E N T E RTA I N M E N T | E V E N T S | GU I DE S | R E STAU R A N T S | SHOPPI NG

InTokyo Magazine Number 02 January 2016

FREE
Monthly
Guide!

UNDERGROUND
ESCAPES
Adventures across
the Metro

CITY STILLS
Tokyo backgrounds
are perfect for
photographers

WHAT
TO EAT
SEE & DO

RECHARGE,
REFUEL &
RECONNECT
Shibuyas top
Wi-Fi rest spots

From the publisher of

INTOKYO

Contents

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

General Manager

KIERON CASHELL
Editor-in-Chief

JEFF W. RICHARDS
Editorial

CHRIS BETROS
ALEXANDRA HOMMA
ANTHONY JOH
KELLY WETHERILLE
Art Director

NIKLAS WENDT
Contributors

JAMES DARNBROOK
ADAM GARWOOD
ALFIE GOODRICH
DAN GRUNEBAUM
ALISA KERR
KEVIN MCGUE
CYNTHIA POPPER
KATHARINA VON TSCHURTSCHENTHALER
BONNIE WAYCOTT
Sales Director

PETER LACKNER
Account Managers

TOMAS CASTRO
KEVIN HOLDAWAY
RENA IWAMA
XIAO JIE
HIDEAKI KYO
REINA OGAWA
SEIYA HONGO
Production

SBASTIEN GALLET
KEVIN ONEIL
MICHAEL VURCHIO

P4 WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

HARAJUKU ON FOOT
A destination where youth culture, brand couture and kawaii costumes collide, the Harajuku district in Shibuya can be
confusing and difficult to navigate when you're therenot with our visual guide.

P12 A LOVE LETTER TO NABE

Operations

MASAHIRO YAGISHITA
TAKUYA NOZAWA
FIONNA RURI SHIRAI
TAKUMI SAKA

JAPAN'S MOST UNDERRATED FOOD

Hot pots are a great way to warm up during the winter months in Japan. Learn about
different styles and restaurants that serve up this family friendly dish.

Cover Photo

ALFIE GOODRICH
Model

AKIKO DUPONT

Contact

EDITORIAL

P8 CITY FOCUS

P10 GREAT ESCAPES

TOKYO BACKDROP

P14 TOP BEAUTY PRODUCTS

We give budding photographers

some tips for getting more out of
their shots as they venture across
the city. Don't just take home
souvenirscapture some dramatic
memorable moments.

P16 ART BEAT CITY

editor@gplusmedia.com

ADVERTISING
ads@gplusmedia.com
Tel: +81 (0)3 5403-7781
Fax: +81 (0)3 5403-2775

P18 ENTERTAINMENT
P22 PHRASEOLOGY

Published By

3-1-1 Minotomi Building 3F, Shiba Koen,

Minato-Ku, 105-0011 Tokyo
Tel +81 3 5403 7781
Fax +81 3 5403 2775
All Rights Reserved 2016

is a monthly guide to the city from GPlus Media, part of the Fuji Sankei
Communications Group, the publisher of JapanToday, GaijinPot,
Savvy Tokyo & Career Engine. Aimed at English-speaking visitors, each month
InTokyo introduces popular areas of the city to travelers with recommendations on
where to eat, drink, shop and play. Inside each issue find the information you need
to navigate one of the worlds best cities.
The views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of their respective authors
and do not necessarily reflect those of GPlus Media or the Fuji Sankei Group.

japantoday.com

savvytokyo.com

gaijinpot.com

japan.careerengine.org

02

WHAT TO DO

06 TOTTI COTTON CANDY

Harajuku

JR

Daiso 100 Yen Shop

HARAJUKU
STATION

TAKE

SHITA

DORI

4
6

TA

KE

By Jeff W. Richards

SH

Gap

ITA

DO

RI

Forever 21
H&M

iji
Me

ote

MEIJIJINGU-MAE
STATION

san

do

U RT ES Y LI NE

Om

Line
Friends
Store

O
TO | C

Nike

P HO

Do

Its a hub for youth fashion, new trends,

boutique shops and major luxury brands.
The crpe shops and candy floss alleys may
also be a major contributor to tooth decay
and the area's hyperactivity. If you have a
sweet tooth, an eye for trend spotting, an
interest in youth culture, cosplay or punk
rock lingeriethen you should take a walk
through the back streets of Harajuku.

Pancakes and flavored popcorn are so last year. The newest craze in Harajuku is cotton
candy. More colorful than Kiddy Land, sweeter than crpes and lighter than air.

ri

WALK
ON THE
WILD SIDE

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

Laforet

Do

ri
3

01 HAPPY ONE
A good place to start if youre coming from Harajuku station, Takeshita Dori is right across the street. Look
for the colorful display of cheap sunglasses, gaudy souvenirs and pop culture T-shirts. Purchases over 1,000
will get you chopsticks engraved with your name.

CA4LA

Om

Pop!

LA

DY
OU R TE SY KI D

PH

|C
OTO

Me

iji
D

ori

Kiddy Land

ote

san

do

Dior

Do

ri
Omotesando
Hills

Oriental Bazaar
Burberry

02 CRPE
Youll find crpe
shops on every corner in Harajuku. If a
pretty wrap of double
chocolate banana
nuts and cream
sounds delicious to
youstop at one.
Beware of the sugar
coma.

03 OMOHARA
The Tokyu Plaza Omotesando-Harajuku shopping complex, designed by
renowned architect Hiroshi Nakamura,
bridges the distance between Harajukus boutique street culture and the
refined tastes of Omotesando. Visit the
rooftop terrace for a great view of the
areaand a romantic moment.

