Home Blog

Africa Meets Kansai 2024

0

Don’t miss the 2024 Africa Meets Kansai, from September 21st to October 19th. With their opening event on September 21st, the Soul Disco Party on September 27th, the Business Idea Contest on October 11th and a Grand Finale Fashion Show on October 19th – this event has lots for us to look forward too!

 

Check out their Website; https://afrikameetskansai.org/

A10 Bar

0

A10 is a cocktail bar with a fantastic atmosphere. The unique ambiance is set from the entrance of the bar, with a quirky and inviting charm. You are greeted by the friendliest of staff as you are fascinated by the attention to detail apparent in the decor. The lighting and tasteful music makes for a relaxing experience as you select from their wide range of curated cocktails. With their menu catering to a broad spectrum of taste, each one is beautiful made and presented in-front of you. The menu includes grate options for those looking for some local flavors, with ingredients including Japanese teas and Kyoto Gin. And for those feeling a bit homesick, options include cocktails inspired by international drinks.

The staff are incredibly welcoming and happy to discuss preferences and recommendations to find the correct cocktail for you. The fun atmosphere creates a space for you to enjoy the experience of your drink. A10 is a fantastic bar that you should definitely not miss out on- but don’t forget to make a reservation and rember house rules are king!!

End of Summer Events

0

August Events

    • Tanabu Festival; When: Aug 18th – Aug 20th, 09:30 – 22:30 Location: Tanabu City.

    • Tenjin Tenma Awa Odori; When: Aug 25th, 13:00 – 19:00 Location; Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street.

    • Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori; When: Aug 24th -25th, 17:00 – 20:00 Location: Koenji

    • Shinjo Matsuri; When: Aug 24th – Aug 26th, 08:30 – 20:00 Location: Abies Square at Shinjo Station

    • Niwaka Lantern Festival; When: 25th Aug Location: 27-11 Ukawa, Noto, Hōsu-gun, Ishikawa 927-030
    • Minami Koshigaya Awa Odori Festival; When: Aug 27th – Aug 28th, 19:00 – 19:45 Location: Koshigaya City
    • Shosan-ji Summer Festival; When: Aug 30th, 18:00 – 21:00 Location: Shosanji Temple
    • International Tokyo Toy Show; When: Aug 29th – Sep 1st, 09:00 – 16:00 Location: Tokyo Big Sight

Shimo-Kitazawa Coffee Crawl

0

Shimo-Kitazawa, located just one Express stop from Shibuya, is famous for its winding streets packed full of thrift and vintage shops. Lesser known, though, is the budding coffee and cafe scene sprinkled throughout the city. We have compiled a list of must-see coffee shops for the ULTIMATE Shimokita Coffee Crawl. 

Brooklyn Roasting Company 

📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 2 Chome−6−2 ミカン下北B街区 B101

Located two minutes away from Shimo-Kitazawa station, the large Brooklyn Roasting Company building allows for all types of coffee-goers! Whether you need to study, catch up with friends, or eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Brooklyn Roasting Company is a great all-around place to get your cup of joe. 

My drink: Iced Latte

Coffee Old 

📍5 Chome-6-15 Daizawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0032

Although in Daizawa, this quaint coffee shop is only a 10 minute walk from Shimo-Kitazawa  Station. The dark ambiance lighting and background jazz makes for a great date location or place for solo relaxation. Its location away from the busy streets of Shimo-Kitazawa makes it an escape from the hustle and bustle of Shimokita

My drink: Cafe Au Lait 

Sidewalk Coffee Roasters 

📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−9−19 マスタードホテル 1F

Located on the first floor of the Mustard Hotel, one of the best things about Sidewalk Coffee Roasters is its hours. Open from 7AM to 7PM, Sidewalk provides you with an all-day caffeine fix in an airy environment. They also serve fresh-baked bagels, so you are guaranteed a satisfying breakfast. 

My drink: Iced Cafe Latte

Look Up Coffee

📍ガーデンテラス下北沢 1階 2 Chome-36-14 Kitazawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0031

Though it’s only four minutes away from Shimo-Kitazawa Station, this secluded coffee spot provides its customers a caffeinated sanctuary after a long day of intense thrift shopping. It also has indoor and outdoor seating, providing a variety of options for relaxation. 

