48HRS go kuku @Osaka / Kyoto / Tokyo
Life Update from Foodie Busy Beeeeeees 
We just pulled off a mission impossible in Japan! After braving a typhoon to get to Tokyo two weeks ago, we were back at it last week, zooming through Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo in just 48 hours. It was non-stop meetings, filming, and taste testing (psst… exciting things are coming later this year, but I can’t spill the tea yet). Despite the craziness, we stuck to our “Work Hard, Play Harder” vibe and squeezed every bit out of our trip. Here’s how we made the most of it with just two cups of coffee, two lunches, one amazing dinner, and of course, one last (or maybe more) drink……
1. Two cups of coffee
Embankment / GLITCH
For coffee lovers, these two spots are must-visits. Embankment Coffee, located by the Tosabori River, offers an elegant and delicate flavor that lingers in your memory. On the other hand, Glitch takes a completely different approach. Their coffee is full of passion and a touch of madness, with a specialty in using coffee beans rich in fruity aromas, making the coffee taste like a magical cup of fruit milk. Glitch has branches in Osaka and Tokyo, so next time you’re in the area, be sure to experience the contrast between these two extreme flavors.
2.Two lunches
Mugito Mensuke / JIYUKEN
When in Japan, how can you not try ramen? If you can only choose one bowl, it has to be “Mugi to Mensuke.” This shop has been unanimously rated by picky foodies as “the best ramen of a lifetime.” Their signature soy sauce ramen, paired with three types of premium chicken chashu (Hinai chicken from Akita, Pearl chicken from Kumamoto, and Amakusa Daio from Amakusa), along with noodles rich in wheat aroma, creates a perfect fusion that makes this bowl of ramen truly exceptional.
In addition, the Tsukimi Curry at Jiyuken is a classic you can’t miss. This old establishment with over 50 years of history serves what appears to be a simple curry rice, but it holds an addictive power that hooks you from the first bite. Encountering such deliciousness adds a small touch of happiness to your business trip.
“Besides that, there’s a dreamy, must-visit old shop in Kyoto that you absolutely can’t miss! Stay tuned! In September, we’ll be giving you an exclusive, detailed introduction!”
3. One Amazing Dinner
Sushi Kou
Anthony Bourdain’s favorite—Sushi Kou in Tokyo’s Ginza—is a legendary sushi haven passed down through three generations. The sushi here is not only crafted with masterful skill but also subtly infused with Western flavors, perfectly complemented by their carefully curated sake selection. Every bite is a taste sensation. If you can only have one meal in Tokyo, make it here!!! You won’t be disappointed.
4. One Last Drink (or maybe more)
BAR HOSHI / Mixology / Open Book
The alcohol adventure should definitely start before dinner! MOD, a super cool mini walk-in bar, is the perfect place to kick things off. After dinner, how could you end the beautiful Tokyo night with just one drink? Head over to Tokyo’s hottest Mixology bar group and experience their magical tea cocktails! Finally, take a stroll through Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, where nearly 300 unique tiny bars are hidden in old wooden buildings with a charming Showa-era vibe. Although Golden Gai has survived economic bubbles and fire hazards, Beams’ clever renovations have turned it into Tokyo’s trendiest spot. This time, my friend led me to a special bar—Open Book, a former residence of the poet Komimasa Tanaka, now transformed into a bar where hundreds of books and chili cocktails perfectly blend, making it the perfect ending to this Japan business trip!
Mixology | Photo from @mixology_salon
