Hotel Rooms Become Shops for 2 Days! Explore Yanesen at “GRAPHY GARAGE” at HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU, April 19–20.
The theme is “Global” — with performances by local rakugo storytellers and traditional folk musicians connected to the neighborhood. Experience both Japanese traditional and international cultures through unique programs!
To celebrate its 12th anniversary, HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU will host a market event, “GRAPHY GARAGE – Yanesen Global Market –”, over the weekend of April 19 (Saturday) and April 20 (Sunday). The event brings together shops from the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi area, also known as “Yanesen.” Visitors will also be able to enjoy live performances by local rakugo storytellers and folk musicians, perfect for both kids and adults.
“GRAPHY GARAGE” – An event to explore the hotel and meet the shops of Yanesen
Since opening in February 2013, HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU has welcomed travelers from around the world and local residents under the concept “Meet Local. Feel Global.” The Yanesen area, including Nezu where the hotel is located, is known for its deep connection to traditional Japanese culture. You can find everything from old-style cafes and antique shops to craft and handmade stores, each run with care and passion.
“GRAPHY GARAGE” first started in April of last year to celebrate the hotel’s 11th anniversary. Local shops from Yanesen gathered inside the hotel for a special market event called “GRAPHY GARAGE – Yanesen Local Market –”. This year marks its third edition, and the theme is “Global.”Thirteen stores offering international goods and fashion will join, along with three groups (five performers in total) including a rakugo storyteller and traditional folk musicians linked to the area.
The event will transform several guest rooms into a variety stores curated by local store owners. Visitors can wander through the rooms and enjoy the special world created by the combination of HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU’s atmosphere and Yanesen’s unique shops. It will feel like traveling through markets from different parts of the world.
There will also be performances by a non-Japanese rakugo storyteller and musicians playing Indian and Irish instruments, creating a program that visitors of all ages can enjoy. Feel free to drop by with your family and friends!
Event Details
Date: Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU – 1st floor lounge, STUDIO (tatami area), café, and selected guest rooms
Admission: ¥500 (includes one drink)
Special Website: Please visit the special site for “GRAPHY GARAGE – Yanesen Global Market –”
Main Visual: Illustrated by Kanako Kiyo, an illustrator and graphic designer born in the summer of 1994 in Kyoto. She is known for her nostalgic line-drawing style and works on CD covers, packaging, and more. She loves walking, dogs, and old things.
Things to enjoy at the event
※ This is only part of the full event information. Please check the special website for more details, including videos from past events to get a better sense of the atmosphere.
① Explore guest rooms turned into shops by Yanesen-based stores!
The theme of this event is “Global”.Shops from the Yanesen area that offer international goods and clothing will transform hotel rooms into creative variety stores. These include shops that import goods directly from various countries, as well as a store with American vintage fashion from the 1960s and 70s. Wander through the hotel, and you’re sure to find your new favorite shop or item.
・Zakka (Handmade goods)
Offers a wide variety of items including handmade goods and fashion accessories imported from around the world, natural beauty products, and works by Japanese and international creators.
・Fashion
LIBRA vintage & used clothing
A vintage clothing shop tucked away in a quiet alley. They focus on American vintage from the 60s and 70s, under the slogan “peaceful, pop, and full of character.” Their pieces are bright, energetic, and unique.
・Others
ZENZEN
A natural plant-dye and indigo brand created by Jelle, a Dutch artist. He studied indigo dyeing in Tokushima three years ago and later taught himself other traditional techniques like sashiko stitching. He also remakes vintage clothes. At the event, you can try plant-dyeing and indigo-dyeing yourself.
② Performances by a rakugo storyteller and folk musicians with ties to Yanesen
On April 19 and 20, enjoy live performances of rakugo by Europe’s first rakugo performer, as well as folk music from India and Ireland. Come watch, listen, and enjoy both traditional and global cultures.
※Please check the special website for exact performance schedules.
Rakugo by Sanyutei Koseinen, Europe’s first rakugo storyteller
On April 19, Sanyutei Koseinen, a member of the fifth generation Enraku Rakugo Association, will perform in both English and Japanese. The English performance will be accessible to non-Japanese guests, while the Japanese version will be fun for both kids and adults.
③Enjoy food from around the world
On the event days, please try to enjoy a variety of food items, such as burgers arranged with food from around the world, Taiwanese dishes like lu-rou fan and chicken rice, and Thai dishes like green curry and gapao rice (Thai food available on April 20 only).
GRAPHY NEZU CAFE & LOUNGE
The hotel’s café and lounge will serve nine types of globally-inspired burgers, such as Margherita (Italy), Banh Mi (Vietnam), and Mapo Eggplant (China), each transformed into a burger style.
About HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Located in a charming corner of Tokyo’s historic Yanesen district, HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU opened in February 2013. Since then, it has hosted events and workshops that connect global travelers with local residents. It is loved as a “lifestyle hotel where people come together.”
Although it is a hotel, it also has a hostel area, attracting many backpackers from overseas. This gives the space a social, hostel-like atmosphere. Shared lounges, dining areas, and kitchens are available for guests to use freely, allowing for a stay that feels casual and personal.
Facility Overview
Name: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU
Address: 4-5-10 Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0008
Access: 3-minute walk from Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Line
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