The illuminations on Roppongi Keyakizaka, shining in harmony with Tokyo Tower, are a classic part of the Christmas season in Tokyo and a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Seeing them in person was absolutely heart-stirring.
Roppongi Keyakizaka Street | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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SOU-SOU Isemomen
SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.
If you like SOU・SOU, this is a hard place to skip when you’re in Kyoto. Tucked into the Shinkyogoku alleyways not far from Nishiki Market, there are several SOU・SOU shops clustered together, each with a different theme. You can find everything from clothing and kids’ wear to all kinds of lifestyle goods. If you’re already a SOU・SOU fan, it’s seriously easy to go overboard shopping here!
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ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka
ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is part of a specialty coffee chain with other locations in Okusawa, Yakumo, and Nakameguro. The café sources beans directly from farmers in regions like Colombia and Ethiopia, roasting them in-house to create the exceptional coffee that has earned it a strong following. Opened in April 2022 along Jiyugaoka Green Road, this location stands out for its warm, natural wooden décor and the calm, sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly suits Jiyugaoka.
ONIBUS COFFEE has solid reviews online, so it’s a café many people add to their Jiyugaoka plans. When I actually visited, it was even more popular than I expected, and finding a seat wasn’t easy. In the end, I got a coffee to go and enjoyed it slowly along the nearby Kuhonbutsu River Green Road, which was a nice way to take in Jiyugaoka’s relaxed atmosphere.
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AEON MALL Makuhari New City
This mall consists of 4 sections: Grand, Family, Active, and Pet, with a total floor area of around 402,000 square meters and about 350 specialty stores and an AEON STYLE supermarket. You can enjoy everything from shopping to entertainment.
Since I often stay in Chiba Prefecture, AEON MALL Makuhari New City has become one of the shopping spots I plan to visit every time I’m in the Kanto area. You can get there right from JR Makuharitoyosuna Station, and the mall is huge. It has everything from clothing and household goods to dining, so you can take care of most needs in one trip.
That said, because the mall is so spread out, walking through the whole place really tests your stamina. Plus, with Costco right next door, I often end up spending the entire day here without even realizing it. -
