Japan House London — Attraction in London

I have been meaning to visit this place, but I guess after sheltering from the hailstones turned rain yesterday had made that happen. Where do I begin? The information and artefacts of Japanese items were interesting to look at. I was intrigued by the details of some of the items they had caught my attention/eyes. It felt like there was no end to the information provided, but what I really was surprised by was the fact their exhibitions held are free, because most exhibitions usually require bookings or even a certain fee to enter.

I appreciate that Japan House allow the general public to enter their exhibitions, which they host from time to time for a few months. They have workshops and talk shows too, but sometimes they have events like the workshop that require a fee, as I can imagine that gathering material for their workshops would not be cheap. Never had I thought I would find myself being fascinated and absorbing in as much information as possible. Especially about woodwork/carpentry as much as I had when I went to check out their The Craft of Carpentry Drawing Life from Japan's Forests.

I like how most of their work had various information regarding the aterfacts they had shown on display. It was incredible how much detail can go into their craftsmanship, but what I was really impressed and could not comprehend was the amount of detail that went into the lattice woodwork! It was very detailed indeed and beautifully presented. I assumed I would only spend an hour looking around, but I ended up spending 2-3 hours taking in everything and captured some incredible and interesting craftsmanship through carpentry.

I ended it with by visiting their library which they have books talking about their transport in Japan and other topics. I do not live local, but I would recommend anyone who lives local or into information and enjoys visiting exhibitions should give Japan House a visit. I will definitely find time to come back and visit and attend more of their exhibitions depending on if I can attend or not, but I would find time.

Next time, I will try their restaurant Akira on the top floor, and I like that they have travel guide information about different activities in different Japanese prefectures. You could Google possible information, but all the leaflets and brochures I had found and decided to take home with me to read. It would definitely detail a lot of interesting, if not informative, information in different Japanese prefectures and other things you may find of use should you decide to travel to Japan someday.

They also have a travel guide who recommends things regarding Japan. Should you want to travel, you could have a conversation to find out more...

Disappointed by the service and handling of a basic complaint.

My partner and I visited Japan House (around 2:30-3pm 06 April) and both ordered a matcha latte. Unfortunately, my partner’s drink was filled mostly with ice—so much so that she had just three sips before it was finished. That’s just not acceptable, especially when you’re paying for a drink.

She mentioned it to one of the assistants outside the exhibition area and asked if there was a manager she could speak to. The assistant was helpful, said she’d check, and later came into the exhibition to tell us it was no problem—they’d be happy to make another drink.

But when we returned to the counter after the exhibition, the experience took a turn. The woman at the counter was rude and dismissive, asking my partner if she was “complaining” in a very condescending tone. My partner tried to explain what had already been discussed with the assistant, but instead of being understanding, the woman’s attitude was cold and unprofessional. To top it off, we could see her gossiping in front of us, which made things even more uncomfortable.

All in all, the situation could’ve been handled far more professionally. A simple solution—remaking a drink—turned into a negative interaction that really impacted our visit. When you pay for a drink, you expect more than just three sips and a poor attitude.

FYI the assistant near the exhibition had great customer service was very helpful, just a shame another employee had...

I have been hear a few times for tea on the ground floor and always enjoyed visiting.

This time I decided to visit the exhibition floor. Upon entry of the exhibition, the lady at the door told me which way to enter. But nothing further.

The exhibition is in one medium size hall.

Half way through my visit, someone came up to me and advised I wasn't allowed any bags in the hall (or wear a particular bag in a certain way....it wasn't clear....all the other visitors who beginning to pay attention and I decided this really wasn't a situation I enjoyed).

The lady then advised about the cloakroom.....

I decided to leave as the exhibition was so small it wasn't worth exiting sorting out my bag (which wasn't mentioned by the other exhibition staff before entry) and coming back in.

If something is required, the exhibition staff (all of them....not just a few inside the hall itself) should be informing visitors and perhaps more signs at the actual entrance to the hall....

And as the cloakroom is near the exit, perhaps swap the exit with the entrance.....there is little difference. But visitors can see and staff can refer them to the cloakroom...... rather than let them see half of the exhibition and then telling them off and making them leave.

Although I would revisit the centre for tea, I will never bother to see an...