This store changed my life

A story about a shopping experience in Japan I'll never forget.

I recently wrote about 5 stores in Japan that shifted my perspective on the in-store shopping experience. You can read that here if you haven’t already! I also have a google maps list that you can sync to your phone with all of the stores I visited over there.

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Japan has a lot of amazing shopping but the one store that I think everyone must go to at some point is Hender Scheme. While there are a few locations around Japan, the Sukima location in Ebisu is probably the best one. The two floor flagship offers Hender Scheme’s entire collection all in one space for you to enjoy.

For those new to the brand, Hender Scheme is a Japanese footwear and accessories label that focuses on developing handcrafted products using high-quality sourced leathers. The brand prides itself on its aging process—whether it’s a wallet or a pair of shoes, the products will take new shapes and colors through its rich patina that develops over time, a signature characteristics of their handcrafted goods.

Sukima Hender Scheme in Ebisu.

Although it’s quite difficult to acquire Hender Scheme in North America—Haven is probably the only spot I know that actually has a solid variety of goods, although the full Hender Scheme catalog is massive—I’ve been lucky enough to pick up some stuff that have truly elevated my everyday life. So it was a no brainer for me to visit this spot when I was in town. My goal was to pick up a wallet, maybe some footwear, and whatever else I saw at the store—Speaking of, I see too many people in expensive fits pulling out velcro wallets they’ve had from high school. What’s up with that? Investing in your accessories should be at the top of everyone’s list. Plus, it’s something you’re going to use everyday, so why not make it count?

The wallet selection felt overwhelming, in a good way, because the variety was absolutely massive. There is so many different leather options and styles for different purposes in life, that it’s easy to get lost. Plus that rich smell of fine leather goods is something I’ll never get tired of.

Wallets, key holders, glasses cases, pouches and so much more is available in various leathers that will age and change color with time.