My drink: Iced Latte

Komainu Coffee

📍〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−31−5 1F 狛犬珈琲

With its plant-filled interior, Komainu is truly magical. There are multiple seating options (counter, table, even pillows) all with accompanying and accessible outlets, and Komainu serves beloved curry. It truly felt like being in a fairy cabin; with the 20’s music in the background, Komainu makes for a great environment to do work in.

Starbucks Reserve Roastery 

📍〒155-0032 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Daizawa, 5 Chome−8−13 クリークス

This isn’t your typical Starbucks. Because it’s a reserve roastery, it has unique drinks and food only available at this location. The space inside is lovely – good balance of working space and conversational space. The best part is the rear dog patio, in which the local dog owners park their dog strollers and enjoy a drink with their furry friends—it’s truly the cutest.

My drink: Iced Latte

NAVIGATING PLANT-BASED JAPAN: Plant Based Tokyo

0

Located inside ‘Food Hall Blast!’ this restaurant is perfect for eating out plant-based with carnivorous travel buddies and family members. ‘The Food Hall Blast!’ has multiple resterans to choose from so you can order from different menus and still sit together! With a great community atmosphere in the food hall and delicious food we highly recommend this spot! In sampling the Vege Miso Special and Vegan Coconut Ice Cream, we can confirm a comforting, tasty and vegan meal.

Tip: if arriving through Shinjuku Station head for West Square and use the South Exit.

 

Address:1F, 2-7-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Donate to YouMeWe!

0

Legacy Foundation Japan is honored to support the work of Tokyo-based NPO YouMeWe.
YouMeWe is dedicated to helping local students from institutionalized homes and ensuring they have access to the right resources in order to become fully independent. They sport a variety of great initiatives, like their upcoming 16th Anniversary Designing Artists Academy, where children learn about healthy ways to express themselves through various art mediums in a safe, therapeutic environment. We ask that you help support the amazing work of YouMeWe and DONATE today! Use this link to donate:  https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/47934/youmewe-npo/

 

 

SUMMER BUCKET LIST: Laser Tag in Yokosuka

0

Are you and your friends looking for a fun escape from the Japan heat? Want to support black-owned businesses in Japan? Lazer Zone is the place for you! Located in Yokosuka and just a 30 min train ride from Yokohama, Lazer Zone is the home of family-friendly laser tag, and the perfect place to hang out with friends, take your kids, host a party, and make some memories!

Lazer Zone Information:

ミウラプラザビル, 地下1F, 2 Chome-7-7 Wakamatsucho, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 238-0007

Hours:

Monday 2–9:30 PM

Tuesday 2–9:30 PM

Wednesday 2–9:30 PM

Thursday 2–9:30 PM

Friday 2–9:30 PM

Saturday 11 AM–9:30 PM

Sunday 11 AM–9:30 PM

HIDDEN GEMS: Tokyo Coffee Shops

0

Are you looking for some unique Tokyo cafes besides the classics? You’ve come to the right place! I have curated a list of some of my favorite coffee spots throughout the city (and one just outside Tokyo) for you to check out. My qualifications? A decade long caffeine addiction and a habit of frequent $10 latte purchases in the United States. I also find that coffee shops are a great way to explore Tokyo’s local businesses, communities, and new areas without breaking the bank. Check out my recommendations below!

FOR A DATE OR CATCHING UP:
LOU

5 Chome-53-4 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
My friend and I ended up at LOU after trying to escape a torrential downpour, and we were lucky to have done so. LOU’s warm interior decked out with plants and knick knacks makes for the perfect conversational environment. The background ambiance is supplemented by their record player in which they play some of the best and most relaxing music.

My drink: Iced Soy Milk Latte

FOR A SOLO DAY OUT:
CHIHYE COFFEE

1 Chome-7-10 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045
This cafe, located near Roppongi, has few seats, making it better for a more independent outing. Regardless, it was one of the best lattes I’ve had in a while and very strong – I was wide awake the rest of the afternoon! It also gets frequented by the dog owners of Azabu, so be prepared to meet some new fuzzy friends!
My drink: Iced Latte

FOR WORK OR STUDYING:
Ueshima Coffee House

Grande Maison Azabu Ichinohashi, 1F 2 Chome-1-8 Azabujuban, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0045
This coffee shop is the perfect spot if you need to do work in a quiet spot but need to get out of the house! With its beautiful wooden interior and plentiful seat options, Ueshima is the go-to place for peak productivity. They serve their drinks in the copper cups usually reserved for cocktails, so suffice to say it was a great coffee experience.
My drink: Brown Sugar Milk Coffee

