These are the Icicles of Misotsuchi in Oku-chichibu. They are built up very slowly by water dripping down. The best time to see these icicles is during the coldest part of the year, from about the middle of January to the middle of February. They're located in the in the Arakawa headwaters.

Staying with DDD, a renovated boutique hotel introduced me to the Nihonbashi area where there is full of beautiful contrast between historic and modern cultures. Really enjoy the convenience of the location. The room is electrically designed that is so warm and cozy. The in-house gallery and cafe are also worth checking! 

In the same district than Path really good natural wine selection, super nice host and every Friday Vinyl selection.

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! 

The steep steps to Drip looks just like the entrance to many traditional Kissaten (Japanese coffee house/cafe) which are located on the second or third floor of the building. Well the inside is a creative blend and brew of modern interiors, new classic menu and contemporary vibes. I had my first Tokyo style cream soda and pudding. They were so good! The shelf of the owner is a big love too. I can easily spend a long day here with good reads and good drinks.