citrus peel, cinnamon, cloves, and more. These botanicals contribute to the aromatic and flavour profile. Although the taste varies between varieties, the most distinguishing feature is its delightful sweetness! Even in a big city like Toronto, it is virtually impossible to find more than a few different kinds of Spanish vermuth, so this is definitely something I think is really worth bringing home. Especially if you find a small producer that may only sell their bottles in Spain. Well worth the effort it takes to wrap up these bottles in your suitcase. However, the airport duty-free usually has at least a handful of local varieties to bring home.

Paprika

Spain is known for its love of paprika, and it’s a fundamental ingredient in many traditional Spanish dishes, such as paella, chorizo, and various stews. Bringing back some Spanish paprika allows you to share in the cultural and culinary heritage of the country when you’re back home. One of the reasons paprika is so popular here is due to the growing conditions of the peppers. After they are harvested, they are sun-dried and smoked using traditional methods to enhance their flavour. Although you can get the fancy tin in souvenir stores, the best place I find to buy them is at the grocery store or from a local producer. These will reliably taste the best and be the best price.

Olives Stuffed with Anchovies

A popular tapas dish often served alongside drinks at the bar is olives stuffed with anchovies or Aceitunas Rellenas de Anchoa. Olives and anchovies have deep roots in Spanish cuisine, hailing from the abundant olive groves and rich waters of Spain, where these staples have been cherished for centuries. The flavour combination of olives and anchovies is sheer perfection. Olives provide a briny and slightly bitter contrast to the salty and savoury anchovies. While the best varieties come from hole-in-the-wall tapa bars, the canned variety you can buy at the grocery store is just as good and easy to bring home. They make for great starters at any dinner party. If you’re not a fan of anchovies, you can also choose the olive oil and brine version, which is fabulous!

Turron

Turron is a traditional Spanish confection found in specialty candy shops, corner stores and farmers’ markets nationwide. It has a long history in Spain and is particularly popular during the holiday season. Turron is similar to nougat and is made from simple, local ingredients, primarily almonds, honey, sugar, and sometimes egg whites. 

There are two types of Turrón: hard Turron (Turrón Duro) and soft Turron (Turrón Blando). The harder version is crunchy and often flavoured with vanilla, lemon, or cinnamon. The softer Turron has a chewier texture made by incorporating egg whites. These treats pack well and last for a long time, making really ideal presents.

Spanish Olive Oil

Although you might not immediately think about it, Spanish olive oil is among the best in the world. Whether you find yourself at a local farmers market or in the grocery store, you’ll find an abundance of this iconic culinary staple. And this souvenir won’t just sit on your shelf; it is something you’ll grab almost daily. One of the reasons for Spain’s high-quality oil is the diverse climate and geography, which contributes to cultivating good olives. Even in the grocery store, you can find olive oils that are beautifully packaged and make for a stunning piece of countertop decor!

Candles

Sure, you might be able to find candles worldwide, but I have yet to find a spot in Europe that doesn’t have a historic old candle shop that is almost like visiting a museum. Simply wandering around these shops is an experience that transports you back in time. And most often than not, candles can be a super affordable souvenir, too. Cereria Subirà is Barcelona. Cereria Subirà has been in operation here in the city since 1761, so you are bringing home a beautiful piece of home decor and a slice of Barcelona’s history. Candles come in all different shapes, from simple tapers to ecclesiastical designs, and even candles in the shape of food, carved like sculptures. And they start at only four euros, so it’s super budget-friendly.

Cups and Mugs

My entire cupboard at home is filled with mismatched cups from my travels. Every morning, I come downstairs and pick up the mug of the day that embodies the feeling of that day’s endeavours. You can find mugs all over the place, and whether you’re into more touristy designs with pictures of the city you’re visiting or if you prefer to shop local and find artsy designs, there is something for everyone. Personally, I love a combination of both! At the Casa Vincens, I found the most adorable mugs and coaster tiles that replicate the tilies on Casa Vincens itself. Every time I drink from it, I’m reminded of the beauty that once surrounded me in Barcelona.

Olive Oil Lotion

As mentioned before, olives are some of the greatest agricultural resources in Spain, and in addition to being able to eat them, they are also popular in beauty products. Something I was encouraged to buy the last time I was in Spain was the Deliplus Olive oil body cream, and I absolutely love this stuff! It is so moisturizing and, best of all, costs less than $5! I always bring it back for all my friends because it’s both affordable and luxurious.

Cacao a la Taza

Something I encourage everyone to buy when they come to Spain is hot chocolate. Cacao a la Taza is not just any powdered hot chocolate, but a thick and rich drink that is almost like a pudding or custard than a liquid! Even in the summer, if you visit a cafe or breakfast spot in the morning, you’ll commonly see locals dipping their pastries into rich chocolate as they enjoy their morning meal. And although it is texturally rich, you can bring home this stuff for cheap! And there is nothing better to warm yourself up on a cold winter’s day back home than some decadent hot chocolate to remind you of those hot days in Spain!

Paella Seasoning

One of Spain’s most iconic dishes is paella and its unique flavour is largely attributed to the combination of spices and seasonings used. Paella seasoning typically includes saffron, paprika, garlic, and other herbs and spices. While making paella is a big endeavour, serving it up family style at a party with your nearest and dearest is a great way to bring back the atmosphere of your travels in Spain. And paella seasoning can be used for more than just paella. The flavorful blend of spices can enhance many dishes, including rice dishes, seafood, grilled meats, vegetables, and more. It adds depth and complexity to your cooking, making it a versatile ingredient.

Local Magazines

Magazines are one of my favourite things to buy in different countries. I don’t care if the entirety is in a different language. Usually, you can still get so much out of the visuals in there. And there are so many different genres and interests that magazines cater to, from art to food and culture. And with Google Translate, you can take pictures of the articles to read in whatever language you want.

Beauty Products

Last summer, everything on Tiktok was about French Pharmacy items to bring back from your trip to Paris. While there is one particular discount store in Paris, many of the best French and European beauty products can be found in Spain, too. While these aren’t totally unique to Spain, it’s still well worth your time and money to buy these fantastic brands in Europe, where they cost so much less than I’ve found in North America.

One of my favourite items is Nuxe‘s iconic Huile Prodigieuse—a multi-purpose dry oil that can rejuvenate your skin and hair. Another European gem I always pick up is a new box of Marvis toothpaste. This chic toothpaste, found in most European pharmacies, comes in a variety of super duper unique flavours like Jasmine Mint and Ginger Mint, which can transform your daily dental routine into a delightful sensory experience! Caudalie is a French skincare brand renowned for its use of grape-derived ingredients and many of tts products are super popular among travellers. While in Spain, you can find a wide range of Caudalie products. Still, a few standout items are worth picking up, particularly their Vinoperfect Radiance Serum and Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum.

Almendras Fritas

Almendras Fritas, or fried almonds, are a quintessential snack in Spain that you’ll often be served at the bar if you order a drink such as tapas. They are typically fried in Spanish olive oil and lightly salted, and the best ones are sprinkled with smoked paprika or sweetened with honey. All grocery stores have them ready to eat, and this makes them such great souvenirs to bring home to put on your next cheese board or even just snack on throughout the day.

Spanish Honey

Something you’ll find drizzled over all different kinds of tapas items throughout your time in Spain is honey! One of my most delicious memories is eating cheese and fried artichokes covered in honey at a dark bar on a summer night in Barcelona. The sweet and savoury combo is absolutely perfection. You’ll find high-quality Spanish honey everywhere, from farmers’ markets, street vendors, and grocery stores; this makes for a beautiful souvenir that serves as a sweet reminder of Spain’s vibrant landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. 

As you plan your Spanish adventure, leave a little extra room in your suitcase for some of these exceptional souvenirs. Whether it’s a beautifully crafted ceramic dish or a tantalizing taste of local cuisine, each of these souvenirs promises to keep your memories of Spain alive long after your journey ends.

Happy Shopping Adventurers!

The post 18 of the BEST Spanish Souvenirs: Must-Have Items from Spain You’ll Actually Use first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/18-of-the-best-spanish-souvenirs-must-have-items-from-spain-youll-actually-use/feed/ 0 42267 Ultimate Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market’s Must-Try Foods [UPDATED 2023] https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2023 15:59:38 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/ The outer market is where you'll find over 400 retails shops, grocers and small restaurants, crowded into only a few narrow alleys around the giant fish market.

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]]> Since the early 19th century, visitors would come from all over Japan (and the world) to visit the famous Tsukiji Market. Crowds of people walked through aisles upon aisles of freshly caught seafood. Witnessing the buying and selling of seafood before it lands on their dinner plate in restaurants across Tokyo. But in 2018, the Tsukiji Market closed its door as it had outgrown its warehouse in Tsukiji. It moved to a new custom-built building in Koto City and was renamed the Toyosu Fish Market. But despite the wholesale fish market moving out of the neighbourhood, the Outer Market in Tsukiji remains.

This outer market grew up around the Tsukiji Fish Market. It supported the local and tourist populations gathering in this part of Tokyo. The narrow streets and alleys around the market housed some of the best casual restaurants and tiny street food vendors that served fish straight from the market. It also was (and is) where you could find great shopping for kitchen and household goods! Contrary to popular thought, this part of town did not disappear along with the fish market’s move to Koto City. The Tsukiji Outer Market is still a bustling area of Tokyo, even without the fish market nearby. So don’t miss this amazing foodie paradise, and make sure you follow our guide to the best of the Tsukiji Outer Market.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is the Tsukiji Outer Market?
  2. Access
  3. Everything You Need to Eat!
  4. Shopping
  5. Namiyoke Inari Shrine

What is the Tsukiji Outer Market?

The outer market is where you’ll find over 400 shops, grocers and small restaurants, crowded into only a few narrow alleys around what was once the largest fish market in Tokyo. The streets of the outer market explode with colour and excitement. Vendors yell at each other and passers-by 24/7, making the place feel full of life even in the very early hours of the morning.

Access

The Tsukiji Outer Market can be easily reached by foot from either Tsukiji Shijo Station on the Oedo Line or Tsukiji Station on the Hibiya Line. Shimbashi Station is the closest option for those using JR trains, with a 20-minute walk to the market.

Everything You Need to Eat!

Fresh Sushi

The outer market is the perfect spot to grab a bit of breakfast. Find a sushi bar with a bunch of old locals eating inside. Those with a line out of the door are always a surefire way to spot a good spot. While they might not have door-to-door access to fresh fish as before, they still bring in the same selection, just from a little further afield.

Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan

Tsukiji Itadori Bekkan is one of the most popular spots in the outer market to find the best sushi and sashimi. It’s made to order, so you know it’s super fresh. It’s definitely on the more expensive side but well worth the price. The seasonal selection by the chef with 10 pieces of sushi and a roll will run you 5100 yen. They also have a Nagomi plate with seven pieces of shish and a roll for 3600. 

Maguro / Tuna 

Tuna is one of the most important fish sold at the fish market. One of the most popular tourist attractions at the new market is the Tuna auction. Early morning risers head to the market at the crack of dawn to witness the bidding wars that break out over the best pieces of fish caught that day. To see what all the fuss is about, you should make a point to seek out some fresh Maguro (tuna) served up on sushi or as sashimi. There are often variety plates that feature different varieties such as bluefin, fatty, medium fatty and regular tuna. A great way to see which is your favourite, so you know what to order next time. These can be expensive as tuna isn’t cheap, so expect to pay upwards of 3000 yen for a multi-piece tray.

Kaisendon

A traditional breakfast dish eaten in Japan is Kaisendon. Kaisendon is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of rice (“donburi”) topped with a variety of raw, fresh seafood (“kaizen”) known as sashimi. These can be found throughout the market, and every shop has its own unique take on the dish. You’ll always be served a variety of fish, everything from fatty tuna, shrimp, egg and other fresh daily fish selections. Bowls range from 1500 to 3000 yen.

Grilled Scallops & Fresh Oysters

If you’re a seafood connoisseur and want the best of the best, plenty of shops here will be right up your alley. One of the most popular street foods in the Outer Market is fresh grilled scallops cooked over a charcoal flame. Thanks to the grilling, they have the most delicious flavour, which balances the sweetness of the scallop perfectly. These will run you about 1000 yen.

Another delight of the market is these larger-than-life oysters. They are absolutely oversized but nevertheless delicious. They taste clean and fresh and cost you about 700-800 yen.

Tamagoyaki 

Plenty is more on offer if you’re not in the mood for fresh fish. Tamagoyaki is rolled-up, freshly made Japanese-style omelettes. They are super cheap at only 100 yen and a delicious way to start the day or just as a mid-afternoon snack. An entire slab of tamagoyaki runs about 500 – 800 yen, depending on if there are any additional ingredients. Great to share with friends.

