I basically lived at this place when I lived in Tokyo. This was also the first place I ever performed. Good food, nice shows and a great mixture of locals and international people.

This mountain is known as one of the top one hundred famous mountains in Japan. And is one of the highest mountains in the Tokyo area. I went mountaineering at the end of last autumn, and felt cold at the summit. The views changed as winds pushed away thick clouds, and I felt that winter was just around the corner. Scenery is breathtaking. It is recommended as a mountain comparatively easy to climb.

The most insane natural wine bar i've ever visited. Sano san knows well the value of Biodynamic and natural wines, he has a little cellar at 11 C where you can find gems opened up to 1 year before. The atmosphere and the way Sano treats his wines and his guests will change your perspectives. The kitchen is also delicious.

Another good found in the Nihonbashi area where I usually stay in Tokyo. The sourdough based toast simply stole my heart and inspired me how to enjoy sourdough as a healthier base of nutritious and simple breakfast. It was impressive how popular he bakery place is - long line started soon after the opening time in the morning. Apparently they are one of the local favorites who is well known to the foreign visitors too like me:-) Fortunately they manage it properly to maintain a quality experience. Located right beside a community playground, Parklet also has a lovely grocery inside where you can find their selection of artisanal food and drinks. Will come back next trip! 

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!