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Snack Bars and Gender Dynamics: Reflections on Japan’s Nightlife

My recent visit to a “snack” bar near Chiba offered an intriguing glimpse into Japan’s unique nightlife culture. These establishments, distinct from typical Western bars, operate on a set-price system that includes seating fees, basic drinks, and snacks. What sets them apart is the social atmosphere cultivated by the “Mama-san” – the female owner whom […]

Shibuya After Dark: A Glimpse into Tokyo’s Neon-Lit Nightlife

As the neon lights of Shibuya flickered to life, a friend and I set out on a nocturnal adventure to uncover the vibrant bar scene that pulses through the veins of this iconic Tokyo district. Our journey would take us from tiny alleyways to bustling slopes, offering a glimpse into the eclectic nightlife that makes […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The Suntory Kaku Highball can is the best recommended whisky with soda. It is easy to find and affordable, available anywhere in Japan.

Among all the things I have tried, the Suntory Kaku High in a can is the best recommendation. In most cases, it is even better than the one you order at a bar or restaurant. We commonly refer to it as “Kaku High” in a can, and it is sold almost everywhere in Japan. If […]

Taking a walk in the neighboring area of Meguro Station offers a different yet unique experience in Tokyo.

It’s not just in the center of Tokyo where you can see the latest trends. When you’re tired of walking through the bustling streets of Shibuya or Shinjuku and want to delve deeper into exploring Tokyo, Meguro is an interesting place to experience the residential area of the upscale Tokyo district. From Meguro Station on […]

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