04 BODY LINE
Body Line is a warehouse-style shop selling cosplay and Loli-Goth fashions. This
marks the center for Harajuku street fashion in location and style.

05 KOI TACO
Its neither carp nor Mexican food. This is the Harajuku take on Osakas favorite street dishtakoyaki.

WHERE TO CONNECT

WHERE TO CONNECT

Shibuya

05 Chikamichi Lounge

SHIBUYAS
TOP 6 WI-FI
SPOTS

04
02 Freeman Caf
With wooden tables and sofa seating, the spacious Freeman Caf
has lots of natural light, divided into smoking and non-smoking areas
with a rack of magazines and photo collections. Electricity is available
at the window seats and some people use the venue for business
negotiations, so the staff wont mind if you stay for a long time. There is
a nice sized menu with tea and coffee, as well as various sandwiches
and bites. Go early in the morning when its not so busy and smoky.

By Bonnie Waycott *Savvy Tokyo & Cynthia Popper *GaijinPot

Whether you need to catch up on
email, check information about your
next destination or urgently share
your Japan experience online while
exploring the city, InTokyo has created
a list of our top six Wi-Fi cafs and
public rest spaces for you to recharge,
reconnect and relax at as you explore
the wild, urban jungle of Shibuya.

Station: Shibuya
Address: 2F Metro Plaza, 1-16-14 Shibuya
Open: Daily, 10am11pm

01 Hiki Caf
This place, surrounded by greenery, serves a range of light meals with fresh
ingredients from farms surrounding the metropolitan area. The interior is
generally woody with ethnic cushions, and Hiki Cafe is said to refer to the
name of a dragon child that comes from myths around Okinawa and Southeast Asia. With a warm and relaxed atmosphere, its far from all the neon,
hustle and bustle of Shibuya and great for those who need a break from the
crowds. Theres a wide range of drinks including cocktails in the evening
and a couple of terrace seats.

Station: Shibuya
Address: 1F Nabata Bldg, 36-19 Udagawacho, Shibuya
Open: Daily, 11:30am11:30pm
Web: hikicafe.jp

Shibuya

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

03 Caf Hoff
Cafe Hoff is a New York style restaurant and bar with a stylish wooden
interior, impressively high ceiling, a great combination of tastes and a lunch
and dinner menu that changes regularly, from eggs Benedict to hamburgers
to a range of pasta dishes. There is a quaint little terrace out back, some
counter seats, sofas and cushions, and you can connect to the Wi-Fi
immediatelythe staff will give you the password and move the tables closer
together for you if you need to spread work out. Weekdays are the best times
to visit, as it can get fairly busy on weekends.

Station: Hatsudai or Yoyogi Uehara

Address: 2-11-11 Hatsudai, Shibuya
Open: Daily, 11am2am
Web: hoff-restaurant.com

Coin
Space

Coin Space is
a multipurpose
area that allows
you to bring
in your own
food and drink
and stay for
as long as you
like. Vending
machines are
available (basic
coffee costs
just 50) and
users can help
themselves to
water from the
water servers
free of charge.
As well as free
Wi-Fi, Coin
Space lends
power outlets
and chargers
for phones,
laptops and
tablet computers. When you
arrive youll
receive a ticket
with a number
at the reception
desk. To pay,
simply return
this ticket to
the cashier
when you leave.
There are no
registration
procedures,
and if youre
planning a
meeting, take
advantage
of the private
meeting rooms.

Station:
Shibuya
Address: 6F
Haimanten
Shibuya
Bldg, 23-5
Udagawacho,
Shibuya
Open: Daily,
10am10pm

Shibuya can feel crazy at timesespecially when

navigating its busyand sometimes confusingmain
train station. Surprising then, to find a rare island of
calm in this sea of chaos: the Chikamichi Lounge.
With free Wi-Fi, a girly-cute powder room (the gents
is cool, too), and a separate area just for moms and
babies, this underground sanctuary actually serves
purposes beyond just collecting yourself from the
sensory overload experienced on the streets. Change
clothes, freshen up or check in on work or personal
email. Its large, very convenient and free. Theres no
rental fee and nothing to purchase to get in. Just go
to the desk, fill out a form with your name and address
and youre in. Chikamichi also has English-speaking
concierges.

Access: Shibuya (In the underground shopping plaza

between Shibuya Station and Shibuya 109)
Open: 10am 8pm
Web: tokyu.co.jp/shibuyachikamichi

06 OnJapan Caf
Nestled in the crowded shopping streets of
Harajuku just off Cat Street, OnJapan Caf
is a wonderful getaway that feels far from
the madding crowdeven though its right
in the center of it. A bright, airy space with
hardwood flooring, large wood tables wand
furniture plus huge windows that let in plenty
of sunshine, Japanese art and a huge shelf
of English books on Japan for all guests to
enjoy, this cosy caf and restaurant offers a
quiet respite from the Harajuku streets and a
core menu of traditional Japanese washoku
food and drink. It also hosts cultural events.

