B-Side Label

Founded in 2003 in Osaka, by a group of Japanese artists who started creating stickers and selling them on the sidewalk, B-Side Label is not just a sticker store, it’s a Japanese institution. More importantly, it’s a fun and quirky place to visit. The high-quality, fun, and extremely creative stickers make great souvenirs (just ask my girlfriend). There are several locations in Tokyo (Harajuku, Shimokitazawa, and Kichijoji). I’m partial to the Shimokitazawa location. I recommend going to one of the shops, but if you don’t have time, you can also find B-Side Label stickers at some classic Japanese stores (Tokyu Hands, Loft, and Village Vanguard).

The sticker selection is constantly changing and evolving, with about 50 new stickers released each month. In addition to the standard stickers that every location carries, special edition stickers are released that are only available at specific locations. Just ask when you get to the store and you will see them in a section together. They will usually have a small label with “Shimokitazawa Limited” or something like that written on the stickers themselves. 

Syphon Coffee

Although Syphon coffee was invented in Europe around 1840, my introduction to it was in a small neighborhood cafe in Kyoto, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I even bought a syphon coffee maker in Japan. You can find them in Kitchen Town.

In addition to being delicious, the preparation of it is a beautiful ritual to watch. I highly recommend finding a cafe that makes syphon coffee and sitting at the counter to watch as they prepare it. I’m pretty sure you’ll be a fan.

JD the Camera Guy

Japan is an extremely photogenic country with everything from architecture (traditional and modern), landscapes, food, modernity, and plenty of cats to catch your photographic eye. JD the Camera Guy on YouTube has great, easy-to-use tips to make your photos memorable. I hope they can help you as much as they’ve helped me.