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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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. … Read more
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 … Read more
It’s been a long time since I planned a trip to Nikko. However, when a friend who enjoys train travel invited me, we booked a special train and made it happen. The “Spacia Express” is a special express train heading to Nikko, known for its shrine dedicated to the late Shogunate Tokugawa. The shrine’s unique … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
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 … Read more
Exploring the bars of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai is a time-consuming yet rewarding adventure. The district has undergone a noticeable transformation in recent years. What was once a hidden local treasure has evolved into an international gathering spot, where visitors from around the world discover its unique charm. The narrow alleys now buzz with multiple languages … Read more
Stopping at a bar after work to simply have a beer and relax is very enjoyable. It’s something I miss from my time in Europe, where it was easy to find a bar like that at random in a terminal station or elsewhere. Having a chat and a drink is enjoyable, but sometimes it can … Read more
