Latest
issue
GET ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital edition of Attractions Management and the FREE weekly Attractions Management ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window I've already subscribed. I've already subscribed.
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
NEWS
London's Japanese culture destination set for July launch
POSTED 08 May 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
The design of the whole space has been described as minimalistic, also reflecting the diverse range of activities it will host

This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and reevaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people
– Katayama Masamichi
A new cultural destination in London, celebrating Japan and funded by its government, has announced its public opening date.

Called Japan House London, the new attraction will offer visitors authentic Japanese encounters when it opens on 22 June, with the best in the nation's art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology.

Japan House London will be the third such location to open, following existing locations in São Paulo, Brazil and Los Angeles, US. Its Art Deco location on Kensington High Street will feature art works and exhibitions from a selection of esteemed Japanese artists; the first a collaboration with Tokyo's Toto Gallery, celebrating the work of architect Sou Fujimoto. Japan House London will also shine a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other creatives who are making waves in Japan and around the world.

"As one of the world’s greatest and most vibrant cities, London was the natural choice to join São Paulo and Los Angeles for Europe’s Japan House," said Koji Tsuruoka, Japanese ambassador.

"As the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games draw the world’s attention, I hope that this ground-breaking venture will provide a new opportunity for Britons to encounter Japan, serving to further enhance the friendship between our two countries and peoples.”

In terms of its design and aesthetic, almost every aspect of the new space has been derived “from source” in Japan. Japanese interior designer – Wonderwall principal architect Katayama Masamichi – created the interior design features, which include hand-made kawara floor tiles from Awaji Island and authentic products sourced from Japan.

The design of the whole space has been described as minimalistic, also reflecting the diverse range of activities it will host. A spiral staircase, spanning three levels will be at its heart, with the piece built in Japan, shipped to London and assembled piece by piece.

"This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and reevaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people," said Katayama.

"I wanted to create a purposeful and meaningful space which can be a stage and provide a spotlight to the very broad and creative programme on offer at Japan House London."

Culinary delights will also feature as part of the attraction, with a new Japanese restaurant Akira by chef Akira Shimizu. A retail floor will also entice visitors with Japanese art, design and technology ranging from homewares and accessories through to fashion and stationery.

"The Japanese community in London makes a huge contribution, both economically and culturally, to the capital," said London's mayor, Sadiq Khan.

"I hope that Londoners and visitors alike enjoy this unique slice of Japanese culture in Kensington.”
A spiral staircase, spanning three levels will be at its heart, with the piece built in Japan, shipped to London and assembled piece by piece
Japan House London will be the third such location to open, following existing locations in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Los Angeles, US
In terms of its design and aesthetic, almost every aspect of the new space has been derived “from source” in Japan
PROJECT PROFILE:

Japan House London
A new cultural destination in London, celebrating Japan and funded by its government, has announced its public opening date.


RELATED STORIES
  World's tallest timber skyscraper planned for Tokyo, as design team pledged to 'transform cities into forests'


Japanese architecture giants Nikken Sekkei ave partnered with construction firm Sumitomo Forest to create the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper, which they hope will inspire the transformation of “cities into forests” around the globe.
  Chapek spills beans at D23 Japan as parks chief reveals details on multiple park projects


Disney’s parks and resorts chair Bob Chapek has shared details about the company’s development pipeline, revealing new details about its Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar bands across its theme park portfolio.
  Sejima Kazuyo joins Pritzker Prize jury as award gears up for 40th anniversary


Acclaimed Japanese architect Sejima Kazuyo has been appointed the newest member of the Pritzker Prize Jury, tasked with selecting the next winner of architecture’s most prestigious accolade.
  Final Fantasy VR coaster headlines Universal Cool Japan 2018


Cool Japan is set to return to Universal Studios' Osaka theme park this year with a VR rollercoaster based on the Final Fantasy series.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
+ More news   
LATEST JOBS
General Manager, The Needles
Heritage Great Britain
Salary: c£70,000pa + benefits + relocation support
Job location: Isle of Wight , United Kingdom
National Event Planning and Logistics Officer
English Heritage
Salary: £30,190 - £32,636pa + matched pension + benefits
Job location: Home-based with countrywide travel , United Kingdom
+ More jobs  

COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
LATEST ISSUES
+ View Magazine Archive

Attractions Management

2026 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 2


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2024 issue 4


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management News

06 Apr 2020 issue 153


View on turning pages
Download PDF
View archive
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Handbook

2019


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
London's Japanese culture destination set for July launch
POSTED 08 May 2018 . BY Tom Anstey
The design of the whole space has been described as minimalistic, also reflecting the diverse range of activities it will host
This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and reevaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people
– Katayama Masamichi
A new cultural destination in London, celebrating Japan and funded by its government, has announced its public opening date.

