ROOTOTE: My Bags of Great Finds at Daikanyama
Japan is a favorite destination of mine, and that’s why I keep coming back to it. My plan is to explore a different place, every visit. Now how did I discover Daikanyama? I was on a plane ride reading our inflight magazine Mabuhay Magazine.
The cover was Tokyo and our “guide” was Filipino shoe designer Johann Manas living in Japan. He was sharing his neighborhood and favorite haunts and I got curious about one area he mentioned, Daikanyama. The place’s unique vibe appealed to me. Because of that, when I had time, I researched all I could about it. So you know what came next right? The very first chance I got, I planned a trip to Tokyo!
Daikanyama on my Mind
When we got to Tokyo, of course, part of my itinerary were old favorites like Tsukiji Market, Harajuku area, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. But as promised, I made sure to add new places like Daikanyama.
Going to Daikanyama from our Air BnB place was easy. The train ride was quite short but the difference in atmosphere was startling. In Shibuya, I really feel the tourist vibe because of the ramen places, rows of souvenir shops and fast food joints.
In Daikanyama, I can easily imagine myself as a local coming over to look around for additions to my collections, waiting at a lovely cafe for a friend, or spending the afternoon window shopping.
Mind and Heart, Planned and Unplanned
There I was, armed with a list of places to see, excited to start and check those boxes on my list!
Now there is one thing I need to point out. My traveling method is always a combination of logic and intuition.
My mind doesn’t allow me to go without a plan (I’d probably go mad without one!) but my heart struggles with being limited to a list.
All of my travel experiences are a wonderful mix of places I listed and those that just caught my eye when I was walking around.
And that was how I ended up having a great time at Daikanyama!
Rootote: a unique japanese brand
There was one shop that wasn’t on my list. It was this Japanese brand specializing in tote bags called Rootote.
I was looking for a coffee shop that was on my list (more about this in another blog), when I saw this blue and white store.
There was a unique printed block letter in a particular shade of indigo on its tarpoline. I have to confess, I love naming colors and looking at them so I had to go closer to this indigo prints on the store! Were they random letters? Or did they mean something? There were no spaces to separate them into words… and yet…maybe they meant something? As I went closer, the letter began to make sense.
“COLLABORATION WITH VARIOUS DESIGNS…ART CULTURE ROOTOTE….”
And the logo was an R with a kangaroo inside the letter! What a curious little shop! All those hanging bags and the shop looked so full of stuff to see. Of course the red sign which said “Special Summer SALE” sealed the deal.
My first thought when I entered was, “This looks like a mini art gallery.” The place had attractive and unique tote bags displayed on the walls, propped up counters and hanging from hooks on the ceiling.
Predictably, I kept on oohing and aaaahing and did a little bit of squealing as I slowly worked my way around the small shop. They had vintage, colorful, contrasting designs. Each worthy of admiration and careful consideration.
The Worker's tote bag
As I circled my way back to the front of the store, I saw these eye-catching solid colored tote bags on the wall. While others were made of canvas, this display which to me were works of art, were made from plastic of a sturdy construction. I asked the girl assisting us and it turns out that the bags were made of public works signs and banners that were repurposed. The Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway company collaborated with Rootote for this worthy cause. The totes are called Hataraku tote – worker’s tote bags.
Shopper's Dilemma
Now you have to know that by this time, I had already chosen a Snoopy canvas tote bag and a stark white tote bag with a vibrant blue Mount Fuji on it. Both bags had the signature hidden side pocket like a mother kangaroo’s called Roo pocket (that’s why their brand name is ROOTote – you get it?).
So when I saw the Hataraku tote bags, I was torn (all shoppers can empathize with me here).
I wanted to get one because it looked so different from anything I owned (okay… again, shoppers would be able to get this).
Snoopy, Woodstock and Mount Fuji
Having said that, I couldn’t give up Snoopy and Mt Fuji! Snoopy was Snoopy! And I couldn’t leave him and Woodstock behind!
Mount Fuji tote bag has unique inner snap buttons that changes the shape of the tote into Mount Fuji itself! The nice lady demonstrated it when I was looking at it and was still thinking whether to get it or not.
Now tell me, if you were me, would you be able to return it? So I had to make a decision and put price as consideration.
The Hataraku tote was a bit pricey (well now as usual, traveler’s regret….I think it was worth it and I should have bought it) and if I got it, I’d have to let go of Snoopy and/ or Mount Fuji.
So Happy with What I Bought!
While I admit to having traveler’s regret, I will focus on what I DO have. I have been using the Snoopy tote bag — even if it was meant for my daughter haha.
Picture on the LEFT:
I haven’t used the Mount Fuji. Only Miffy used it — or was in it! I will definitely use Mount Fuji bag next weekend and post it! Heck, with all this uncertainty around us, it will be foolish to hold on to the bag waiting for the “right” time to use it!
I am happy with both purchases and I smile when I look at either one. No regrets in buying. Actually, my regret is NOT getting one of the Hataraku tote bags! Lesson? I didn’t have to choose among them. Next time, I will definitely not hesitate to buy what I like and bring them all back to Manila!
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