Fresh Fruit

Tsukiji has always had a wide selection of fresh fruit vendors selling some of the best produce in the city. Is there anything more precious than the delicately wrapped fruits of Japan? I think not. Highly recommend, especially when in season, the strawberries. Japan is well known for its perfectly grown strawberries. And while they might seem pricey, they are spectacular. They even sell white strawberries which are super unique and even more delicious. A bowl of fresh strawberries generally costs about 500 yen for a selection.

Uni

One of the most uniquely Japanese delicacies has got to be fresh uni. Uni, or sea urchin, is the edible portion of the inside of spiny sea urchins. The taste is unrivalled. It’s almost buttery, with a sea-like flavour. I love it, and getting it fresh from the market is one of the best places to try it. They serve it on its own in various spots in Tsukiji and on sushi rice if you prefer to try it with a little bit of rice. Uni is a little pricey, a bowl of pure uni will run you about 1500 yen, but a single piece of uni sushi will be much less expensive.

Waygu

Another food item that many people coming to Japan might be looking for is Waygu beef. Wagyu is the classification given to four different Japanese breeds of beef cattle. It is widely known for being the most tender, delicious beef you can eat. In the Tsukiji market, you’ll see lots of stands selling sticks of Wagyu beef. Some shops sell thinner slices of beef you can pick out, and they cook it right before you. Overall, I prefer to have my Waygu in a restaurant. But if this is your only opportunity to try it, you can always pick out a small slice to ensure you try this pedigree cut of beef at least once!

Unagi

Another traditional dish served in the market is Unagi. Unagi is freshly grilled eel, slathered in a thick, sweet and savoury sauce which is carmelized over the fish as it cooks over a hot grill. You can find sticks of Unagi for around 300 yen. If you’ve never had Unagi, this is a great opportunity to try it out!

Ice Cream

If you’re in the mood for desserts, soft-serve ice cream will always be on offer all over the outer market. Dozens of different flavours to choose from spill out along the streets. Vendors are ready to give a sweet treat to anyone walking by, even on colder days.

Daifuku Mochi

Mochi is one of my favourite Japanese sweets. Mochi is made from pounding sweet rice flour into a gummy texture wrapped around different fillings like macha or sweet red bean paste. In the Tsukiji Market, you can find mochi topped with a fresh red or white strawberry that amps the flavour up to 100!

Shopping

Knife Shops

The Tsukiji Outer market is home to many stores selling specialty chef and kitchen utensils. Most of these were opened to be geared toward sushi chefs preparing their fish. But today, they are a little more broad and open to everyone. Inside you’ll find professional-grade knives. Japanese knives are known as some of the best in the world, and if you’re looking for an upgrade to your kitchen collection, this is such a wonderful souvenir to treat yourself to. Something you will use for the rest of your life.

Ceramics

The ceramics in the market were my favourite thing to pursue. They were so inexpensive, but the designs were incredible. The vibrant colours and intricate paintings were handmade, each a little different from the next. I would pick out my favourite patterns from each shop and, at the end of the day, have a little collection of four perfectly mismatched, but that’s what makes it so charming.

Spices & Dried Goods

Tsukiji is also a wonderful place to shop for spices and dried goods. One of the best things to look for is homemade Furikake. Furikake is a dry Japanese condiment made from green and nori seaweed flakes. In addition to the seaweed, there are a variety of additional ingredients added for the various flavours, from sesame seeds, fish flakes, spices and more. Furikake is used to sprinkle on top of rice, veggies, and anything you like. But the ones made fresh from the market are even more special and a great gift to bring home.

Namiyoke Inari Shrine

While in the market, you should definitely make a visit to the small Namiyoke Inari Shrine. This shrine was the guardian of the marketplace and its traders when the old fish market was here. The name means “protection from waves,” which is very suitable for all the fishermen who pass by daily. Although the fisherman has moved, the shrine remains. The courtyard is dotted with various memorial plaques and carvings donated by trade groups in the marketplace. An excellent way to bring happiness and prosperity to the traders.

One of the greatest things to do while walking around the Tsukiji Outer Market is exploring. Get lost, and you’ll always discover something fantastic. The smells from each alleyway changes from street to street. Sweet, sour, fishy, spicy and pungent. A feast for the senses. 

The greatest thing about this place is that after the exodus of the Fish market, the area became a little more local. Sure, it’s still immensely popular with tourists, but it’s equally just a spot for locals to grab something to eat on their way to work. You’ll pass hundreds of people on their way to grab a snack before they get on the train or mothers pushing prams trying to do their morning shopping.

I love watching locals doing their thing, living in their city, and experiencing the environments the way they were supposed to be experienced. Not as guests, as settlers.

The outer market is busy, loud and unmissable. Make sure you carve out time in your next trip to Tokyo to explore and eat all there is on offer!

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post Ultimate Guide to Tsukiji Outer Market’s Must-Try Foods [UPDATED 2023] first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-the-the-tsukiji-outer-market/feed/ 2 132 The Best 11 Historical Shops from All Over the World https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-11-historical-stores-from-all-over-the-world/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-best-11-historical-stores-from-all-over-the-world https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-11-historical-stores-from-all-over-the-world/#respond Tue, 29 Nov 2022 17:28:04 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=30041 Every year, around Christmas, there are always those ubiquitous “gift guides” you find online. You know...

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]]> Every year, around Christmas, there are always those ubiquitous “gift guides” you find online. You know the ones that recommend endless beard oils for dads and candles and robes for moms. But my favourite gifts are little treasures I find on my travels or have been brought back for me by others. Unique items that tell a story. I love passing my shelves and stopping for a moment to smile at a memory they trigger. Either from my own travels or from friends and family who saw these little trinkets and thought of me.

My favourite places to shop when travelling are stores that have a history. A rich tapestry of time that makes everything they sell so important! Most of these businesses have been open for multiple generations and represent the best of that country. Things which people have come to love for years and years, so you know it’s the good stuff! It is like taking a piece of history home with you! So come with us now to discover my favourite Historic Shops and the souvenirs to buy which are so much more interesting for your friends and family than any beard oil or robe will ever be! Many of these shops have online stores so even if you’re not travelling there directly, you can still buy something really special for Christmas.


Historic Shops are the World
  1. Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy | Florence, Italy
  2. Livraria Bertrand | Lisbon, Portugal
  3. Pfunds Molkerei | Dresden, Germany
  4. Maiasmokk | Tallinn, Estonia
  5. Tsuen Tea | Uji, Japan
  6. Legatoria Piazzesi | Venice, Italy
  7. Il Marmoraro | Rome, Italy
  8. Caza das Vellas Loreto | Lisbon, Portugal
  9. À la Mère de Famille | Paris, France
  10. The Oldest Sweet Shop | Pateley Bridge, England
  11. Dulceria de Celaya | Mexico City, Mexico

Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy | Florence, Italy

Stepping into the Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy is about as close to going back in time as you’ll get. The old shop in Florence prides itself on being the world’s oldest pharmacy, which opened in 1221! Back then, there was a small Dominican Order who lived in the connecting Church of Santa Maria Novella. Like many orders of monks, they had their own herb gardens where they grew a variety of medicinal plants. Using these plans, the monks created herbal concoctions and started selling them to the public. Their treatments actually worked for minor, everyday nuisances like stomach pains and headaches. Even today, many people still use herbal treatments to help with their body ailments. But also created from these herbs and fresh flowers were sensational (literally) perfumes.

The Perfumerie

In 1612 an official retail operation was opened where they began selling items aside from medicine. Everything from perfume to potpourri and other toiletries could be created from their ancient garden. Today, you can still purchase the very same perfumes as medieval Florentines wore back in 1621! The Acqua della Regina scent uses the same recipe the Dominican monks made in 1533 for Caterina de Medici. Caterina de Medici commissioned the perfume when she married Enrico di Valois and moved to France. The fresh citrus bouquet helped remind her of home when she was far away. And as we all know, smell is perhaps the best wall to recall a memory.

Angeli di Firenze is a more recent fragrance inspired by the Florentine people. The “Angels of Florence” were a group of young people who came to the aid of the entire city after a devastating flood in 1966. The banks of the Arno river broke, flooding the city. But the flooding was not just water, but thick destructive mud. Some areas were entrenched up to 22 feet deep. Museums, churches and other historic sites were on the brink of losing precious relics, but these young people worked 24 hours a day to ensure they saved all that needed to be rescued. The fragrance was created on the 40th anniversary of the flood and contains a bouquet of sweet, fruity notes. A polar opposite to those muddy smells the workers must have experienced. I wear this perfume anytime I want to feel like a hero!

Livraria Bertrand | Lisbon, Portugal

Inside the blue Azulejo tiled building in the centre of Lisbon, hides the oldest bookstore in the world! Opened in 1732, in the shopping district of Chiado, Livraria Bertrand welcomed people into their store to browse their incredible selection of books. Sadly, their original store was destroyed in 1755 during a devastating earthquake. They had to move out temporarily but were able to move back into their original location in 1773. It only took them 20 years to restore the store back to its former glory!

For over a hundred years, this place has been a favourite hangout of Portuguese writers. Walking inside, you feel like you’re entering an ancient cave. Look up to admire the ancient brick vaults and arched ceilings. Although most of the books they carry here are in Portuguese, they also have a small English section with popular titles. If you buy a book at the store, they will give you a sticker to place inside the book to show that you purchased it at the oldest bookstore in the world.

Even if you don’t want to buy a book, there is a cute little cafe at the back of the shop where you can sit inside and enjoy looking at all the pretty titles stacked on tall wooden shelves. Bookstores and libraries are some of the most peaceful places in the world and are the best place to come for a bit of downtime amid busy travel days.

Pfunds Molkerei | Dresden, Germany

I’ve been singing the praises of Dresden ever since my first visit! It was such a surprising town and the discovery of this place was just one of the many joyful stops we made along the way. Pfunds Molkieri, covered floor to ceiling in the most incredible tiles and Meissen porcelain, is the oldest dairy shop in East Germany. It was built back in 1879 and was the first place where Germans could buy high-quality, concentrated milk. Although the dairy was mostly destroyed in WWII, the family made sure to rebuild in the exact same fashion as the original. Now, visitors can come to see and taste the extraordinary delicacies inside Pfunds Molkieri. 

Guests can try different kinds of milk and cheeses from farms across Germany. Bringing home cheese as a gift for a loved one might prove pretty difficult. Not only does it requires refrigeration but most international countries will not allow you to bring in dairy products through customs. Luckily, Pfunds Molkieri also carries a wonderful selection of milk soaps made from that same famous herd of German cows. Milk soaps are gentle on the skin, a natural exfoliant, help prevent acne and are rich in nutrients! A wonderful stocking stuffer for your Christmas morning.

Maiasmokk | Tallinn, Estonia

Located in the historic quarter of Tallinn, Maiasmokk (which means ‘Sweet tooth‘) is the oldest café in Estonia. The regal cafe has been in operation since 1864. Inside, the interior feels so sumptuous. Like having a coffee in Versaille! The intricate ornate mirrored ceiling reflects the gorgeous old tiled floors, and rich wooden furnishings. The cafe is a true slice of history as it has remained unchanged for almost a century.

While Maiasmokk serves all the coffees and teas you’d expect, its most popular item is marzipan. The cafe even features a museum dedicated to the history of marzipan. In the 19th century, this was where the Russian Imperial family came to get their marzipan. The almond-based sugary treat lasts forever, making it a great gift to bring home!

Tsuen Tea | Uji, Japan

When you think of Japan, one of the first things that you might think of is a cup of green tea. And in Uji, Japan (just outside Kyoto), you can visit the world’s oldest tea shop, Tsuen Tea. Tsuen Tea opened here in 1160, although the building which you can visit today is a later construction from 1672.

The Tsuen family were descendants of a great samurai who was the guardian of the ancient Uji Bridge. The family lived adjacent to the bridge and opened a small tea shop next door where they would greet travellers. And serve them tea. Inside the Edo period shop, you can still see ceramic tea jars that are several hundred years old sitting along the shelves. Be sure to pay your respects to the old Tsuen samurai, whose wooden statues still stands proudly inside on display.

Legatoria Piazzesi | Venice, Italy

Tucked away in on the Campiello Feltrina San Marco is Venice‘s oldest paper shop; Legatoria Piazzesi. This old stationary shop has been making paper-based wonders since 1851. It is still in operation today and offers onsite book-binding services as well as hand-printed sheets of ornamented paper. The ornate handmade papers are so beautiful they could simply be placed in a frame as they look like a work of art. But even better, they can be used by intrepid journalists and scrapbookers.

