Imperial Hotel Arcade: 103 Years of Stories
Established in 1923 as Japan’s first hotel arcade, this historic shopping destination is located on the first basement floor of the Main Building of the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. The arcade began with around 20 carefully selected shops, inspired by the general manager’s vision of enabling guests to enjoy shopping for the world’s finest goods without ever leaving the hotel. Today, 44 specialty shops offering jewelry, art, fashion, and fine dining, including Japanese cuisine, line its elegant corridors.
Even now, 103 years after its founding, the carpeted corridors of the Arcade bear the footsteps and glittering memories of distinguished guests from overseas, film stars, cultural figures, and travelers from around the world. In each of its shops, the people who work there await the return of those travelers.
In this issue, we invite you to meet some of the people behind the shops of the Imperial Hotel Arcade.
Jewelry: Mayuyama Jeweler
“A necklace for tonight's party, please.”
There are ladies who visit this boutique with just such a request―a scene that has played out countless times since the Imperial Hotel Arcade first opened its door.
Holding a three-strand pearl necklace, Tatsuya Mayuyama, the fourth-generation owner of Mayuyama Jeweler, explains the story behind its creation.
“This is a style favored by Queen Elizabeth II. We created it in response to requests from clients wishing to honor her memory. The necklace is strung with beautiful Japanese Akoya pearls.”
“Over the many years we have been here, our boutique has been nurtured by our clients. Some come to us for their very first piece of jewelry. Others bring us treasured pieces to be redesigned while retaining the original gemstones, so that they can be passed down within the family. This is a place fills me with pride, reminding me that what we are entrusted with are bonds that remain undiminished across generations.”
A girl who once received her first piece of jewelry here may return decades later as a grandmother accompanied by her own granddaughter. “I was her age when I was given my first piece of jewelry,” she might say.
Japanese Antiques: Kobijutsu Tei
Inside the glass-walled gallery is an array of lacquerware, ceramics, and tea utensils. Among the works of art carefully selected from around the world, ranging from Émile Gallé glass to Chinese pottery figurines, visitors to Japan might find themselves particularly drawn to the folding screens that cover the walls.
“This folding screen was created from a picture scroll depicting Shuten-dōji,a Japanese folktale dating back to around the 14th century. The screen itself was probably created around 150 years ago during the Meiji period,” explains Koichi Nakayama, Executive Vice President of Kobijutsu Tei and Manager of its Imperial Hotel Arcade boutique.
The exquisitely detailed painting depicts an extraordinary banquet in which oni (ogres) and humans drink sake together.
“Some travelers to Japan take part in experiences such as the tea ceremony or pottery making,” says Mr. Nakayama. “The more deeply they encounter the culture of this country, the more they come to appreciate the beauty of antiques work of art. Masterpieces that simply cannot be replicated with modern techniques.”
The folding screen that once decorated a samurai residence may one day cross the ocean and find a new home in a traveler's living room. Who will be the next to inherit this whimsical tale of oni and humans feasting together?
Japanese Swords: Sokendo
Among aficionados of Japanese art, there are those who come to the Imperial Hotel Arcade to encounter the timeless soul of the Japanese sword.
“Our guests from overseas are often incredibly knowledgeable, having deeply researched Japanese swords.” With a smile, Atsushi Tomidokoro, owner of the Sokendo boutique at the Imperial Hotel, smoothly draws a sword from its scabbard.
Gazing at the sharp brilliance of light reflecting off the blade, for a moment, the sounds around us seem to fade away.
“In the age of myth, the gods of this country bestowed three sacred treasures: a mirror, a jewel, and a sword.” Mr. Tomidokoro continued on, explaining that “That is why the Japanese sword harbors a deep spirituality that transcends them being mere weapons.”
Every Japanese sword has its own distinct character, reflecting the era in which it was forged.
“Art offers the joy of sharing beauty with those around you. Yet, many owners choose to admire their Japanese swords alone, keeping its brilliance entirely to themselves. A sacred, deeply personal bond forms between the owner and the blade. That is exactly why I want to talk with each person who comes in, so that together, we can find the sword that is right for them.”
One thing that the shopkeepers of the arcade have in common is the hope that visitors will be moved by something they encounter.
This, they say, with quiet confidence, is a place of absolute trust. Both in the objects they handle and the customers who recognize their value. Here, people can refine their aesthetic sensibilities and choose, with clarity and confidence, what is truly important to them.
It is precisely because this sanctuary offers such a deep sense of belonging and peace that life-changing encounters happen. They say this is the wonderful reason why they have continued running their business at the Imperial Hotel for so many decades.
Bespoke Shirts: Tani Shirt
There are countless stories that have crossed paths in the temporary living space of this hotel during a journey.
Tani Shirt is a storied shop that has been creating bespoke shirts at the Imperial Hotel for over six decades, has borne witness to many such stories.
“Back when the Imperial Hotel was housed in the iconic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, our founder set up a single showcase in a corner of the floor and began his tailoring business,” explains Kazutaka Takahashi. “Since the very first day, we have kept the paper patterns for every customer we have ever served.”
Among the more than 500 fabrics available are cottons and linens from around the world, as well as fabrics with traditional Japanese motifs that can be found only in Japan.
New names continue to be added to the customer register. Legendary names include such icons as John Wayne and Charlie Watts.
“Please come back to Japan whenever your heart tells you to. We will always be here, holding your memory dear.”
This is the quiet but enduring message that the Imperial Hotel Arcade communicates to every traveler.
When your travels bring you back to Japan and to our hotel,we warmly invite you to visit the first basement floor of the Main Building of the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo.
We will be waiting to welcome you.
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