Tokyo drift
Meet Ebony Bizys, the Australian behind Hello Sandwich: a guide to Tokyo’s hidden gems.
You run personalised tours of Tokyo. What’s one of your favourite neighbourhoods? Although it’s only a few kilometres from Shibuya, Shimokitazawa is vastly different with a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s full of small bars, vintage-clothing stores (one of which is in a converted bathhouse that still has its original bath tiles), antique stores and atmospheric izakayas. Where do you go for a great sandwich? Coffee Shop Ace in Kanda is a Showa-era kissaten run by a team of brothers who serve nori toast, made with lightly buttered white bread, a dash of soy sauce and a slice of grilled nori, served with drip coffee. Do you have any shopping tips? D&Department store in Shibuya’s Hikarie building sells handmade crafts from Japan’s 47 prefectures, such as a timber toast tray by Kobo Akarino-Tane. It absorbs the moisture of hot toast and keeps it crisp.
Best coffee in the city? Shimokitazawa’s Frankie Melbourne Espresso does a good flat white using Allpress beans. Have you ever come across a hidden gem while looking for something else? I love to ride a bike somewhat aimlessly with the intention of stumbling across new places. My motto is “always take the back streets”. I was delighted when I came across Mois Cafe, a nostalgic café set in a 40-year-old house. Are there any lesser-known attractions outside Tokyo that you would recommend? Head to the small town of Konagai near Nagasaki to see fruit-shaped bus stops. hellosandwich.jp