Japan House London

I'm not really sure how to describe this place. It's almost like a Japanese museum, shop, library and restaurant all in one! Spread across 3 floors, the ground floor is the main floor, housing the majority of the facilities and services. The restaurant is on the first floor, and the lower ground floor hosts the gallery, library and events. There are stairs to access all floors, as well as a lift. Whilst entry to the building is free, some of the events held throughout the year, require a small fee, although many of the events are also free. In addition to the restaurant on the first floor, there is also a nice cafe on the ground floor. There's even an area offering free travel information to those who are wishing to travel to Japan! If you have an interest in Japanese culture and would like to learn more about the country, this is a great place to start. Highly recommended!

I have been meaning to visit this place, but I guess after sheltering from the hailstones turned rain yesterday had made that happen. Where do I begin? The information and artefacts of Japanese items were interesting to look at. I was intrigued by the details of some of the items they had caught my attention/eyes. It felt like there was no end to the information provided, but what I really was surprised by was the fact their exhibitions held are free, because most exhibitions usually require bookings or even a certain fee to enter. I appreciate that Japan House allow the general public to enter their exhibitions, which they host from time to time for a few months. They have workshops and talk shows too, but sometimes they have events like the workshop that require a fee, as I can imagine that gathering material for their workshops would not be cheap. Never had I thought I would find myself being fascinated and absorbing in as much information as possible. Especially about woodwork/carpentry as much as I had when I went to check out their The Craft of Carpentry Drawing Life from Japan's Forests. I like how most of their work had various information regarding the aterfacts they had shown on display. It was incredible how much detail can go into their craftsmanship, but what I was really impressed and could not comprehend was the amount of detail that went into the lattice woodwork! It was very detailed indeed and beautifully presented. I assumed I would only spend an hour looking around, but I ended up spending 2-3 hours taking in everything and captured some incredible and interesting craftsmanship through carpentry. I ended it with by visiting their library which they have books talking about their transport in Japan and other topics. I do not live local, but I would recommend anyone who lives local or into information and enjoys visiting exhibitions should give Japan House a visit. I will definitely find time to come back and visit and attend more of their exhibitions depending on if I can attend or not, but I would find time. Next time, I will try their restaurant Akira on the top floor, and I like that they have travel guide information about different activities in different Japanese prefectures. You could Google possible information, but all the leaflets and brochures I had found and decided to take home with me to read. It would definitely detail a lot of interesting, if not informative, information in different Japanese prefectures and other things you may find of use should you decide to travel to Japan someday. They also have a travel guide who recommends things regarding Japan. Should you want to travel, you could have a conversation to find out more information from her.

Cultural centre promoting and showcasing Japanese culture. Hosting exhibitions, a restaurant, library and a curated range of handcrafted items covering the gamut of Japanese design expertise and mastery over numerous disciplines. Staff polite and engaging. Understated, authentic and authoritative - nothing here less than exceptional and it’s free admission.

I went to the Japanese joinery exhibition, which I found very interesting. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to view the rest of what Japan House London has to offer. The Exhibition is free but only there temporarily. I'd would recommend booking a slot.

One of my favourite places in London. A wonderful place dedicated to Japanese culture where you can enjoy a nice coffee and Japanese pastry while having a look at their shop items or books. There’s an ever changing exhibition space with regular events and workshops in the lower floor and little library with related contents. I would also love to visit Akira, the restaurant in the top floor which I’ve heard is fantastic. The staff is super friendly and the space itself is beautiful. Thank you to all the people who make such a wonderful place.

This is a Japanese cultural and shopping store with a restaurant on the upper floor. It offers a mix of Japanese craft and design education/exchange. A good place to get a feel of Japan.

Had a really god hojicha latte (£4.75) with oat milk (only veg alternative). The place itself is absolutely beautiful, located in the heart of Kensington, it is one of only three Japan houses in the world where Japanese design, food and philosophy come together. Entry is free although you might stumble on events or exhibitions throughout the year which require a small fee. There’s also a restaurant on the first floor which I have yet to try. If you're interested in Japanese culture, want to explore more about the country or want to taste a proper japanese drink, I highly recommend coming here!