Station: Meijijingumae
Address: 6-8-1 Jingumae, Shibuya
Open: Daily, 11:30am7pm
Web: cafe.onjapan.tokyo

PHOTOGRAPHY

City Focus

WHAT TO SHOOT

City Focus

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

OUR MODEL
Shinyong Lee
is of KoreanJapanese
heritage. Shes
a multi-skilled
creative artist
working in music,
TV, photography
and fashion
as well as
running her own
business: www.
prixprix.co.jp

TOKYO
BACKDROP
By Alfie Goodrich
Tokyo is a city I have known for 16 years and lived in for
nine. Here, photography work is variedfrom events to
fashion, cars to editorial, portraits to newsbut the one
thing that is a constant is the city itself. For me, Tokyo is like
a massive movie set: full of various moods, styles, colors
and themes. All waiting for the actors to be ushered in.
If you want to get more from your photos when in
Tokyothink cinematically. Think of all of your shots as
telling a story. If youre using a model or shooting a friend,
put a storyline in their head for them to imagine. Think
about the background as much as the person. Shoot in the
morning or in the 90 minutes around sunset, as the light
is more dramatic. Look for patches of sunlight reflected
from city buildings. Shoot in contrasty monochrome.
Long lenses compress perspective. Large apertures create
shallow depth of field and blurred backgroundsboth
can create more cinematic photos and memories.

WHAT TO DO

WHAT TO DO

Hidden Tokyo

When: Until Jan. 31

Cost: 2,160
(game kit & one-day subway pass)
Where: Tokyo Metro Ueno Pass
Office, Ueno station
(to pick up kit)
Web: realdgame.jp/
chikanazo/2e/

By Alexandra Homma & Katharina von Tschurtschenthaler

Discovering Tokyo is usually about getting out and getting up
to some of those crazy high vantage points across the city. But
what about going underground to decipher codes, being locked
in a room you can only escape using your wits or protecting a
shogun (general) from assassins? If that sounds like an adventure
the family would enjoy, then these two InTokyo adventures are
guaranteed to give you a unique perspective on the capitaland
some amazing memories exploring greater Tokyo.

THE UNDERGROUND MYSTERIES

10

achievement after figuring it

all out.
How does it work? To
start, purchase a game kit
(2,160), which you can pick
up at Ueno station (between 7:40 a.m. and 8 p.m.). It
includes the official puzzle
guidebook (your document
of assignments and hints),
a perception card, a Tokyo
Metro network map, a pencil
and a one-day open ticket to
ride the trains. Then simply
(or not so) solve the first puzzle in the guidebook to start
you on your journey. This will

take you to four Tokyo Metro

stations, where you will need
to search for various clues to
help solve the riddles before
moving on to your next task.
Take our advice: keep
all your senses open, look
closely and get used to
changing your perspective,
as this puzzle is not easy to
solveeven for experienced
mystery hunters. If you get
stuck, dont panic: theres no
time limit and your booklet
offers access to helpful tips
and instructions on how to
access free Wi-Fi on your

smartphone. Last, but not

least: this is a group experience. You may think that
youre Sherlock Holmesbut
two (or more) heads always
think better than one.
We highly recommend
devoting an afternoon or a
whole day to the game. It covers a lot of ground and you
can double the joy of exploration by stopping at some of
Tokyo Metros recommended
cafs, activity spots and
parks for a quick pick-me-up,
map orientation or strategy
session with your team.

PHOTO | ESCAPE HUNT

PHOTO | KATHARINA VON TSCHURTSCHENTHALER

THE
UNDERGROUND
MYSTERIES

PHOTO | ESCAPE HUNT

GREAT
ESCAPES
& SUBWAY
SECRETS

This reality brain-teaser is a

skillfully designed exploration
of Tokyos hidden sights. The
game kitoffered in English,
Japanese and Chinesewill
take visitors on a wild journey
up and down the subterranean
Tokyo transit system, checking exits, reading the walls
(and between the lines) in a
desperate search for clues that
you must decipher in a puzzle
guidebook before being able
to answer the final question.
The game will challenge your
observation skills, but nothing
beats the ultimate sense of

Hidden Tokyo

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

ESCAPE
HUNT
Escape Hunt Tokyo, located in Asakusa, just a stones throw away
from world famous Buddhist temple Senso-ji, offers different games
for all preferences and tastes. Choose between Runaway Bride
(advanced), where you have to find the kidnapped bride, Samurai
Espionage (suitable for teams of three to four people), where you
must protect the shogun from an assassin or Zen (basic), where
your Zen master challenges you to a personal mission.
The principle of this ultimate adventure game is quite simple: You
(and your friends, colleagues, family) find yourself locked in a room
that you have to escape from within one hour by solving puzzles,
cracking codes and finding hidden items.
Not only is this activity a lot of fun, its also interesting in a psychological manner: you will discover new characteristics of yourself while
being stuck in a room, racing the clock and feeling the stress under
pressure. However, the inner triumph once you find a clue and solve a
puzzle, is reward for all the effort and hassle.
Be assured that during the 60-minute time limit you will be using
every single brain cell. Despite the fact its just a game, the inner fighter in you will develop a strong will to escape in time. Logical, straightforward thinking is definitely a plus.
But save the best for the last. Successful escapees are eligible to
stick their photos on the Escape Hunt wall and even change into a
Sherlock Holmes costume for the picture. A wonderful adventure
for a memorable Tokyo trip with your friends and family. Great
team-building assured.

When: Daily, 11:30am-9pm (book online)

Where: 6F KN Asakusa Building, 1-10-5 Asakusa, Taito
Station: Asakusa
Cost: 4,200 each (group of two), 3,800 each (group of three),
3,500 each (group of four)
Web: tokyo.escapehunt.com

11

WHAT TO EAT

WHERE TO EAT

Hot Pots

Shinjuku

By James Darnbrook *GaijinPot

NABE

SHINJUKU AREA POTS

NABEZO (SANCHOME STORE)

Reasonably priced, all-you-can-eat nabe restaurant
featuring different styles and flavors.

