Japan House London opening 2018

Spanning all three floors of Kensington's former Art Deco department store Derry & Toms, Japan House London has finally thrown open its doors to the public. Europe's one and only Japan House, championing Japanese creativity, design, art, food and technology, plays host to The Stand coffee bar serving delicious Matcha Tea and Iced Hojicha Lattes, a large exhibition gallery, a gorgeous lofty retail space, and, most importantly, the new flagship Akira restaurant headed by star Japanese chef Shimizu Akira.

Along with Japan House São Paulo and Japan House LA, Japan House London shines a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other creatives currently making waves in Japan and around the world. 'Our uncompromising approach to bringing true authenticity to Japan Houses around the world will offer a surprise to even the most knowledgeable guests', explains Hara Kenya, Chief Creative Director of the Global Japan House. 'From already internationally renowned individuals through to emerging artists excelling in their fields, Japan House London [presents] the very best in what Japan has to offer'.

Japan House London Shimizu Akira restaurant

Indeed, the sleek modernist interiors and calming open-plan spaces are a sight to behold. The Shop, located on the ground floor, stocks exquisite pieces from the worlds of art, design, architecture and technology. On display (and for sale), there's everything from historical Hirota Glass from Tokyo to high quality Kanaya Brushes used for drawing, paintings, cooking, cleaning and make-up. Of course, it goes without saying that everything on display is sourced from Japan.

Downstairs, there's a swanky new exhibition space, lecture theatre and a reference library, all of which are free to for the public to enjoy. Inaugurating the ground floor gallery is an exhibition of work by of one of Japan’s greatest contemporary architects, Sousuke Fujimoto. In this beautifully curated and tranquil underground haven are a great number of Fujimoto's most innovative architectural models, including three maquettes for his 2013 cloud-design Serpentine Pavilion.

Installation shot: Sou Fujimoto exhibition Futures of the Future. Image: courtesy of Culture Whisper

Funded by the Japanese government, this creative hub also offers a jam-packed cultural events and creative workshops programme. It's a welcoming and calming space in which you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and learn about the wonders of Japan, its history and its culture. It may not be an urgent must-see, but it's a lovely space to explore when in High St Kensington this summer.