THIS IS A
guido
monopo
Tokyo Edition
Sharing the places that make and color our vibe, what sustain us in our on and off time.
As the 1st monopo Global Summit’s intention was to bring us together, we realized across teams and branches, we all inherently share 2 traits: curiosity and storytelling.
On Day 2 of the summit, members across branches traversed across Tokyo in small tour groups led and curated by monopo Tokyo members, to share our Tokyo stories and curiosities together with our fellow monopians.
This list is just a highlight of a few key places that made our global summit special. Please feel free to use it as a jumping off point to explore! And if you want to know more recs from monopo, please let
us know in the comments.
TOKYO | JAPAN
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Lemon Sour
Towers
For the welcome dinner, we decided to gather at one of monopians’ favorite place for lemon sours - Ban in Yutenji.
Every monopo branch founder, who once worked in monopo Tokyo all have fond memories of Ban - and their infamous lemon sour (and towers!)
In monopo, the lemon sour experts always make it their duty to pass on the beauty and know-how of making lemon sour with fresh and juicy lemons.
The monopo Welcome Dinner could be nowhere else but Ban to complete this special meeting of the minds and lemons. P.S Our love for lemon sours was the inspo for our “Yura-chara” → LEMONO-PON CHAN!
”My goal was to share activities that people do in Japan to relax or have fun on a normal day. It turned out that Maud and Ferdaws were very good at batting and pitching! Perhaps one day there will be a monopo baseball game…” - Tran, Art Director
Yanaka Ginza holds a special charm that
is reminiscent of Tokyo's old-fashioned shopping streets. From the aroma of freshly baked treats to the friendly smiles of shopkeepers, Yanaka Ginza is a testament to Tokyo's enduring heritage and continues to captivate and delight visitors from near and far.
From the outside SCAI the Bathhouse appears to be a 200 year old building with traditional Japanese flourishes and structure. But what makes SCAI unique is its origin as a former bathhouse which was transformed from the inside into a common destination for contemporary art seekers and dwellers.
A drop Kuramae is a venue where one can experience Japanese tea tasting and the architecture of the space is arranged so that you sit at the counter right across from the master of the shop to sip with intention and listen to him recount the story of how and by whom each tea was created. - Yosuke, Planner
We chose to host our monopo members for dinner in a Yakata-bune, “a home style boat” which originated in the Heian era and known for its tatami-mat floor, low tables, and beautiful decorations. We were lucky to be able to take the route down Sumida River, where the sakura were in full bloom!
Berry is a hidden bar and has a chill vibe for a venue. They originally started as a studio for shoots and exhibitions so the environment is really cool and cozy. It’s always best to get the bartender’s recommendation on what to order or for other tips around Tokyo!
The music bar gained many patrons as an icon in Yoyogi Village for the past 10 years and was born again in this location as The music bar - Cave Shibuya. You can enjoy the sounds of high-end audio, mixology cocktails, Japan’s 1st tap cocktail, and delicious dishes using fresh ingredients from Kisarazu’s KURKKU FIELDS.
A Tokyo office favorite for its delicious and perfect Japanese lunch sets.
“Nezu Shrine holds a special place in my heart…Stepping into this sacred space, one can't help but feel a deep connection to Japan's rich cultural heritage. With its serene gardens, architecture, and the wafting scent of incense, Nezu Shrine offers a sanctuary for reflection and appreciation of nature's wonders.” - Clara, Producer
Located on the 2nd Floor, Kissa Nikai’s walls and delicately placed objets envelope one in endlessly tonal blues, notably in its signature drink, the “Nikai no Kurimu Soda” a neon blue soda float with a scoop of yogurt-flavored ice cream and blueberry jelly. Kissa Nikai was a perfect place to rest after our long walk through Ueno!
Sensō-ji Temple is a leading tourist spot which is the oldest temple in Tokyo with nearly 1,400 years history. The large red lantern over the Kaminarimon at the entrance is a well-known symbol of Asakusa, and the surrounding downtown area remains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Sensō-ji Temple lights up from sunset to around 23:00 at night, visiting at night is also a recommended way to enjoy the temple!
You might miss it if not for the neon orange “OPEN” sign but Kosho Samenoha books is tucked inside of a traditional Japanese house with a beautiful entry and stone footpath. Piles and piles of stacked books line every little corner inviting one to get lost and most importantly the shopkeeper lets you browse at your own pace.
Housed in a renovated public bathhouse, the café preserves the nostalgic ambiance, with remnants of the original architecture and subtle nods to its past. Cafe&More Miyano-yu is truly a hidden gem that invites you to unwind, recharge and create cherished memories amidst Tokyo's vibrant energy!
Most known for its busy and chaotic scramble crossing (Shibuya Scramble), Shibuya is certainly packed with people, eateries, and any kind of activity you can imagine (and home to monopo Tokyo HQ!).
However, Shibuya city really contains something for any and every type of personality including quieter streets and humble alleys.
Home to its name sake park (Ueno Kōen) and many museums, Ueno is an area full of sites and unique activities in the Taitō ward on the Eastern side of Tokyo.
A quieter more residential area of Tokyo, Nakameguro is known for its Meguro River Promenade (which becomes truly unwalkable during the Sakura season), cafes, restaurants and boutiques.
Asakusa
Located in the Taitō ward on the Eastern side of Tokyo, Asakusa is known for being home to the famed Sensō-ji temple.
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