Most guide books are, well, dull. And even if you think you’ve picked the “local” spots, you’re likely to end up at the same bar or strip club with all the other tourists. Lame. But check out the new book Art Space Tokyo, and you’ll be able to really find what you’ve been looking for — at least in Japan.

The book introduces you to the neighborhoods that house the most important art galleries in the city by pairing illustrations by artists such as Nobumasa Takahashi and Craig Mod, with insightful descriptions of the areas and suggestions of spots to check out. Follow it, and we doubt you’ll run into any loud, gum-smacking tourists.

Threadless is our kind of store (for more proof, see here). Their designs are driven by the creative minds of both artists and their devout consumers. These are the kind of T-shirts that when we wear them, we always get the obligatory “OMG! Where did you get that?!” so now we just carry their business cards (we don’t speak to strangers).
And, starting July 11th, Threadless plans to really bring art to the forefront by holding “Go with the Flow,” an exhibition at their Chicago store/gallery, featuring the urban-inspired art of graphic designer/illustrator J. Byrnes. In the meantime, you can check out more of his gritty designs at adapt-studio.com