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AM11:00
Under the hot summer sunshine...We decided to stroll around by the river to catch the breeze......

AM11:30
Early lunch? in this South--East Asian like heat how about Singaporean food? just 3mins walk from the station but a little bit hideout place. Small but lovely retro-modern decoration like you were back in the 60s.It has lovely atmosphere and with relaxing Jazz music on....The 3-star ranked Singapore(Hainan) Chicken rice is the one to have.. and with Tiger beer....oh that hit the spot...!

PM1：00
After the nostalgic lunch... bring you back to modern and pop world... How about a funky addition to your room or that present you've been looking for?

PM03:30
A little peckish? Then here is one for you. A tiny buy and eat out snack shop on Yamate-dori.just 3min walk from the station. Sakuraya.You find the fish shaped cake filled with cream...Taiyaki. Yummy! 

PM4:00
Hanging around in busy shopping street.　A tiny spot you can easily miss and pass by. But just stop for a moment and look for a little relief of your busy day. 'Bato Kannon' is standing there peacefully. Bato means 'Horse Head'. A kannon for horse.This areas used to have many horses.This shrine is still visited by jockeys before their race for good luck.

PM7:00
OK then.Let's get back to Meguro river side once again. Time for nice dinner?
Open in beginning of August, A brand new river side restaurant with nice view of the river and variety of food range, drinks and yes, sweets for ladies and sweet toothers.
Cozy wind feeling seat by the door and comfy floored seats on the back.

PM9:00
Eat well and drink well! For well-brewed beer. You can't miss Taproom. but the location is easy to miss out but easy to find. Just find GT tower right next to the station and go up on the second floor. Family-owned brewery in Numazu,Shizuoka craft their Baird beer. They have range of craft beers.The special Nakameguro bitter brewed specially for this Nakame branch.It goes down very nicely.Cheers....! 

Five Star cafe
http://www.golden-dining.com/fivestar.html

SHOP DETAIL nakameguro 
http://www.detail.co.jp/

SAKURAYA taiyaki
http://ktcktc.com/sakuraya/

馬頭観音
http://www.city.meguro.tokyo.jp/gyosei/shokai_rekishi/konnamachi/michi/rekishi/megurorekishi/bato/index.html

Hanabi
http://www.hanabi-nakame.jp/

TAPROOM Nakameguro
http://www.bairdbeer.com/j/html/nakameguro-taproom.html

0:00 P.M.

Our last exploration in 2008 begun at Asakusa station. As soon as we arrived there, we started to wonder around to find a Monjayaki restaurant because we were starving...

We finally found queues of people formed in front of a two-story restaurant called EDO MONJA HYOUTAN located near the Nakamise-dori. Just as any other Monjayaki restaurants, you can make Monjayaki and Okonomiyaki on your own at EDO MONJA HYOUTAN,too. There are guided menus, so you won't have any hassle to make them even it is yor first time. One of the Monjayaki menus here was introduced on TV for its tastiness!

After satisfied with very tasty foods, we decided to walk around Nakamise-dori and head to Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple. There were so many souvenir shops along the street and some traditional Japanese sweets reminded us of our childhood.

When we reached near the temple, we remembered that Hagoita-ichi (a battledore festival) was being held on that day. At the festival, so many elder people and foreign tourists were buying Hagoita for New Year's decorations or a souvenir to take back home. Some of them were really pricy, so unfortunately we couldn't afford it...

Walking pass Sensoji, we arrived at Asakusa Hanayashiki, Japan 's oldest amusement park. In the neiborhood, there is  Asakusa view hotel and  a very famous Italian restaurant called TRATTORIA FUKUHIRO,a homey trattoria. And down the road, there is Sakura Hostel Asakusa, the largest hostel in Tokyo .

Randomly walking, we found Asakusa Ball, where you can enjoy bowling,pool,and ping-pong. The amusument place is open until late so it would be nice to visit after you enjoyed shopping or dinner in Asakusa.There is also a batteing center called Rox Dome Batting Stadium in the neighborhood.

Walking on Shin-nakamise-dori, we happened to find a shoes store called UNIVERS where they sell nice shoes at very reasonable prices. Once you get in the store, you will get in trouble decideing which one to buy and may end up buying a lot of them.

Later on, we entered in Rokku-dori, and a shop called Wafuan caught our eyes with its sign saying 10yen Manju ( Japanese sweets)!Because it's so cheap and very delicious, we ate 10 of them although we were still quite full from lunch.

