How to Experience Japan in London || 11 Things to Tick Off
11 Ways To Enjoy Japanese Culture in London
When you’re studying Japanese online, it’s easy to feel disconnected to the culture you’re learning about.
Immersion can often be an amazing way to learn a language, but for many of us, that just isn’t possible.
Fortunately, in this fantastic globalised world we’re living in, there are many opportunities to experience Japanese culture from the comfort of your own home city.
And where better to start than London!
Whether you’re living in London or just passing through, we’ve compiled a list of our must-go spots, from shops and restaurants to museums and galleries, that will give you an authentic taste of the land of the rising sun!
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list, so feel free to share your favourite places with us by leaving a comment.
Japan in London || Japan House
Japan in London || Food & Drink
Japan in London || Nature
Japan in London || Museums & Galleries
Japan in London || FAQs
Japan House
Japan House, London’s “cultural home of Japan,” is our first stop.
From free events and exhibitions to a restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide, we can think of no better place to start your journey to (semi-) immersion!
We love Japan House’s sleek and modern design, their matcha lattes, and their incredible library filled with books on architecture, traditional crafts, and even gardening!
At the time of writing, Japan House is showing a special exhibition on the art of kumihimo 組み紐, and it is the first ever UK exhibition dedicated to this traditional method of silk braiding.
And the best news, Japan House is completely free to visit!
LOCATION
Japan House
101-111 Kensington High Street
London
W8 5SA
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Food & Drink
Without a doubt, food is the surest way to my heart, and the availability of authentic Japanese food in London is one thing that makes the city truly special.
Whether you like to eat out or prefer cooking your own food, here are a few great places to start when you embark on your Japanese food journey.
Japan Centre
With their flagship store located just around the corner from Chinatown, the Japan Centre is the one-stop shop for all your Japanese grocery needs.
We were amazed by the sheer variety of goods they offer.
They have everything from instant noodles to sushi rice to dashi (出汁), and even have a small section of manga and Japanese stationery.
In 2018, they opened up an additional location in the Westfield Shopping Centre which is actually Europe’s largest Japanese foodhall!
LOCATION
Japan Centre
35A Panton Street
London
SW1Y 4EA
London’s Best Udon: KOYA
Koya is our absolute favourite spot when it comes to freshly-made and authentic udon.
You can get udon in every combination possible: hot udon in a hot broth (atsu-atsu あつあつ), cold udon in a hot broth (hiya-atsu ひやあつ, and cold udon with a cold sauce (hiya-hiya ひやひや).
We went to their Soho location, and loved the casual setting and friendly staff.
Be prepared to queue, but trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Try and grab a seat at the bar to watch the chefs working their magic…
LOCATION
Koya Soho
50 Frith Street
London W1D 4SQ
Okonomiyaki: ABENO
Situated right next to the British Museum, this is the perfect spot to fill up on Japan’s favourite comfort food.
Want to experience Japan in London? This is the way to do it!
If you don’t know what Okonomiyaki is, you’re in for a treat.
Just look at this 👇
Oddly, there are few places to enjoy proper, authentic Okonomiyaki in London – somewhat surprising.
But Abeno does it right.
Ideal for groups – you sit alongside a giant hot plate where your food is prepared in front of your very eyes.
We won’t say anymore…!
TOP TIP || Head here after a few hours in the British Museum, an ideal half-day itinerary for tourists in London given their close proximity.
LOCATION
Abeno
47 Museum Street
London
WC1A 1LY
Cozy Izakaya: OKAN
Started some 20+ years ago by Osaka local Moto Priestman, Okan offers authentic izakaya vibes and a range of traditional Japanese dishes from okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) to gyoza dumplings (餃子).
Like Koya, they now have several locations around London, including two in Brixton and one right on the South Bank.
With Asahi on tap and a great selection of sakes and plum wines to accompany your meal, we can’t recommend this cozy hole-in-the-wall more!
LOCATION
Okan (South Bank)
County Hall
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 7PB
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Sake and Bento Boxes: MOTO
If you’re yet to try Japanese sake, Moto is a great place to start because of its amazing variety.
They have an impressive selection of sake and shochu (焼酎) to suit every taste.
Their sake menu is great, differentiating each sake by grade, tasting notes, alcohol content, and even the rice polishing ratio!
You can even find sake-based cocktails, as well as Japanese whisky and gin.
The owners source the alcohols directly from Japan, with the owners regularly visiting small distilleries in order to bring back products that have never been seen in the UK before!
LOCATION
Moto London
7 Maiden Lane
London
WC2E 7NA
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Gardens & Nature
The philosophy and aesthetics of Japanese gardens, or 日本庭園 nihon teien, goes back centuries, and to this day, they still provide havens of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life… even in London!
Traditional gardens are a testament to Japan’s deep appreciation for the natural world, and we couldn’t believe we could find places like this across the world in the UK.
