TRAVEL GUIDE: The One about things to know as you plan for your travel to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games

  Many people are planning to travel to Tokyo for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic Games (July 24 – August 9, 2019). But while Tokyo is safe and it’s going to be quite lively, there are a few things that you will need to know. JULY Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 7 – Get there early!

Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (spring) brought 60 shops, around 14 shops from overseas and the event brought coffee roasters, cafes, those who sell coffee cups, food and items as well. While the event is free, if you want to drink coffee, you have to purchase Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 6 – Book Truck

While today’s modern image of coffee shops are people reading the newspaper or on their laptops, there are still those who love to read a book while drinking their favorite coffee. Books and coffee go hand-in-hand and at the Tokyo Coffee Festival, one can find Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 5 – Deadstock Coffee Roasters

At the Tokyo Coffee Festival, it was a pleasure to meet Ian Williams, former Nike employee, owner of Deadstock Coffee (snob-free coffee with the mantra “Coffee Should Be Dope”) in Portland’s Old Town and the man behind Colorways, the event series focused on sneakers, streetwear Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 4 – Light Up Coffee showcases Dalat, Vietnam coffee producers

Located in Kichijoji is one of the popular coffee shops in Tokyo, Light Up Coffee. The coffee shop opened on July 31, 2014 in Kichijoji and the shop was started by two individuals (Kawano Yuma and Tamito Aihara) who didn’t like coffee, but were more Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 3 – Iyoshi Cola, the world’s first craft soda

One of the popular places for people to drink something different than coffee at the Tokyo Coffee Festival is Iyoshi Cola. The popular craft cola is courtesy of Kobayashi Cola, a “cola maniac” who has traveled the world to try varieties and flavors of cola Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 2 – HIGUMA Doughnuts

One of the biggest attractions at the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (spring) was HIGUMA Doughnuts. For those not familiar with HIGUMA Doughnuts, the main headquarters is based in Meguro, while the other location is located in Omotesando (this shop is a collaboration with Coffee Wrights). Read More …

The One about the Tokyo Coffee Festival 2019 (Spring) Part 1 – The Guest City is Melbourne (Australia)

Back in April, I had the opportunity to attend the Tokyo Coffee Festival held at United Nations University (same location as the Farmer’s Market). I went early to watch how the festival was setup, to see how the overall event was executed and to meet Read More …

The One about TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, the largest cinema in Tokyo

Since 1997, TOHO Cinemas has become one of Japan’s leading places for people to watch films. Originally known as Virgin Cinemas, TOHO purchased Virgin Cinemas for 10.3 billion yen in 2003 and have now expanded throughout Japan. In Tokyo, while there are numerous TOHO Cinemas, Read More …

The One about Boulangerie Jean Francois France at Tokyo Midtown Hibiya

Japan has a special affinity towards French bakeries especially respectful chefs and Jean Franscois (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) is one of them. Jean Francois can be in a picture frame at the Tokyo locations which include Jean Francois Shibuya Marks City in Dogenzaka, Viennoiserie Jean Read More …

The One about the #1 ramen restaurant in Japan – Chuka Soba Tomita Ramen is now in Tokyo (KITTE next to Tokyo Station)

I have written about the late Yamagishi Kazuo, “The God of Ramen” and how he was responsible for tsukemen (cold noodles and hot broth) and how he made sure his techniques were not lost by bringing in apprentices at his Higashi-Ikebukuro ramen restaurant Taishoken (1, Read More …