You’d be forgiven for not associating London with rippling waterfalls, lakes full of gleaming, coy carp and Japanese tearooms serving yuzu scones. But we’re here to change that. You’ve had a few glimpses of Japan during the Olympics, and while we couldn’t attend in person, we thought we would introduce you to a little bit of Japan, right here in the city of London.
With its rippling waterfall and lake full of gleaming coy carp, it’s hard to believe that this peaceful spot is in London at all. In fact, this Japanese waterfall garden is part of Holland Park in Kensington and was donated by the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce back in 1991 to celebrate the friendship between Japan and the UK.
Kyoto Garden is a perfect place to wander all year round when visiting London, with Japanese topiary, stone lanterns and other delights at every turn. You can even enjoy one of the most quintessentially Japanese experiences every spring when the cherry trees blossom. A visit in autumn to witness the maples turn burnished red and gold is not to be missed either.
Kyoto Garden is found in Holland Park W8 6LU, London. The nearest underground stations are Holland Park and Kensington High Street.
Japan House lets you get hands-on with Japanese culture. Located on Kensington High Street, it’s an immersive space where you can enjoy exhibitions, talks and workshops for free. Exhibitions and displays are constantly changing, with previous topics spanning history, technology, traditional craft and anime. Japan house was founded by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign affairs so you can be sure you’re getting accurate information - it doesn’t get much more authentic than that!
Once you’ve finished strolling the current exhibition, you can browse their library for a while. Even the gift shop is a place to be informed as they provide fascinating insights on how the various treasures were created.
You can find Japan House at W8 5SA. The nearest underground station is Kensington High Street.
The Japan Centre’s flagship shop on Panton Street (Regents Street) is the ideal place for a spot of retail therapy. The Japan Centre brand was first established in 1976 and it’s now a leading source of Japanese ingredients in the UK.
Foodie’s can start with a wander around the food hall, visit the butchery and fish counter to see the experts at work and then finish up at the bakery for some Japanese patisserie. There might even be demos and tastings going on.
Feeling full already? Take a gentle stroll around the book or homeware departments as you hunt for the perfect items to add a little Japanese flare to your home.
You can find the Panton Street shop at SW1Y 4EA. The nearest underground station is Piccadilly Circus.
If tea is your thing, head to Katsute 100 in Islington. This charming tearoom blends the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony with British flourishes for a truly relaxing experience. Sit inside and enjoy the antiques and soft jazz or take your tea outside to their soothing garden.
Tuck into Japanese-inspired desserts like matcha crepe cake or yuzu scones while sipping on one of their many specialty teas. Everything has been designed to showcase the work of small producers in Japan. Katsute 100 is the perfect place to chill and enjoy delicacies that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else in the UK.
You can find Katsute 100 at N1 8EG, London. The nearest underground station is Angel.
