10.15.2018

Top Tokyo Eats

Hey subbies,

This list was made for those who it's their first time or returning to Tokyo, Japan that want to eat authentically Japanese foods but just right to your coin pocket. Most listed here includes dishes that are about 1000 yen more or less. Anyways, let's as they say do what the Japanese do I guess and Tabemashou!


 Abura Soba |  1 Chome-8-5 Kanda Jinbōchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 101-0051, Japan | https://www.tokyo-aburasoba.com/


Afuri Ramen | Japan, 〒151-0051 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Sendagaya, 3 Chome−63−1 グランデフォレスタ原宿 | http://afuri.com/
AFURI ramen is different from ramen you’ve had elsewhere. It’s lighter, refreshing—even a little delicate. We’re particular about all our ingredients—but there’s one ingredient in particular that makes AFURI ramen special. We make our signature ramen with yuzu, a small yellow citrus fruit native to Asia. We splash it in our fresh chicken broth and we garnish it on top, too. It adds a touch of freshness to our ramen and pairs perfectly with our broth and charcoal-grilled pork. We think of it as a thoughtful, refreshing update on everything that makes ramen so great.
Ippudo Ramen | Japan, 〒106-0032 Tōkyō-to, Minato-ku, Roppongi, 4 Chome−9−11 第二小田切ビル 1F‎ | http://www.ippudo.com/
Japanese Wonder to the World.
Since its founding, Ikudo has built a new ramen culture in Japan. And from now on, we will tell the world about lovely Japanese foods, including ramen. People all over the world enjoy Japanese food, understand culture, and love. And let the children of the world who will lead the future smile. I will continue to convey exciting Japanese food to the world.
Azuma Sushi | 5 Chome-36-7 Hakusan, Bunkyō-ku, Tōkyō-to 112-0001, Japan
 | http://www.aduma101655.com/
Mita, Japan cooking shabu-shabu Azuma at the location of a 1-minute walk from Hakusan Station. Long-established shops from 1950. Course changes in the seasons, we are allowed to offer a cuisine to match the time. In addition, the taste in Japanese beef is carefully selected, sukiyaki and Kaiseki we have gotten very popular. 
Ganzo Sushi | Japan, 〒106-6104 東京都港区Roppongi, 6 Chome−10, 六本木6-10-1 六本木ヒルズ森タワー 4F | https://www.ganzo.ne.jp/

As time goes by, and to the extent that it gets used, aging with the personality of the person who holds it, and it becomes eventually the only gem. I think that such leather goods are suitable for the name of "world best".
"GANZO (Ganzo)" is the finest line pursuing "real thing" without compromising at all, ranging from material selection to tanning, leather cutting, texturing, sewing, and polishing.
There, the craftsmanship commitment and soul breathed by hands of craftsmen who knew about the culture and techniques of Japan. The collection of GANZO is chosen for you and it is used up to reach the top of the performance and it will be completed as an original without change.
Motodane Sushi | 6 Chome-25-4 Tsukiji, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 104-0045, Japan
+81 3-5565-1923 | https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131301/13025023/#anchor-rd-detail

Uoriki Kaisen Sushi | Japan, 〒150-0002 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Shibuya, 2 Chome−24−1 東急百貨店渋谷東横店西館 B1F | www.uoriki.co.jp
Seafood fish power
We serve seasonal fish from Toyosu directly. In a calm atmosphere, you can enjoy authentic shochu and local sake, which is compatible with fish and is selected. Since the menu is changed monthly, it is a pub where you can feel the season no matter when you come. 
We prepare a set meal of seasonal fish at lunchtime.
Sushi Katsura | Japan, 〒104-0045 Tōkyō-to, Chūō-ku, Tsukiji, 2 Chome−15, 築地2丁目15−4| www.sushi-katsura.jp
Our motto is to skillfully use the seasonal fish purchased from the Tsukiji market with traditional techniques and to enjoy the original taste of the fish. And I treasure once a year, and I sincerely hospitality so that customers can eat comfortably.
 

