Wa Space

As a gallery, select shop and event space that celebrates the very best of Japanese design – particularly the kind that fuses traditional and modern styles – Wa Space is everything it should be. It's not obvious – you'll find it up a small side street in Akasaka, a beautiful wooden sliding door giving way to the wonders within. The interior is architect-designed, with rough wooden beams acting as partitions in the L-shaped space, dividing it up into an exhibition area and shop, while allowing light to circulate and the eye to wander. And the products on display are very clearly curated to appeal to both those with an eye for serious art as well as those who are looking to upgrade their souvenir shopping. You might find, for example, a piece by Ryoichi Kobayashi for ¥250,000 but you could just as easily pick up a pair of colourful zouri slippers for ¥4,200. Wa Space holds monthly artist exhibitions and regularly rotates their product selection, with all items also available via their online shop.