The owners are pretty strict, and this is a place where you should only enter if you intend to buy something. For those who just prefer to browse, stick to peeking in the windows. They always have lovely displays of their bookbinding, and you can usually poke your head inside the door to at least check out the stock of papers overflowing from all the shelves. This isn’t done out of malice. Handmade paper is super delicate, and now that the shop is somewhat of a tourist destination, they don’t want any overcrowding. The store is tiny and their products can easily be damaged.

Il Marmoraro | Rome, Italy

All along Via Margutta you might spot unique stone signs to mark the various restaurants and shops along the street. These are all created inside Il Marmoraro. The owners have been here making custom-made signs for over 60 years! But the tradition of these stone signs dates back hundreds of years. In ancient Rome, legislative acts were written on bronze tablets and then displayed on Capitol Hill. These old tablets had a very distinct ancient roman style script. This became the defacto “font” used in Rome. It went to be inscribed on stone columns, gravestones and even street sights. And today, Il Marmoraro keeps up the tradition, still making signs using that ancient hand-carved typography.

The owner doesn’t speak much English but happily greets everyone who comes into the shop with a smile. For only €15, he will make you a custom sign in the same style as the ancient ones. You can have pretty much anything written upon as long as it’s not too many characters. If you arrive early, your personalized stone tablet will be ready for you before the end of day!

Caza das Vellas Loreto | Lisbon, Portugal

Happening upon the Caza das Vellas Loreto while in Lisbon was one of the highlights of my trip. My eyes were drawn to the curiously shaped vibrant candles in the window and I poked my head inside. The tiny shop feels like stepping into an old wardrobe. The entire place is only three meters wide! But stuffed within the glass cabinets lining the walls are colourful stacks of wax candles. Above the cashier at the back of the shop is a large golden set of numbers with the date 1789 written upon it. That is the date when the shop first opened. And they’ve been doing things almost the very same way ever since.

In addition to the multitude of tapered candles, they also have seasonal designs to delight their customers. Their Christmas collection is a personal favourite and a wonderful way to add some unique flair to your dining table. And since the candles only cost a few euros, apiece it’s a great gift to buy for your friends and family.

À la Mère de Famille | Paris, France

The world’s oldest chocolate shop stands on the cusp of the famous Montmartre neighbourhood in Paris. A la Mère de Famille opened in 1761 by Pierre-Jean Bernard. The gold lettering outside the shop shines in the sunlight and beckons visitors from down the road. The stunning typography, against that beautiful bright green paint, has stood the test of time and still looks like a gem in the centre of the neighbourhood.

Today there are 12 other branches of the chocolate store across the city, but this is the only one you should seek! It is by far the most beautiful, with its antique shelves still stacked with vintage jars and lovely old brass fittings that have barely changed in 260 years. One of the best times to visit the shop is during the holidays when the chocolatiers develop unique sweet creations to delight and devour.

The Oldest Sweet Shop | Pateley Bridge, England

There are some places whose name says it all, and the Original Old Sweet Shop in Pateley Bridge, England, is one of those places. They are the official World Guinness record holder for the oldest continuously trading sweet shop, opened in 1827. Glass jars line the shelves, containing brightly coloured sweets with antique labels.

In addition to holding this record, they lean into the concept of selling retro sweets that bring a wave of nostalgia for many older visitors or for the younger generations are a chance to sample a piece of history. Many of these sweets use the original recipes and are even created using old copper pans.

Dulceria de Celaya | Mexico City, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya is a tiny, old shop selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets. It opened in Mexico City in 1874. Walking into the shop, nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop opened, the candy was made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much daily, often only one candy tray. But the sweets were so popular that they would sell out daily. As the demand rose, they expanded their production to meet the city’s needs.

Even today, they produce candy in the same way it was made in the beginning, out of that tiny kitchen. The smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and coconut fills the air when you walk in the doors. It’s intoxicating. The candy is very well-priced, so even if you don’t recognize anything, just let the smells guide you and try whatever your eye is drawn to.

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-best-11-historical-stores-from-all-over-the-world/feed/ 0 30041 The Complete Guide to Venetian Carnival Masks https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-venetian-carnival-masks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-venetian-carnival-masks https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-venetian-carnival-masks/#comments Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:58:42 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com/?p=15376 When you visit the city of Venice, you’ll notice everywhere you look masks hanging in shop...

The post The Complete Guide to Venetian Carnival Masks first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> When you visit the city of Venice, you’ll notice everywhere you look masks hanging in shop windows. These Venetian masks have become almost synonymous with Venice, a de facto icon of the city. Walking into some of these shops, it seems like a forest of masks. They are hanging from the ceiling and covering almost every single inch of wall space around you. But what might surprise you is that each different design has a story to tell. Behind each mask, is a piece of Venetian history or references to old theatrical tropes.

Coming home from Venice, the best souvenir to bring with you or give to another is definitely a Venetian mask. But it’s so important to know how to find and spot an authentic mask as well as where to buy them. Hopefully, this little guide helps you in your quest to learn more about this amazing tradition and finding your perfect mask.

Table Of Contents
  1. History of Masks in Venice
  2. Carnevale di Venezia
  3. How Masks are Made
  4. Mask Styles | Historical
  5. Mask Styles | Commedia dell'arte
  6. Mask Styles | Modern Masks
  7. How Can you if a Mask is Authentic?
  8. Venetian Mask Shops
  9. Try Before you Buy

History of Masks in Venice

Today, Venetian masks are mainly associated with Carnevale di Venezia or the Carnival of Venice. But their origin in the city pre-dates Carnival by a few hundred years. No one seems to know exactly when Venetians started wearing masks to conceal their identity. But there have been accounts of this as early as the 11th century. Venice had a prime location in Europe, adjacent to major centres of trade with both the middle east and Europe. This meant that the Republic lead the way in economic development based on trading valuable goods. Most of its citizens were making a fairly good living, and with flush income, came the desire to spend! But more often than not, the way they wanted to indulge themselves was in a rather less than “honourable” manner. At least that was how it was viewed at the time.

Although it was illegal to gamble, casinos began popping up all over the place, even in convents! Sexual promiscuity and prostitution were rampant. Despite homosexuality being condemned by the church, Venetians embraced it! The city was relatively small, and people lived basically one on top of the other. There was no chance for the secretary in a city with eyes everywhere you looked. So people began to wear masks to conceal their identity. Nuns and priests were able to don a mask and dress as lavishly as they wanted, unrestrained from the restrictions of the pious church. Masks allowed you to remain anonymous and live your life to your heart’s desire.

Masks as Disguise

But wearing masks was not solely as a means for sinful activity. With a mask on, and no way of identifying a rich person from a poor person, a group of wearers would all be seen as equal. A servant could speak out against a nobleman without being identified and therefore could express opinions without retribution. The earliest masks worn by the public were not to the opulent as the ones we know of today. Most often, they were plain unadorned faces painted either black of white.

For many years, despite the church abhorring the sinful atmosphere in Venice, they turned a blind eye. They did so in exchange for the wealth that the city brought into Italian coffers. But things began to get a little out of control in the 13th century. Historical documents recorded this anarchic behaviour. One report detailed how people in masks were throwing eggshells filled with perfume off balconies onto the people below. Another document reported how masked men were gambling, visiting convents and using vulgar language. All pretty tame with today’s perspective but back then it was the talk of the town!

Rome’s New Mandate

Finally, Rome was forced to place a limit on the times during the year where mask-wearing would be allowed. They hoped this would curb the city’s lawless behaviour. Rome mandated that starting on December 26th, citizens would be allowed to wear masks until Shrove Tuesday. This was in order to protect the various holy days from being marred by the city’s lawlessness. Venetians took to ensuring that their masks were as fanciful and elaborate as possible in anticipation of their debut on December 26th! If you could only wear masks for a few months of the year, they wanted them to at least make a statement!

Carnevale di Venezia

Carnevale di Venezia or the Venice Carnival, was established in 1168. It began as a celebration in honour of the Republics’ victory against Padua and Ferrara. The victory celebration started right before the beginning of Lent. This date was very important. During Lent, a myriad of rich food (meat, sugar, fats) were off limit for 40 days! Before the start of lent many large households needed to find a way to use up all those banned ingredients. And what better way, than to throw a huge party! Since Carnival occurred during the months in which mask-wearing was allowed, masks became almost required for attending any decadent Carnevale celebration. Masks were worn during Carnival to help conceal the identities of both the lower and upper classes. This way everyone could dance and celebrate together without the social hierarchy getting in the way.

Carnival was abolished with the falls of the Venetian Republic, at the end of the 18th century. And mask-wearing banned with it! It wasn’t until the 1970s when Carnival was brought back to life. Surprisingly enough, its rebirth was at the hands of a bunch of university students who embraced the hippie lifestyle. Hippies were counterculture advocates. They felt that since these masks had been banned, wearing them was almost an act of rebellion. But soon, Venetians who weren’t a part of the hippie movement began also embrace wearing these masks once more. It was a reemergence of Venetian history. Additionally, artists and shops saw it as big business for locals and tourists alike. Before you knew it, mask shops were popping up on every corner!

How Masks are Made

Traditional Venetian masks are made today in exactly the same manner that they were made in the past. A large piece of clay is carved into the desired face or mask shape. Each detail hand-sculpted by the artist. This is then used to create a chalk mould. The mould is then covered in papier-mache. Once dried it is removed from the mould and the excess edges of the papier-mache are cut off. Gesso paint is used for the base and then more paints are applied to give it colouring and shading. Gold leaf is traditionally added along with feathers, fur, ribbons, gems and glitter. Glue is sometimes used to create raised patterns on the mask and then covered in gold leaf. Some of the most intricate designs can take 2-3 weeks for one individual artist to finish.

Mask Styles | Historical

There are three main categories of mask designs you’ll find in shops today in Venice. The first are historical reproductions of traditional masks whose designs originated in Venice.

Bauta

The Bauta mask is one of the oldest styles. This mask was almost always accompanied by a tricorn hat and cape. Even when masks were banned throughout the year, the Bauta was an exception. These masks were required for women to wear if they attended the theatre. The word bauta comes from the German “behüten“, which means to protect. Men had to wear them during certain key governmental votes to protect their political opinions from each other.  The mask would cover the entire face but was angled outwards so the wearer could eat, drink and speak easily without having to remove the mask. This made it perfect for parties to remain anonymous while being able to keep the wine flowing.

The Plague Doctor

The Medico Della Peste or Plague doctor mask was originally worn by doctors during the plague. It was a functional mask instead of an aesthetic one. The long beak which extends from the covered face was stuffed with herbs and spices which were thought to prevent infection in the 17th century. This technique was developed by French physician Charles de Lorme and as silly as that idea seems now during the plague these masks where thought to be the doctors saving grace.

The mask is white with two round black spectacles painted around the eyes. The spectacles were meant to represent crystals which were thought to protect the wearer’s eyes. Today people continue to wear the Plague Doctor mask as its haunting past evokes such powerful emotions and creepy vibes. There is nothing like seeing that beak silhouetted on the canals to make you feel a shiver up your spine.

Gatto

The Gatto mask is very easy to identify, as it looks like the face of a cat. Gatto, in Italian means cat. Cats were considered to be almost heroes by Venetians after the plague. Cats were actually thought to be responsible for saving the city from complete destruction. And there is a bit of truth to this, as cats would eat the rats which carred the plague and infected the citizens. Thereafter cats were an honoured creature and masks were even made to pay homage to their greatness.

The Jester

The Jester is clown mask that dates all the way back to the middle ages. Jesters were originally considered to be soulful opposites of a king. Instead of being touched by God for greatness, they were touched by madness. But Kings were encouraged to give these people work in their courts are they were nevertheless still touched by God and shouldn’t be rejected. The jesters uniform most frequently consisted of a cap and bells and these elements were incorporated into their masks. Jesters’ roles evolved and they were considered men of great wit and skill. They were acrobatics, juggling, comedians, and even some times magicians. Jester masks are some of the most interesting masks with so many details and I love the noise they make. You always know if a Jester is close by listening for those jingle bells echoing down the canals.

Dama

The Dama mask is one of the heaviest and largest masks you can find. It is full-faced, heavily gilded, with often a sculpture of a large coif added to the top. These coifs were how Venetian women were thought to wear their hair during the Cinquecento period (which was between 1500 to 1599). Women at this time also wore very expensive clothing covered in jewels and needed a mask which would be just as ornate! These are amazing masks for those that want to make a statement.

