Tokyo, a city of contrasts.

The Japan Edition unfolded in the trifecta of Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo.

While Kyoto's traditional allure captivated, Osaka and Tokyo emerged as frontrunners. In my eyes, Osaka is to Tokyo what Brooklyn is to NYC. The cities are great individually, but you appreciate the madness of Tokyo and the laidback vibe of Osaka a bit more when you can contrast. 

The blueprint for our Japan journey was centered around a few pivotal experiences, a must in every city and it all started in Tokyo. Firstly, it all begins with Ramen. Over the years, global Ramen explorations, careful assessments of ramen broth (Tonkotsu over Shoyu anyday) and documentaries like "Ramen Heads" primed me for that first authentic Ramen slurp. Not one for “chain restaurants” but Ichiran delivered the promised umami—a creamy pork bone broth, a delicate spice with the sharpness of the spring onions, and firm noodles. 

Beyond the ramen bubble, the next is sushi of course. While navigating Tablelog—Japan's culinary Google reviews—proved a tad challenging, local recommendations from a friend in Tokyo steered us right. Sushi Urayama, a popular stop for quick business lunches is where I unveiled the true essence of sushi and how to savor it correctly— “Nigiri with hands,no chopsticks,” the skilled Itamae instructed.

And then, there’s the shopping, and most of my shopping sprees were infact at 7/11’s. Convenience store indulgence is a thing here. The tightly packed triangles of salty egg fried rice or egg salad sandwiches are the perfect anytime snack. Despite my desire to take back boxes of these, they remained an indulgence. Instead, Roji, a premium tinned food store, offering delicacies such as corned beef, smoked quail eggs & octopus make the perfect gifts for gourmet-loving friends.

And now for the actual shopping. Second hand shopping in Japan is unparalleled (and without that strange musty smell you usually get in vintage stores). The Kindal stores have a great curated selection of Japanese and international designers. Tokyo of course beckons with a promise of shopping escapades, particularly concentrated at Shibuya and Harajuku. For a caffeine kick, Blue Bottle in Kitaya park became a ritual, soaking in the ambience amid wooden benches before we set out to explore the boutiques. Strolling from Omotesando to Harajuku, you can also find unique stores as well as at Laforet streetwear plaza, home to several local designers. 

And lastly, for the drinking - Sake. The discreet Tokyo Sake Department located in the basement amongst the high rises of Ginza was the perfect introduction to regional Sake profiles. If you need a break from the shopping in Ginza, a quick drink at the Gindachi standing bar can give you more ammo to continue on.

And with that drinking, there can be long nights. The days that started looking up at the shiny skyscrapers and high energy ended within the dark alleyways of Golden Gai— dimly lit bars, hushed conversations, and laughter echoing in the air.  

Tokyo.

Where every visit invites a sequel to the endless exploration, craving more chapters of the city's narrative.

I will be back.Kanpai!

A special mention to our dear friend Fumi for showing us how the locals do it!