A love letter to Japans most underrated food

Address: 8F, 3-30-11 Shinjuku

Station: Shinjuku Sanchome
Open: 11:30am-3pm & 5pm-11pm (1 1:30am-11pm Sat, Sun & hols)
Web: nabe-zo.com

We all know and love sushi, tempura and ramen, but there is a truly special dish
not on the many lists of food to try in Japan. Its one of the best foods you can eat in
Japan, not only for its taste, but also for the atmosphere it createssomething no
other Japanese meal can beat.
Nabeliterally, a casserole in Japaneseis a hot pot made up of meat
(usually thin slices of beef, pork and juicy cuts of chicken), mushrooms, chive
and other local vegetables (carrot, cabbage and onion). Each nabe is unique,
even pumpkin and sweetcorn sneak their way into the mix on occasion.
Whats most important, though (as with ramen), is the broth. This is what
gives the vegetables and soup its flavor and here again there are plenty of
choices. Miso (soybean paste), dashi (fish stock), kombu (seaweed), soy and
kimchi (Korean-style spicy cabbage) are all used as bases. All are capable of
giving your ingredients the rich taste that will keep you reaching for more.
The greatest nabe charm, however, has nothing to do with the food itself.
It isnt just food, its a meal. Everyone sits around the pot for the duration of
twhe cooking, the eating and the digesting of the meal, giving you a unique
experience that you wont get in other restaurants. Traditionally, it was a
chance for families that didnt have the time to eat together every day to spend
some quality time with each other, chatting and laughing over the steam of
the pot. In this sense, nabe offers something all the sushi in the world cant:
a window into traditional Japanese family life and an opportunity to create a
group experience thats hard to find anywhere else.
Slurping soup isnt fine diningits family dining. Its hearty food packed
with flavor that can only truly be enjoyed with family and friends. The sum of this
dining equation is much bigger than its parts making nabe the perfect meal for
one of Japans long winter nights.

MOTSUNABE KIMURAYA
Authentic, all-you-can-eat Kyushu-style motsu
nabe and other regional dishes.
Address: 1F, 3-35-12 Shinjuku
Station: Shinjuku station south exit
Open: Daily, 3pm-midnight
Web: kids1109.co.jp

SHINJUKU SERYNA
Kobe beef shabu-shabu and other Japanesestyle dishes in a classy atmosphere.
Address: 52F Shinjuku Sumitomo Bldg., 2-6 Nishi-Shinjuku
Station: Tocho-mae or Shinjuku stations
Open: 11:30am-3pm & 5pm-10:30pm (11:30am-10:30pm Sat, Sun, & hols)
Web: seryna.co.jp/seryna/shinjuku

CHANKO NABE
RYOGOKU GAIENMAE
Over 38 years serving champion-level chanko nabe.

NABE VARIATIONS

Address: 1F, 1-34-13 Shinjuku

Station: Shinjuku Gyoenmae station
Open: Daily, 5pm-11pm (Mon-Sat), 5pm-10pm (Sun & hols)
Web: r.gnavi.co.jp/gauu600

NABE BAR ROOF TOP

12

Chanko Nabe

Motsu Nabe

Shabu Shabu

the grand champion of all Japanese

foods, is the famous diet of all sumo
wrestlers. For its size and calories,
its something for only the hungriest
people to try.

is a simple countryside-style broth

with pork intestines and garlic as the
key ingredient. It goes well with sake
and beer.

Sukiyaki

is a hot pot of thin slices of beef or

pork with vegetables. Diners dip the
meat, provided raw in separate dishes, into the boiling pot of broth and
stock for a few seconds followed by
a quick dip in sesame or soy sauce
sauce before eating.

a more luxurious form of nabe cooking, is a savory stew of vegetables

and top-quality beef cooked in an
iron pot. Its then dipped in a bowl of
beaten raw egg prior to eating.

01 0

A variety of nabe pots with all-you-can eat and drink

courses at reasonable prices.
Address: Eastern Asia Hall Bldg., 1-21-1, Kabukicho, Shinjuku
Station: Shinjuku Station east exit
Open: Daily, 12pm-12am
Web: r.gnavi.co.jp/gap7021/lang/en

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

Experience
Tokyos
Vibrant
Culture In
A Locals
Shoes!
Discover Some Of
The Citys Most Unique
Hidden Gems, With Fabulous
Food & Drink And Make New
Friends Along The Way!
Walking Food Tours With Local Guides
Small Groups (Private Tours Available On Request)
Sample Various Traditional Food & Drink

oishiitokyo.com

WHAT TO BUY

Beauty

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

7JAPANESE
BEAUTY
PRODUCTS

04
Luscious
Lips
Three's Shimmering Lip
Jam series (3,000) come in
four gorgeous shades ranging from soft nudes to strong
berry hues. The glosses are
enriched with an assortment
of moisturizing organic and
raw ingredients, including jojoba oil and beeswax. Found
at the brands flagship store
in Aoyama, Isetan Shinjuku,
Seibu Shibuya and other
department stores.

Perfect for gifts

Japan has some seriously coveted beauty products not always readily available in other parts
of the worldbut easy to get your hands on in
Tokyo. For the fashionistas, glamour models
and magazine addicts in your life, in this issue
of InTokyo we present our collection of Japans
top beauty products perfect to take back home
for a giftso youll look like the supermodel.

05 SILKY SHADES
Koh Gen Dos cosmetic products are created with an ethos of natural skincare in
mind. The brands Mineral Eye Shadow Palette (7,560) contains a collection
of eight beautiful neutral shades that will suit everyone effortlesslyno matter your
coloring or age, making this palette perfect for gift giving. It will be loved by whomever you gift it to, be it your girlfriend or your mother. You can find Koh Gen Do at the
brands flagship store in Azabu Juban, Tokyu Hands, Loft and Plaza stores.