Volto 

The Volto mask is also known as the “larva” mask. The word larva in Italians means ghost. In the moonlight, these white painted masks worn with large cloaks and hats would give the appearance of a ghost floating around the canals of Venice. The mask is also known as the “citizen mask” as it was often worn by common people during the holidays. Traditionally these masks were relatively simple, usually painted plain white with some black around the eyes to accentuate that feature. Today they are still generally kept simple but are great for personalizing as people will often add a few details to tie the mask in with their outfit or costume.

Mask Styles | Commedia dell’arte

The second category of Venetian masks is the Commedia dell’arte designs which were inspired by theatrical productions.

Columbina

The Columbina is a delicate half-mask, which was often worn only by women. Traditionally this mask would be tied to the face by a ribbon or held up on a long stick. Commedia dell’arte was an early form of professional theatre, originating in Italy. Actors and actresses in these productions would frequently wear masks to either change their appearance to suit a specific character or were even by men when they were required to play female parts.

Famously there was a popular actress named Columbine who performed in one of these Commedia dell’arte. She thought herself too beautiful to have her entire face covered so the production designed a half mask for her to wear. It is this design, which is named after her, which is today still one of the most popular masks you’ll find in Venice today. These masks are often decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers as it is meant to really exemplify that theatrical feeling. The masks highlight the eyes on the face and therefore these masks are often considered to be some of the most alluring.

Scaramouche

The Scaramouche is my FAVOURITE of all the Venetian masks. It was worn in plays when representing a young adventurer! Often thought of a swashbuckling pirate or masked henchman. The Scaramouche mask wearer often dons a typical black Spanish dress which they can use to flit about and hide in the shadow. I love the exaggerated nature of this mask and love the silhouette is creates on the face!

Pierrot

The Pierrot masks is known as the “sad clown”. In plays, he is the dejected lover. Pierrot desire Colombina, yet she always breaks his heart. His masks are traditionally painted with a tear falling from his eyes and are a favourite with romantic souls.

Pantalone

Pantalone was a theatrical representation of an old, miserable man. This character is full of rage, and therefore his mask is always painted red. Black gesso was added to accentuate the folds of aged skin on his face. I think this mask is great for those who want a very expressive mask.

Pulcinella

The Pulcinella is immediately easy to spot by its crooked nose. The face shape was actually the model for the Punch and Judy dolls which were used in puppet theatre in England. The word Pulcinella even means punch. Pulcinella is known for being cruel and violent and his mask is often contorted into a scowl. These masks are great comedic pieces that really will change the way you act and even move in your costume!

Mask Styles | Modern Masks

The third and finaly type of masks are the modern and experimental designs that the new blood of Venetian artisans around bringing to this traditional craft. Some of these masks use references from art forms in their modern creations. Steampunk masks are some of the most popular modern Venetian mask style with gears and cogs featuring heavily in the ornamentation. Whatever these modern artists are creating I love seeing these new styles bringing fresh ideas to the streets of Venice!

How Can you if a Mask is Authentic?

Like many other famous tourist souvenirs, there are always shops all over the city selling fakes. Chinese mass-produced masks are found EVERYWHERE in Venice, especially around St Marks square. And while they might look the part, they are not made in Venice. There is no love put into these masks. And the Venetian artisans who are struggling to keep their craft alive won’t make a dime from those sales.

If you’re a budget traveller, I get it. You might not be able to afford one of the beautiful artisan masks. But just know that those same fake masks in tourist shops can be purchased on Amazon for about $20 USD. So don’t think that you’re really walking away with a piece of Venetian craftsmanship. And usually, for only a few euros more you can find something, perhaps a little simpler, at a real boutique which puts money back into the hands of local Venetians.

If you want to know whether the mask you’re about to buy was made authentically in Venice or not, go through the following list in your head.

  • Check the Price. If the mask seems to cheap, it’s probably because it’s fake and mass produced in China.
  • Study the inside. If you see clear signs of papier-mache, layers of paper that can be felt when touched, this is a good sign it’s real. Uniform texture means it’s mass-produced.
  • Look for brushstroke. Non-uniform paint marks and brushstrokes mean it’s been hand-painted. Mass-produced masks are spray painted and won’t have brush marks.
  • Avoid “made in Venice” stamps. If you see a stamp on the back instead of a sticker, even if it says “made in Venice” this is a good sign its fake. Copycat companies have even gone as far as to falsify these stamps.
  • Instead of a stamp, look for a certificate. Hanging on the mask or stuck on the back you’ll always find a sticker or tag which is the certificate of authenticity.

Venetian Mask Shops

So, now you know all about what masks mean and which one you might be most drawn but where can you buy an authentic mask? Check out one of the stores below which I think contains some of the greatest works of art you can find today! To find the best mask shops, stay out of San Marco as anything you find there around St. Mark’s square is almost certainly fake.

Papier Mache Venezia

Papier Mache Venezia can be found in the Castello district and is a great place to buy masks with a slightly unique flavour. This shop sells all the traditional masks, as well as masks painted with images of Venice imprinted onto them. While these masks might be more of a display piece and less of a wearable, I still love that they are offering up something different.

Ca’ Macana

Ca’ Macana has two locations but I think their shop in Dorsoduro a little quieter and you can find more interesting options. This shop is not only a feast for the eyes but since the workshop is inside the store you can watch the artisans making the masks right there! My favourite pieces from their collection are their beautifully crafted animal masks. While these are a departure from traditional masks, they are both so realistic and so fantastical they make such an impact on both the wearer and anyone who lays eyes on them.

La Bottega Dei Mascareri

La Bottega Dei Mascareri is a shop owned and run by two brothers and has been open since 1984. The brothers were really inspired by the medieval court, commedia dell’arte and eighteenth-century Venice. All these historical references are poured into their work and they create some absolutely incredible masks. Despite this high level of craftsmanship, there are masks here that cost as little as €15 which makes them affordable for almost anyone! They also make some really inventive designs, just as the Vincent Van Gogh mask below, which are a real surprise among the traditional masks.

La Gioia

La Gioia is one of the oldest shops in Venice, founded in 1970. While obviously that seems very modern considering the ancient history of Venice, since mask making was only really re-introduced in the 70s this is one of those shops that brought the tradition back to the city! The designs in this shop are fantastically creative. The designers manage to blend traditional shapes with some really lush colours. So many of their masks are then embellished with gold and jewels and have papier-mache swaths of fabrics that surround the mask. These definitely are statement pieces for those of us who aren’t afraid to make a splash!

Il Canovaccio

Il Canovaccio is located close to the tourist hub but tucked away on a side street, therefore, avoid most of the mobs which flow out of the Piazza San Marco. The staff here is incredibly kind and will even be happy to tell you all about the histories behind the different masks and regale you of stories from Carnival! This shop’s specialty is definitely FEATHERS! So many of their masks are adorned in these amazingly rich feathers and I love the elegant embellishments they add to the masks.

Venice Masks by Alberto Sarria

Venice Masks by Alberto Sarria was established in 1986 and quickly became a popular stop for locals and tourists alike to find unique masks for Carnival. One thing which makes their shop a little different is they sell some leather masks. This is obviously a shift from the traditional but the leather masks really have the most interesting look and I love artisans putting their own spin on ancient techniques.

Bluemoon Venice

Bluemoon Venice is an amazing shop that sells some very interesting types of masks such as ones made entirely of metal, with delicate cut-outs. So many of their masks are embellished with Swarovski crystals which makes them really sparkle and shine. But if you find yourself wanting to design your own mask, this shop also sells blank canvases which you can personalize yourself! This is great for kids or for those with a very specific vision in mind! The shop has everything you need from brushes to paints and embellishments to create your own Venetian mask!

Try Before you Buy

Lastly, when you’re ready to make a purchase be sure to ask the staff if it’s ok to try on the masks. This is polite and some of the masks are so delicate they might want to assist you with this. Since these masks are moulded onto a generic face, they will obviously not fit you perfectly. Some masks fit different face shapes better than others so be sure to try on your masks before purchasing if you indeed intend on wearing it. If it’s just for display then no worries there, you can just choose whichever design suits your fancy.

I hope this guide really helps you decide which mask is right for you and helped you understand a bit more about the history of the mask and mask making in Venice. Let me know if the comments which one was your favourite!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-venetian-carnival-masks/feed/ 6 15376 The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Harajuku, What to See and Do in Tokyo’s Hippest Neighborhood https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-harajuku-what-to-see-eat-buy-and-do-in-tokyos-hippest-neighbourhood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-guide-to-harajuku-what-to-see-eat-buy-and-do-in-tokyos-hippest-neighbourhood https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-harajuku-what-to-see-eat-buy-and-do-in-tokyos-hippest-neighbourhood/#respond Tue, 16 Apr 2019 22:09:29 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-ultimate-guide-to-harajuku-what-to-see-eat-buy-and-do-in-tokyos-hippest-neighbourhood/ Exploring Harajuku is more than just walking down the famed Takeshita Dori Street. There are so many side alleys and hidden shops you need to explore to get a real sense of what Harajuku is all about and not just the touristy side of things. I’ve tried to make this list an easy to follow walking path from the station so you don’t have to backtrack too much!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Harajuku, What to See and Do in Tokyo’s Hippest Neighborhood first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Harajuku was probably the neighbourhood I was most excited to visit on my first trip to Tokyo! For as long as I’d read mangas and watched animes, I’d dreamed of strolling down the colourful and cute streets of Harajuku. When we arrived, it was a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon (which is possibly the worst time to see it). There were hundreds of people there, so many in fact that we could barely walk down the street without pushing through the horde. The next time we visited we decided to come down very early in the morning and found the streets practically empty.

There are pluses and minuses to both scenarios. While seeing the bright and colourful streets empty is a pleasure to just have it to yourself, when it’s busy you can admire all the local kawaii kids even chance at seeing a few Lolitas meandering around. Exploring Harajuku is more than just walking down the famed Takeshita Dori Street. There are so many side alleys and hidden shops you need to explore to get a real sense of what Harajuku is all about and not just the touristy side of things. I’ve tried to make this list an easy to follow walking path from the station so you don’t have to backtrack too much! The map to all the locations listed here is at the bottom of this post!

Table Of Contents
  1. Access
  2. History
  3. Map of Harajuku
  4. Takeshita Street
  5. Paris Kids
  6. Purikura NOA
  7. Daiso
  8. Etude House
  9. Totti Candy Factory
  10. Panama Boy
  11. Marion Crepes
  12. Zaku Zaku Harajuku
  13. CANDY A･GO･GO!
  14. Closet Child & Bodyline
  15. Chapter World
  16. WEGO
  17. Santa Monica Crepes
  18. Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
  19. Starbucks Rooftop Patio
  20. Chicago Omotesando
  21. Alice On Wednesday
  22. Cat Street
  23. RAGTAG
  24. Harajuku Gyozaro
  25. Kiddy Land
  26. 6% DokiDoki
  27. Rainbow Pancake
  28. Eddy's Ice Cream
  29. Santa Monica Vintage
  30. The Airstream Garden
  31. Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

Access

Harajuku is an easy destination to arrive at. The Harajuku Station on the JR East Yamanote Line lets you off right across from Takeshita Dori. You can also get off at the Meiji-jingumae ‘Harajuku’ Station served by the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. You can even take the Tokyo Metro on the Fukutoshin Line to get here, so no matter where you are coming from, it’s only a train ride away.

Outside the train station on busy days you can see hundreds of teenagers hanging out, listening to cute boys singing K-Pop songs and selling their CDs. Girls giggle and blush as the singers point at them as they sing the next romantic ballad.

History

Harajuku initially became the hot spot for Japanese fashion back in the 1970’s. A large fashion house called “Palais France” was built on Meiji Street near the exit of Takeshita Street and sold fashion-forward clothes, accessories and more. With this one large store drawing people down to this area more popular fashion chains started opened up. Then small independent retailers popped up to take advantage of the fashionable crowds.

Harajuku isn’t just one street. It’s the name of a general area spreading from Harajuku Station to Omotesando. In this area, you’ll find dozens of tiny alleyways and side streets where you can discover the newest in alternative, youth fashion. Although Harajuku has become more of a tourist attraction and has lost some of its original uniqueness, there are still lots of interesting stores if you get away from the main drag. Streets like Cat Alley are where you can still find independent retailers selling the hottest Japanese fashions and lifestyle accessories. In addition to clothes and accessories, you can also find Japanese souvenirs at pretty good prices, so it’s a good place to pick up some presents for back home while you’re here.

Modern Day Harajuku

Although the masses of people seem overwhelming, these Sunday crowds have been happening since 1977, when they closed down the street to traffic and turned it into a pedestrian only walkway. On Sundays you’d see local bands gather to play and fashionable Lolitas, punks and creatives modelling their incredible wearable creations. Now a days, more and more people are moving away from the streets and over to the nearby Yoyogi park to gather on Sundays, but you can still see your fair share of uniquely dressed individuals any day of the week, shopping for the perfect accessory to complete their outfit.

In addition to the clothes along the street, there are two other big draws. One is the incredible architecture and design seen on the outsides of these buildings and in their store windows. The other is the inventive food being served up from tiny little nooks and crannies under brightly coloured awnings.

Map of Harajuku

Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street is the main street you’ll enter through. It is a busy pedestrian shopping lane. No cars are allowed after a certain time in the morning and by 11 am you’ll see why. The entire street at busy hours can be completely filled with people, crowds so thick you’ll barely be able to make out the road below. The entrance to the street is always decorated with a different design made out of balloons. Along this street are many of the most popular shops in Harajuku. While some are worth skipping, others are historic establishments which helped put this street on the map.

Paris Kids

Paris Kids was probably my favourite store. Inside are thousands of accessories in amazing kawaii (cute) Japanese designs. Doughnut shaped earrings and cute kitten headbands were plastered all over the walls. Everything was really cheap, most things going at a rate of 3 for $10, 5 for $15, etc., etc. Since it was almost Halloween when we visited most of the specialty items were Halloween themed and seemed the perfect place to visit if you needed a quick Halloween costume or just some random accessories to get you in the spirit.

Purikura NOA

Purikura are the Japanese version of photobooths. Except, like with everything in Japan, it is taken to the next level. Down the stairs, just off Takeshita Street, you’ll find the greatest selection of purikura photobooths. Purikura is where you can get those classic Japanese printed photos where you can add text, stickers and give your face the “anime” treatment. The Purikura experience costs 500 yen ($5 US). Once you finish your photoshoot, you’ll get to decorate, alter, add filters and text to all the photos you took. This location in Harajuku definitely has the best selection in terms of decorations you can add to the photos. They even have a dressing and makeup area where you can make sure you look picture perfect.

Daiso

One of my favourite shops in Harajuku was their Daiso location. Daiso has now also found its way into the US, but we still don’t have it in Canada. Inside this massive four-story building is one of the largest 100 Yen shops in Tokyo. You’ll find anything from clothes to kitchenware, food and best of all – stationary. Unlike dollar stores in North America, everything is actually 100 yen ($1), and you’ll find some absolute bargains for items you’d never believe are only $1. This is a GREAT place to grab some souvenirs. You’ll find so many awesome gifts for only $1 which you’ll also see in touristy locations but for at least three times the price.

Etude House

Etude House, a Korean makeup company, have installed a dollhouse inspired storefront right here in the centre of Harajuku. Korean makeup is known the world over as one of the best, and even local Japanese girls will travel down here to get their hands on some of these goods. The packaging design on their products is phenomenal and a gift in itself. Makeup makes for such a unique souvenir and something people will really enjoy using.

Totti Candy Factory

If you’ve ever spent some time cruising the #Harajuku hashtag you’re bound to have seen dozens of pictures of cute girls smiling with GIANT cones of rainbow cotton candy. These amazing candy creations are found at Totti Candy Factory. While there is often a line-up, it moves quickly and while waiting in line you can observe the candy creators inside molding these amazing sweet treats. They are gorgeous to look at and even better to eat!

Panama Boy

Located just off the Takeshita Street, you’ll step away from the main crush of people and suddenly just one street over you’ll find yourself in a much more peaceful side alley. Down the alley you’ll find Panama Boy. It easy to spot since there are piles of clothing simply pouring off the side of this building. Panama Boy is a vintage and thrift store with a collection of custom made as well. They have perfectly curated sections and nothing feels used at all, it’s so lovingly cared for and feels like a bespoke custom brand. This shop does a great job in finding bright and colourful pieces and doesn’t just focus on brand names.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Marion Crepes

Crepes have had a surge in popularity in Japan. It might seem like a recent phenomenon since the creation of Instagram and “food selfies”, but crepes have been a Japanese fascination for over 40 years. Marion Crepes has stood in the same spot since 1976. They brought pancakes to Japan, but instead of the traditional savoury crepes you found in Europe, they added brightly coloured fruits and ice cream to their desserts. Now, you’ll pass many different crepe shops, each with dozens of flavours showcased by intricately designed plastic models. You don’t even need a knife and fork; they come folded into a cone for a portable sweet treat to enjoy while pursuing the local shops.

Zaku Zaku Harajuku

One of the most popular food trends to hit the streets of Harajuku in the last few years has been Zaku Zaku and their famous croquant chou (crispy cream puffs). These delicate pastries are covered in toffee crunch and then filled with fresh cream from Hokkaido. Hokkaido cream is world famous and is what a lot of ice cream here in Japan is made of. This treat is wonderfully decadent but if you have room for it you must give it a try!

 

 
 
 
 
 
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CANDY A･GO･GO!

This candy shop is not only a feast for your mouth but also for your eyes! I came in here solely to look at the awesome designs and decorations covering the walls but left with a bag full of candies which were almost too pretty to eat…almost.

Closet Child & Bodyline

Although Lolitas were once always seen walking the streets of Harajuku, their popularities has shrunk over the years. They do like the attention, but it became too overwhelming, and often it’s almost impossible for a Lolita to walk down the streets of Harajuku without being hounded for hundreds of selfies. But, there are still many Lolita fashion shops in Harajuku selling darling, victorian and gothic inspired dresses.

Closet Child and Bodyline are two popular shops located right beside each other along Takeshita Street. Closet Child has amazing prices for Lolita style clothing which usually is pretty expensive. Even if you’re not a Lolita yourself, visiting these stores is a lot of fun. This type of clothing is so fantastical and a joy to behold. Bodyline features a lot of wigs and costumes for anime cosplay. If you’ve ever wanted an anime costume for Halloween this is the place to pick it up!

Chapter World

Along Takeshita Street, you’ll see dozens of shops selling shoes. But a lot of these are cheap knock-offs and won’t last you long enough to make the purchase worth it. There are however a few shops which are worth your time and feature some truly incredible designs. Chapter World is reliably the best place to find kicks in the city. They’re a chain outlet but the store with the best selection is here in Harajuku. If you can’t afford a new pair or don’t have room in your suitcase, you should definitely check out their selection of rainbow laces to jazz up even the most casual pair of shoes.

WEGO

My FAVOURITE store in Harajuku is WEGO! There are various WEGO’s in Harajuku but I like this one the best since it has a great selection and is further away from the main entrance to Harajuku. Because it’s a little more hidden, this means the shop is often less crowded and therefore more relaxed. WEGO is a trendy fashion brand which blends Japanese pop and American vintage influences into their designs. Their prices are super cheap and if you buy more than $75 US you can use your passport to get a tax free exemption. I honestly had to stop myself from buying up the entire store but came home with a few choices pieces. Every time I put them on I get to remember this fantastic trip and all these memories from Japan.

Santa Monica Crepes

Santa Monica Crepes has some of the best signage and I loved visiting their shop. But since I enjoy Marion Crepes more I always opt for Santa Monica’s decadent bubble tea parfaits. These sweet drinks are topped off with whipped cream, fresh fruit, ice cream and even sometimes a bit of cake. They’re as beautiful as the plastic models and taste even better.

Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku

As you walk towards the intersection between Omotesando and Harajuku you’ll find it’s hard to miss Tokyu Plaza. This incredible building houses all the high-end fashion brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci and Chanel. As you approach your eye will be immediately caught by the dazzling kaleidoscope of mirrors that serves as the entrance to the mall. They call this the stargate. And with good reason. The building was designed by Hiroshi Nakamura. He wanted it to reflect, “the time and the season, for an ever-changing view,”. Standing outside or in, you can see all around the crossing. The people, the landscape and the colours that change within it.

Starbucks Rooftop Patio

In the Tokyu Plaza, take the elevator straight to the top and head to the rooftop Starbucks. I know, I know, I should be telling you to try more international places than just Starbucks, but trust me, we’re not here for the coffee. Opposite the Starbucks on the top floor is a pair of double doors that lead you out onto this enormous outdoor patio. There are hundreds of seats, both at tables and along these beautiful wooden benches and staggered stairs steps which serve as more places to sit. From here you have an amazing view across Harajuku and the stunning garden spread across the rooftop. You absolutely do not have to buy a coffee to stay up here. I even decided to run to the conbini before I arrived and had my own little picnic up here on the cheap while enjoying this priceless view!

Chicago Omotesando

Chicago is one of my favourite vintage outlets in the city. They have a seemingly unending assortment of vintage finds and their selection of designer goods is truly impeccable. But my favourite part of their shop are the vintage silk kimonos. I found such beautiful designs, every single one of which I put on made me feel like Japanese royalty. Kimonos are such a traditional piece of Japanese history and one which I always recommend people pick up as a souvenir. But getting a vintage one feel that much more special, like you’re buying a piece of history.

Alice On Wednesday

Down the street a little bit is a tiny doorway which leads you into a fairytale world. Alice On Wednesday is one of a few different Alice in Wonderland themed stores and restaurants in Tokyo. Inside this shop you’ll uncover three floors, each one designed to reflect aspects of the famed story. You’ll come upon the White Room where Alice drinks the shrinking potion, the Queen of Hearts’ room and the Mad Hatter’s room. The shop sells various accessories in the ‘wonderland‘ style as well as bottled beverages with “drink me” labels. It’s a great place to go if you’re a big Alice fan!

Cat Street

On the East side of Harajuku, you’ll find the famed ‘Cat Street‘. This pedestrian street is where you’ll find the majority of the alternative brands, vintage shops and hip restaurants and cafes. Cat Street is where the original Harajuku hipsters have now fled with the onset of so many tourists along Takeshita Street. These pedestrianised roads have a different feel to them, greenery seems to pour over the edges of buildings and there is a more peaceful, laid back feeling to the stores and laneways.

RAGTAG

RAGTAG both looks and feels more like a department store than a second-hand designer clothing store. The Japanese are very passionate about reducing waste and you really do see less fast fashion here in lieu of stores like RAGTAG which have branches all over Japan. They verify every piece of clothing they sell so you know you’re getting the real deal. While the more rare pieces are pretty costly, this is a great opportunity to nab yourself some designer pieces for a great price!

Harajuku Gyozaro

If you need somewhere to replenish after all that walking and shopping, look no further! Harajuku Gyozaro is a cheap and delicious option offering steamed and fried gyoza. The gyoza costs only 290 yen ($2.50 US), which is an absolute steal! Try to avoid the lunch and dinner rush, because this is a popular spot and it gets PACKED. Going on off hours is a great way to sneak in without too long of a line up. There isn’t much selection so it’s easy to order, just try to figure out how many orders of these delicious treats you’ll want!

Kiddy Land

Right along the main road as you exit the quiet Cat Street you’ll find the candy apple red storefront which is Kiddy Land. Despite the word ‘kid’ in the name of the store, this place is for everyone. It’s multiple floors of delightful toys, clothing, home goods and stationary are themed after popular cartoon characters or nostalgic anime figures. My favourite was all the amazing Sailor Moon goods and My Little Pony retro items. The entire place as a joy to peruse and we even discovered ‘Gudetama‘ here which soon became our favourite Sanrio character.

6% DokiDoki

6% DokiDoki is one of Harajuku’s most iconic shops. Selling crazy coloured clothing and accessories, their unique designs became the origin of the term ‘decora’ fashion. The store looks like a Lisa Frank sticker book exploded! All their items are made just for those adults who never grew up. Hearts, stars and sparkles are mandatory in everything you see, and neon is the base layer for almost everything. I had a great time exploring the store, everything is created with such love, and even just a small piece would brighten up any outfit. The cost of these clothes was pretty high, but for such unique items, it is something worth picking up.

Rainbow Pancake

The craze for impossibly fluffy and jiggly pancakes is one still going strong in Japan and one of the best places to eat them is at Rainbow Pancake cafe. The line up can get pretty long here so the earlier you arrive the better chance you’ll have at getting a table more easily. And obviously, weekdays are less busy than on the weekends. These pancakes are made with a lot of eggs (to give them that fluffy texture) so the taste is both savoury and sweet. Top it off with over a dozens different toppings and you’ll find yourself in food heaven!

Eddy’s Ice Cream

If you didn’t get your fill of sweetness at Rainbow Pancake then head down the winding alleyways towards Eddy’s Ice Cream. This place can be found easily by the amazing pastel painted exteriors and generally long line up outside the door. The interior is miniature but its neon pink painted walls and brightky coloured ice creams are more than enough to make it feel larger than life. Their ice creams are perfectly Instagram worthy but also super delicious. You can either choose one of their designs or build your own custom creation!

