Jin's, Freaks, and Buses. Travels in Tokyo with American casual eyewear.
JINS, an eyewear brand that releases affordable, high-quality, and functional glasses, and FREAK'S STORE, a well-known specialty store in HOUYHNHNM's, have collaborated to create a new line of eyewear with a vintage American element under the theme of "American Casual. Under the theme of "American Casual," the eyewear incorporating plenty of vintage American elements was born. This time, a couple from abroad boarded the Hato Bus with such items as the main attraction. Matching their favorite styling with the American casual eyewear, they will tour around Tokyo's famous spots.
SPOT 01_Tokyo Tower The date starts with a panoramic view of the city.
One of the most enriching elements of life is travel. The same was true for Kai and Alina, a couple visiting Tokyo from abroad. To get to know the traditions and mainstream of Tokyo, they boarded a Hato Bus for a tour of the city's famous landmarks. Departing from Hamamatsucho bus station at 9:00 AM, the bus headed for its first destination, Tokyo Tower.
According to the bus guide, the Tokyo Tower was completed in 1958. It is 333 meters high. The orange and white paint, which gives the tower a sharp presence against the endless blue sky, was chosen to make it function as an obstacle sign during the daytime. Nevertheless, it is no exaggeration to say that the colors give the structure a strong presence and are the reason why it still attracts many people as a symbol of Tokyo.
A classic frame with a sense of weight and an elegant luster. But when worn, they feel lightweight. The bridge is made of carved parts with native patterns found in Indian jewelry, and the finish is meticulous. mmf-19s-317 386 ¥8,000+tax
These round frames, popular among women for the past few seasons, are not thick and have a delicate impression. The "yoroi" connecting the front and temples is decorated with an engraved metal pattern similar to that on vintage accessories. lmf-19s-322 180 ¥8,000+tax
Upon arrival, the Hato Bus tour group headed for the observatory, where both Kai and Alina seemed to be in a date-ready mood in front of the spectacular 360-degree view. Kai wore a set-up made of linen-blend fabric, while Alina wore a knit salopette. The two wore chic and somewhat reserved outfits with classic and intellectual eyewear. The glasses with a mature atmosphere fit well with their calm outfits.
SPOT 02_Happo-En Enjoy Japanese traditions with a tea ceremony experience at Happoen.
The next stop on the Hato Bus was Happoen, located in Shirokanedai, Minato-ku. This was originally the residence of Okubo Hikozaemon, a bannerman of the Edo shogunate in the early Edo period (1603-1868), but later passed into the hands of various people.
According to the guide, the beautiful garden in Happoen was created when it was the residence of businessman Fusanosuke Kuhara. It was in 1950 that he was approached with the idea of establishing a kappo restaurant, ryokan (Japanese-style inn), cafe, and other businesses on the property. Incidentally, the name "Happo-en" comes from the fact that it is "beautiful in every direction.
Here, the two experienced the tea ceremony at Yumean, a tea room in the garden. They learned about the profundity of Japanese culture while enjoying powdered green tea carefully prepared by a staff member dressed in a kimono.
KAI: [Dickies x Virgil Normal x Withrom] jacket ¥25,000+TAX, pants ¥16,800+TAX, [Pendleton] open collar shirt ¥10,800+TAX, [Wakami] bracelet ¥2,500+TAX (all from (all from Freaks Store Shibuya), other personal effects of stylist, Arena: [Frieda] Knit Salopette ¥24,800+TAX, [Freaks Store] Belt ¥2,900+TAX, [Wakami] Bracelet ¥2,800+TAX, [Laughore] Shoulder Bag ¥6,400+TAX 6,400+tax (all at Freaks Store Shibuya), other items: stylist's personal effects
Under the theme of "American Casual," the eyewear incorporating plenty of vintage American elements has a somewhat classic flavor. However, you can also sense a somewhat modern mood in the scenery of a good old tea house.
SPOT 03_Chinzanso Luxurious lunch with Japanese-style BBQ on lava stones.
Next, the Hato Bus headed for the Hotel Chinzan-so Tokyo, located in Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo. The hotel was originally purchased by Aritomo Yamagata, the former Supreme Commander of the Meiji Era, with his own private funds, and was named "Chinzan-so" after the garden and residence, which had been called "Tsubakiyama" (camellia) since the Nanbokucho Period, a place where camellia trees bloomed beautifully.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo has a large garden where visitors can view a variety of plants and historical sites. The Hato Bus tour group went to a restaurant in the garden called "Mokushundo," which was converted from a Japanese house. Fuji lava stone plate for a stone-yaki kaiseki lunch.
The lava stones are characterized by their far-infrared ray effect, which cooks meat and vegetables plump and juicy. Kai and Alina, who do not eat meat, were also happy that a vegetarian menu was available. The two were excited by the delicious food, and their conversation was lively.
SPOT 04_Imperial Palace Take a leisurely stroll at the Imperial Palace, the center of Japan.
The next destination is the Imperial Palace Plaza. Beside it, the outer garden of the Imperial Palace has a myriad of pine trees planted on the lawn, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. And just a stone's throw away are the buildings of Ginza and Marunouchi, which contrast somewhat nicely with the greenery that the plants adorn.
To match the scenery, the couple changed their outfits to a more open-air style. Denim or chino shorts and a T-shirt were the perfect outfit for a leisurely stroll around the Imperial Palace. By adding a shirt and gown in cheerful spring colors and patterns, not only their steps but also their moods became brighter and lighter.
The royal Boston-type frame is a versatile item that matches any fashion. The dark tortoiseshell color gives the frames a deep look. The yoloi is accented with a diamond-shaped engraved metal part.