By Alisa Kerr *Savvy Tokyo

02 LASH LUST

01 Moisture Magic
Lu Lu Lun is one of the most readily available and popular brands of Japanese sheet
masks, with three different formulations
available (moisturizing is pink, high moisture
is purple and brightening is white). Lu Lu
Luns essence formulation is sensitive skin
friendly, as it contains no fragrance, color,
or mineral oil. Packed with hydrating ingredients, this mask will promote cell turnover,
improve overall skin health and help skin
retain moisture. Lu Lu Lun for Gift (1,100)
contains three packages of seven masks
one for each day of the weekand come
in a lovely gift package. Found in every Loft
and other department stores.

14

A Japanese cosmetics
bestseller, the Mote Mascara
Long (1,800) delivers the
dazzling look of long, thick,
fan-shaped eyelashes. As an
added bit of cool, this product
is also a play on wordsthe
name sounds like motemasu
kara, meaning because Im
popular. Tokyu Hands, Loft,
Plaza and most drug stores.

03 Salty Soak
Oisesan bath cubes (972)
look like traditional Japanese
sweetsalmost too pretty to
use! The beauty of these bath
cubes is not just on the surface;
they are also rich with mineral
salts that moisturize and soften
the skin, and the beautiful essential oil aroma relaxes the mind
while you take a therapeutic soak
in the tub. There are also more
traditional packets of bath salts
(432) and larger round bath
bombs (864) in the Oisesan
range that would make a beautiful gift pack. Found at Loft and
Cosme Kitchen stores.

06
BRUSH
& BLUSH
Addiction is the creation
of Japanese makeup artist
Ayako, who worked in New
York with stars like Naomi
Campbell, Scarlett Johansson and Anne Hathaway. The
brand's impressive brush
lineup (2,500 to 7,200) is
predominantly made of natural hair and can be found at
department stores such as
Seibu, Isetan and Daimaru.

07 Pop Paint
Canmake's Colorful Nails
(360) series features 37 variations of sparkling, fast-drying and
long-lasting nail polish, including
Gold Rush, Color Balloon and
Berry Sherbet colors. On sale at
Loft and most department and
drug stores.

Tokyos foremost
platform for
women on whats
new in fashion,
food and fun
in the world's
greatest city.
savvytokyo.com

WHAT TO EAT

DISCOVER

WHAT TO EAT

Roppongi

NOGIZAKA TORIKO
YAKITORI
Enjoy sitting at a counter made of unfinished
wood, where you can taste quality yakitori (grilled
chicken skewers) handmade by skilled chefs.
Each skewer is carefully cooked and seasoned
with traditional spices like wasabi, shio-kosho,
yuzu-koshu and tare (sauce).
Open: Lunch 11am-2pm, dinner 5-11:30pm, closed Sun
Address: 1F, 9-6-30 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tel: 050-2018-0449

ONZOSHI MATSUROKUYA
MIZUTAKI
Onzoshi Matsurokuya is a high-quality
Japanese cuisine restaurant with a
traditional atmosphere. The specialty is
mizutaki (chicken and vegetables stewed
in a hot pot and served with dipping
sauce).

NURUKAN SATO
SNOW CRAB & AVOCADO TARTARE
Japanese cuisine prepared with seasonal
ingredients and more than 120 kinds of nihonshu
(Japanese sake) on offer in a traditional atmosphere.
Be greeted at the entrance by a variety of different
sake bottles lining the wall that can be enjoyed
warm, hot, cold and room temperature.
Open: Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm, closed Sun
Adress: 1F, 7-17-12 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3405-4050

RYORIYA MIFUNE
GRILLED BEEF & PORK
The interior of this stylish izakaya is like the set of
a samurai movie and is inspired by the famous
Japanese actor, Toshiro Mifune. Dishes based
on seasonal ingredients cooked in a variety of
traditional ways with a rich variation of highly
regarded sake and shochu from all over Japan.

Art
Beat
City

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

16

MOTSU-NABE (WHITE)
Located just one-minute walk from Roppongi
station, this restaurant offers five unique
types of motsu-nabe (beef offal cooked in
a hot pot). At the end of the meal, turn your
soup into ramen with noodles from a famous
noodle-making shop.
Open: Mon-Sat 6pm-5am, closed Sun
Adress: B1F, 7-14-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-6434-9048

ONZOSHI KIYOYASUTEI

Explore Roppongis design spaces

WAGYU STEAK
Onzoshi Kiyoyasutei serves high-quality
Japanese teppanyaki (food prepared on a hot
iron plate in the center of the table). The cuisine
consists mainly of wagyu (Japanese beef) and
fresh seafood. As you dine, enjoy the tranquil
Japanese-style pond inside of the restaurant.

By Alexandra Homma

Beyond the skyscrapers, dazzling buildings and lavish

nightlife, Roppongi is also home to some of Tokyos most
distinguished sculptures, eccentric public artworks and an
impressive selection of museums and galleries. The area is a
wonderful venue for anyone looking for creative inspiration
and opportunities for a few unforgettable selfies.

