Decor is a word I have a hard time taking seriously. But the items we have in our home can contribute so much to our daily lives – help us express ourselves and form a sense of identity. In Japan, there are plenty of very nice shops to browse artful objects, including those handcrafted items made of pottery, glass and metal.
Recommended sources to buy home decor in Japan:
Kinto
Kinto has fine tableware, glassware, kitchen items, plant pots, mixed-material vases and home decor gift items.
Pictured: Aroma Oil Warmer, ¥5,500
Visit the Kinto Online Store.
shesay
Shesay specializes in general goods, clothing, and accessories, home goods, trinkets, small storage, textiles and decorative lighting, with a focus on natural materials.
Pictured: Brass Candle Holder Tray
Find the SHESAY Products on Rakuten.com
Sugahara
Sugahara specializes in crafting handmade glassware including tableware, but it a good source for uniquely shaped modern glass vases.
Pictured: Mole Ball Vase in Carbon Black, ¥ 7,700
Visit the Sugahara online store.
Kamoku Minerals
Kamoku Minerals extracts, process and offers unique minerals and metals.
They have trays, coasters, crystals, loose gems and substantial minerals, as well as some gift items for those who enjoy celestial themes.
Pictured: Tower Obelisk Minerals (various)
Browse Kamoku’s online web store
FLYMEe
FLYMEe is a well-established shop for high-quality furniture and lighting brands such as Tom Dixon, Vitra, Umbra, Knoll, Hay and more. They are also a reliable source for modern decor, art objects, attractive daily life items such as speakers and gadgets, fans, clocks and planters.
Pictured: Eames House Bird, ¥30,800+
Check out the FLYMEe online store.
Branch
Branch offers understated vessels, hand-made tableware, clocks, bespoke tools for daily life, home decor and some lighting. It is a good source for those who like minimalism or are interested in supporting domestic tradespeople.
Check out the Branch Online Shop.
One more thought on home decor ~
Other decor ideas: Recently, dried flower and branch arrangements have made a comeback. I’ve also seen some lovely wafting dried greenery arrangements suspended from kominka beams. And of course, travel souvenirs, second-hand kimono and flea market finds are a great way to find one-of-a-kind items.
Japan is the perfect place to enjoy scouting for finely-crafted pottery. My tip is just to create balance and contrast with materials: refined metal, wood, complementary linens and so-on.
Enjoy!
