Shinjuku is one of the busiest places in Tokyo and you can see various contrasts of society there. Numberless stories are rolling under the huge buildings in somberness. Good to walk around through the night.

Citylight Book at Yoyogi-uehara is the type of independent bookstore where I would wish to hang every week. It opens in the afternoon and runs through late night as a bookstore, as well as a meet-up place, a bar for book lovers. Founded by Kaminaga-san, a veteran who had worked with publishing industry for many years before creating his own version of bookstore, this is a cool place to browse for new titles of books and magazines of a wide range of genres/topics. The second floor works as a nice study room too. CABO, the mix place where the bookstore is located also offers other original selection of snack bar and fine dining. You can easily drift in and out, encountering interesting souls in the hood. I had a book launch and talk event here in May, 2024. It's been such a wonderful experience, good crowd and good vibes only! 

This was a tour visit to Umezu's house in Kichijoji. He is the one of most famous cartoonist. The walls are painted in red and white horizontal-striped, Makoto-chan (character of his comics) is on the roof. It became a sightseeing spot in Kichijoji from the day it was built. The dress code of this day follow in his trademark. This house is full of a sense of fun and love for his character.

If you are into "Midnight Diner"-esque night experience but not into a crowded Shinjuku scale, then this is a good alternative. Smaller and much more laid back.

Skip the museum itself if you want, as the garden of this place is the nicest part. Green and quiet, you will forget you are in the middle of Tokyo