Have you been to either of these places?
Let us know what you thought in the comments!
Kyoto Garden, Holland Park
If you’re looking for a serene and tranquil oasis in the heart of London, we can’t think of a better place than the Kyoto Garden (京都庭園) in Holland Park.
Kyoto Garden first opened in 1991.
DID YOU KNOW || the garden was actually a gift from the city of Kyoto, and is an amazing place to enjoy traditional Japanese garden design.
Bring a book (or your Japanese flashcards…!) and enjoy a moment of peace away from the fast pace and busyness of the capital.
This is a true symbol of Japan in London!
LOCATION
Holland Park
Holland Park Avenue
London
W11 4UA
Japanese Rood Garden, SOAS
Another great place for a quiet escape is the Japanese garden on the roof of SOAS (University of London).
Although part of the university, the garden is free to all, and is accessible through SOAS’s Brunei Gallery.
Dedicated to the idea of “forgiveness,” you can find this kanji (恕) carved onto the garden’s granite water basin.
LOCATION
Japanese Roof Garden (Brunei Gallery)
SOAS University of London
Thornhaugh Street
Russell Square
London
WC1B 5DQ
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Museums & Galleries
Besides the Brunei Gallery, there are a plethora of places in London to see East Asian art and historical artefacts, especially those from Japan!
Here are just a few of our favourites…
Japan Collection, V&A Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) has been collecting Japanese art since the museum was founded in 1852, and is now home to thousands of Japanese art works and artefacts including 30,000+ ukiyo-e prints.
The collection is constantly expanding and even has exhibits dedicated to contemporary design, fashion and technology!
Like the rest of London’s major museums (and the majority of the places on our list…!), the V&A is completely free 😍
Simply turn right, wander through the China collection, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the beauty and diversity of Japanese art and design.
LOCATION
Victoria and Albert Museum
Cromwell Road
London
SW7 2RL
Japanese Galleries, British Museum
After the V&A, stop by the British Museum, which also boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Japanese art outside of Japan.
You’ll find everything here from ukiyo-e prints and paintings to metalwork and ceramics!
One of the most amazing new acquisitions is a set of samurai armour dating to the Edo period (18th century) made for the famous Mori clan of samurais.
Free to enter and extremely easy to get to, we love it here!
LOCATION
British Museum
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3DG
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms @ Tate Modern
If you’ve read our blog post about Japanese art, you’ll know that Yayoi Kusama is one of today’s most iconic contemporary Japanese artists.
The Tate recently announced that its immersive exhibition of Kusama’s iconic Infinity Rooms would be extended until April 2024, and we are ecstatic!
After creating her first Infinity Room in 1965, she has created over 20 distinct installations, which use mirrors to create a sense of “infinity.”
At the Tate Modern, you can experience two of Kusama’s rooms, but be aware, you need to book in advance!
LOCATION
Tate Modern
Bankside
London
SE1 9TG
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Japan in London || FAQs
Where can I buy traditional Japanese products in London?
The Japan Centre is the one-stop shop for all your Japanese grocery needs!
They have everything from instant noodles to sushi rice to dashi (出汁), and even have a small section of manga and Japanese stationery.
They have locations in the Westfield Shopping Centre and Central London (Leicester Square).
Where can I see Japanese art in London?
There are many places to find Japanese art in London, including the British Museum and the V&A, which are both home to thousands of Japanese artworks and artefacts.
You can also visit the Tate Modern to see the iconic Infinity Rooms by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama.
Where is the Kyoto Garden in London?
The Kyoto Garden is located in Holland Park in London.
First opened in 1991, the garden was a gift from the city of Kyoto, and is an amazing place to enjoy traditional Japanese garden design.
Is there a traditional Japanese Izakaya I can visit in London?
YES! It’s called Okan.
Started some 20+ years ago by Osaka local Moto Priestman, Okan offers authentic izakaya vibes and a range of traditional Japanese dishes from okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) to gyoza dumplings (餃子).
Like Koya, they now have several locations around London, including two in Brixton and one right on the South Bank.
With Asahi on tap and a great selection of sakes and plum wines to accompany your meal, we can’t recommend this cozy hole-in-the-wall more!
LOCATION
Okan (South Bank)
County Hall
Belvedere Road
London
SE1 7PB
Where can I find okonomiyaki in London?
Situated right next to the British Museum, Abeno is the perfect spot to fill up on Japan’s favourite comfort food.
Want to experience Japan in London? This is the way to do it!
Want More From LTL?
WANT TO LEARN JAPANESE? Check out our online Japanese courses here.
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What about studying Japanese in Japan instead? We’ve got your back. Our Japanese courses in Tokyo can either be taken in small groups of no more than 5 students or individually for a more tailored experience.
We even offer incredible homestay experiences in Tokyo as well.
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