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Tokyo’s Nakameguro district – a textbook example of gentrification

Nakameguro might have the highest concentration of cool coffee shops and colorful tapioca bars in the whole of Tokyo. It’s a paradise for foodies, artists, celebrity-spotters, wannabe celebrities, cherry-blossom gazers, fashion designers and fashionistas. You’ll find young and hip people everywhere, including tourists from the world’s all corner, all mixed up with the area’s wealthy residents. Nakameguro’s rise to fame What I like about Nakameguro is that in spite of its rising popularity, it’s still pretty cozy. It still has a local, casual, almost relaxed atmosphere about it. Maybe it’s because there are still no large shopping centers and of …

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Things to do in Ginza – explore the hidden back alleys!

Who hasn’t heard of Tokyo’s Ginza district? A globally renowned glitzy mecca for high-end shopping and fine dining. A must on the list of places to visit for tourists. But there is a side to Ginza that few people ever see. In fact, I doubt that most visitors are even aware of its existence. I’m talking about the intricate artery of narrow alleys that lead to the back entrances of the shops, bars and restaurants. Ginza’s hidden back streets These alleys are often difficult to find, since there are no signs. They are sometimes so narrow that only one person …

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Things to do in Shibuya – explore the “pencil buildings”!

Why is it impossible to get bored in Shibuya? The answer is “pencil buildings”! What is a pencil building? For those of you who have never been to Japan, a pencil building is exactly what the name suggests; a building that is so thin that the shape looks like a pencil, balancing on its head. Pencil buildings can be found in any urban area of Japan, especially in the old parts of town, that modern urban planning has not yet extended its claws into. Shibuya, this crazy city within a city, has over two million people using its train station …

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