Last Updated on November 30, 2025
Entryway Display
In my current home, I have a display space on top of the shoe cabinet, so I decorated it for autumn decoration. I used to show various crafts my children made here. Now, I’ve changed things up and decorate the space with seasonal items I choose myself. However, I’m too busy to care for live plants every day. So, I decorate with items that don’t need watering, like dried flowers or other greenery. This way, I can still enjoy a touch of nature without worrying about keeping anything alive.
Flower vase
The flower vase I used this time was purchased at ACTUS Marunouchi, an interior goods store. It may sound a bit odd, but I was drawn to it because of its look, which reminds me of a slightly shriveled potato. It’s simple, yet has a textured charm that suits both Japanese and Western styles. You can also put plants in it, but even leaving it empty creates a nice atmosphere.
Plants
The plant is a vine that I bought during the Christmas season from a nearby florist. It is called Sankirai(Smilax glabra Roxburgh). I thought it was a Western plant since sellers presented it as a Christmas wreath, but I discovered that it naturally grows in Japan and other parts of Asia. When I first bought it, the berries were bright red, but over time they darkened, giving them a calm and mature look. I took apart the wreath and removed some pieces to create a small arrangement.
This plant has thorns, and its vines are stiff, so you need to handle it with care. However, its stubborn nature and the striking red accent give a strong impression to anyone who sees it. Also, it evokes the brushstrokes of Japanese calligraphy. I’m not sure what a professional flower arranger would think, but I feel that it turned out quite nicely!
Another Items
Another ItemsHere’s something else I added. This bamboo basket is actually the container for some sweets I bought as a souvenir when I visited Karuizawa in Gunma Prefecture. The sweets were delicious, and since the container was so cute, I decided to use it. Karuizawa is a popular area for vacation homes and a beautiful place, so I’ll introduce it to you someday.
You’ve arranged flowers in something other than a vase, like I did, haven’t you?
And one more thing. This is a traditional folk toy from Fukushima Prefecture called Akabeko. The head wobbles back and forth when you tap it. It is bright red, very cute in a Japanese style, and also serves as a charm for warding off evil and protecting against illness. At that time, some of my family members weren’t feeling very well, so I put it on display.
Antenna shops
I didn’t buy this in Fukushima; I got it at a Fukushima specialty store “MIDETTE” in Nihonbashi. Various regional specialty stores from all over Japan have branches in Tokyo. They are called “antenna shops.” In Nihonbashi alone, there are six shops offering a variety of local specialties, crafts, and souvenirs. Some of the shops even serve regional dishes.
They are very popular spots in Tokyo, offering new discoveries for people who have never visited these regions and niche products for fans of those areas.
Shop Info
ACTUS Marunouchi
Price: Flower vase – 19.15 USD / 16.61 EUR
(approximate conversion from JPY)
Access: 170 m / 558 ft from Tokyo Station
Instagram:@actus_press
Nihonbashi Fukushima-kan MIDETTE
Price: Akabeko – 6.38 USD / 5.54 EUR
(approximate conversion from JPY)
Access: 350 m / 0.62 mi from Kanda Station
MIDETTE Official website
All info is current as of my visit.
