Step into a Storybook: The Antique Charm of “Kashiya Shinonome” & The Best Kuramae Sweets

A clear plastic bag filled with baked goods such as madeleines, scones, and cookies sitting on a wooden ledge next to a window with Japanese text.

Hello, this is CityNomix.   In the world of digital marketing, I spend my days analyzing data on screens. But sometimes, I feel a strong urge to disconnect and seek out experiences that have texture, warmth, and a soul. In our previous entry, we explored the backstreets of Kuramae and discovered “Hangetsu Roastery,” a stoic, Continue reading “Step into a Storybook: The Antique Charm of “Kashiya Shinonome” & The Best Kuramae Sweets”

The “Blooming” Pancake: Experiencing Tokyo’s Most Viral Dessert at ISHIYA NIHONBASHI

A pancake completely covered in white cream with a red strawberry sauce flower pattern, served on a black plate

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels of Tokyo sweets, chances are you’ve seen it: the “blooming” pancake.It’s visually stunning, incredibly dramatic, and absolutely everywhere.In fact, the video I posted of this very dessert hit over 36k views almost instantly. Today, I’m taking you to ISHIYA NIHONBASHI in the COREDO Muromachi Continue reading “The “Blooming” Pancake: Experiencing Tokyo’s Most Viral Dessert at ISHIYA NIHONBASHI”

The Ultimate Tokyo Vinyl & Cassette Hunting Guide: Digging Deep in Shibuya, Ochanomizu, and Beyond

Cover art of the Beastie Boys' 'Gratitude' 12-inch vinyl record featuring a black and white contact sheet design, sitting in a record store bin.

Introduction: Diving into the Analog Ocean of Tokyo This is CityNomix. In my daily life in digital marketing, I constantly wrestle with rows of numbers, data, and KPIs. For me, weekend “digging” is like a deep breath for the soul. In an age where magic like Spotify and Apple Music grants us instant access to Continue reading “The Ultimate Tokyo Vinyl & Cassette Hunting Guide: Digging Deep in Shibuya, Ochanomizu, and Beyond”

Bringing the “Kissa Hangetsu” Experience Home: A Guide to Hangetsu Roastery

Gold cursive 'hangetsu roastery' logo on a dark wall above a brass plate featuring a faucet and the word 'COFFEE'

In my previous article, I explored the classical elegance of “Kissa Hangetsu,” where I indulged in their exquisite cake paired with both fine coffee and tea. But for a true enthusiast, the experience doesn’t end when you finish your last sip. The secret to their rich, perfectly balanced brews lies just next door.   Stepping Continue reading “Bringing the “Kissa Hangetsu” Experience Home: A Guide to Hangetsu Roastery”

A Little Europe in Kuramae: Exquisite Cake Pairings at “Kissa Hangetsu”

Flower-shaped brass sign plate engraved with the Japanese text 'Hangetsu' embedded in a wooden pillar

This is CityNomix.   Kuramae, located on the east side of Tokyo, is often dubbed “Tokyo’s Brooklyn” due to its concentration of renovated warehouses, artisan shops, and trendy coffee stands. It’s a vibrant hub of culture where the old meets the new.   However, the place I want to introduce to you today isn’t Brooklyn. Continue reading “A Little Europe in Kuramae: Exquisite Cake Pairings at “Kissa Hangetsu””

The Return to Surakkan: Why Bacon in Jigae is a Game-Changer and the Art of the Jeonju Bibimbap

Jeonju stone pot bibimbap topped with egg yolk, kimchi, and minced meat, served with a bacon and vegetable stew and green salad.

This is CityNomix. Marunouchi, the beating heart of Tokyo. In this district of towering skyscrapers and fast-walking business elites, I found myself wandering once again, driven by a specific craving. My destination? Surakkan, the Korean dining gem located on the 5th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building.   Some of you might recall my previous passionate Continue reading “The Return to Surakkan: Why Bacon in Jigae is a Game-Changer and the Art of the Jeonju Bibimbap”

Punk Roots in Tokyo: Hunting Rare Beastie Boys Vinyl EPs and Singles

Cover art of the Beastie Boys' 'Gratitude' 12-inch vinyl record featuring a black and white contact sheet design, sitting in a record store bin.

This is CityNomix. While I spend my weekdays analyzing data in the digital marketing world, my weekends are dedicated to seeking out “noise.” Good noise, that is. Today, I’m taking you to Ochanomizu, Tokyo, to report on a vinyl hunt that uncovered a specific kind of beautiful noise: the hardcore punk roots of the Beastie Continue reading “Punk Roots in Tokyo: Hunting Rare Beastie Boys Vinyl EPs and Singles”

Seeking Jamiroquai’s Roots: The Value of “Emergency On Planet Earth” UK Pressing in Japan

Vinyl record cover of Jamiroquai's 1993 debut album 'Emergency On Planet Earth', featuring a black silhouette of the Buffalo Man on a white background with a price sticker in the top right corner.

Tokyo, specifically the Ochanomizu district, is often cited as a battleground for vinyl collectors. For a digital marketer like myself, who spends days analyzing data on screens, physical record hunting is a necessary detox. It is a tactile experience that connects the soul to the music.   On a crisp February evening in 2026, I Continue reading “Seeking Jamiroquai’s Roots: The Value of “Emergency On Planet Earth” UK Pressing in Japan”

From Burnage to The 1975: An Oasis Fan’s Journey into Manchester’s Modern Sound. Discovering the Four Essential EPs at Disk Union.

12-inch vinyl record of The 1975's 'IV' EP displayed in a record store bin

When you think of Manchester, you think of grey skies, red bricks, and the raw, unpolished roar of working-class guitar music. Growing up worshipping the altar of the 90s, my musical landscape was dominated by the Gallagher brothers. To me, “Manchester music” meant Oasis, The Stone Roses, and The Smiths. Anything that came after—especially bands Continue reading “From Burnage to The 1975: An Oasis Fan’s Journey into Manchester’s Modern Sound. Discovering the Four Essential EPs at Disk Union.”

Best Lunch Near Tokyo Station: Breathtaking Rail Views and a Basque Cheesecake That Defies Expectations at resonance

Caramel Basque Cheesecake topped with cream and nut brittle, served with ice cream, syrup, and a cup of black coffee.

Hello, this is CityNomix.   In the world of digital marketing, I spend my days analyzing numbers on a screen. But sometimes, I need to unplug and seek out authentic experiences that stimulate the senses. My recent discovery in Marunouchi did exactly that.   Marunouchi is the beating heart of Tokyo’s business district. Amidst the Continue reading “Best Lunch Near Tokyo Station: Breathtaking Rail Views and a Basque Cheesecake That Defies Expectations at resonance”