Nakaya (Sashimi) | 3 Chome-7-6 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 102-0072, Japan | http://www.nakayazushi.jp/
I would like each customer to be pleased. We provide natural seafood that has been carefully examined for seasonal items with a free idea that is not confined to existing concepts, making full use of the goodness of the material the fish originally possesses. That is the commitment of "Naka and Sushi". Please relax and enjoy the taste of the seasons.
Ginza Wakana (Tofu) | 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 104-8212, Japan | www.ginzawakana.com
Currently, Ginza Wakana continues to find new style of pickles while selling salad-like ashikari and pickles using seasonal fruits, mainly in department stores, Ekinaka, Haneda airport stores.
Tokyo Shiba Tofuya Ukai | 4 Chome-4-13 Shibakōen, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 105-0011, Japan | www.ukai.co.jp
Seasonal flavored dishes to taste with commitment tofu The land of Hachioji and Owada, where there is also a name written in "Musashi country ·
Owada Noda" as an old document. A genuine cotton can be made because it is a watermark. That is a specialty tofu. "Soybeans" which influence the taste of tofu in water drawn from a well drilled well by 120 m are selected carefully selected high-grade variety. We invite you to enjoy the seasonal cuisine of the seasonal cuisine accompanied by sushi, tofu, seasonal ingredients such as seasonal ingredients made with sticky ingredients.
Kagetsudo Bakery (Melon Pan)  | Japan, 〒111-0032 Tōkyō-to, Taitō-ku, Asakusa, 2 Chome−16−7 ドムール浅草―Ⅱ 13 | www.asakusa-kagetudo.com



Nakamura Chu Shoten (Curry Pan) | 1 Chome-5-2 Yutakachō, Shinagawa-ku, Tōkyō-to 142-0042, Japan | https://www.tokichi.jp/english/
Since its foundation in 1854 (Ansei 1), Nakamura Tokichi Honten has always pursued the “characteristics” unique to each type of tea. We utilize open-field cultivation without covers to provide sencha full of brisk freshness which is characteristic of sencha. We carry out under-cover cultivation with intensive care to supply gyokuro with a rich aromatic flavour which is characteristic of gyokuro. We are determined to continue providing tasty tea without merely being bound by shapes or appearances.

Teppanyaki Kishin | 17 Sarugakucho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0033, Japan
| https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1303/A130303/13197854/

Koichian Bento | 2 Chome-24-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-8319, Japan
http://www.koichian.co.jp/
Furuichian sells beautiful, tasty and valuable sushi with a smile and affection with good smell, aiming for an improvement of safety and safety quality. 
Kurand Sake Market | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−9−9 新宿ワタセイ・タマビル 4階 | http://kurand.jp/sakemarket/shinjuku/
Deliver a story of liquor
KURAND is a new liquor shop that delivers stories.
We have a partnership with distinctive sake brewery throughout the country and
we produce alcohol together with sake brewery and
deliver it together with the story of liquor.
Goto Kamboko | 2 Chome-6-8 Togoshi, Shinagawa-ku, Tōkyō-to 142-0041, Japan | 510oden.com

Kakiyasu | 4 Chome-6-16 Ginza, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 104-0061, Japan
 | https://www.kakiyasuhonten.co.jp/
Deliciousness, nurture.
To be able to deliver real satisfaction to our customers.
In addition to enjoying with your tongue, let it taste with your heart.
Deliciousness that fosters commitment to materials.
Deliciousness that craftsmen's skills and ideas foster.
Deliciousness that the heart of hospitality of each employee nurtures.
The deliciousness of Kaki'an is the deliciousness that ourselves develop.
I put such thoughts in one line.
Tonkatsu Wako (Katsu) | Japan, 〒160-0022 Tōkyō-to, Shinjuku-ku, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−14, 新宿3−14−1 伊勢丹新宿店内7F | www.wako-group.co.jp

Tonkatsu; the masterpiece that changed Japanese food culture
“Tonkatsu,” or pork-cutlet in English, is a popular dish whose origins began in western restaurants in the Meiji Era more than 100 years ago. The popular cooking style of the time was to broil the meat with lard or butter.
Over time this changed to a deep-frying style similar to that of Tempura.

