Luxury Shopping in Japan - Spiral Market

Credit: David Jaskiewicz, Shiitake Creative

Copper tea tins made by Kyoto artisans. Organically glazed teacups from the crafts-rich Gifu region. Soft striped towels from world-famous textile hub Imabari. And hand-stitched leather totes from southern Kagoshima.

Located on the second floor of Spiral, Spiral Market is nirvana for modern Japanese design lovers. From ceramics and cutlery to scarves and notepads, it’s a one-stop wonder with a meticulous curation of crafted goods made by contemporary artisans and designers across the archipelago.

Shopping in Tokyo—a temple to all things retail—has long been in its own gold-star league. A glorious mix of retail choices is available across the spectrum—from avant-garde Japanese fashion to exquisite hand-crafted kitchen knives (plus everything imaginable in between)—all topped with a dose of flawless hospitality.

And now, one more layer has been added to Japan’s seductive retail world: an unwavering repertoire of anti-COVID measures, to ensure shopping in Tokyo remains as safe as it is inspiring.

All guests are required to wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering, a policy enforced by shops all over Tokyo.

A textbook perfect example is the Spiral building, an art complex near Omotesando that features various shops (Spiral Market among them), restaurants, and exhibition spaces as well as a modern tearoom, yoga studio, and beauty salon.

As replicated in countless shops across the capital, anti-COVID measures are discreetly implemented throughout, with all visitors required to disinfect hands and wear masks. Guests are asked to limit the number of people permitted per elevator, while doors and windows are kept open and the ventilation system ensures proper air circulation in and out of the facility.

All of this creates a safe, relaxing, and comfortable backdrop for exploring Spiral Market. Here, a diverse range of lifestyle goods—kitchen tools, bathroom products, stationary, fashion accessories—are unified by the key concept of “eternal design,” perfectly reflecting Japan’s mastery of balancing frills-free function with timeless construction.

In a classic Tokyo touch of old meets new, many products appear contemporary but are rooted in centuries-old Japanese crafts techniques, such as porcelain made in historical kilns and textiles hand-woven at generations-old workshops.

Credit: David Jaskiewicz, Shiitake Creative

Highlights of this high-rise menagerie include Spiral Garden, an art space that—as the name suggests—flows in a curved walkway around the interior of the building. Other must-visit spots include designer Akira Minagawa’s fashion brand minä perhonen store, “call,” on the fifth floor. The space, flooded with natural light, showcases a medley of global design finds (from ceramics to woodwork) alongside minä perhonen apparel and textiles.

It’s also home to an intimate café called ie no niwa, with pandemic-friendly outdoor as well as indoor seating, plus a small store packed with carefully sourced (and beautifully packaged) international and local food, treats, and natural wines.

In short, it’s the ultimate showcase for both the diversity of Japan’s creative retail scene—as well as its adaptation to the new normal, reflecting how shopping in Tokyo today remains as rewarding and unique as it is safe and comfortable.

*Produced by Travel + Leisure

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