issen: A Sanctuary of Tradition and Taste in the Heart of Asakusa

Located in the serene streets of Oku-Asakusa in Tokyo's Taito ward, Issen, designed by Takasu Gaku Design and Associates, is a unique destination that transcends the typical tea and dessert shop. It offers an immersive journey into Japan's deep-rooted food and cultural traditions, providing a unique cultural experience. Spread across a 25-square-meter space, Issen profoundly reflects Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship. Situated within walking distance of the bustling Asakusa Temple, Issen offers a tranquil escape for those seeking a more intentional and unhurried experience of Japanese culture, away from the tourist crowds.

The heart of Issen's philosophy lies in its tribute to the relationship between food and culture. Each dish is a curated celebration of Japan's diverse agricultural heritage. The shop's owner undertakes a personal pilgrimage across the country, visiting the fields and workshops of Japan's rural heartlands to select only the finest tea leaves and ingredients. This meticulous curation process, infused with a personal touch, brings a level of authenticity that elevates the dining experience, where every bite and sip is imbued with the stories of the artisans and farmers behind the produce.

The food served at Issen goes beyond mere sustenance—it is an invitation to appreciate the nuanced flavors and textures that have been shaped by Japan's diverse climates and terrains. The teas, sourced from small farms, are brewed with precision, their natural flavors enhanced by the care taken in both cultivation and preparation. The desserts, too, are a delicate interplay of seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. These dishes are not only visually appealing but are meant to engage the diner's senses fully, from the subtle fragrance of the tea to the delicate sweetness of the desserts, creating an exciting culinary experience.

The design of Issen reflects the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, where beauty is found in simplicity and imperfection. It is a masterclass in restraint and reverence for natural materials. The earthen floors provide a tactile connection to the earth, while the natural stone counters offer a sturdy, grounded surface that contrasts with the lightness of the washi-paper walls. These walls resemble traditional earth walls but are crafted with handmade washi paper, lending the space a subtle texture that invites touch and evokes the rich tactile history of Japanese craftsmanship. The shop feels like an organic extension of the land, where every material tells a story of the natural world from which it was derived.

In the spirit of the Japanese tea ceremony, Nissan encourages guests to take their time and fully enjoy the experience. The peaceful atmosphere, highlighted by a prominent, handcrafted washi light fixture, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. The fixture, featuring a cascading water pattern, surrounds the counter area and brings to mind the calmness of a flowing stream. This reference to the outdoor, no-date tea ceremony adds a modern touch to the space, where nature is always present, even within the confines of this cozy tearoom.

The design promotes a calm, almost meditative experience, where the owner's actions and service delivery contribute to the overall aesthetic. Each movement is deliberate and filled with purpose, reminiscent of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony's philosophy of ichigo ichie. This concept emphasizes the fleeting nature of each moment and the significance of cherishing the present.

In many ways, Issen is an extension of Japan's cultural landscape. It expresses a deep connection to nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. The space bridges the old and the new, seamlessly integrating contemporary design with centuries-old practices. Visitors at Issen are not simply dining; they participate in a ritual honouring Japan's profound cultural heritage. Eating and drinking tea reflects a broader, more interconnected world.

The experience at Issen is more than just culinary; it is cultural, sensory, and deeply personal. It offers an opportunity to disconnect from the frenetic pace of modern life and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty that has defined Japan for centuries. Through the careful selection of ingredients, the mindful design of the space, and the reverence for tradition, Issen stands as a testament to the enduring power of Japanese design and culinary artistry.

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For more information, please visit: https://gaku-design.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Restaurants Division