Santa Monica Vintage

Santa Monica Vintage feels like it should belong on the west coast of California and not in the crowded centre of Tokyo. Those white walls and peaceful music playing throughout transports you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In here you’ll find some really unique pieces of clothing all with a a definite bohemian vibe.

The Airstream Garden

To finish your day in Harajuku, head over to the Airstream Garden. This coffee shop is located inside an old 1930s Airstream trailer but has a cute little sitting area outside, made out of staggered wooden steps. Here you can both enjoy the delicious coffee made inside and soak in the last little bits of Harajuku. While it might get the reputation of being a very touristy place, Harajuku is popular for a reason. Don’t let the crowds scare you off! This magical neighbourhood is worth your time and you’ll find so many more places other than the ones listed here to make your trip to Harajuku all that more special but I hope this list gets you started!

Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum

The Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum showcases the works of the late Taro Okamoto, a famous Japanese painter and sculptor. It’s a super unique museum that is truly a hidden gem. His exhibits different pieces from his collection on rotation so there is always something different to see.

Have you been to Harajuku? What was your favourite thing you found there? If you’re planning your trip what are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Harajuku, What to See and Do in Tokyo’s Hippest Neighborhood first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-harajuku-what-to-see-eat-buy-and-do-in-tokyos-hippest-neighbourhood/feed/ 0 653 Ultimate Guide to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan https://thecreativeadventurer.com/ultimate-guide-to-sensoji-temple-in-asakusa-tokyo-japan/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ultimate-guide-to-sensoji-temple-in-asakusa-tokyo-japan https://thecreativeadventurer.com/ultimate-guide-to-sensoji-temple-in-asakusa-tokyo-japan/#respond Wed, 06 Mar 2019 15:00:00 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//ultimate-guide-to-sensoji-temple-in-asakusa-tokyo-japan/ When you think of visiting Japan, no doubt one of the first things you'll imagine is walking into an ancient temple, painted bright vermillion, the smells of incense wafting the air. One of the most iconic of these temples is Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Perhaps the most visited temple in Tokyo, Sensoji is also the oldest temple in the city with over half millennia of stories to tell.

The post Ultimate Guide to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> When you think of visiting Japan, no doubt one of the first things you’ll imagine is walking into an ancient temple painted bright vermillion, the smells of incense wafting the air. One of the most iconic of these temples is Sensoji in Asakusa, Tokyo. Perhaps the most visited temple in Tokyo, Sensoji is also the oldest temple in the city, with over half millennia of stories to tell.

Table Of Contents
  1. History
  2. Access
  3. Northwest Gate
  4. Architecture
  5. Entering the Temple
  6. Omikuji Fortunes
  7. Goshuincho
  8. Goju-no-to
  9. Hozomon Gate
  10. Nakamise Shopping Street

History

Sensoji is a Buddhist temple which was first built in 645 AD. In the early 1600s, the Tokugawa shogun created the city of Edo. Edo’s defences were the weakest near its northeast and southwest edges or, as they called them, the “demon gates.” Tokugawa needed all the help he could get to help defend them. For this reason, he created two temples in each location to help call on the Buddha to protect his land. Sensoji was the protector of the northeast district, and the Zojoji temple was built in the southeast to ensure full protection around Tokyo.

Access

There are various ways of travelling to Sensoji temple. Sensoji is only minutes from Asakusa Station, served by various railways making it a quick and easy journey. Take either the Ginza Subway Line, Hanzomon Line or Asakusa Line towards Asakusa station.

Northwest Gate

Most people enter through the Kaminarimon Gate. This is the traditional entrance to the temple, but I would you enter through the Northwest gate. This entry is much less crowded and allows a more peaceful entrance to the temple. Then you can explore the Kaminarimon gate area afterwards. This passage feels almost like a secret. There is no right or wrong way to experience this temple, and although this might be considered a bit backward, it’s worth trying this alternate route.

Along the passageway to the temple, there is a huge white sign with bright red kanji letters printed on it, welcoming you to the Sensoji temple. Along the stone pathway are groups of red lanterns. Each of the lanterns along the ground lights up at night, providing a gorgeous glowing pathway for visiting coming in the evening.

Architecture

From a distance, the bright red roof of the temple pops out above the trees. The golden filigree sparkled, even without the sun shining. Temples in Japan are all made of wood, as wood was used more than stone because of the earthquakes, which would so often rock the country. Intricate carvings and decorations are embedded into the timber construction.

Dressing in Kimonos to Visit the Temple

As you walk around the grounds of the temple, you’ll spot dozens of women dressed in gorgeous kimonos. They were both tourists and locals alike. Kimonos are a very formal pieces of attire, so even people who own them never really get a chance to wear them often. Visiting a sacred temple is an opportunity to wear such attire, so people take the time to dress up. Even if you don’t own a kimono, as they are incredibly expensive, there are lots of shops around that rent them out so you can explore in style. As you wander around the temple, these beautifully dressed women pop up like brightly coloured flowers coming into bloom.

Koi Ponds

Surrounding the temple are several koi ponds filled with bright orange and black spotted fish. Koi fish symbolize good fortune and are known to be very lucky. They give the observer strength of purpose. For this reason, they are often found all around Buddhist temples.

Ablution Fountain

Make your way to the ablution fountain. There you’ll see a huge dragon sculpted atop a bronze pagoda-shaped altar. Take a moment here to purify yourself and listen to the water trickling below your feet. This area is one of the calmest parts of the grounds as it’s not the main attraction and, therefore, not overrun with tourists. Spend a few minutes here basking in the peace and tranquillity of the landscape around you.

Purification

Before entering the shrine, it is customary to cleanse yourself at the chozuya. If you’ve never done this before it is an interesting custom which is worth trying for yourself to give yourself over to the traditional experience. To perform this cleaning follow the steps below:

  1. Take the ladle with your right hand and pour the water over your left hand
  2.  Switch hands with the ladle
  3.  Take the spoon with your left hand and pour the water over your right hand
  4.  Pour water into your cupped hand, and place the water into your mouth – but don’t swallow. Swish it around in your mouth for a couple of seconds, then spit it out on the ground
  5.  Tilt the handle perpendicular to let water pour down the handle of the spoon, cleaning it as well for the person who will next use it

Entering the Temple

As you enter the temple, you ascend long concrete stairs. Although the temple doesn’t seem very high, walking up this long set of stairs makes you feel like you’re stepping away from the mortal plain and entering another place altogether.

Inside Sensoji Temple

Inside the temple, you’ll first notice the enormous golden statue, lights and flowers behind a massive glass wall. This is the central area for prayer, where only priests are allowed. One of the reasons that Sensoji is so popular is because it is known to contain a very mythical statue. As legend tells, two brothers were fishing in a river during the Edo period. They caught a golden statue of the Buddhist deity Kannon in their nets. The brothers threw it back in the water, but every time they put their lines back in the water, they would catch the statue again. They brought the statue to their village chief, who built a temple in its honour.

People came from everywhere to worship the incredible statue. Although you can’t see the icon today, some say it’s buried under the temple for protection; people still come from all over to worship here. Keep your eyes peeled for Asakusa’s crest while exploring the city. It’s a crest with three nets symbolizing the nets used to catch the golden statue.

The Ceiling Paintings

The ceiling of the temple portrays various celestial scenes of Buddhism. A nymph is pictured swirling among cherry blossoms, and a dragon curls its tail against a watercoloured sky. Perfectly framed against that bright red wooden ceiling.

Omikuji Fortunes

Two shops on either side of the entrance stairs sell omamori amulets, scrolls, incense, books about the temple and omikuji fortunes. Omikujis are random fortunes written on paper held in labelled drawers. To receive your fortune, place a few yen into a metal box and pick out a small wooden stick from an adjacent container. The kanji characters on the wooden stick will lead you to the box where you’ll find your fortune.

Luckily, since this is a big tourist site, the fortunes have small English translations and Japanese kanji. We received a “last and small fortune.” Not the greatest results but not a dreaded “worst fortune.” If you receive a negative fortune, fold the piece of paper into a thin strip and tie it up on the thin string outside the temple – you’ll see hundreds of other bad fortunes tied up there as well. By tieing your fortune up here, you leave this bad omen behind.

Goshuincho

The best souvenir from the shrine is the goshuincho calligraphy. A goshuincho is an “honourable stamp/seal book.” You can buy a blank notebook before you arrive or when you get to any temple. Each temple has a different design, so pick your favourite. Then, at every temple, you can pay ¥500 to have your book handed over to a local priest who will stamp it with the temple’s seal and write the temple’s name and date in beautiful calligraphy. Collecting these becomes a little tradition for yourself at every place you visit. It’s an inexpensive and meaningful souvenir, as the money given goes towards the maintenance of the temple.

Exit the temple down the centre staircase, which leads you to the main courtyard. This is a great space, a great spot to grab a photo of the entire complex. I like being able to take the photo after visiting the interior as you don’t feel as rushed to get inside and can instead take your time to study the exterior surroundings.

Incense Cleansing

People are usually packed around a large copper incense burner in the centre of the square. Many visitors waft the smoke toward any part of their body that aches, as legend has it that the incense from the temple will help cure what ails you. You’ll find incense for sale throughout the market and inside any of the temple shops. Feel free to purchase some and light it inside this vast burner.

Goju-no-to

Head over to above the striking Goju-no-to, the five-storied pagoda. This pagoda is from the 10th century and is one of the last of its kind. Inside, it contains thousands of memorial tablets and Japanese gravestones, and as such, it is closed to visitors. Every five stories represent elements of the Buddhist universe; sky, wind, fire, water and earth.

Hozomon Gate

South of the temple is two enormous gates. The first gate you’ll pass as you continue south is the Hozomon Gate. Despite being called a “gate,” it looks more like a building. The Hōzōmon was first built in 942 AD, it was destroyed by fire and war many times over the years, and the current gate is the result of reconstruction from 1945.

Inside the gate are three giant lanterns hanging beneath three passageways. The largest of the lanterns is a red chōchin which weighs over 400 kg. Besides the large chōchin are two smaller copper tōrō. Tōrō, in English, literally translates to “light basket.” These lanterns are considered an offering to Buddha and, as such, are often seen as you enter a Buddhist temple.

Flanking each side of the gate are two Nio statues. They are protectors, ready to defend their temple should the need arise. The designs of the current figures were made in the 1960s and modelled after famous sumo wrestlers. They each wear jumbo-sized waraji straw sandals, and each year, the townsfolk gather to help create new pairs after the old ones become too weather-worn.

Nakamise Shopping Street

Head away from the temple, down Nakamise shopping street. The street is over 100 years old and 250 meters long. The name means “inside street,” as the road is technically located within the temple grounds. These days the shops mainly sell different types of souvenirs. Although you might seem dubious about buying anything here since it looks like a tourist trap, I found that the prices here were more than reasonable! These shops have offered traditional Japanese handicrafts for over a hundred years. So don’t be afraid to pick something up! I’m not saying you’ll get the best deal, but by no means are you paying top dollar.

This is another one of the reasons I like this guide since it allows you to shop on your way out, so you’re not carrying shopping bags with you inside the temple. Besides typical Japanese souvenirs such as yukatas and folding fans are traditional local snacks from the Asakusa area.

Food Stalls

One of my favourite parts of Nakamise Street is the food. Sample various traditional treats like curry buns, sakura mochi, Amezaiku candy, Dango and more. Check out my street food guide to Asakusa here for a full list of the things you NEED to try when visiting.

Kaminarimon

At the end of Nakamise street is the Kaminarimon, or “Thunder Gate.” This is the main entrance for most people visiting, but I find it makes for the perfect ending. The original Kaminarimon was built over 1000 years ago. Under the large, ornate roof stands two bronze statues. These represent the deities Fujin-same and Raijin-same, the god of wind, thunder, and lightning. In the centre of the gate hangs a GIANT red lantern with the kanji letters for “thunder gate” written on it. Above the red lamp is a green plaque that reads “Golden Dragon Mountain,” the original name for Sensoji. The contrast between the teal wood pickets and the vermillion red structure is striking.

You can’t help but shudder under its imposing nature, and it makes you understand why the shogun designed it this way. This was his place of protection. Even without being surrounded by an army or soldiers, the structure spoke volumes about the strength and power of the empire it was under.

Visiting Sensoji Shrine is much more than just one little building. It’s an entire complex full of incredible pieces of architecture from Japan’s past and culinary treats to fuel your body as you explore!