Open: Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm, closed Sun

Adress: B1F, 4-8-6 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3408-4889

Public Pieces
The top of our must-see list of the areas public artworks is the giant 10-meter-high spider Maman [ 2 ] , guarding the entrance to the Roppongi Hills complex a step away from Roppongi station. Standing with indubitable presence
and style as it watches over passer-byers, this famed bronze installation
designed by world renowned sculptor Louise Bourgeois is a symbol for the
area and a popular photo and rendezvous spot.
On the ground level of Roppongi Hills, visitors can find the beautiful Mohri
Garden, a Japanese circuit-style green space centered around a pond
with trickling streams and waterfalls. Here one can enjoy the ever-changing expressions of the trees and plants throughout the seasons. A piece of
natural art in itself, the garden also features a sculpture called Kin no Kokoro
[3]
(Golden Heart) by Jean-Michel Othoniel, making it a perfect setting for a
romantic afternoon.
On the other side of Roppongi is another art haven, Tokyo Midtown, which
hosts 19 outdoor sculptures. Popular with families specifically are the pieces
Ishinki [ 1 ] (Shape of Mind) and Myomu [ 4 ] (Key of a Dream) by the Japanese
sculptor Kan Yasuda. Free to touch, see, explore and climb in and out of,
these works offer more than just a visual celebration of art. Tony Craggs
Fanatics, a tall, mysteriously twisted form that many say hides a secret observation through a close look, is also a must visit.

Gallery Showcase
Open: Mon-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm, closed Sun
Adress: 1F, 7-18-7 Roppongi Minato-ku
Tel: 03-6804-5548

MOTSU-NABE GOMAFUKU

PHOTOS | ALEXANDRA HOMMA

Open: Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, closed Sun

Address: 1F, 4-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3796-3369

Roppongi

There is a plethora of large galleries and museum to see and explore in

the area, including the Mori Art Museum on the 53rd floor of Roppongi
Hills, The Suntory Museum of Art and The National Art Centerstunningly
designed by Kisho Kurokawa, one of the founders of the Metabolist Movement in architecture. Commonly referred to as the Art Triangle Roppongi,
these three venues have also collaborated in establishing the Atro Saving

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: "MAMAN" AT ROPPONGI HILLS, "MYOMU" AT TOKYO MIDTOWN AND
"KIN NO KOKORO" IN MOHRI GARDEN/

discount systementitling visitors who have tickets to one of the galleries

to get a reduced entry price at the other two venuesand the annual Roppongi Art Night, a weekend-long, all-night extravaganza of over 90 events,
exhibitions and performances across the area. Art Triangle Roppongi is a
trio of the best of Japanese and worldwide art and architecture alike.
Finally, 21_21 Design Sight, on the grounds of Tokyo Midtown, is a design
museum created in 2007 by architect Tadao Ando and fashion designer
Issey Miyake with the intention of widening public perception of how we
view the world and the objects around us. It features a long list of unique
exhibitions across two galleries of large floor space and an attached caf.

17

ENTERTAINMENT

Concert

ENTERTAINMENT

Movie Scene

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

DICKENS!
LIVE
SCHEDULE
JANUARY
2016

By Kevin Mcgue

Film Fests &

Special Programs
PHOTO | FILMS FROM THE ZONE OF THE UNEXPERIENCED: GOODNIGHT MOMMY: ULRICH SEIDL

ART ANGEL
By Dan Grunebaum

When: Jan. 26, 7pm

Where: Akasaka Blitz,
5-3-2 Akasaka, Minato
Station: Akasaka
Web: tbs.co.jp/blitz

18

RARE
EXPERIENCE
Now in its fifth year, the series Films From the Zone of the Unexperienced
continues to give film lovers a chance to see films they arent likely to catch any
place else, from little documentaries to indie drama and budget horror films.
Kicking off on January 2 and lasting through the end of March, the lineup is the
biggest yet. Highlights include Austrian thriller Goodnight Mommy (pictured),
the doc A Band Called Death, about an early punk band from Detroit and the
British comedy horror Nina Forever, about a woman whose sex life is ruined
when her boyfriends ex returns from the dead.
Human Trust Cinema Shibuya. 8F Cocoti Bldg.7, 1-23-16 Shibuya |
ttcg.jp/human-shibuya

Fri

8th

Sat 9th

Ramblin Steve Gardner

Anna & Mieko & Huw Lloyd

Sun 10th Open Mic Poetry then THE WEST VILLAGE BAND
Mon 11th Dickens! Closed
Tue 12th Dixieland Jazz
Wed 13th KINLAY JAM Session
Thu 14th Chris Grundy Rock Guitar Classics
Fri

15th DISCO FEVER

Sat 16th The Mootekkis

PHOTO | NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: FRANKENSTEIN: CATHERINE ASHMORE.

OURT

ESY

GRIM
E

Sun 17th Craig Chivers Love Ballads and others

PHOT
O|C

Mon 18th Dickens! CLOSED

LIVE
ON FILM
The best British stage performances continue to appear on Tokyo movies
screens with the National Theatre Live series. This month sees an encore screening of the 2011 production of Frankenstein. Director Danny Boyle gave the set
a steampunk touch and had his lead actors, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny
Lee Miller alternate between the roles of the doctor and his creation. Both versions were filmed. The big-in-Japan Cumberbatch appears as Victor on January
16-22, and as the creature, January 29-31.
Le Cinema. 2-24-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya | bunkamura.co.jp

Tue 19th Tom Holliday

Wed 20th Tokyo ROCK-STAR Jam Session
Thu 21st Brian Smith Solo
Fri

22nd Kev Gray and The Gravy Train

Sat 23rd TK and The Bluesblasters

Sun 24th Pirates of Tokyo Bay Comedy Show
7pm Y2,000 with 1 drink
Mon 25th Dickens! CLOSED
Tue 26th Derek Short and The Executive Class Jazz Band
Wed 27th Mackie Acoustic with Seki San
Thu 28th Internations Business and
Social meetup and Chris Whatley

PHOTO | B-REEL FEATURE FILMS.