Japan centre was ok, very small and the gallery only took about 10 minutes to see. There is a restaurant, matcha cafe and a gift shop but everything is extremely expensive. It is free to enter so would advise coming only if you have plans in this area as well, like the design museum or Japanese garden. I do not think it is worth going out of your way to come here in terms of a London itinerary

Came here to see Design Museum Japan's eye-opening exhibition in London's Japan House. Small but haute design feel. Japan House in London has a nice cafe upstairs (and a high end restaurant too, open only for dinner). In the cafe you can have Japanese fruit jelly among other things. The whole place is so comfortable, airy, and filled with light. The toilet is a highlight. Japanese high tech toilet of course, nothing else. So many buttons!

This cultural store is "part of global initiative led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs" to show the "very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology." There are only 2 others stores in the world, in LA & São Paulo. Can buy wares, crafts, books, & technology. There is also an exhibit downstairs, travel information, a beverage and Japanese sweets counter by the front door & Akira Restaurant. Hours Mon - Sat 10am - 8pm Sun & bank holidays noon - 6pm Beverage & Sweets Counter Chestnut Pancake £3.50, Shobumochi £4, White Peach Mochi £1.85, Usagisan (bunny shape cake) £2 Akira Restaurant Tue-Sat Lunch noon - 3pm Afternoon Tea 2:30pm - 5pm Dinner 6pm - 11pm Reservations recommended and can be made on their website https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/eat/akira-restaurant/ Located -on the SE corner of Kensington High St & Derry St -on the east end of the block of High Street Kensington station (district line or circle line) -bus stops in front for bus#9, 23, 27, N9, N27 -4 minutes walk west of the SW corner of Kensington Gardens

The Japan House is a good place to visit and I had the pleasure of going with my wife on our honeymoon and her birthday last month. It has a store and cafe on the main floor, the Akira restaurant upstairs, and a small museum downstairs. The exhibit is free but they require you to give them your bags unlike other sites and museums. The current exhibit is Symbiosis: Living Island which is an art project about the island of Inujima. The highlight of the Japan House to me is actually the toilets which are very futuristic.

This is the best place for ceremonial matcha in London. Plus, they have Oatly! Barista oat milk.

Wonderful place to see Japanese wares. I came for the Shokunin even with Kaikado and it was simply amazing! I am at awe for the craftsmanship.

Japan House London appears to be a showcase of Japanese culture run by the country's tourism board. On the main floor appears to be a gallery of Japanese artifacts showcasing the best of their culture. Attached is a very decent sushi restaurant. During my visit, in the basement was an immersive and interaction exhibit about both urban and provincial life in Japan. The Urban section was a panoramic trippy video of dense apartment living and subways juxtaposed with sounds of nature. The Provincial section was a focus on traditional Japanese toys and games, still enhanced with some technological flair. Be sure to check out the toilet in the facility as it features none other than the best in "happy seat" technology - a toilet that opens and closes on its own, with a heated seat, and of course the iconic washlet feature that will have you leaving happy top to bottom!

A little piece of Japan on High Street Kensington. Not only is this a retail store of all things Japan, but there is food and a travel agent specializing in Japanese tours. Hubby and I loved looking at all of the Japanese wares, but the prices are pricy.

Had a very unique experience at Akira at the Japan House! At first sight, you're amazed at the design of the themed restaurant which actually sits on top of what looked to be a store front. The food was very good, not only by taste but also by presentation. The waiters were very friendly and seemed to work together very efficiently to help out the table. My only downside from this experience was the wait time to sit! We kept being promised that we would be seated "in a few more minutes" every few minutes within a 30 minute wait time. We were the only group waiting. Nonetheless, the food was worth the wait and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good Japanese restaurant option.