The post Ultimate Guide to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/ultimate-guide-to-sensoji-temple-in-asakusa-tokyo-japan/feed/ 0 181 The Ultimate Souvenir Shopping Guide in Mexico City https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-souvenir-shopping-guide-mexico-city/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-ultimate-souvenir-shopping-guide-mexico-city https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-souvenir-shopping-guide-mexico-city/#comments Mon, 04 Feb 2019 14:05:04 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//the-ultimate-souvenir-shopping-guide-mexico-city/ Shopping in Mexico City was one of my favourite activities when I visited this city! I found so many incredible things; textiles, interior decor items, sugar skulls, vintage clothing and more! I loved bartering in the markets and scouring the antique stores for lost treasures. Souvenir shopping in Mexico City is so affordable that you’ll want to get something for everyone so I’ve complied a list of my ‘must-buy’ and places places to shop for your friends and family, and most of all - for yourself!

The post The Ultimate Souvenir Shopping Guide in Mexico City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> Shopping in Mexico City was one of my favourite activities when I visited this city! I found so many incredible things; textiles, interior decor items, sugar skulls, vintage clothing and more! I loved bartering in the markets and scouring the antique stores for lost treasures. Souvenir shopping in Mexico City is so affordable that you’ll want to get something for everyone so I’ve compiled a list of my ‘must-buy’ items and places to shop for your friends and family, and most of all – for yourself!

Table Of Contents
  1. Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela
  2. Peletería Continental
  3. Velas Cerería de Jesús
  4. Xinú Perfumeria
  5. Dulcería de Celaya
  6. La Casa Del Coleccionista
  7. Mexican Coffee Beans
  8. Mole Paste
  9. Happening Store
  10. Cafebrería El Péndulo

Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela

The Mercado De Artesanias La Ciudadela, located near the historic city centre, was my favourite market to shop for Mexican crafts and souvenirs. I’ve never felt so overwhelmed by colourful trinkets and found it almost impossible not to buy absolutely everything I saw here. The market is pretty big, so big in fact that we had to come back twice and even then, felt like there was so much we didn’t see. Unlike other Mexican markets I’ve been to in places like Nogales and Punta Cana, I didn’t feel like there was anyone chasing me down the hall for a sale or even hassling people to come in a visit their story.

Address: Emilio Donde S/n, Colonia Centro, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Centro, CDMX, Mexico

It was oddly calm and civilized, and that’s something I didn’t expect. People were willing to haggle, but I think there is definitely a tourist markup price you’ll get here. That being said, the prices are so cheap it almost feels bad to ask them to lower it any more than it already is priced. Sometimes, we paid exactly what they asked because it seemed fair. In other cases, we would attempt to haggle for a lower price, especially if we were buying multiples. I want to post just about this market and my favourite shops. But if I had to make a shortlist and pick a few highlights, it would be the tin sacred hearts, the brightly coloured pom-poms and tassels and the richly embroidered tablecloths.

Peletería Continental

Peletería Continental is one of those places which I feel almost hesitant to talk about since I truly think it’s my the best place I found in my time in Mexico City. There is something about keeping it to myself that felt like I held a precious secret, but it’s truly too cool to keep to myself. On paper, if you look up Peletería Continental you’ll find that it’s a just leather wholesaler. So why would a tourist want to go there? Well, it’s not just leather they sell, and it’s not just wholesale. In large display cases on the outside of the store are beautiful pieces of embroidery and jeweled patched. There are dozens of other fabric embellishments like bows, rhinestones and more! These are meant to sold for wholesale, perhaps for clothing manufacturers and fashion designers but if you want to just buy one, that’s totally ok!

Experience Inside

I was lucky enough to have someone in the store who explained the process in English to me, but in case you don’t find an English speaker here is what you do. Write down the letter and number code of the item you’re interested in. There is a huge tv sized iPad near the doors where you can input the item # and it will tell you the price in pesos per item.

Then once you have the list of items you want and the number of each, just take that list to the counter and someone will go to find your pieces. They’ll give you a total for all your items (which I think if you were buying in bulk you could probably haggle down) and you can then excitedly watch as the items are sent down in an antique style elevator from the stock room above. There were people buying thousands of items all around me and it was so exciting to be a part of. This shop has been open for years and remnants of the old world trading still remain. It’s like shopping with a side of history.

Address: José María Pino Suárez 28, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06060 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Velas Cerería de Jesús

Just down the street from Peletería Continental is Velas Cerería de Jesús. This seemingly small and unassuming candle shop is amazing. As soon as you walk in the doors you’ll see tall candles hanging from the ceiling. Each one fantastically decorated with flower petals and blooms made from wax. There are some which are almost 2 feet tall and are a rainbow of colours. Some look more like flower arrangements than candles. I purchased a few of the smaller versions which ranged from $2-$5! They packaged these up in boxes for me and I didn’t have any issues travelling home with them. I also purchased some of their tall stick candles since I’ve never seen so many different colours at such a good price! 35cm candles were only 20 pesos, which is about $1 USD.

Address: Calle de Venustiano Carranza 122-C, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Centro, Cuauhtémoc, 06010 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Xinú Perfumeria

Xinú Perfumeria is located in the high-end district of Polanco. When we first visited we thought it was closed but turns out you just need to ring the doorbell to unlock the front door. This store is mind-blowing and visiting is an experience all to itself. When we first entered the entry room, there were framed pieces of tobacco on every wall. The smell of this gently roasted tobaccos filled the room and beckoned you in further.

From there you enter another room, so dark you can barely see. Xinú means ‘nose’ in Otomi. Otomi is a beautiful tonal language still present in various regions of Mexico. In so many ways your nose is what guides you to your destination here. On one wall sits a set of beautifully designed olfactory devices. You then climb a never-ending set of stairs until you reach the top where you find the store itself. Inside the main room is a naturalist’s table. A naturalist’s table is used to observes, gather and collect elements from their natural surroundings. Here it is being used to display all the pieces of flora, natural to Mexico City, which are used in developing these unique scents.

Xinú’s Philosophy

Xinú’s philosophy is that it appeals to our individual olfactory memory. Their perfumes were all unlike anything I had smelled before and so rich, even a small whiff transcended me into another realm. Xinú is also very passionate about saving the environment from which so many of these natural elements grow, and without whom, these perfumes could not be produced. Their innovative bottle designs can be re-purposed into vases or incense holders once the perfume has run out. My favourite scent was the UMMO. It was their newest scent containing absolute tobacco, jasmine tobacco flower, liquid amber resin and cedar essence. It was incredible but unfortunately, it was the one scent they had sold out of! I was pretty heartbroken but gives me another reason to return to Mexico City as they aren’t available online just yet!

Address: Alejandro Dumas 161, Polanco, Polanco IV Secc, Miguel Hidalgo, 11560 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Dulcería de Celaya

Dulcería de Celaya, located in the heart of the historic district, is a tiny, old shop which has been selling traditional Mexican candies and sweets since 1874. Walking into the shop it feels like nothing has changed in over 100 years. When the family-run shop first started selling candy it was all made in a small, improvised factory using wooden shovels, copper saucepans and a minature oven. They could only produce so much per day, often only one tray of candy. But the candy was so popular that they would sell out day after day and as the demand rose, they managed to expand their production.

Even today they produce candy in much the same way as it was made in that tiny kitchen. You walk in the door and the smell of fresh pineapples, strawberries, guavas and coconut fill the air. The candy is very well priced so even if you don’t’ recognize anything just let the smells guide you can just try whatever your eye is drawn to.

Address: Av. 5 de Mayo 39, Centro Histórico de la Cdad. de México, Cuauhtémoc, 06000 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

La Casa Del Coleccionista

La Casa Del Coleccionista in Coyoacan is a tiny antique store located right near Centenario Garden. This store houses precious treasures from years past and if you’re looking for something for your home to bring back with you this is the place to go. There were so many old paintings, candlesticks and wall hangings which were incredibly charming and held within the memories of the past. While it’s nice to buy something new, an antique is a wonderful way of experiencing the Mexico City of year’s past and something you can’t just buy in any store. Each antique collection is unique to that one location and pilfering through their collections offers up singular treasures.

Address: Av Francisco Sosa 1, Santa Catarina, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mexican Coffee Beans

Mexico is one of the world’s best producers of coffee beans and while the coffee beans might not be grown in Mexico City, Mexico City is one of their best roasters. Coffee culture is a huge part of this city! In areas like La Condesa and Roma there are chic coffee shops on every corner. Coffee is a very personal choice to many people, some like a darker roast, other like ones with more subtle flavours.

Instead of just going to the grocery store to buy some beans, I would explore the local cafes, almost every coffee shop offers bulk purchases of their own unique roast of beans. I would recommend exploring all the coffee shops in your area and when you find your favourite, ask to purchase a few pounds to return home with you. When you get home you’ll be able to brew a little bit of Mexico City in your home. We loved ‘Cardinal’ in La Condesa who serves up Cosautlan de Carvajal from Veracruz, which has notes of orange and chocolate. Absolutely delicious!

Address: Córdoba 132, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Mole Paste

Mole is a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine made from fruit, chili pepper, nut, and such spices as black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and chocolate. It’s a very unique flavour and although it might not be for everyone, if you love it, you LOVE it! You’ll see (and hopefully you’ll also taste) this sauce on street corners and fancy restaurants all over the city! While the mixture might seem like an overwhelming recipe you can actually buy the dried paste in various markets across the city. The best stuff is made from scratch but if you’re not an aficionado or have access to all those local ingredients at home, this will do just fine. The Coyoacan Market has an incredible section of different mole flavours and was my favourite place to shop for these rich flavours of Mexico City.

Address: Ignacio Allende s/n, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Happening Store

Happening Store has two locations in Mexico City. They sell a variety of different goods made by local Mexican designers. They have everything from footwear, to jewellery to houseware and soaps. There is definitely a hipster quality to the products sold here but if you’re a fan of that kind of stuff then you’ll be in heaven! It’s always nice when visiting a city to try and support local, small business and shopping here you’ll find you’re able to explore a variety of designers right in one place!

Address: Tabasco 210, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

Cafebrería El Péndulo

Cafebrería El Péndulo is a magical little place where you can explore all different literary fantasies. The bookshop was established in 1993, and as the name states, it is a combination of Cafeteria and Bookshop. On the first level is where you’ll find hundreds of shelves of books and on the second floor you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or a lazy, mid-morning brunch. There are six different locations across Mexico City, each with the same open and luminous architecture and eclectic decoration. If you can’t read Spanish it’s still worth browsing the store and seeing all the different amazing books, music and art on sale. I loved the selection of notebooks and journals from local artists with that same stunning Mexican colours and design which make this city so enchanting.

Address: Mario Pani 200, Lomas de Santa Fe, Contadero, Cuajimalpa de Morelos, 01219 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico

There is truly something for everyone in this magical city! Let me know what your favourite places are to shop in Mexico City and hopefully I can add them to my list the next time I’m visiting this amazing place.

The post The Ultimate Souvenir Shopping Guide in Mexico City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/the-ultimate-souvenir-shopping-guide-mexico-city/feed/ 6 735 A Complete Guide to Glasgow’s Trendy West End https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-glasgows-west-end/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=guide-to-glasgows-west-end https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-glasgows-west-end/#respond Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:00:43 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//guide-to-glasgows-west-end/ To visit some of Scotland hipest shops and restaurants, we headed off to Glasgow's infamous Ashton Lane. Ashton Lane is a cobblestone backstreet in the West end lined with bars, restaurants and even a cinema. All of these places are housed in the old, brick houses that have stood on this street for ages. 

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]]> Glasgow’s West End is a neighborhood steeped in history and culture, renowned for its charming Victorian architecture, trendy cafes and vibrant nightlife. From bustling Byres Road to tranquil Kelvingrove Park, the West End offers something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of this diverse and captivating neighborhood, introducing you to its most notable sights and hidden gems. Whether you’re a local resident or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Glasgow’s West End.”

Table Of Contents
  1. 1. Aston Lane
  2. 2. De Courcy's Arcade
  3. 3. Vintage Shopping
  4. 5. Afternoon Tea at Kember & Jones
  5. 6. Used Book Shops
  6. 7. Oran Mor Pub
  7. 8. Glasgow Botanic Gardens
  8. 9. The Hillhead Bookclub
  9. 10. Old Salty's

1. Aston Lane

To start your visit to Glasgow’s West End, check out some of Scotland hippest shops and restaurants along the infamous Ashton Lane. Ashton Lane is a cobblestone backstreet in the West end lined with bars, restaurants and even a cinema. All of these places are housed in the old, brick houses that have stood on this street for ages. It’s iconic white painted brick houses with black roofs, and blackened cobblestones is a quintessential image of Glasgow and a must-stop spot for travellers. We stopped off at for the Grosvenor Cafe for a drink before settling on a place for lunch. We decided to grab a seat on the balcony to people watch. It was the perfect place for this. From up here you could see everyone coming and going below, and I imagined that at night it would be ever more a spectacle.

