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From Tokyo
A Stroll Through the Neighborhood: From Nakameguro to Daikanyama
While waiting for your companion during their session at THE GOOD CAT SCRATCH, stepping outside is a great idea. Nakameguro and Daikanyama offer a refined blend of culture and nature, where a simple stroll brings fresh inspiration. Use our curated map based on the Our Area section to explore the neighborhood and find your own favorite spots.
The Taste of Tradition in Every Bowl
Ramen is an indispensable part of Japanese food culture. Its history runs deep, originating from “Nankin Soba” born in Yokohama’s Chinatown during the Meiji period, and evolving through a blend with Japan’s unique dashi (broth) culture and artisan craftsmanship. Modern ramen has been elevated to an artistic culinary experience—ranging from traditional flavors beloved over decades to refined bowls pursuing meticulously selected ingredients, as well as distinct styles bursting with personality.
Here are 10 recommended shops—six from the Tokyo area and four from regional areas—where you can experience the depth of Japanese ramen culture.
Summer’s Palette: The Landscapes of Japan
From the clear, resonant tones of wind chimes to golden sunflower fields stretching all the way to the horizon, the Japanese summer offers a wealth of beautiful scenery and rich traditions unique to the season. Why not step away from your daily routine and fully immerse yourself in the evocative charm of a Japanese summer? Here, we present a curated selection of recommended spots perfect for creating unforgettable summer memories.
Adorned in nostalgia: A Japanese summer, etched in tattoos.
A Special Feature on “Japanese Summer” Tattoo Designs Proposed by Tattoo Artist Takkakei.
From summer creatures like fireflies, dragonflies, and migratory locusts to nostalgic treats and icons like shaved ice, cream soda, and glass wind chimes—these refreshing motifs of the season are elevated into delicate graphic designs. Discover a truly special art experience that allows you to wear subtle aesthetics and rich atmosphere on your skin, evoking beautiful memories of summer.
Savor the Summer: 8 Luxurious Kakigori Spots
With the arrival of full-fledged summer, nothing sounds more appealing than a cool, sweet bowl of shaved ice (kakigori).
Its history is surprisingly deep, having been enjoyed in Japan since the Heian period. In The Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon, she describes a luxurious moment enjoyed by the nobility of the time: savoring shaved ice drizzled with sweet, plant-derived syrup.
Now, about 1,000 years later, modern kakigori has evolved into an even more decadent dessert, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship through a dedication to natural ice and homemade syrups that highlight the quality of their ingredients.
Capturing a Moment on the Water’s Surface with Ink
A unique tattoo experience crafted by Suminagashi artist Midori, blending traditional techniques with hand-poke tattooing. Guided by a deep respect for tribal and indigenous cultures that inspired her since childhood, she captures the delicate balance between the fleeting beauty of Suminagashi (marbling)—a single moment frozen on water—and the permanence of a lifelong tattoo. Etched into the skin dot by dot with soul and intention, her work invites you into a world of art that acts as a gentle, everyday charm, showcasing the passion behind every piece.
Yokai of Summer: Lurking in the Shadows of Tokyo
In Tokyo, once known as Edo, people had a stylish way of beating the summer heat: sending a shiver down their spines with ghost stories and tales of yokai. In this article, we introduce the “Summer Yokai” that keep these ancestral stories alive today. Accompanied by beautiful illustrations, follow the presence of these delightfully chilling creatures to make your summer trip to Tokyo a little extra special.
A Tokyo Journey: Bridging Tradition and the Near Future
Right at the feet of towering skyscrapers lies the timeless tranquility of centuries-old temples. In Tokyo, these two completely different worlds blend together with surprising harmony and beauty—a unique contrast that continues to captivate travelers from around the globe.
To help you deeply experience Japan’s rich culture and atmosphere, we’ve highlighted Tokyo across five distinct categories. Here are 10 must-visit spots to explore the true charm of the city.
Contrast in Red and Black: Adorned on Skin
Tattoo artist Özge brings a background in fine art and contemporary art to her work, expressing a unique world through delicate lines and striking contrasts of red and black.
At the core of her art is a profound stillness inspired by surrealist masters like Dalí and Magritte. Breaking the rules of reality, her designs evoke a frozen-in-time feeling that seamlessly flows with the natural contours of human bone and muscle. This creates a sense of unity—as if the tattoo is truly living alongside the body—inviting viewers to discover their own interpretations.