Yakitori Marukin (Bar) | Japan, 〒150-0042 Tōkyō-to, Shibuya-ku, Udagawachō, 28−15 サンマルジェビル | http://yakitori-marukin.com/
○ Kim's chestnut is made smaller than the one you will see often.
Why did it make it small?
For one thing, I want to eat many kinds.
We would like to have our customers enjoy many kinds of even a little.
And, on the other hand, this is more important than anything but it is also a device to eat delicious in the state of Atsu.
Before eating, if you remove the meat from the skewer, Atsuzu baked chicken begins to cool down rapidly.
In that case, if one skewer is made smaller, you can eat it in the state of azatsu without removing it from the skewer?
I thought so, it was the beginning of "small tea ceremony".
For small tea ceremony, big feelings of ○ money are included.
Baird Beer Taproom | 1 Chome-20-20-13 Jingūmae, Shibuya-ku, Tōkyō-to 150-0001, Japan | https://bairdbeer.com/ja/taprooms/harajuku/ 
You can enjoy traditional and modern Japanese izakaya dish and grilled meat and vegetables in Yakitori style.

10.09.2018

Must Buys in Japan

Hey Subbies,

Okay, so either you're already in Japan or about to travel in like a week. If you have a lot on your mind but what the heck do you buy. Don't worry I got you covered. Now, you have to visit Loft, Tokyuhand, Itoya, Muji, Daiso, Can*do, Uniqlo, and Don Quixote for the goods. There are a lot more stores but these are fan favorites when it comes shopping and those massive Tokyo hauls. I hope this list helps you narrow down that overwhelming feeling you are having trying to last-minute shop too.


Apparel
  • UV Clothing
  • Heat Tech Clothing
  • Airism Clothing
  • Jackets
  • Shoes/ Sandals

Beauty- Skincare Products & Tools
  • Skincare: Lotion (Toner), Suncream, Facemask
  • Facewash: Oil/ Gel/ Foam cleansers
  • Makeup: Face Powder, Eye-curlers/pencil-liner/shadow, UV lip balm, Brush-Cleansers, cotton pads
  • Sprays: Anti-static, Body, Repellent
  • Eyedrops
  • Hair Products


Homegoods

  • Cushions/pillows
  • mugs/cups

Relaxation gadgets

Character Goods
  • Cup Clinger character


Craft Goods
  • Washi-Tape
  • Tools

Kitchen Gadgets & Accessories
  • Chopsticks
  • Bento Box
  • Pots & Pans
  • Ziplock/ Vaccum Bags

Leather Goods
  • Wallets
  • Bags

Stationery (Cute)
  • Notebooks
  • Gel-pens
  • Eraser


Specialty Drinks and Snacks
  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Kitkats

10.06.2018

Ready to be a Tokyo Hypebeast.

Hey Subbies,

I don't know how new this term called "Hypebeast" is? But I know brands in general, have been the apple of many eyes for a long time. Simply, it's called "Brand Loyalty and Equity" if you want to get technical. This culture of consumption to conceptions started in the 80s and many will agree. Hip-hop, Sports, and Louis' V were both highly sought after commodities. The Hypebeast probably come from the more Sneakerhead culture of that time and just had babies with ever brand to think of nowadays and Hypebreast a rejoicing.

According to Urban Dictionary:
A Hype Beast is a kid that collect clothing, shoes, and accessories for the sole purpose of impressing others. Although the individual may not have a dime to their name they like to front like they are making far more then everybody else. Equipped with mommies credit card the Hype Beast will try his hardest to make sure he has every pair of Nike’s he saw Jay-Z wearing on 106 & Park.
I personally like the second definition a little bit more...
 A hypebeast is a slang for someone who is a beast (obsessed) about the hype (in fashion), and will do whatever it takes to obtain that desired hype. The term is meant to be derogatory by ridiculing of such with a lack of style. Hyped up brands sell their products for a price more than the average clothing company and can be seen re-sold along the internet for a price much greater than retail due to the fact that it is either exclusive, or somewhat limited. Yes, even when it was worn.
Well, you get the picture. if not you can watch this video.