As Sumida River lies very close to the town, we decided to take a walk along the river. For its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, it would be really nice to walk there when we have something to think about or when we just want to relax.

We then decided to cross the Sumida River to see Asahi building,a unique construction designed by very well-known architects Philip Starck and Makoto Nozawa. While we were looking at the building, we found a café called 23 BANCHI Cafe. They have some nice outside-seats and also a bar. At the cafe, very friendly waiters and waitresses serve you fresh Asahi beer at a reasonable price.

After fter the long walk, we headed back to Asakusa station. On the way back, we saw a beautiful sunset view from Azuma-bashi (bridge). Perfect for our last exploration in 2008!!

Harajuku, probably one of Tokyo's most well-known places among foreigners, has been the center of Japanese pop culture now and then. A lot of celebrities and artists such as Gwen Stefani or Marc Jacobs have been known for their attachment for the town. Maybe Harajuku has been too famous to explain? Then let's take 1 day walk in this extremely exciting town!

11:00 A.M.

Taking JR Yamanote line, we arrived at Harajuku Station, the starting point of today's exploration. Since it was still early, the usually hassling station looked a little different with not many people. Before the town becomes busy everywhere, we visited Meiji Jingu and enjoyed a walk in the trees.

11:30 A.M.

After walking down to Meiji Dori, we were stopped by an intersection where GAP icon shop and Laforet Harajuku stand around. The Numbers of billboards and electric bulletin boards on the buildings surround made us feel the vibration of the center of pop culture. Because H&M (needles to point out what the store is) recently opened its second store in Japan just a few steps away, the street seems even busier with people carrying the shop bags.

11:45 A.M.

When we crossed the road and walked up a little bit along Omotesando, we strayed into a side-street called Cat street. The street is much quieter and laid back compared to the main street, but there we found such an adorable café called La Fee Delice. The vividly painted café tempted us to their specialty Gallete, but we took a little more walk in Cat street. Though we were hungry, all the cool shops made us forget about our hunger for a while.

0:00 P.M.

Walking further more, there was a café called annon café on the second floor of a white building. Along with the interior and all the wooden furniture, their food was also homey and simple with the concept of organic. This is the place where you feel so healthy even eating sweets.

1:00 P.M.

After relishing heart-nourishing lunch, we walked back to Meiji Dori and kept walking till Harajuku Street. At kimono boutique Banjiro, we realized the magnificence of Japanese tradition again. We might want to wear kimono for the new year..?

1:30 P.M.

Crossing the road leaving the billboard behind, we kept walking and saw a calf!!! Well, it looked so real but wasn't: he was a store tender for COCONGO. Though we didn't go inside, the café looked like such a cool place with lots of African and ethnic-themed interior decorations. Just a few blocks away from the café, we also found a very cute shop called PARTOUZE. This 'handkerchief' boutique sells a variety of adorable hankies that you cannot find anywhere else. We also loved how the shop looks.

2:30 P.M.

Now we were back to Meiji Dori, and one unique apartment caught our eyes. We later found out that this is actually a very famous modern architechture that has been featured in TIME magazine or European magazines. The first floor has been used for a café and restaurant called Yao. We also fond a cute bicycle shop F.I.G bike right next to the modern buildings.

3:00 P.M.

For those who want to stay a bit away from hustle and bustle of this energetic town, Togo Jinja would give you a moment of relaxation. Since the shrine features beautiful Japanese gardens and ponds, there were many people who enjoy sketching or painting the aesthetic scenery that was colored in red and yellow.

4:00 P.M.

Now we finally got to Takeshita Dori, one of the landmarks in Harajuku. Since we were craving for sweets after a long walk in the afternoon, we tried crapes that are known as typical Harajuku food. As we walked and passed by many people dressed so uniquely, there were so many shops where they sell lolita and gothic attires.

4:30 P.M.

If you think Takeshita Dori is a place only aimed for young and teens, it is not true. There are secret streets called Fontaine street and Brahms street somewhere right behind Takeshita Dori. We couldn't believe that we were actually in Takeshita Dori few seconds ago..... ! Since they have a beauty salon, fancy café, restaurants and so on, we saw many mesdames walking by.

5:00 P.M.

The finishing line for today's exploration was Takeshita Dori arch. It was already getting dark, but it seemed like Harajuku was getting even busier in the evening!