Canadian chanteuse Grimes (Claire Boucher) returns

with her newest and perhaps most accessible album to
date. Boucher recorded Art Angels after ditching tracks
for a planned album, apparently deeming them to dark.
Art Angels bubbles with Bouchers trademark
experimentalism, yet has enough four-to-the-floor
beats that you can even imagine it played at an edm
rave. One standout is Venus Fly, featuring American
recording artist Janelle Mone, while on another track
she features the bizarro vocalizations of underground
Taiwanese rapper Aristophanes. For the first time,
Boucher even taught herself guitar, drums, ukulele,
and violin to feature in the new material.
Raised in Vancouver, Boucher went to Montreals
McGill to study neuroscience but ended up becoming
entranced by the citys heady arts scene, dropping
out and starting to host concerts in an abandoned
factory and producing her own electronic music. She
apparently adopted the tag Grimes after listing her
tracks as being of the urban British music style grime
on MySpace. (Boucher later did in fact tour with
grime artists.)
Boucher released her first two tracks on cassette.
It was her third full-length Visions that brought her
acclaim in 2012. Key tastemaker Pitchfork Media even
ranked the track Oblivion number one on its 200 Best
Tracks of the Decade So Far in 2014 list.
Trackmaker, producer, musician, video director
and style icon, Boucher has a deep well of talents on
which to draw. Those attracted by the idiosyncrasies
of Grimes output should keep in mind that Grimes
is in fact only a persona.
Boucher has threatened on a number of occasions
to eventually retire Grimes, so opportunities to take in
this incarnation such as the upcoming date in Tokyo
may be limited.
Aristophanes will make a special appearance for
the two Japan concerts.

DOX
LOVERS
Foodies, at Yebisu Garden Cinema, follows five people across the globe
in search of good foodincluding the only person to have eaten at every
Michelin 3-star restaurant and a fashion model who comes to Tokyo for work
and sushi. The Case Against 8, at Cinemart Shinjuku, looks at the landmark
case that overturned Californias Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage.
Finally, the Dutch doc Around the World in 50 Concerts, at Eurospace, follows The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra on a global tour. All open Jan. 30.
Yebisu Garden Cinema. 4-20-2 Ebisu, Shibuya | unitedcinemas.jp/yebisu
Cinemart Shinjuku. 3-13-3 Shinjuku, Shinjuku | cinemart.co.jp/theater/shinjuku
Eurospace. 1-5 Maruyamacho, Shibuya | eurospace.co.jp

Fri

29th SLUGGO Monster Rock

Sat 30th The Conductors Party Funk Dance Jazz Band

Sun 31st Johnsons Motor Car & Jimmy Binks and
The Shakehorns Y2,000 7pm

What The Dickens!

Adress: 1-13-3 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya,

Tokyo 150-0021
Phone: 03-3780-2099
www.whatthedickens.jp

ENTERTAINMENT

January

JOHN WOOD AND PAUL

HARRISON: SOME
THINGS ARE HARD TO
EXPLAIN

Teach English

PHOTO | COURTESY HIROMART GALLERY

PHOTO | KIYONORI HASEGAWA

One -to-One

CLAUDIA AHLERING
No, oil painting is not a dead art form.
In the hands of busy young German
artist Claudia Ahlering, its a topical
art form with plenty of zing. Ahlering
is also the founder of women artists
magazine Spring, and published her
first graphic novel, Ghetto Brother:
Warrior to Peacemaker, last year. The
show presents new paintings created
from 2007-15.

Takashi Murakami

THE TOKYO BALLET:

SWAN LAKE
New Tokyo Ballet Artistic Director,
Yukari Saito, makes her mark with the
companys first performance of the
Vladimir Bourmeister staging of Swan
Lake. What makes Bourmeisters
Swan Lake so enchanting is his
background in theater, and the strong
narrative that gives his interpretation.
After many years as the prima ballerina of the Tokyo Ballet, Yukari Saito
assumed the position of the troupes
artistic director this past August. This
performance will be the first major
project under her charge.
What: Stage
When: Feb.5 6:30pm, Feb. 6-7 2pm
Where: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan,
5-45 Ueno-koen, Taito
Station: Ueno
Cost: 3,000-12,000
Web: nbs.or.jp/english

For the first time since 2001, Takashi Murakami, one of the most internationally acclaimed
and significant Japanese artists in the modern art scene, is showing his contemporary
pieces here in Japan. This eagerly anticipated exhibition at Mori Art Museum focuses on
Murakamis most recent works, including the epic 3-meter-high, 100-meter-long The 500
Arhats, a painting created following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

YEARS & YEARS

FRANK GEHRY:
I HAVE AN IDEA

What: Concert
When: Feb.8, 7pm
Where: Akasaka Blitz,
5-3-2 Akasaka, Minato
Station: Akasaka
Cost: 5,500

january 6 until march 6

TOKYO MIDTOWN ICE RINK

Tokyo Midtowns grand-scale outdoor
skating rink is a popular venue for locals and visitors alike. Beautifully lit up
every night, this is the perfect venue
for a family or friend outing.
What: Skating
When: Jan. 6-Mar. 6
Where: Tokyo Midtown,
9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato
Station: Roppongi
Cost: 1,500 (adults)

PHOTO | RAN MATSUGI

London-based Olly Alexander, Mikey

Goldsworthy and Emre Turkmen had
an exceptional 2015. Number one
album with Communion, number one
hit with Kingand more importantly
those hundreds of millions of Spotify
and YouTube streams. Alexander is
undeniably gifted in the vocal department, with a supple tenor that harkens
back to The Gloved One. If beats,
buildups and breakdowns are your
thing, dont miss their Japan debut.

