Ebisu’s Pizza Marumo: Tasting the World’s #3 Umami Pizza & Secret Desserts

Close-up shot of an Umami Pizza, topped with savory mackerel.

Braving the Ebisu Heat for a Slice of Heaven at Pizza Marumo That day in Tokyo felt like the rainy season had abruptly ended, replaced by a sweltering heatwave. The thermometer read 34°C (93°F), but the asphalt radiated an intensity that made it feel closer to 39°C (102°F). After a morning meeting, I found myself Continue reading “Ebisu’s Pizza Marumo: Tasting the World’s #3 Umami Pizza & Secret Desserts”

Punk Rock Soba in Hanzomon: Soba-Usa, A Culinary Experience Worth the Trip.

Close-up of unique basil soba noodles generously topped with vibrant green basil pesto.

An Oasis in Hanzomon After a Marathon Meeting The long, long meeting with the client finally ended. The clock showed 2:30 PM. I was at the peak of hunger and exhaustion, craving something to refuel my energy. Specifically, protein. Or perhaps my brain was actually craving carbs, but anyway, I needed an immediate vitality boost. Continue reading “Punk Rock Soba in Hanzomon: Soba-Usa, A Culinary Experience Worth the Trip.”

Notting Hill’s Beacon: Unearthing Treasures at Music & Video Exchange on My London Music Journey

Red sign of Music & Video Exchange, a second-hand record and CD store in Notting Hill.

The Bustle and Quiet of Notting Hill, and the Unwavering Pull of Music & Video Exchange Notting Hill, London. For many, the name evokes images of colorful terraced houses, the vibrant Portobello Market, and romantic scenes from the eponymous film. However, for me, CityNomix, this neighborhood holds an even deeper significance. Ever since my student Continue reading “Notting Hill’s Beacon: Unearthing Treasures at Music & Video Exchange on My London Music Journey”

Unearthing Sonic Treasures in Soho: A Vintage Record & Cassette Hunt at Rough Trade Vingtage, London

Black sign for Rough Trade Vintage record store in Soho, located beside a staircase leading to the basement under the rag & bone shop.

Hello Photomo readers, CityNomix here. While my days are often spent navigating the world of digital marketing, my weekends are dedicated to exploring cities, camera in hand. Through Photomo, I aim to share the cultural gems I unearth, offering a unique perspective on “Walk, Shoot, Write.” This time, I’m taking you to a special record Continue reading “Unearthing Sonic Treasures in Soho: A Vintage Record & Cassette Hunt at Rough Trade Vingtage, London”

Finding Authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Journey to Third Man Records London in SOHO

Yellow exterior of Third Man Records

Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. My work in digital marketing often takes me exploring cities, both at home and abroad, where I love to uncover local culture. Today, I’m excited to share my experience visiting a place deeply connected to my musical roots: Third Man Records London, the London outpost of the label founded Continue reading “Finding Authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Journey to Third Man Records London in SOHO”

An Unexpected Gig: My SOFY In-Store Live Experience at Rough Trade West, Notting Hill

Exterior of Rough Trade West record store in London, with a sign indicating an in-store live performance by SOFY.

Arrival in London and a Notting Hill Evening Stroll On November 11, 2023, as evening began to settle, I made my way from Heathrow Airport to central London via the Tube. However, I was immediately met with a classic London challenge: many stations lacked elevators. Hauling a heavy suitcase up and down stairs was more Continue reading “An Unexpected Gig: My SOFY In-Store Live Experience at Rough Trade West, Notting Hill”

Phonica Records: A Soho Vinyl Haven for Dance Music & Rare Cassettes in London

Exterior of Phonica Records on Poland Street in Soho, London.

A Beacon for Music Explorers in the Bustle of Soho Hello, I’m CityNomix. Stepping away from the digital marketing hustle, I immerse myself in the pulse of the streets. This time, my journey led me to Poland Street in London’s vibrant Soho district. It was just after 6 PM on November 17, 2024, under a Continue reading “Phonica Records: A Soho Vinyl Haven for Dance Music & Rare Cassettes in London”

The Elusive Totoro: A Pilgrim’s Definitive Guide to Securing Ghibli Museum Tickets

A whimsical, colorful scene of a Totoro statue nestled amongst lush greenery in the Ghibli Museum garden.

Walk. Shoot. Write. This is the mantra that pulses through the veins of Photomo. It’s the rhythm I live by. By day, I navigate the structured, data-driven world of digital marketing, a landscape of algorithms and analytics. Nevertheless, when the screen goes dark, I step out. My true work begins on the pavement, in the Continue reading “The Elusive Totoro: A Pilgrim’s Definitive Guide to Securing Ghibli Museum Tickets”

Grilling Game Changer! My 3COINS Microwave Fish Grill Discovery & Other Must-Have Gadgets

Fish perfectly browned in a microwave oven

Hello, I’m CityNomix. Alongside my work in digital marketing, I wander through cities both in Japan and abroad, uncovering local culture and sharing it here on Photomo. This time, I ventured into the popular 3COINS store in search of items that make our daily lives a little richer and more convenient. I’m excited to share Continue reading “Grilling Game Changer! My 3COINS Microwave Fish Grill Discovery & Other Must-Have Gadgets”

A Taste of Japan in the Sky: My Exquisite Lunch at Drawing House of Hibiya, Tokyo

Fresh pasta with plenty of snow crab meat and rich sauce.

Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. While my days are usually immersed in the world of digital marketing, I seize every opportunity—weekends, a break between meetings—to explore cities, both at home and abroad. I’m always on the hunt for local culture and culinary gems, and I truly enjoy sharing my firsthand experiences (and yes, sometimes Continue reading “A Taste of Japan in the Sky: My Exquisite Lunch at Drawing House of Hibiya, Tokyo”