0:00 P.M.

One chilly afternoon in late November, our half-day exploration began from the main exit (Shomen-guchi) of Jiyugaoka Station. There was a huge shopping street with variety of local shops, restaurants, bars and pubs on the right side. When we passed the bus station, we found a shop called ha-na, which has nice and unique household goods.

0:20 P.M.

After looking at some lovely stuff at ha-na, we entered a small alley on the left side of the street. When we were feeling so hungry, we finally got to SODA café, providing delicious lunch at reasonable prices. The interior of the cozy cafe was also as nice as the meals.  

1:20 P.M.

There was another nice shop called COUNTRY SPICE at the opposite side of the café. We found a lot of American antiques and country collections. It may be great idea to visit this shop before Christmas and get some beautiful Christmas decorations.

1:45 P.M.

Next, we were headed to People Tree, a Fair Trade and Ecology shop. There we saw clothes made of environmentally-friendly materials such as organic cottons and natural dyes. We also found two good stores on the way, called smart and BATH. At BATH you can find many colorful custom-made shoes.

2:30 P.M.

After we enjoyed shopping at People Tree, we found an old-established shop called Tozandou, where you can ask the owner to write words on whatever you want with waterborne paint. The peaceful and warm-hearted owner Mr. Yamada said that foreign customers often get one as a gift when they go back to their home countries.

3:00 P.M.

Since we became a bit hungry after walking, we decided to take a rest at LADERACH, having some tasty Swiss chocolates. There is also a cool American bar next to the building, so if you go there in the evening, you should check it out, too!

3:30 P.M.

Now we came back to the neighbourhood of Jiyugaoka station. We found a liquor shop called Yamaya, where you can buy original Shochu bottles. They offer a service with which you can put your own messages on the label of the liquors.

4:00 P.M.

Walking along Jiyu-Dori we finally arrived at Namco's Jiyugaoka Sweets Forest, whose building was beautifully decorated with Christmas illuminations. When we stepped in the sweets forest, we  felt like we were in an amusement park! This is one of the places you should visit during Christmas season!!

Once,a magistrate's office (daikansho) was owned the area, so that it was named Daikanyama at the beginning of Edo period, because of its simple reason.
Now, Daikanyama is one of the very popular places to visit on the weekend of its hidden bars, highly sensitive boutiques and restaurants among all generation. 

0:30 P.M.

One afternoon under the yellowish green statue on Yawata-Dori, we began our exploration in Daikanyama.

0:35 P.M.

First, we found a new Italian food and wine center called Eataly. Having its origin in Torino in Italy, the newly opened big Italian market offers variety of fresh pastas, breads, cheese, deli and of course wines. Since the restaurant, bar, and outside café are also available, it was even busier at lunch time.

1:15 P.M.

Feeling so hungry after looking at delicious Italian food, we went look for a place for lunch and found a Mexican restaurant called La Cacita at the corner of Castle Street. Their appetizing lunch satisfied our stomach and now we are ready for the rest of Daikanyama exploration!

2:15 P.M.

After a minutes walk from the Mexican restaurant, there we reached Castle street. On the other side of Castle mansion Daikanyama, there was a second hand shop called Fairytale where you can find a bargain out of variety of women's clothes, accessories and shoes. Walking pass the same street, we also found many vintage stores with European ambience.

2:45 P.M.

After we shopped at the several vintage stores, we felt a sweet smell coming from not too far away and soon found Kurotai on the right. As many people were waiting to taste their taiyaki, we found out that the taiyaki bakery has been one of Daikanyama's must-visit places and has a long queue on the weekend.

2:55 P.M.

We then decided to walk back Castle Street to wonder around Komazawa-Dori. We saw several small boutiques and cafes, and a shop called Zappady-Do caught our eyes. The store has a lot of cool stuff from garden chairs to kitchen accessories. When you walk into the shop, you would feel like you want to buy everything around!

  3:25 P.M.

After shopping some stuff at Zappady-Do, we turned right and walked along Kyu Yamate-Dori. There was a shop called Outlet where they sell foreign inexpensive goods. At the basement of the same building, a café called Unice welcomes everyone including your pets.

3:55 P.M.

Walking up the Kyu Yamate-Dori, there is a well-known slope called Mekirizaka which leads to Kyu Asakura ke juutaku. The old mansion has been designated as an important cultural property and we could even see the inside of the house. Since their Japanese garden have a lot of Japanese maple trees, we decided to come back a few weeks later when they will have changed their color to beautiful autumn red and yellow.

