Headed to Japan - holler at me with tips

[Inorganic]

IH Fam.

I’m headed to Japan tomorrow with my son for some skiing and adventure.

We’re staying at my brother/sister-in-laws spot for skiing (https://www.blancoescape.com) and there will be some days in Tokyo.

I’d love to do some shopping + eating. Ideally seeing the IH HQ (address please!) and seeking out some gems. I’m not really seeking American vintage as I can get that here - so maybe some interesting antique shops or general Japanese thrift?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!!

[blue2gnt]

IH main store in Tokyo is a looong way from Tokyo proper, so not really worth the trip unless you have a lot of days in the city. On the other hand if you're in Osaka that location is much more convenient

Have fun on the slopes, I was just in Sapporo but didn't have time to ski. Bought some denim though!

[scooter]

@Inorganic , https://forum.ironheart.co.uk/category/20/japan

[Inorganic]

@blue2gnt & @scooter good looking out! Thanks for the tip re:Tokyo shop distance.

[J-IV]

That’s exciting!! I hear Niigata during this time is like a winter wonderland.

To echo what was mentioned, the Tokyo Iron Heart shop is technically in Hachioji which is sort of the western border of Tokyo metro proper. With that said, I personally did not find it too cumbersome to venture out there. I left from Shinjuku station and getting to the Hachioji station was pretty manageable (heavily relying on Google Maps and this thread). The bus ride from the station was probably the most difficult part. Once you get to the store, the staff are super cool and even offer to help you get a ride from the store to the train station. It was like a hour and a half from to get there from what I remember. If you make it out there, Hachioji has their own style of ramen that is worth trying if you’re a fan of onions (they add a bunch).

As thrift/ antique shops, I found the Shimokitazawa neighborhood and especially Tokyo Flea Markets to be a diggers paradise. I found some really cool vintage Seikos, camera gear, and WWII era clothes. Do bring cash though and check online on for when the Flea Markets are held. And knowing basic Japanese wouldn’t hurt either.

[J-IV]

Almost forgot - the Hachioji store has odd hours sometimes. Check their website to see if they’re open on the day you’re hoping to visit.
Have fun dude!

[Chap]

Jingūmae district in Shibuya has a couple of interesting shops including The Flat Head, Attractions, PBJ, Freewheelers (Nice one!) and some more lesser known...

[Giles]

@J-IV said in Headed to Japan - holler at me with tips:

Almost forgot - the Hachioji store has odd hours sometimes.

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays....

[Inorganic]

@J-IV @Chap @Giles THANK YOU!! Stoked to start the journey this am. I appreciate the tips on travel/shopping. Im planning on making the pilgrimage to the IH shop, fingers crossed on some items that I’ve been looking for.

[Inorganic]

See ya!