2. De Courcy’s Arcade

We continued down the lane and stopped in at a few vintage shops at De Courcy’s Arcade. There were so many things I wish I could have fit in my suitcase. I had my eye on an entire set of tea cups and saucers but knew; this would never make it back home in one piece. In the arcade, there were a few vintage shops along with a very sweet vintage tea room serving up some of the most delicious looking drinks we’d seen all day. But it was no time for cakes, well, not yet anyways.

3. Vintage Shopping

We stopped into a few more vintage shops on our way to our lunch destination. We ended up at ‘Starry Starry Night’ which was a delightful little store where specializing in pristine condition army jackets! They were a bit too heavy for our suitcase but if this has been our last destination we sure would have taken a few home for ourselves. I did buy a lovely embroidered piece of cloth. A tiny little souvenir of the store. There was an incredible amount of quality items here, and it turned out they were one of the stores that Downton Abbey frequented when looking for clothing for the show! We also stopped into ‘Ruthven Mews’. This little arcade which contained a few different vintage shops, some with fascinating specialisations. I poked around one store that was filled with old dishes and canisters. I found a very darling cookie tins and bought them for only a few bucks. They were perfect for travelling with as I used them to store my socks or small clothing!

5. Afternoon Tea at Kember & Jones

After shopping, we finally decided it was time to grab something to eat. We had our heart set on Kember & Jones, a delightful little bakery/cafe. Kember & Jones are popular for their local produce and in-house bakery.

We were dying for some a sweet and savoury meal so we opted to order their local cheese and charcuterie board along with a freshly baked scone with clotted cream and jam. It cream was like eating air, and the scone was heavenly fresh. One of the best I’d ever eaten. The cheese board was chock-o-block full of local cheese, fresh pate and homemade chutney. It was divine.

6. Used Book Shops

After filling our bellies to the point of bursting, we wandered through the street, stopping into all different shops on the way home. We stopped into on charity shop where I found a 1911 printing of Shakespeare’s Henry IV. It smelled wonderful; you know that old book smell that is beyond replication.

7. Oran Mor Pub

After a long walk, we stopped into the Oran Mor pub. The Oran Mor was a Kelvinside Parish Church was built in 1862 by J.J. Stevenson that has since been restored and turned into a bar, event and theatre space.

It was one of the coolest bars I’d even been to. The stained glass on the windows and the old wood on the floors were all original, and the place was brimming with history. Even the bar itself, which was a new installation felt lived in like it had been there for ages.

8. Glasgow Botanic Gardens

After having a drink in the pub, we headed off to the Glasgow Botanic Gardens. The gardens were created in 1817 and as such, the trees, flowers and even the building feel like it has been a part of the city for hundreds of years. When we arrived, the sun was out and shining, and the flowers in the garden simply glowed.

The most famous building in the gardens is the Kibble Palace. A 19th century wrought iron glasshouse. The building initially just an exhibition and concert venue but in the 1880’s it was turned into a greenhouse. For a city that doesn’t get the most warmth or sun, this place was an oasis for the people to visit when they needed a respite from the cold.

Inside the glass while the domed structure is bright green plants growing wild and yet restrained. Plants from all over the world have lived here for 120 years. We walked through the pathways like walking through a maze. Losing each other for moments and then seeing each other reappear around the bend. We sat down for a few minutes here and there to take a break from all the walking, and there wasn’t a perfect place to take a break.

9. The Hillhead Bookclub

After the gardens, and before heading home, we stopped off at the Hillhead Bookclub. The Book Club is a fun bar where patrons can play retro video games, ping-pong, board games and even order cocktails served up in a gramophone. Yes, you heard me right.

You can play Sonic the Hedgehog on old big box TVs, old gastronomic creations and play a myriad of old board games inside the dark and edgy interiors.

10. Old Salty’s

To finish off a tour of the West End of Glasgow, you need to end with Fish and Chips and ‘Old Salty’s’ is one of the best places to get it.

Don’t miss out on trying the macaroni pie. Whether you eat inside or get it for “take away” it’s the best way to end your day, or start it for that matter 😉

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]]> https://thecreativeadventurer.com/guide-to-glasgows-west-end/feed/ 0 341 Your Guide to Yodobashi Kyoto, the Ultimate Department Store https://thecreativeadventurer.com/your-guide-to-yodobashi-kyoto-the-ultimate-department-store/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=your-guide-to-yodobashi-kyoto-the-ultimate-department-store https://thecreativeadventurer.com/your-guide-to-yodobashi-kyoto-the-ultimate-department-store/#respond Thu, 07 Sep 2017 20:34:21 +0000 https://thecreativeadventurer.com//2017-9-7-a-guide-to-yodobashi-kyoto/ One of the strangest things about Japan is that you can spend an entire day inside a shopping mall and have the best time! If it's raining and gloomy out or if the air hot and humid, there is always sanctuary inside giant shopping centres like Kyoto Yodobashi! Inside you'll not only find interesting shops to explore, but you can also eat at some delectable restaurants, have a gourmet coffee and play like a kid in the arcades.

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]]> One of the most unique aspects of Japan is that you can spend an entire day inside a shopping mall and have the best time! If it’s raining and gloomy or the air is hot and humid, there is always a sanctuary inside giant shopping centres. And in Kyoto, the best one is Kyoto Yodobashi! Inside you’ll not only find interesting shops to explore, but you can also eat at some delectable restaurants, have a gourmet coffee and play like a kid in the arcades!

Table Of Contents
  1. About Yodobashi Camera Co.
  2. Kyoto Yodobashi
  3. Basement
  4. 1st Floor | Electronics
  5. Tax-Free Savings
  6. 2nd Floor | Computer Peripherals
  7. 3rd Floor | Home Goods
  8. 4th & 5th Floor | Clothing Botiques
  9. 6th Floor | Yodobashi Dining

About Yodobashi Camera Co.

Yodobashi Camera Co. was a Japanese electronics chain founded by Terukazu Fujisawa in 1960. It was one of the first kind and would be the blueprint for the modern-day electronic store. They were the first to let the general public see and touch cameras, which they would take out of the box and put on display. This way, before spending thousands of yen, buyers go to touch and play with these high-end items. It made purchasing them more understandable and relatable to new customers.

Nowadays, Yodobashi sells more than cameras (although their selection is still pretty impressive). They sell home goods, hundreds of electronics, toys, cosmetics and more! One of the strategies Yodobashi employs is to build their locations near train stations, making it extremely convenient and visible to customers who travel by train weekly.

Kyoto Yodobashi

The Kyoto branch of Yodobashi was built in 2010. Four of the six floors are occupied by Yodobashi, and the rest are rented out shops, restaurants, cafes and a bookshop. There is even a British Style Pub on the first floor with an outdoor patio that is EXTREMELY popular with local Japanese residents.

The interior of Kyoto Yodobashi can be quite a shock. The lights are extremely bright, and the music is always at a 10! Signage with discounts, deals, and more screams out at you from every direction and finding your way around is almost impossible. The design of the store is made to ensure you wander and see everything before finding what you need. The best thing to do is explore each floor and see what you come across.

Basement

If you’re hungry but want to save money, head down to the basement level (B2.) Down here is where you can find the food court and supermarket. You can get everything you need for a picnic or a quick snack!

1st Floor | Electronics

Along the exterior perimeter of the 1st floor is where you’ll find a few small cafes, and inside is the place to try out all the newest iPhones and mobile phones in Japan. The iPhones might be synonymous with the rest of the world, but there are various kinds of cell phones exclusive to Japan that are worth looking at, if only to admire.

Their selection of cameras is still very impressive, and I had to restrain myself from buying one! There were such wide varieties and options we never saw in Canada. They came in neon colours, and many were designed to look like vintage cameras but with modern interiors. I would consider saving up to purchase one for my next trip out here.

The selection of watches in Yodobashi is also extremely comprehensive. Even though everyone has a “watch” on their phones these days, and it might seem like something that has gone the way of the dinosaurs, watches have seen a resurgence in fashion in the last few years. You can find great styles and brands at competitive prices and even search for great deals!

Tax-Free Savings

If you’re not from Japan and spend a certain amount at Yodobashi, you are eligible for a tax-free purchase. Be sure to bring your passport and ask the cashier; they will help ensure you don’t have to pay any of the tax, another way to get a significant saving on a high-priced item!

2nd Floor | Computer Peripherals

On the 2nd floor is their extensive selection of PC peripherals. While this might seem a little mundane, you have to check out the headphones aisle, where you’ll find HUNDREDS of styles, brands and colours of headphones. There are some absolute stunners, so if you want to jazz up your PC at work, you can find a unique set of headphones here.

3rd Floor | Home Goods

The 3rd floor of Yodobashi is where you can find toys, craft materials, stationery and hobbyist goods! This was my favourite floor. Adults collecting toys isn’t frowned upon in Japan; it’s pretty much part of being an adult over there. These collectables are incredible works of art to be treasured and allow the kid inside all of us to live on.

We became obsessed with the “Pose Skeleton” figurines. These toys are super popular in Japan, and you can collect hundreds of sets. They are completely posable and come with furniture, outfits and even pets. There is something both morbid and delightful about these smiling skeletons living on despite being long dead.

Arts and Crafts

Their craft selection was heaven. There were so many different kits in brightly coloured pink packages, and I tried my hardest not to take them home with me. This is a MUST-SEE part of the store for anyone interested in crafting.

My favourite Japanese art collections were the “decora” sets. Each came with different cakes and miniature food items that you could decorate with ‘whipple creme,’ gems, plastic bows and tiny fruits. Japan is obsessed with miniaturization, perhaps because their living spaces are becoming smaller, and there simply isn’t room.

Arcade

The main arcade is also located on the 3rd floor. This arcade was slightly different than others we’d visited since it had game machines that required physical cards, wands and other toys to operate the game. Players here were dedicated to their game of choice and brought special accessories to compete. The bright colours and flashing lights drew me in, but I never took the time to understand how any of these games worked.

Their gachapon centre had some of the best selections in Japan. We wandered up and down the aisles, looking for the strangest ones.

4th & 5th Floor | Clothing Botiques

The fashion boutiques are found on the 4th and 5th floors, and a huge sports store is on the 5th floor. The fashion stores are worth checking out since they have little gems to discover.

6th Floor | Yodobashi Dining

The 6th floor is where you’ll find Yodobashi Dining. Here you’ll be able to eat and drink your way across continents! They have an entire floor of restaurant featuring everything from Western cuisine to Chinese and, of course, Japanese.

Shabu-Shabu

We had a coupon we found in a local newspaper for a Shabu-Shabu restaurant and decided to give this a try for dinner. Shabu-shabu is a Japanese version of a Chinese hot pot where you cook thinly sliced meat and vegetables in water. The name Shabu-shabu is onomatopoeia because of the sound you make when stirring the meat inside the cooking pot.

After the meat and veg are cooked, you dip the ingredients into a sauce of your own creation made with any combination of soy sauce, sesame paste, ponzu sauce, spring onions, and Japanese pickles and then you eat it over rice.

Cooking Dinner

We had such a good time cooking our food and making different combinations of flavours! There was a buffet full of options to put inside your shabu-shabu. Different greens, a variety of mushrooms, hot dogs (!), onions, rice cakes, noodles and more! You had to request the meat from the server, and only after you finished one plate of meat could you be served a second. This might seem like a big effort, but it significantly reduces waste, and the servers were always very quick to bring you over to the next plate.

The environment was so exciting; huge groups of people were gathered around these steaming pots, laughing, drinking and enjoying each other’s company while they ate. They even had a huge ice cream bar, which was all-you-can-eat, so we had to try every flavour.

Bookshop

After a heavy meal, we decided to walk off all that meat with a perusal of the 6th-floor bookshop and cafe. Many people sat reading outside the shop, enjoying a delicious coffee. There were so many unique books and magazines inside the bookshop. They even had a small English selection with great books on tourism around Japan.

Coffee Shop & Purikura

Beside the coffee shop is a small arcade with Purikura photo booths and UFO catchers to spend the last few yen you have in your coin purse. We were obsessed with the Purikura booths; by this time on our trip, we had gotten pretty good at designing the final prints.

This is a great low-key option if you’re looking for somewhere to eat, shop, or pass the time on a bad weather day. Being so close to the train station, it’s also great to grab last-minute souvenirs before heading out to the airport!

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