4:45 P.M.

After one block from Kyu Asakura ke juutaku on the Kyu Yamate-Dori, there is a tiny shrine called Sarugaku-tsuka. Like a secret place, the shrine stands covered with many trees and bamboos.

5:00 P.M.

A famous restaurant 'Michelangelo' is on the same street and its classical ambience was absolutely perfect to wrap up our Daikanyama exploration. We just wished that we would have dressed a bit nicer, though.

0:15 P.M.

Under the perfect fall weather, our exploration began from Namboku Line Roppongi 1-chome Station. Shortly after going out Exit 3, we entered Spainzaka. There is also famous Spainzaka in Shibuya, but this relatively new slope continues along the south side of Ark Hills. Going up the leafy slope, we found Embassy of Spain, which is responsible for the name of the slope. We could also see Tokyo Tower behind it.

0:25 P.M.

After we walked pass the embassy, there is M Café de Chaya on the right side which has just opened in September. Being located in the quiet neighborhood, this Café & Deli provides contemporary macrobiotic cuisine which is quite popular in Los Angeles. Attracted by the polished air and open terrace seats, we decided to take a lunch here. Salmon & Avocado Wrap we ordered was really delicious!

1:30 P.M.

After satisfying our stomach, we walked down Sakurazaka along the Ark Hills and came back to Roppongi-Dori. There is a small, well-established bakery called NAGANO BAKERY across the street. Their homemade bread has been loved by many people for decades. After that, we walked back toward Roppongi, and found a Japanese restaurant with atmosphere, Takamura, surrounded by the bamboo grove.

2:15 P.M.

When we reached Gaien Higashi-Dori, we turned left and kept on walking toward Tokyo Tower. Just before Iikura Katamachi Intersection, there is Roppongi Duplex Tower on the left. Going upstairs to look around Bed Gallery ASLEEP, we found the 2nd floor landing was a great spot to see Tokyo Tower.

2:45 P.M.

Next, we visited AXIS building on the opposite side of Duplex Tower. There are many unique shops and galleries from the B1 floor to the 4th floor in the building. Don't miss the shop called LE GARAGE if you like cars and automotive goods!

3:30 P.M.

After having a good time at AXIS, we moved toward Tokyo Midtown which has been the area landmark, along with Roppongi Hills. Being surrounded by greenery, it can be the best place for people to take a rest.

4:00 P.M.

Then, we entered a small alley at the west corner of Midtown. Descending short stairs with the flavor of the old town, we found a three-story house of antiques called Kurofune. There are also German Snack Bar and Tenso-Jinja ahead on the right.

4:15 P.M.

When we walked through the alley by the end, The National Art Center, Tokyo, which looks quite modern but nicely blends with the surroundings, caught our eyes. Until 14th of December 2008, at The Suntory Museum of Art or here, you can enjoy "PICASSO: From the Collection of the Musee National Picasso, Paris" exhibition which offers a retrospective look at Picasso's works.

4:30 P.M.

We decided to visit the exhibition another day, and entered a small alley located on the right side of the museum. There is a lovely restaurant build in brick called Café Daisy on the right. It's one of few restaurants providing Danish cuisine in Tokyo.

5:00 P.M.

Since it was getting dark, we were headed to Roppongi Station. After entering a narrow lane again and walking on, we reached Roppongi Nishi Park at the end. There is Mori Building standing behind the park. Featuring a small Japanese garden, the park was a relaxing spot for us to relieve the day's fatigue.

0:30 P.M.

Walking along Kamiyama-Dori, which is called "Deep Shibuya" or "Back Shibuya" by people being familiar with Shibuya, we found many fancy shops, cafes and galleries in the quiet atmosphere of traditional retail shops. There is a pilot shop called Project1/6 selling toys such as Bearbricks on your right.  

Further down the street, there is Tsutsumu Factory where you can find various kinds of wrapping materials, and even Halloween decorations. We also found a fascinating bookstore called Shibuya Publishing Booksellers on the left side. 

We finally took a late lunch at "cafe Banda" on the top of the short slope at the upper left of Kamiayama-Dori. This cozy cafe having great taste in the interior would definitely be your secret hideaway in Shibuya!

After enjoying a tasty lunch at the cafe, we began walking along Inokashira-Dori around the NHK building. We saw a variety of foliage plants at a small shop called Neo Green on the right side. This place is also recommended for Bonsai lovers.

