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Discovering Nonbei Yokocho in Shibuya: A Hidden Gem

This holiday season, I decided to explore Nonbee Yokacho in Shibuya, a bar district that’s lesser-known compared to the famous Golden Gai in Shinjuku. Despite its low profile, it’s conveniently located just around the corner from Shibuya Station, only a five-minute walk from the world-famous Scramble Crossing. This hidden gem offers a unique charm and […]

Rediscovering Golden Gai: A Night of Nostalgia and New Experiences at DINER 5GALLONS.

Shinjuku Golden Gai, nestled in the bustling heart of Tokyo, is a vibrant and eclectic district renowned for its dense concentration of tiny bars, izakayas, and eateries. This charming enclave, located in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, offers a stark contrast to the surrounding neon-lit skyscrapers and modern establishments. Golden Gai consists of six narrow alleys connected […]

Bouzouk Brandy? or Jin? who knows: : A Surprise Encounter at Kakinuma liquor shop

Ah, the thrill of the hunt! There’s something undeniably satisfying about scouring hidden gems, and for me, that often translates to exploring the unique offerings of local liquor stores. Recently, I found myself on a mission in the liquor shop, Kakinuma, on the Route7 or Kan-nana. Recently, a mission called me to the shelves of […]

Hwayo Soju: A premium Korean Soju that perfectly matches the recent K-pop wave!!

My recent trip to a Korean bar (BangBangBang, see the below map for location) in Okayama unearthed a gem: Hwayo Soju. This premium Korean spirit impressed me not just with its clean, delightful taste, but also with its global presentation. The sleek bottle design and clear English website felt reminiscent of the recent Korean pop […]

PEYOTE is a hidden bar located in a quiet corner of the nightlife district south of Numazu Station.

I recently revisited Numazu after a significant period. This city is renowned for its authentic bars, especially in the station’s southern area. However, I found the area somewhat deserted and struggled to find a bar to visit after dinner. In contrast, the nearby Mishima Station, with its convenient Shinkansen access, is more vibrant and tourist-oriented. […]

Standing Room Only Delight: A Review of Tachinomi Ura in Kurashiki 

Coming back to Okayama for a business trip again and I enjoyed a walk around the bustling town, full of locals and tourists exploring the old town in Kurashiki. I’ve previously reviewed this town on this blog. Kurashiki is well-known for its old-style charm. Here’s what AI chatbot had to say about it with the […]

Explore strategies to maximize value while ordering drinks at bars and izakayas in Japan.

When ordering a drink at a bar or izakaya in Japan, there are a few tips to ensure you get a high-quality, authentically Japanese drink. Firstly, I recommend opting for a tapped beer or a bottled beer from Japanese brands like Sapporo, Kirin, or Asahi. These are readily available and typically good quality. If you […]

An introductory page for beginners on the topic of Japanese whisky and distillery, with a hint of historical background and current movement.

Suntory is the most recognized whisky maker in Japan, with its most famous brand being Yamazaki single malt. However, this whisky is hard to find in the market now. Many tourists seek a chance to buy it in bars or liquor shops, but acquiring a single malt Yamazaki with aged labels is challenging. Suntory was […]

Experiencing K-Pop Culture in Shinjuku: An Insider’s Guide to K-Pop Girls’ Bars”

Recently, I went to a K-pop karaoke bar in Kabukicho, Shinjuku. This concept of a Korean pop girls’ bar might be new to some. So, I’ll provide a brief explanation about both, Korean pop and the girls’ bar. K-pop, or Korean Pop music, has gained global recognition, with artists like BTS achieving remarkable popularity beyond […]

Golden Gai in Shinjuku is a place that equally attracts all visitors. Here are some tips and a guide for first-time visitors based on my own experiences.

Visiting the bars in the Golden Gai district in Shinjuku took a while, but it was worth it. I couldn’t help but notice how the atmosphere has changed in recent years, with more and more tourists from overseas discovering this charming spot to explore, enjoy drinks, and strike up conversations with strangers from all walks […]

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