If you love coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee is a place you shouldn’t miss on a trip to Tokyo! This time I visited the Aoyama Cafe, which carries on Blue Bottle Coffee’s signature minimalist style. The decor isn’t overly flashy, but the atmosphere is understated and refined. From the design of the cafe to the coffee equipment, you can feel the brand’s attention to detail.
Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama Cafe | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
After passing through Kaminarimon Gate, you’ll come to the lively Nakamise shopping street, lined with all kinds of souvenir shops, traditional snacks, and uniquely Japanese products. It’s fun to browse and eat along the way. However, this visit really made me realize just how incredible the crowds at Sensoji Temple can be. It was packed with people from the entrance all the way to the area around the temple. You have to wait for an opening to take a good photo, and sometimes you can only move slowly along with the crowd.
Even with all the crowds, once you reach the main hall of Sensoji Temple, you can still feel its solemn, historic atmosphere. Watching everyone pray sincerely, draw fortunes, and ask for blessings naturally makes you slow down and experience Japan’s traditional temple culture.
Although the number of visitors this time was honestly a little overwhelming, Sensoji Temple is still well worth visiting when you’re in Tokyo! If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend coming earlier. You may have a better chance of getting the photos you want.
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Forestgate Daikanyama
This new destination and multi-shop retailer hit the streets in Daikanyama as of October 2023. Complete with iconic look and feel, the MAIN building is made to look like stacked wooden boxes thanks to the esteemed design of world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma.
When shopping in Daikanyama, Tokyo, you definitely shouldn’t miss the stylish Forestgate Daikanyama! The architecture here is very distinctive, combining natural elements with a modern style. Surrounded by touches of greenery, the overall atmosphere feels relaxed and comfortable. Compared with the busy streets of central Tokyo, it offers an added sense of peace and ease.
On this visit, I specifically made time to sit down at Blue Bottle Coffee. Blue Bottle Coffee has always been popular for its minimalist design and focus on coffee quality, and the interior is also very stylish, making it a great place to take a break!
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Enoshima Shrine
Enoshima Shrine is premier and venerable shrine on Enoshima Island known for holding events year around. Counted among Japan's three greatest Benzaiten (goddesses of wealth) shrines, it consists of three individual shrines: Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. These shrines are said to bestow blessings for matchmaking, monetary fortune, and improvement in performing arts.
Enoshima Shrine is a must-see when visiting Enoshima. As you climb the steps up the island, you can really feel the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine. The shrine is divided into Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. Hetsumiya is the easiest to reach, and there are also many small shops and souvenir stores to browse along the way.
The streets of Enoshima are full of island charm, with plenty of distinctive little shops on both sides. You can visit the shrines, stroll around, and occasionally stop to enjoy the scenery, all at a very leisurely pace.
I think Enoshima Shrine is especially well suited for a relaxed half-day visit. It's not just about visiting the shrine—the streets, ocean views, and unique atmosphere of Enoshima along the way are all worth experiencing.
If you're traveling around Kamakura or the Shonan area, I highly recommend adding Enoshima to your trip. After visiting Enoshima Shrine, take a walk by the beach and enjoy the views of the Shonan coast. It really feels like a trip to Japan! -