  

2:45 P.M.

When we reached in front of the Shibuya ward office, we thought it was time for shopping!
We then headed to Jinnan where we could find lots of fashionable clothes, bags, shoes, and so on. 

After shopping, we found a unique art gallery at a corner of this area. It is called Tokyo Wonder Site. Various attractive art works were on display.

Next, we moved toward the Udagawa-cho area to find a cafe to chill out. On the 7th floor of BEAM building, we found J-POP Cafe, where we could enjoy the most recent J-pop music while having a cup of coffee in a fantastic atmosphere. It also provides great foods and drinks.

There is Yoshimoto Mugendai Hall inside of the same building, too. On this day, we could enjoy Yoshimoto Comedy Show for only 500 yen.

End of the day at Shibuya, there is an American dining bar called Demode Queen behind the BEAM with great atmosphere. You cannot see inside of the store from the street but when you climb up the stairs, you will find it. There are terrace seats available and recommended on the sunny day.

On a beautiful day in early fall, our one day exploration in Aoyama began.
After getting off at Aoyama 1-chome station, we strayed into an avenue of maidenhair trees called "Icho-Namiki" located at the Outer Garden of the Meiji shrine. The colonnade leads to a museum and baseball stadium, and people enjoy brunch or cup of coffee at KIHACHI SELAN, a cozy restaurant & café under the beautiful trees.

 

11:00 A.M.

Walking along Aoyama-Dori, we saw a vivid tricolored French flag come into our sight,　blowing in front of the Aoyama Unimat Museum near the Gaienmae station. At the museum we lost ourselves in fascinating western European paintings such as the works of Marc Chagall.

We crossed the road to find a tiny little store called AOYAMA ART COLLECTION where we went crazy for all the nice postcards and stickers. The Cosmos flower on a postcard quietly told us of the coming autumn.

Turning the corner of Aoyama Bell Commons to the right, we entered Gaien Nishi-Dori. This street has been also known as the "Killer Street," named by top Japanese fashion designer Junko Koshino. As the name "Killer" tells us, we found many shoe boutiques with shoes being displayed that varied from adorable to gorgeous. Opelka Gallery and BARCLAY were also irresistible stores. 

We turned onto a lane to find a small bakery stand, Camomille Deli, that looks just like ones in picture books. Their homemade cupcakes and cookies are too cute to eat!

Zenkoji stands behind Aoyama Dori as though hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city. We took a short rest there to think about what we wanted for lunch.

In the back lane of Aoyama Dori which joins Omotesando, there was a café called Brassarie Tours. The café absolutely reminded us of the world of Peter Rabbit, even hurried businesspeople walking past seemed to have their attention pulled away by the little secret garden on the back street.

We then reached Omotesando and walked over the crossroad to the Minami Aoyama side to see the architecture of PRADA Boutique Aoyama. Looking at the luxurious and eccentric building, we even forgot about our hunger!

Lunch at last! We walked in Café Madu and had a bagel plate. The lively café, located near the first corner of Kotto-Dori, welcomes people with its relaxing and cozy ambience.

After relishing our lunch, we walked three blocks along Kotto-Dori and found a pen boutique called Shosaikan where they display and sell various fountain pens. They also have a space where you can actually sit down and write with your pen. Taking up my own, we wrapped up our one day walk on the cosmos postcard we bought on the way.

It is a spacious cafe having an authentic atmosphere of Paris. You can enjoy the view of the old elementary school from the terrace seats. This Taimei elementary school has been selected as the historic building in Tokyo, and the features don't make you feel like you are in Ginza at all.

There are also competitive stores such as Zara and UNIQLO on the same street, so you cannot afford to miss them.

Koikorin is located next to a flower shop on the ground floor of San'ai Dream Center.

The shop sells many different kinds of chopsticks. The prices vary but you will find the one for you for sure. It's open throughout the year.

It has lots of clothes, accessories, bags and shoes in mint condition with very affordable prices. So you might be able to find the one you wanted at bargain prices!

The warped De Beers Ginza building on the  Marronnier-Dori is designed by Jun Mitsui & Associates. Because of its unique architectural style, it catches the pedestrians' eyes.

You could only find some high-quality shops and restaurants in a quiet and calm atmosphere.

The end of the day, it is one of the best bars to visit to relax and chill.