The One about Omotesando Hills

In 2005, a shopping complex known as Omotesando Hills was built in the popular avenue in Shibuya known as Omotesando. The area often referred to as Tokyo’s Champs-Elysees, Mori Building created the complex (which was designed by Ando Tadao) that would contain 130 shops and Read More …

The One about ROLL ICE CREAM FACTORY in Shibuya

Harajuku and Omotesando are a place for trendy cafe’s, coffee shops and shops. Especially near the Jingumae area of Shibuya. And there are numerous shops that people line up for nearly an hour just to get a taste of what is being offered. Near Omotesando Read More …

The One about TSUTAYA in Shibuya (Music Store section)

While Tower Records is one of the most well-known music stores in Japan, TSUTAYA is the largest chain store in Japan that not only attracts book and movie aficionados but also attracts music aficionados to their store thanks to their point card system, guest appearances Read More …

The One about Gorilla Coffee in Shibuya

Back in 2002, an independently owned and operated micro-roastery known as Gorilla Coffee opened in the neighborhood of Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York City was created. Known for their strong coffee and wonderful selections in their menu opened in Shibuya back in 2015. As Read More …

The One about J.S. Pancake Cafe in Shibuya

Located a floor above Gorilla Coffee Shibuya is a pancake shop known as J.S. Pancake Cafe. I’ve written about the popularity of pancakes in Japan and they are no doubt much different in terms of perception, look and taste when compared to the typical pancakes Read More …

The One about Guzman Y Gomez Mexican Taqueria in Harajuku

In Australia, Guzman y Gomez is known for their authentic Mexican dishes and with over a 100 businesses in Australia, Singapore and Japan, Guzman y Gomez Mexican Taqueria gives Japanese another way to try Mexican food such as burritos, nachos, taco and quesadillas. Created in Read More …

The One about Udagawa Cafe “Suite” in Shibuya

Udagawa Cafe “Suite” is a place for those looking to chill in Shibuya, eat and drink with friends ’til midnight Formerly known as “Udagawa Sweets”, the cafe promotes fancy meals and cakes and because of the vibe and convenience, it’s a location (found at Shibuya’s Read More …

The One about Dominique Ansel Bakery in Omotesando

French-born pastry chef, Dominique Ansel is no doubt a well-known name for pastry fans. He is the owner of Dominique Ansel Bakery in New York City back in 2011 and started the cronut craze in 2013.  So popular that people were paying $20-$40 for a Read More …

The One about Revisiting Rainbow Pancake in Harajuku

I have written about Rainbow Pancake before and how busy the location was, the lines going to the popular restaurant but also how delicious and fluffy the pancakes were. But I felt I needed to revisit the location and give a more thorough review.  Because Read More …

The One about visiting Jun Takahashi’s MADSTORE UNDERCOVER concept store at Laforet Harajuku

Jun Takahashi is one of my favorite Japanese fashion designers and the man responsible for the brand UNDERCOVER. Jun was the vocalist of the cover band “Tokyo Sex Pistols” and his role model was Vivienne Westwood (fashion designer best known for bringing modern punk and Read More …

The One about BEAMS RECORDS in Shibuya

Back in 1976, Yo Shitahara created the Japanese clothing brand, BEAMS in the Harajuku area of Tokyo. The company has since grown beyond clothing and fashion to showcase accessories, home fashion, books and also has a music label, BEAMS RECORDS. BEAMS RECORDS’ theme is “Life Read More …

The One about Luke’s Lobster on Harajuku’s Cat Street

Back in 2009, Maine native, Luke Holden, a one-time lobsterman opened his first seafood shack in New York’s East Village. In less than a decade, Luke’s Lobster has opened more locations in Maine, Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Maryland, Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and with the Read More …

The One about the Ralph’s Coffee Truck in front of the Ralph Lauren store in Omotesando

While Ralph Lauren’s Polo Store on Fifth Avenue in New York closed down earlier this year, along with Ralph’s Coffee, Ralph Lauren wanted the coffee brand to continue and so it does with a coffee truck stand in front of the Ralph Lauren store in Read More …

The One about Marc Jacobs’ Bookmarc

In 2013, located in Cat Street in Harajuku is fashion designer, Marc Jacobs’ “BOOKMARC”. Designed by Stephan Jaklitsch, BOOKMARC sells books specializing in art, music culture and photography.  And the concept of the store happened when bookstores began to disappear from the global landscape. Marc Read More …

The One about the Flower Exhibition near the Otorii at Meiji Shrine

For those who are visiting the Meiji Shrine, sometimes you may find flower arrangements to village dioramas that were beautifully decorated. While I don’t know too much on the history of the actual dioramas, I do know that the chrysanthemum exhibition is often held in Read More …

The One about Hatonomorihachiman Shrine in Shibuya

Located near Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium is a shrine known as Hatonomorihachiman Shrine. Established in 860 AD, the shrine built and named after the forest originally in the location, was created under the request of the villagers, so a Goshintai (an object worshiped and housed Read More …