Traveling (Han)Solo

Extreme Jazz, fun with projectors, and booze

Top of mind

I was pondering at this vinyl jazz bar last night, digesting some steak from my meal prior and the 20 something songs I was shazam-ing throughout the evening. I caught myself thinking about the things I enjoy doing in life- like, I really like designing. But I also really like writing (this is new) and making drinks and doing improv. And at this bar, this guy basically gets to be a professional taste maker, spinning records and showing me a plethora of amazing music, while also owning the establishment and making drinks. And that rules and I’m so jealous of that! Still in pursuit of the single thing that can give me joy like I imagine this bar gives the owner. That, or just trying to buy more time to be able to spread myself out.

Umbrellas suck! I mean they’re great. Most umbrellas people use here are clear which is really smart. I just hate that I forget them everywhere I go. I’ve probably forgotten my umbrella at an establishment 5 times so far. Oh and you also have to leave them outside which doubly makes it hard to remember.

10/11

Ryan headed to the airport and we were both pretty bummed. But then he headed to the airport lounge and I headed to the Muji Hotel and I think we were consoled.

This hotel is wild. Apparently I got the Paper Room, which is like a concept room where almost everything is made from recycled paper and it’s very tranquil. It’s also inside of the store. Imagine if I was sleeping in a store display like the kids from the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It’s not that but it feels like that.

I clumped up my jeans next to the Muji Aroma Diffuser in an attempt to keep them fresh for the remainder of the trip.

I did get a haircut and I was embarrassingly late (went to wrong store and forgot umbrella) to my appointment which a hotel staff so hospitably booked for me. My barber didn’t speak english but I showed them a picture of Justin Timberlake and they understood the assignment.

Uniqlo stores here are chaos.

When I was planning this trip I near unanimously got the recommendation to visit TeamLabs which is akin to the projection-on-walls sort of thing your Instagram ads always show you. And no shade, because it can be cool (the experience not the ad). And I think that was the same takeaway from TeamLabs. It really is mostly projections, though there were some rooms that were more compelling. Also filled with kids running around which dampened the immersion.

What I ate

While Ryan packed in the morning I waited in line conveniently downstairs at the Ramen jawn* for Ryan’s last meal … in Japan. They had this green peppery, kind of fermented topping/sauce at our station and I can’t for the life of me figure out what it was but it ruled.

Remember SAM Woodfired Pizza? He recommended a wine bar he frequents** for inspo at his restaurant so naturally I checked that out for dinner. And the wine did indeed slap, as well as the cut of steak I had which ruled my world.

I had some time to kill and fate found me at the aforementioned vinyl record bar***. I spent almost 2 hours in here and it was mostly he and me just vibing tf out. We watched videos of concerts, warped through several genres and I found some amazing finds which I added to my travel playlist. He showed me his recent favorite, Lianne La Havas’ self-titled album from 2020 and we agreed it was a fantastic album. Speaking of fantastic, he poured me a glass of earl grey liquor topped with NA tea and it simply ruled.

I wrapped the night with, yes, more drinks with Chris (cousin) and Ayano (I’m friends with her and they are dating). We went to a speakeasy (it was silly haha but I liked it) inside of a coffee shop****. The drinks were actually quite stellar and not quite gimmicky, save for a “easter egg” cocktail menu hidden somewhere in the room (I’ll never tell!). There was an Australian duo next to us that were big social energy and we laughed and chatted about maccas burgers and travel nightmares from trips past.

7-Eleven haul: I poured one out for Ryan, and by “one” I mean a fiber jelly drink with a chocolate and milk swirled ice cream cone which I ate stoically in the night rain.

Oh and I did end up losing my umbrella by the end of the night.

What’s next

Today is my last proper full day in Japan and I’m planning to go all over the place. I don’t have as much luggage space since Ryan headed back so I’ll need to be a bit smarter about any potential hauls.

Still intend to thrift. Still intend to eat the complimentary Muji breakfast which closes soon (Shit!!). Then Sake tasting with The cousin (known as “THE Chris” to some here).

Appendix

*Kyoto Ramen MORRY

** Shonzui

*** Bar B-10

*** JANAI COFFEE