Japan House London

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. Opening in January 2019 is a new exhibition of world-renowned designs by Tokyo University engineering professor YAMANAKA Shunji. From prototype robots ready to crawl to high-tech prosthetics, Prototyping in Tokyo explores the potential of prototypes to bridge cutting-edge technology and society, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into our technological future. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to touch and interact with a number of exhibits on display, in order to better understand the pre-eminent textures and structures of the future.

YAMANAKA Shunji, Ready to Crawl: On display at Japan House London

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.

Japan House London exhibition: Prototyping in Tokyo runs from Wednesday 16 January until Sunday 17 March 2019.