World-renowned, Canadian architect

Frank Gehry has produced some of
the most explicit works of the modern
architecture world, including Spains
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the
Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. With
a history of over half a century upending architectural norms and defying
expectations, Gehrys exhibition at
21_21 Design Sight in Tokyo Midtown
sheds some light on where he gets his
brilliant ideas.
When: Oct.21, 2015-Feb.7, 2016 (Closed Tues)
Where: 21_21 Design Sight,
9-7-6 Akasaka, Minato
Station: Roppongi & Nogizaka Stations
Cost: 1,100 (General)

PHOTO | CESAR I. MARTINS/FLICKR

until february 7

january 10-24

GRAND SUMO
TOURNAMENT
Witness passion, tradition and mastery come together at the first Grand
Sumo Tournament of the year.
What: Sumo tournament
Where: Ryogoku Kokugikan,
1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida
When: Jan. 10-24
Station: Ryogoku
Cost: 3,800-38,000
Web: sumo.or.jp/en/

until february 21
PHOTO | TOKYO HINA DOLL COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

january 13-18

TOKYO
TRADITIONAL
CRAFTS FAIR
Find gorgeous, handmade items for
your homes, watch demonstrations,
and even try your own hand at some
craftwork at the 59th Tokyo Traditional
Crafts Fair.
What: Traditional Craft Fair
Where: 11F Takashimaya Shinjuku,
5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya
When: Jan.13-18
Station: Shinjuku

Visa sponsorship available

What: Exhibition
When: Nov.21 2015-Feb. 21, 2016
Where: NTT InterCommunication Center,
4F, 3-20-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku
Station: Hatsudai
Web: ntticc.or.jp

What: Exhibition Where: Mori Art Museum, 53F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato
When: Oct.31-Mar.6, 2016; WedMon, 10 am10pm; Tue, 10am5pm
Station: Roppongi Cost: 1,600

february 8

Professional environment
34 locations in Greater Tokyo

Longtime art partners-in-crime, Englishmen John Wood and Paul Harrison

approach video the way abstract expressionists approached paintingas
the document of an artistic process.
The new films on show at NTTs media
arts lab in Hatsudai range from actual
scenes of a bicycle being industrially
painted white and turned into found
art, to comedic scenes of the pair apparently having screens fall on them,
to abstract meditations on movement
and space.

THE GREAT TERRA COTTA

ARMY OF CHINAS FIRST
EMPEROR
Qin Shi Huangs buried terra cotta
army soldiers continue to arouse wonder and are now the subject of a show
bringing together artifacts connected
to the First Emperor with the ambition
of exploring the everlasting world of
his terracotta army and its mysteries.
What: Exhibition
Where: Tokyo National Museum, 13-9 Ueno
Park, Taito
When: Oct.27-Feb.21 (Closed Mons)
Station: Ueno
Cost: 1,600 (General)
Web: tnm.jp

PHOTO | SHAANXI PROVINCIAL CULTURAL RELICS BUREAU, SHAANXI CULTURAL HERITAGE PROMOTION CENTER, EMPEROR QINSHIHUANGS MAUSOLEUM SITE MUSEUM

PHOTO | COURTESY SMASH

What: Exhibition
When: Jan. 13-Feb. 21, 1pm-7pm
(Closed Mon-Tue)
Where: Hiromart Gallery,
1-30-7 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo
Station: Edogawabashi
Web: hiromartgallery.com

until march 6

Choose your own schedule

february 5-7

PHOTO | 100 FALLS

PHOTO | 2012 TAKASHI MURAKAMI/KAIKAI KIKI CO., LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

until february 21

20

until february 21

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

gaba One-to-One English

teaching-in-japan.gaba.co.jp

Apply now !

ILLUSTRATION | ADAM GARWOOD

No key money

Phraseology

No deposit
No agency fee
No guarantor needed
Full English support

Contact us today!
Tel: 03-5437-5233
info@tokyoeasyrent.com
www.tokyoeasyrent.com

Taxi Lingo
Where is the taxi stand?
Takushi noriba wa doko desuka?
Please call a taxi
Takushi wo yonde kudasai.
Please take me to this place
Kono basho made onegaishimasu.
How much is it to ___? ___
___made wa ikura desuka?
How long does it take to ___? ___
___made wa dono gurai jikan ga kakarimasuka?
How much is the fare? Ryokin wa ikura desuka?
Could you wait here for a minute?
Koko de chotto matteite kudasai.
Let me off here, please
Koko de oroshite kudasai.
Please hurry up
Sumimasen, isoide kudasai.
Turn right here, please.
Koko de migi ni magatte kudasai.

LEARN JAPANESE
AT YOUR
CONVENIENCE
9,720/month
Includes Worksheets & Online
Reading Lessons

Turn left here, please.

Koko de hidari ni magatte kudasai.

I n To k y o 0 2 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 6

Subway Map

SUBWAY SMART CARDS

Furnished apartments in
Tokyos best locations!

GETTING AROUND

Both Suica and PASMO cards cost 1,000, which includes a 500 deposit that will be refunded when the card is
returned. The remaining 500 is immediately available for use and you can charge more money to the card at all train stations whenever needed. The cards
can also be used as e-money for purchases at vending machines, kiosks and convenience stores, as well as coin-operated lockers within train stations.
Passengers can use Suica cards wherever Pasmo cards are acceptedand vice-versato ride any railway or bus in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

WHAT TO SAY

Go straight, please. Massugu itte kudasai.

A receipt, please. Ryoshusho onegaishimasu.

3 USEFUL KANJI TO KNOW

Chinso Occupied (written in red)

Kuuso Available (written in green)

Warimashi 20 percent increase in price, usually after 10 p.m.

For more Japanese lessons visit study.gaijinpot.com

www.kumon.ne.jp/jpn/english
23