Tokyoites really love fashion and have its fair share of Made in Japan brands and Western brands alike. Also, young influential Korean Hypebeast is totally MLGing in this game these days too and they make it look effortless. But back to Japan, I wanted to do this post as a follow to my other post and don't worry I've also included Thrifty places that your favorite Hyprbreast YTer or Celebs like to visit when they hit the streets of Tokyo. Also, thanks to them this list would not even be a thing.

Add tip: layers are your friend and yes, Japan is expensive when it comes to shopping, so get your racks up before coming.

What to Buy: Kimono, Flannel, Crop Cargo Pants or Demin, Nike or New Balance.

Top Places to Shop:

  • Undercover by Jun Takahashi
  • Uniqlo Ginza (x Collabs)
  • Vendor - We Find, We Select, We Sell to Live for Fun
  • Wacko Maria [ Music and Style]
  • Ragblue
  • BIG TIME 
  • Acme Studios by  Jonny Johansson
  • Bedwin & The Heartbreakers by Masafumi Watanabe
  • FNCB NIKE
  • G2 - Vintage clothing
  • Bape / Go Ape -
  • Hare - "Color, patterns and the period flavor represent essential fun and excitements."
  • VIAMLAN (over Komono Store Tokyo)
  • + 8 PARIS ROCK TOKYO - Mr. Kenichi Kakinum "k + 8 PARIS ROCK"
  • RAGTAG - Used · Select shop of designer brand
  • Momotaro JEANS Koenji by Kojima Okayama
  • 25SPINNS


9.27.2018

Top Vegan Spots in Tokyo

Hey Subbies,


Tokyo, Japan is know for it's food culture that revolves around Seafood. However, today I got a list that I put together after year plus of research. I would like highlight some restaurants but I will also include a map like my last post for reference. Happy Cow as they say.


Loving Hut
Loving Hut is a vegan restaurant chain that serves vegan foods and dishes. It was founded by Ching Hai. Wikipedia

T's Tan Tan
"T's Tan Tan" from Jiyugaoka offers noodles with rich flavor and rich taste without using meat, fish and shellfish, dairy products, eggs at all.

Itosho
Itosho is small restaurant that has been serving shojin ryori (Buddhist temple cuisine) remaining one of the city’s better kept secrets.

Hallogallo
COSY & FRIENDLY VEGAN BAR IN THE HEART OF NAKANO
hallogallo is a small & cosy bar in the heart of Nakano, just 3 minutes walk from the station. Everything on our menu is 100% Vegan, including our homemade food. The decor is cheerfully eclectic & so are the music choices (you can click on the Playlists link for an idea of what we’re listening to). We host several DJ events each month where enthusiastic music lovers play a wide range of genres. Please click on the Events menu for details. We speak English & our customers are usually a friendly mix of Japanese & international people. There is no Table Charge.

Bar BoTaniCal
It is close to Akebashi, a shop casually drops in anytime on the first floor of a building facing Morizaka Dori in Tsu Araki Town in Shinjuku Ward. Modern interior decorated calmly with woodgraining kept away from the bustle of the Shinjuku neighborhood and forgetting to be in the city. While arranging abundant sake such as whiskey and homemade liqueur, also stick to healthy dishes ahead of the use of chemical seasonings and additives 【Bar BoTaNiCaL】
Gentle cuisine and alcohol drinks everyday fatigue in a warm lighting shop, directing a soft and fun space.
With your loose time.
A talk with a lively companion.
Please enjoy your favorite space.
There is a time when everyone who has visited is satisfied.

Ripple - Ain-soph
From AIN SOPH. Ripple to you; from you to further on...
Just as ripples spread when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.
In hopes for each one of you to realize that you yourself can be the pebble causing the ripple effect.

