Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

I’m a fan of this watch brand, and whenever I have a chance to travel to Japan, I always like to make time to visit one of its local stores. What fascinates me most is discovering new watch straps made with materials that reflect local Japanese character. Not only can one watch stay with you for a long time, but you can also freely switch to whatever style suits your mood.

This time, I made a special trip to the spacious and comfortable Maker’s Watch Knot Omotesando Gallery Shop. As always, the staff were courteous and polite, creating a very relaxing and comfortable shopping experience. In addition to a wide selection of customizable watches, they were also offering elegant special Christmas packaging for the end of the year, which made the entire selection process feel festive. This is definitely a quality shop that I can’t help wanting to visit again and again whenever I’m in Tokyo.

Walking up the gentle slope through the Omotesando backstreets, with their classic Japanese TV drama atmosphere, you can feel the strong sense of fashion and artsy charm. Once you're tired from walking, of course you can't miss a pilgrimage to the popular Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama Cafe.

Located on the second floor, this cafe is cleverly tucked away amid the greenery. If you don't look carefully, you really might miss it. It's like a treehouse hidden in an urban jungle, making you feel pleasantly surprised and relaxed as soon as you step inside. Especially on a cold winter day, sitting quietly by the window and enjoying a piping-hot, richly aromatic latte is soothing for both body and mind. Not only is the coffee quality a given, but the uniquely peaceful atmosphere amid the bustle is also captivating. I highly recommend it to all coffee-loving travelers.

This time, because I stayed at the uniquely designed Godzilla hotel, I got to experience lively Kabukicho up close. On Friday night, the streets were filled with bright lights and bustling crowds, and the Don Quijote at the intersection was packed with people. There was everything from trendy fashion to local snacks, perfectly showcasing the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps.

However, when I checked out the next day and walked through the streets during the day, I was shocked by the enormous piles of garbage along the roadside. It truly showed that this is an international metropolis after a night of revelry. Although it was a very unique urban experience, once was enough. The next time I visit Tokyo, I’ll probably choose a quieter, more comfortable area to stay in.