all streets shibuya
A local guide made by walking
and wander designer's
nature-oriented approach to Shibuya
Vol.12 Mihoko Mori
(Fashion Designer)
2023.04.20
A number of outdoor brands have established flagship stores in Shibuya, mainly on Meiji-dori and Cat Street. It was in this district that Mihoko Mori, formerly of collection brand, launched the outdoor brand "and wander" with Keita Ikeuchi. Their outdoor wear and items combining the features of high-functional materials with urban design quickly became a topic of conversation and earned them a wide range of fans. The directly managed store is located in Moto-Yoyogi-cho, and the adjoining gallery holds unique exhibitions with artists with a penchant for nature. Mori, who has lived in 3 different locations within Shibuya for more than a decade, shares her beloved urban hiking routes in the Yoyogi Uehara area.
For a true outdoor enthusiast,
nature is never far away.
“I like nature that is kind of nondescript. Shibuya is actually a town with a lot of greenery, don't you think?" mumbles Mori-san, just back from visiting Paris and London for the 2023 Fall/Winter season exhibition. An avid outdoor fan who enjoys hiking in mountains, backcountry skiing, and white-water rafting in Japan and abroad, she finds the greenery of cities just as enticing as the great outdoors.
“Don't you just love strolling through the back alleys of Shibuya? The unassuming plantings of houses and apartments, the colorful trees along the streets, and so on. The connection with nature that accompanies us in our daily lives is part of what we want to express through and wander.”
A modish outdoor brand
bridging city and nature
After starting her career as a designer at a collection brand, one of Japan's leading mode brands, Mori launched and wander in 2011.
"I started going camping with my friends and eventually became interested in hiking in the mountains. I hiked a variety of mountains, starting with Yatsugatake. However, every time I returned to Shibuya from a day out hiking, I was frustrated by the design of existing outdoor wear and items and their lack of affinity with the city. Coming from a fashion background, I decided to fuse functionality and design into my collection. I try to build a bridge between people who are not interested in nature and those who are, by having them pick up these items and think they are "somehow stylish".
Since she was familiar with Yoyogi Uehara, she naturally decided to set up her office there. After the space became too cramped and was relocated, it was transformed into the first directly managed store, "MT."
“The store is designed to resemble a mountain cabin, where customers can pick up and try out backpacks and clothing. The use of mode colors, patterns, and reflectors are true to the spirit of and wander. Feel free to talk to our staff about anything outdoorsy, not just about our products.”
The form of Japan’s mountains
In the palm of your hand
Once you have had a chance let the mind wander back to nature through the products, head to the OUTDOOR GALLERY, which is located on the upper floor. Outdoor gallery is a partnership between and wander and Papersky magazine that aims to mix creativeness and sustainability with an outdoor lifestyle. Furthermore, an exotic Japanese/Western confectionery store opened in the same Moto Yoyogi neighborhood, where visitors can sense the mountains from a different angle.
“Shorakuen's mountain confections are chocolates that look like mini dioramas. They are designed to topographical data from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. When I first saw them, I could picture the faces of many of my mountain friends whom I wanted to give them to. Fuji, Hachijo-jima Nishiyama, Omuroyama, Yufudake, and Sakurajima Mitake. ...... Today I am getting Mt. Rishiri! It's the northernmost of Japan's 100 most famous mountains in Hokkaido."
Food and drink for
strolling in nature
Sha-Shokudō keeps Mori fed and watered during her busy days managing the brand. The café-restaurant, opened by an architectural design office, is a place for people living and working in Yoyogi Uehara to relax and enjoy a hearty yet nutritious lunch. Once you have had your fill, take a short stroll along the tree-lined walkway that runs nearby.
“The Nishihara Greenbelt is a great place to walk during the cherry blossom season. There are many splendid cherry trees, with many people laying out tarps and gazing up at the cherry blossoms. The path is well maintained and lushly green, so it's worth walking from Sasazuka to Yoyogi."
After turning off the green road at Hatagaya and continuing on to the shopping street in the ever-popular Nishihara, you reach the goal at "PADDLERS COFFEE". Mori's connection with popular coffee shops also reflects her desire to build a bridge between the city and nature.
“For our and wander hiking tours, we always bring coffee beans that we buy here and serve to the participants. Freshly brewed coffee after hiking in the mountains. I think that even something as seemingly innocuous as that can help people appreciate the allure of nature.”