Kaemon Asakusa
ランチの詳細はこちら
“Kaemon Asakusa” : Oriental Vegetarian Vegan restaurant. Certified Restaurant of HALAL.
We offer handmade dishes made mainly of pesticide-free rice and vegetables – dishes with plenty of vegetables – 100% vegetable dishes.
Our restaurant has “food barrier-free” environment and are suited for anyone with special diet. We offer dishes for vegans – dishes made without meat, fish, eggs, or dairy products – dishes for oriental vegetarians – made without five pungent roots such as garlic, Chinese chives, onion, Welsh onions, or Chinese scallions – dishes for Muslims.
Hours;  Lunch  11:00-15:00 (Wed-Mon) (L.O.14:30)
​Close; Tuesday Wednesday



9.14.2018

2018 Mid-year Top Japanese Cosmetics [ Fall / Autumn ]

There are many articles about Japanese history and the evolution of cosmetics with the passage of over 2 millenniums. It has become a cultural ritual that the look and feel have been the forefront of the Japanese women's skin, even when foreign makeup made it to the isolated stratovolcanic archipelago island. Japan's sensibilities were embraced have been written by scribes with illustrative descriptions. After WWII, Japan became very influenced by American mass media and fads (trends). Toady makeup has become all about the individual and multi-usefulness of products to fit their needs.

That being said let's move on to the Top brands for Fall 2018. I found out that websites that I always wanted to use to find Japanese cosmetic trends are now available in English. This site is used to find out what are the Top Cosme クチコミランキング. Please check out both links:
https://www.cosme.com/
https://us.cosme.net/
https://www.cosme.net/

Skin Care
Cleanser

  • Shu Uemura | Porefinist2 Sakura Fresh Cleansing Oil 4.9
  • SENKA | Perfect Whip U 4.6

Lotion / Essence / UV(SPF)
  • Recipist | Moist Lotion 4.2
  • ALBION | INFINESSE WHITE WHITENING PUMP MILK 5.4
  • SKIN AQUA | TONE UP UV ESSENCE 4.3
  • ELIXIR | BALANCING OSHIROI MILK 4.3
  • Ipsa | THE TIME RESET AQUA 5.2

Serum
  • D Program | ALLERBARRIER MIST 5.4
  • HAKU | Melano Focus V 5.5

Cream
  • Lululun | Moist Gel Cream 5.4
  • NAMERAKAHONPO | CREAM BN 5.2
  • IHADA | Medicated Balm 5.5

Makeup
Base / Foundation / Concealer

  • PORE PUTTY | MINERAL BB CREAM NATURAL MATTE 5.2
  • SOFINA | Primavista LONG KEEP BASE UV 3.9
  • Ipsa | CREATIVE CONCEALER  4.7
  • P.N.Y. DIVISION | SE SOFT MAT BB CREAM 5.1
  • EXCEL | Silent Cover Concealer 4.0
Powder

  • Maquillage | Dramatic Powdery UV 5.1
  • ALBION | SMART SKIN WHITE RARE 4.7
  • KATE| Powdery Skin Maker | ONLY MINERALS, MINERAL FACE POWDER SHIMMER 4.4

Eyes

  • Deja Vu  | LASTING-FINE A CREAM PENCIL EYELINER 5.0

Lips
  • CANMAKE | YOU LIP ONLY GLOSS 5.2
  • Clé De Peau | BEAUTÉ BRILLANT À LÈVRES ÉCLAT RADIANT LIP GLOSS 5.7

Body Care

  • HOUSE OF ROSE | OH! BABY BODY SMOOTHER N 5.2
  • Naturie | SKIN CONDITIONING GEL 4.9

Hair Care

  • Ahalo Butter | AHALO BUTTER PREMIUM SCALP HAIR PACK 5.1

Goods & Accessories
  • @Cosme Store | @Cosme Store Cotton Pads 4.8

Tools & Devices

  • MTG | REFA CARAT 5.2

Kits & Sets

  • Mogans | Silicone-Free Amino Acid Shampoo/Conditioner 5.5
Check out my older post about Japanese Cosmetics.