Hidetoshi Nakata’s Guide to Tokyo

In 2009, after 10 years living aboard, Hidetoshi Nakata felt a desire to return home to Japan and reconnect with his culture. “It was travelling to more than 100 countries around the world that gave me enough reason to want to get to know Japan,” explains Nakata.

Renowned as one of Asia’s best football players, Nakata retired from the sport in 2006, after which he turned to a new quest. Inspired by his years of travel, he sought to shed light on traditional Japanese culture and artisanship, not only for the rest of the world, but also with the hope of enticing younger generations to preserve the skills. Travelling through all 47 prefectures, Nakata developed the Nihonmono project, resulting in a book and a digital publication which capture stories of Japan unavailable on the internet. 

 “The more traditional the industry, the weaker the information dissemination, especially in reaching the younger generation,” says Nakata. “Making things that are connected to daily life enriches everyday life. Many of these are traditional industries linked to culture and life, and knowing about them makes everyday life happier.”

Here, Nakata shares his go-to spots in Tokyo, a range of restaurants, teahouses, shops, bars, ateliers and more where traditional artisanal skills merge with modern city life. 

How did you first come to live in Tokyo? 

HN I was born and raised near Mount Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan. When I became a professional footballer at the age of 18, I moved to Tokyo and stayed until I went to Italy when I was 21. I came back in 2009.

What is the feeling you experience when you’re in Tokyo compared to other cities?

HN I think it’s a Japanese trait, but there are many secret shops and bars, and although I have lived in Tokyo for many years, there is always something new to discover on every little street corner. I think it’s interesting that these discoveries are all over Tokyo, not just in the centre.

In your Nihonmono project, you highlight the work of various artisans across Japan. Are there any Tokyo-based craftsmen or traditions that have particularly captivated you?

HN There are many artists in Tokyo, including living national treasures. The work of Kazumi Murose, a living national treasure in lacquer, is wonderful. On the other hand, there are shops where you can experience Edo Kiriko [cut glass craftwork], which originated in Tokyo, so you should definitely try it when you come to Tokyo.

Is there a particular area in Tokyo where you feel the most inspired?

HN There are not many shops for clothes and other items, but if you only think about restaurants and bars, Nishi-Azabu and Ebisu really do have new restaurants opening all the time, and this area is the best when considering it as a nightlife district.

Where is the place you go to when you want to find a good book?

HN Already famous, Tsutaya in Daikanyama is a shop that has changed the concept of bookshops in Japan, with its wonderful atmosphere and book selection.

Where do you go to get the best coffee/tea?

HN At Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience, the wonderfully talented tea master Sakurai-san offers the best of Japanese tea with delicious Japanese pastries. It is both very Japanese and like an art gallery. If you want really good tea in Tokyo, this is the place to come.

Is there a hidden secret location that only locals know about? 

HN Casba, a bar I’ve been going to for 30 years and a place I always take my friends when they visit Tokyo, is a place so full of memories that it’s no exaggeration to say that my youth was spent here.

Where would you go to get a good after work drink?

HN Over the past 15 years, I have visited around 500 sake breweries across the country. If you are in Tokyo and you want to try some sake, I recommend going to Eureka! or Twelv. Also, if you want to buy sake, the Hasegawa Sake Shop has a great selection.

Where can you find amazing art?

HN The Japan Folk Crafts Museum houses a wonderful collection of folk crafts representing Japan, as well as other great works from Korea and other countries. The building is also excellent and should be visited at least once if you want to know more about folk art and crafts in Tokyo.

Where do you go to enjoy nature? 

HN Tokyo also has wonderful nature outside the centre. Visiting a sake brewery that produces in this natural environment is a great way to enjoy Japanese culture and nature at the same time. I recommend a short trip to the Ozawa Sake Brewery, which produces the famous sake Sawanoi. It is a wonderful place just an hour from the centre of Tokyo.

Where is your number one place to shop?

HN N.Hoolywood is a Japanese brand that has been a favourite of mine for over 20 years, and the Aoyama shop is like a secret base where I always go to shop season after season.

Where do you go for a great meal?

HN Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai is a place with a traditional Japanese feel, but in a fantastic location, right under the Tokyo Tower. It offers very healthy and tasty food, mainly tofu. Yakumo Saryo, run in Tokyo by Ogata-san of Ogata Paris, also has a wonderful appearance and food presentation.

Are there any excellent vintage or antique shops in Tokyo?

HN Laila Tokio. The selection of vintage clothing here is amazing, especially when it comes to Martin Margiela, which is very rare in the world. A must-visit shop when in Tokyo.