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! 

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

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! 

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.

located in one of my favorite neighborhoods in tokyo close to Yoyogi park, nephew is a hidden gem in the residential area ( you can find yourself lost in navigating by GPS on your first visit:-). with a compact space, it feels like walking into the back kitchen of your friend's restaurant for a chat and a bite of what he's cooking. nephew is a happy place to go for a morning refreshment, a cafe date in the afternoon and a cozy night with food and wines. love the vibes and the high energy of the team!