A Journey in Search of Slow Beauty
When I decided to travel through Japan, I wasn’t looking for trends or fast-paced inspiration. I wanted to experience what I call slow beauty. The quiet, intentional, and deeply human approach to living and creating that has always inspired Olively.
My route took me from Tokyo to Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka, each place offering something unique: from scent rituals to design simplicity, from ancient craftsmanship to joyful creativity. Japan reminded me that beauty isn’t only what we see: it’s what we feel, how we move, and how we care.
Tokyo — Calm in the Chaos
Tokyo is pure contrast: structured yet spontaneous, minimal yet vibrant. I spent my days walking through its narrow streets, discovering calm pockets within the city’s constant rhythm.
Mornings began with the hum of espresso machines at Common and Roar Coffee House, two gems that capture Tokyo’s blend of creativity and calm. At Bricolage Bread & Co., the bread feels alive, fermented, crusty, and deeply comforting. While One by One Coffee in Meguro served one of the best cups I’ve ever had: smooth, earthy, and prepared like a ritual.
*Photography: breakfast at Bricolage Bread & Co
In Ginza, I wandered between Muji, Isoya, and Loft, mesmerized by how everyday objects become poetry through design. Then, near Asakusa, I stumbled upon Osaji, a Japanese skincare brand whose scents reflect the same respect for nature that lives inside Olively.
For a pause, I escaped into Coffee Kan Ginza, a timeless kissaten hidden underground dimly lit, wooden, and serving what might be the best pancakes. Dinner at Sakura Sacas, tucked in Akasaka, was the kind of experience that stays with you: handmade gyozas prepared before our eyes, and that joyful chorus of “arigatou gozaimashita!” as we left.
Tokyo taught me that even in movement, there is balance and that beauty doesn’t need to be loud to be felt.
Kyoto — Ritual and Reverence
If Tokyo is innovation, Kyoto is devotion. Everything in this city feels crafted with centuries of patience, from its temples to its handmade incenses. We discovered Kyoto by city bikes, the best way to move slowly through its quiet streets and hidden corners.
Between Yamada Matsukoboku, Shoyeido, and Kungyokudo, I found endless inspiration for Olively. Natural materials, earthy tones, and that soft play of light that makes everything feel alive.
For slow mornings, Astarte became a favorite, delicate pastries, smooth coffee, and the kind of calm that lingers. Dinner at Charlie, a cozy izakaya serving small, thoughtful dishes, was filled with warmth and laughter.
One of the most unexpected highlights was discovering Maana Atelier, a beautifully curated space for workshops, design, and learning. It felt like the embodiment of slow creativity intentional, tactile, and timeless.
And if I could stay anywhere next time, it would be Ace Hotel Kyoto for its design-forward energy or Mogana, a quiet sanctuary that feels like modern Kyoto distilled.
Other hidden spots were OUI Bakery cafe, 130R, Kurasu Kyoto Stand and Martin a coffee shop and the brother of Charlie.
Kyoto taught me that slowness isn’t indulgence it’s respect. Respect for the craft, for the maker, and for the person who receives.
*Photography at Maana Atelier
Osaka — Joy in the Everyday
Osaka felt like a celebration, street food, and color at every corner. If Kyoto whispers, Osaka sings.
We wandered through Namba, sampling octopus skewers, crab sticks, and local beer by the river. Mornings were for Ourlog Coffee Honmachi, where every cup is roasted on-site. My favourite coffee shop and roaster was Ult Coffee, the care for coffee was incredible and their shop was curated and nice.
Other hidden spots were Glitch Coffee, MaZe Nishihorie, Bo-no bakery and Unreal Bake & Cafe Bar
In Osaka, beauty felt lighter, freer, more human. It reminded me that care can also be playful, that not every ritual needs silence.
What Japan Left With Me
From Tokyo’s quiet cafes to Kyoto’s incense-filled temples, Japan showed me what it means to create with purpose. To move with care. To give time to the things that deserve it.
When I came back to our Slow Beauty Lab in Andorra, I carried all of it with me, the scent of Hinoki, the calm of Kyoto, the joy of Osaka and the reminder that beauty, real beauty, always takes time.
*Photography at Ult Coffee Roaster
Discover Olively’s beauty creations, inspired by rituals from around the world and handmade with purpose in our Slow Beauty Lab. Each product is crafted with ingredients from nature, time, and intention, a celebration of conscious care and lasting beauty.
If you’d like more Japan travel recommendations or have any questions about the places mentioned, just leave a comment below.
Explore the collection at Olively.store where slow beauty meets honest skincare.
With love,
Ivon