Natsumehiro [ハイカラ雑貨店 ナツメヒロ]

Evil evil Google it's just as bad as Instagram and Etsy, actually damn you internet! Before I left on Friday I decided to last minute google to see if there was anything else worth checking out while I was out and about. A few stops along the Odakyu line at Higashirinkan Station is ハイカラ雑貨店 ナツメヒロ Natsumehiro, a beautiful zakka shop.

Natsume as well as being a shop hosts pop up events and mini exhibitions mostly displaying Japanese artist, craft makers and designers. This means that for once I had access to all the business card for all the brands or artists they sold/exhibited. It was nice to be able to have more information on my purchases and make some new discoveries. On my visit they had their Traveler's Trunk Exhibition, more information can be found here. It was very cute and with different trunks placed around the shop with different wares from the artist. I wish I could provide more info on each but my Japanese is practically non-existent.  

I made a few impulse buys I now regret but this was due to my excitement of finding somewhere new. Oh well. The owners seemed nice and were photo friendly. I would've taken more photos but more people turned up and and it got a little crowded in there. I will keep an eye on their website for future events. Unfortunately their online shop is not very good I think Natsume is a store that is better to visit than buy online. However it's probably better to look at their event or facebook pages to get an idea of what's in store. As usual I've ended with photos of my purchases again.

Address: 252-0311 Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Minami-ku, Higashirinkan 5-16-20 

Tel: 042-812-4726 

Mail: info@natsumehiro.com

Hours: 12:00 to 19:00 

 

Song Be Cafe Kamakura

I write about favourite stationery haunts but now it's time I mentioned somewhere different. I'm trying to get into the habit of archiving my discoveries and using my camera more specially while in Japan. I can't remember exactly when or how I discovered Song Be but it's a firm favourite.

Song Be describes itself (if Google translate can be trusted) as having a rustic old Asian furniture and with the warmth of wood and cloth. This is certainly true the interior has a strong Vietnamese theme as does the menu but along with some Thai dishes and, of course Japanese food.

The first time I went I was feeling a bit adventurous and tried something new; their Zenzai. I didn't like it but it's good to try something new every now and then. Song Be is tucked away but I located right next to the tracks of the JR Kamakura station. It's usually pretty quiet in the day and is a great place to relax and get a few letters written. I suspect it's probably busier during the evening.

There are selection of books, toy and knick knacks as well as local postcard, jewellery and other handmade wares available. There is lots information on local events and stores with lots of cute business cards and flyers as you enter I always take a few for my TN or my letters. Song Be is one my fav places whatever the weather to hang out in that isn't too far from home.

Uguisu

As I had to take a trip to  Roppongi I thought I'd do a quick Google search of anywhere worth checking out while I was in the area. I found Uguisu, a little shop in Roppongi in Azabudai. It's online shop (prices in dollars for thouse outside of Japan) and the blog are run by Hiki who opened the store last year. And as the website says Uguisu is  'A place to find unique and well designed quality Japanese stationery, paper items, kitchen linens, tableware, gift, craft & zakka. Shipped worldwide from Tokyo,'.

Hiki speaks English which was great for me so I was able to ask questions and not have try in my crappy Japanese (I know I should practice more). I had initially gone for myself but ended up buying a couple of Christmas gifts which is always good. I did have to restraint myself though, I really wanted to buy one these beautiful Furoshiki either for myself or my mum (but probably for me) as well as all the pretty paper goods.

I did pick a set of these lovely the air vases for my mum. I had previously seen them at a paper exhibition in Meguro in the summer and regretted not buying them then. I used to have a things for notebooks but now its all about paper bags and mini envelopes. The mini envelopes and paper dots I bought there I absolutely love and have started using on Christmas projects.

I will definitely be making a trip in the new year and will be an online buyer in the future when I 'm living in foreign parts again. Not bad for a last minute Google search eh?!?!