Raf and I celebrated my birthday with a 10-day trip to Japan last month. We mostly ate, stayed at nice hotels, and shopped… a lot! Below is a highlight reel of the immense damage I inflicted on my Amex; credit goes to the decades-low exchange rate and Japan’s best-in-class retail culture. If I could only ever shop in Japan and Scandinavia… I would die happy. Also, if you are travelling to Japan soon, check out our Tokyo recs doc.
TOKYO
After arriving in Tokyo a day late due to plane issues, we hit the ground running by heading to Aoyama and Omotesando. Raf made several purchases, while I struck out—the main highlights were culinary: an unforgettably smooth cold brew at Koffee Mameya and a super juicy $15 orange from a fancy fruit store.
I had better luck a few days later in Shibuya, when I picked up a vintage racing jacket at Nude Trump, the most overstuffed and over-the-top vintage store I have ever come across, tucked away on the 6th floor of a nondescript building. Yes, they will take a photo of you wearing your new purchase and post it to IG—also Rosalia’s a fan.
Also in Shibuya, I swung by Laila, a vintage store rec from Blackbird Spyplane. Possibly the antithesis of Nude Trump, this shop was extremely well curated with a focus on a handful of avant-garde Japanese and European houses (Yohji, Raf, Margiela…). I passed on two 1980s Issue Miyake sweaters, which looked amazing but would be way too warm for a modern NYC winter.
On our last day in Tokyo, I stocked up on socks from Uniqlo and Tabio (I’m getting all my socks here from now on), a color-blocked Comme shirt at Dover Street Market, and a pair of black JM Weston 180 loafers after serendipitously stumbling upon them at the JM Weston shop-in-shop within Isetan Men’s massive basement-level shoe department.
Ever since ditching my Bass loafers a few years ago (they never stopped hurting my feet… would NOT recommend), I’d set my eyes on the 180s per the recommendations of Chris Black and other internet menswear voices. They were not cheap, but the exchange rate + tax refund saved me at least $150 compared to buying in the states. I am very pleased with this purchase… they’re the most comfortable loafers I have ever slid my feet into, and the construction is truly immaculate.
Side note: I loved how easy the tax refund process was in Japan. No airport customs stamps or form drop offs needed.
KYOTO
In Kyoto, I tried on several pairs of Orslow jeans at local chain store Loftman before coming to the conclusion that none of their styles fit me well. Instead, I walked out with a pair of Our Legacy denim, a white FYNELYNE sleeveless tee in a supple cotton, a grey Hollywood Ranch Market t-shirt, a striped CLASS t-shirt, and ripstop cargo pants from one of my favorite Japanese brands: Kolor. Quite the unexpected haul; I was just so overtaken by the abundant curation of high quality, mostly Japanese brands.
OSAKA
In Osaka, I bought a pair of Made in Japan Levi’s 502s to go with my new loafers, and a pair of Jacques Marie Mages Aldos to add to my collection. Sadly, we only had one night to enjoy in Osaka and there were many stores we didn’t have time to visit — which explains the fact that we’ve booked another trip to Japan next winter! Hit me up if you have ski recs or Naoshima tips for us <3
Seems like an awesome trip - love the google doc. That coffee shop and fruit store tho...