Called Japan House London, the new attraction will offer visitors authentic Japanese encounters when it opens on 22 June, with the best in the nation's art, design, gastronomy, innovation and technology.

Japan House London will be the third such location to open, following existing locations in São Paulo, Brazil and Los Angeles, US. Its Art Deco location on Kensington High Street will feature art works and exhibitions from a selection of esteemed Japanese artists; the first a collaboration with Tokyo's Toto Gallery, celebrating the work of architect Sou Fujimoto. Japan House London will also shine a spotlight on the artisans, craftsmen, designers, performers, musicians and other creatives who are making waves in Japan and around the world.

"As one of the world’s greatest and most vibrant cities, London was the natural choice to join São Paulo and Los Angeles for Europe’s Japan House," said Koji Tsuruoka, Japanese ambassador.

"As the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games draw the world’s attention, I hope that this ground-breaking venture will provide a new opportunity for Britons to encounter Japan, serving to further enhance the friendship between our two countries and peoples.”

In terms of its design and aesthetic, almost every aspect of the new space has been derived “from source” in Japan. Japanese interior designer – Wonderwall principal architect Katayama Masamichi – created the interior design features, which include hand-made kawara floor tiles from Awaji Island and authentic products sourced from Japan.

The design of the whole space has been described as minimalistic, also reflecting the diverse range of activities it will host. A spiral staircase, spanning three levels will be at its heart, with the piece built in Japan, shipped to London and assembled piece by piece.

"This project gave me great pleasure and an opportunity to relearn, revisit and reevaluate Japan's aesthetics and the mindset of our people," said Katayama.

"I wanted to create a purposeful and meaningful space which can be a stage and provide a spotlight to the very broad and creative programme on offer at Japan House London."

Culinary delights will also feature as part of the attraction, with a new Japanese restaurant Akira by chef Akira Shimizu. A retail floor will also entice visitors with Japanese art, design and technology ranging from homewares and accessories through to fashion and stationery.

"The Japanese community in London makes a huge contribution, both economically and culturally, to the capital," said London's mayor, Sadiq Khan.

"I hope that Londoners and visitors alike enjoy this unique slice of Japanese culture in Kensington.”
A spiral staircase, spanning three levels will be at its heart, with the piece built in Japan, shipped to London and assembled piece by piece
Japan House London will be the third such location to open, following existing locations in Sao Paulo, Brazil and Los Angeles, US
In terms of its design and aesthetic, almost every aspect of the new space has been derived “from source” in Japan
RELATED STORIES
World's tallest timber skyscraper planned for Tokyo, as design team pledged to 'transform cities into forests'


Japanese architecture giants Nikken Sekkei ave partnered with construction firm Sumitomo Forest to create the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper, which they hope will inspire the transformation of “cities into forests” around the globe.
Chapek spills beans at D23 Japan as parks chief reveals details on multiple park projects


Disney’s parks and resorts chair Bob Chapek has shared details about the company’s development pipeline, revealing new details about its Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar bands across its theme park portfolio.
Sejima Kazuyo joins Pritzker Prize jury as award gears up for 40th anniversary


Acclaimed Japanese architect Sejima Kazuyo has been appointed the newest member of the Pritzker Prize Jury, tasked with selecting the next winner of architecture’s most prestigious accolade.
Final Fantasy VR coaster headlines Universal Cool Japan 2018


Cool Japan is set to return to Universal Studios' Osaka theme park this year with a VR rollercoaster based on the Final Fantasy series.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026.
Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi- day destination.
Butterfly sanctuary to host hot yoga during retreat at Jersey Zoo for Hotel de France
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
QubicaAMF UK

QubicaAMF is the largest and most innovative bowling equipment provider with 600 employees worldwi [more...]
ProSlide Technology, Inc.

A former national ski team racer, ProSlide® CEO Rick Hunter’s goal has been to integrate the smoot [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS