The reason I want to remember this coffee shop isn't for the taste of the coffee, but purely because of the surprise. My friend and I stumbled upon it after wandering around Tsukiji Market after eating Omakase. Before traveling, I always do my homework by previewing the destination on YouTube before deciding to experience it firsthand. Back in the day, when you could only trust the reporter's words in a Lonely Planet book, the scenery seemed grander, and the chances of being awestruck were higher. But when you have limited vacation time, it's safest to prioritize sleep and then love. We saw that glowing sign, walked through an alley, up a flight of stairs, and into a small, homey shop run by one person. The best part here is enjoying the sounds – the texture of the music playing from the record player, the ringing of the telephone – things that cannot be replaced in the Digital age. In short, it's about suddenly stepping out of your original timeline, even if it's just for thirty minutes, and that's enough.