Boston shaped frames with a gentle olive green hue. Compared to men's items, it is less voluminous and has a lightweight finish. The slightly large design makes it easy for anyone to wear.
KAI: [Wakami] open collar shirt ¥14,000+TAX, bracelet ¥2,500+TAX, [Cal O Line] T-shirt ¥6,800+TAX, [Star West] denim pants ¥25,000+TAX, [Street Dreams Magazine (all at Freaks Store Shibuya), other items: [Frida] Satin gown ¥19,000+TAX, [Freaks Store] T-shirt ¥5,800+TAX, basket bag ¥6,900+TAX, [Dickies] Dickie's Gurkha shorts ¥10,800+TAX, Wakami bracelet ¥2,800+TAX (all at Freaks Store Shibuya), other items: stylist's personal effects
Of course, the eyewear was also changed to match the styling. Kai chose thick and strong Boston frames from the front to the temples. On the other hand, Alina chose thin frames with a somewhat delicate feel. Both items have a comfortable and moderate presence. While they fit well with the coordination, they add accent to the styling without being behind the scenes.
The two get on the bus after their walk at the Imperial Palace. Alina still looks energetic, and Kai looks a little tired. But the tour is still at the turnaround point. Next, they will change to a boat from Hinode Pier and head north along the Sumida River to Asakusa.
SPOT 05_Sumida-river Cruising Boat ride north on the Sumida River toward Asakusa!
After safely boarding the boat, they sat on a bench at the stern of the boat and directly enjoyed the view from the boat. Perhaps feeling a little dazzled by the scenery outside, Kai and Alina put their glasses away in their bags, and then suddenly took out their sunglasses and put them on.
Feeling the wind blowing in from the outside, you will feel as if you are one with the ship as it moves northward, and your body will feel light and airy. The best part of this tour is not only the bus ride, but also the enjoyment of cruising on the ship.
These thermont-type frames reproduce a vintage mood, with a slightly large swing and a strong sense of presence. In addition to the bridge, the temples are also decorated with engraved metal parts, creating a luxurious piece.
Like the men's model, this one is slightly larger in size and uses engraved metal parts on the bridge and temples to create a feminine, rounded design. With a coloring that blends easily with the skin, it is recommended not only for daily use but also for leisure scenes.
After enjoying cruising as much as possible at the stern of the ship, we took a short break at the café space on board. Sunglasses match well with the relaxed and ennui look of the two. Kai looks somewhat sharp with his brow-shaped frames, while Alaina looks like she is wearing Ivy League fashion. Alina, on the other hand, wears Boston-type sunglasses reminiscent of Ivy fashion, emphasizing her urban mood.
SPOT 06_SENSOJI-TEMPLE We arrived at our final destination, Sensoji Temple.
The Hato Bus tour group arrived safely at Asakusa and headed for Senso-ji Temple, one of the most popular tourist spots in Tokyo. The two had their photo taken in front of the "Kaminarimon" (Thunder Gate), where the God of Thunder and the God of Wind are towering over the temple. Kai looked sharp and smart in a striped shirt, and Alina looked graceful and feminine in a checkered shirt dress. Both of them wore metal framed glasses, giving off an intellectual and delicate impression.
Sensoji Temple is known as the oldest temple in Tokyo. The charm of the temple lies in its Nakamise Street, which is crowded with tourists. Nearly 90 souvenir and confectionery shops line the 250-meter-long Omotesando Avenue on both sides, where many visitors enjoy shopping and eating their way through the shops. Kai and Alina, as you might expect, stopped to try some ningyo-yaki (doll pancakes) and to take a look at the unique Japanese food and general merchandise shops.
While the frames have a classical, menswear-like thermont shape, they are arranged to be slightly rounded to make them easier for women to wear. This is one of the most attractive frames with a sense of balance that enhances femininity but does not become too sweet.
Slightly rounded metal frames that give a delicate and elegant impression. The front and temples are made of different materials to create a design with depth. The bridge and yoloi are made of engraved metal parts. mmf-19s-318 395 ¥8,000+tax
As I passed through the approach to the temple, I could smell the aroma of incense sticks in the air. The smoke-filled evergreen incense burner is one of the specialties of Senso-ji Temple. It is said that when you bathe in the smoke from this incense burner, evil spirits are purged and bad parts of your body get better. After taking a full bath in the smoke, we went to the main hall to pay our respects. Perhaps their hearts were cleansed in this sacred place, and their expressions were somewhat refreshed.
KAI: [Park Delicatessen] shirt ¥12,800+TAX, [Gramichi] shorts ¥9,800+TAX, [Wakami] bracelet ¥2,500+TAX (all from Freaks Store Shibuya), other personal effects of stylist, Arena: [Freaks Store] shirt Dress ¥11,800+TAX, camisole ¥3,700+TAX, belt ¥2,300+TAX, skirt ¥23,800+TAX (Frieda), necklace ¥2,500+TAX (Wakami), bracelet ¥2,800+TAX (Bure) Bure drawstring bag ¥5,800+TAX (all from Freaks Store Shibuya), other items: stylist's personal effects
The bus then dropped the tourists off at Tokyo Station (or Hamamatsucho), and the entire tour ended in the evening. It was a very satisfying day, visiting various tourist spots. After getting off the bus, the two looked like they still had more to do. Kai, who had been feeling tired, seemed to have regained his energy and was thinking about plans for the rest of the date with Arena. It was still dusk. The two of them were heading toward Marunouchi with light steps.