FOR A BREAK FROM EXPLORING…
Sol’s Coffee

〒111-0053 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusabashi, 3 Chome−25−7 NI ビル 1F
This spot is the perfect escape from the tourist craziness that is Tokyo Skytree. Located on the 7th floor, Sol’s offers coffee with a beautiful view of the Sumida river and the base of Skytree. I went in the middle of the day and despite the mall being crowded, Sol’s offered a pocket of serenity amidst the chaos.
My drink: Iced Cafe Latte

FOR PRE-BEACH FUEL…
Poolside Coffee

8 Chome-1-38 Sakurayama, Zushi, Kanagawa 249-0005
While not in Tokyo, Zushi Beach is one of the closest beaches to Tokyo. And despite its negative reputation of being an over-touristed gaijin haven, its side streets hold treasure like Poolside Coffee. The quaint cafe is nestled in one of Zushi’s calm neighborhoods and is a must-see spot. The interior is decorated with all things summer and beach, complemented by beachy music and an overall comforting atmosphere. There is limited seating, but I had an amazing time sitting and reading my book as the world passed by through Poolside’s large windows. They also provide metal straws – my preferred coffee sipping utensil!
My drink: Iced Latte

FOR DOING WORK… WITH AN EARTHY TWIST:
Komainu Coffee


〒155-0031 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Kitazawa, 3 Chome−31−5 1F 狛犬珈琲
This spot is nestled behind the famous shopping area of Shimokitazawa, and deserves more love. The greenery-filled interior is truly magical, and there are multiple seating options (counter, table, even pillows) all with accompanying and accessible outlets (a rarity in Tokyo coffee shops). It truly felt like being in a fairy cabin; with the 1920’s music in the background, Komainu makes for a great environment to do work in.
My drink: Iced Caffe Latte

FOR TRADITION WITH A TWIST…
Starbucks Reserve Roastery

〒155-0032 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Daizawa, 5 Chome−8−13 クリークス
Yes, I was just calling Starbucks boring, but hear me out—this isn’t your typical Starbucks. Because it’s a reserve roastery, it has unique drinks and food only available at this location. The space inside is lovely – good balance of working space and conversational space. With it being located so close to the thrift hub of Shimokitazawa, I was surprised to find it was mainly locals inside! The best part is the rear dog patio, in which the local dog owners park their dog strollers and enjoy a drink with their furry friends—it’s truly the cutest.
My drink: Iced Latte

SUMMER BUCKET LIST – Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo: Sea of Clouds

0

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo: Sea of Clouds

https://www.instagram.com/legacyfjp/reel/C9PMM0DyWg5/?hl=en

If this FREE destination isn’t on your Tokyo summer bucket list, you need to add it right now. Just a 30 minute bus ride from Shinjuku Station, nestled within Bunkyo City is the illustrious Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and go back in time to a Meiji-era landscape. Located behind the hotel is their famous gardens, complete with a waterfall, a pond, koi fish galore, traditional bridges, and the ancient and an ancient Three-Story Pagoda, one of only three in all of Tokyo. Every day from July 1st to September 12th, from 7:00 to 22:00, the gardens transform into a foggy paradise. Twice an hour, a gong sounds. This is when the most magical few minutes begins. A deep mist fills the garden completely surrounding the viewer, the scattered lanterns faded orbs of light. It makes you forget that you are at the center of one of the busiest metropolitan areas in the world—it is that otherworldly. At 7:00 and 10:00, the gardens feature The Great Sea of Clouds, in which the gardens (and subsequently the viewer) are completely submerged in mist even higher than their heads, to the point in which you cannot see more than a meter ahead of you. It mutes any of the remaining buzz of the city and truly grounds you. It is an unforgettable experience and one you must partake in while in Tokyo. See more details below!

Location: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, 2 Chome-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8680
How to access: 白61Bus from Shinjuku Station; ~30 minutes + 3 minute walk to hotel

Best times: 7:00 AM and 22:00 AM to see the fog show at its peak. Check the website here for the full schedule.

Cost: Free!

Note: Make sure to respect the hotel and its guests as you walk through the property!