If you are looking for some outdoor fun this summer season, then we highly recommend Camp Baird, in Shuzenji, Shizuoka. There are many highlights to speak of. The surrounding Izu peninsula is rich with nature, offering plenty of biking and hiking opportunities. The town of Shuzenji is famous for hot springs, too, and campers have day-use access to some. Anything else? Indeed; the campgrounds are located on the property of one of Japan’s biggest and best craft breweries: Baird Brewing. Some in Yokohama might already be familiar with the name, as the company operates Bashamichi Taproom, the popular barbecue and…
Author: Seasider
Sake bar “be Rock” is located along the Ooka River just across from the popular nightlife district of Noge. You won’t miss the sake bottles placed out to welcome visitors. This spacious bar has a modern design with a raised ceiling and high tables. The all-glass front facing the riverside is especially impressive. Owner Mana Tanaka developed a passion for sake and decided to return to school to study brewing science. She frequently visits sake breweries all over Japan in order to decide which products should be on her menu. In her mind, direct communication with the brewers allows her…
Even though Yokohama is recognized as a cosmopolitan city, there are few studios that offer yoga classes in English. Well, we have good news for those looking for such a place. Migiwa Yoga offers classes in both English and Japanese conducted by Chami Nagai, an experienced instructor with an international background. Although Chami was born in Nagano Prefecture, since childhood she has lived in five foreign countries. It has always been her desire to be involved in some form of community service. In her 20s she spent three years in an impoverished area of Cambodia providing educational support. In 2011…
It’s always good for a professional photographer when a talented director reaches out. The nature of the work, of course, and also the actual person in charge is very important beyond the work itself. Just the other day, a branding company called Cell Division conducted new employee training. The company motto is to share the dream of the customer. That means being a good partner, presenting an array of options and then fulfilling that dream. It necessitates experience and knowledge that enables one to present wide-ranging solutions. With that in mind, the director’s idea was to bring the new employees…
June is France Month in Yokohama. Every year, we help spread awareness of the associated events. We are grateful this year to have received support from Vranken-Pommery, the French champagne producer (see back cover), to provide this coverage, starting on page 16. We hope you will enjoy a little bit of France in Japan this month, and also drink some bubbly from this generous sponsor. We now want to draw your attention to all those advertising in these pages because without them, we can’t produce this community magazine–it is funded entirely by their support. If you enjoy reading us, we…
Ahh…the pollen is gone and the greenery has returned. This winter might have been one of the colder ones in recent memory, but with arguably the best weather of the year, May has come to the rescue. Starting off the month with a string of holidays is something that no one will argue about. Stock up on sunscreen, get your grills out of storage and shake off that winter malaise with some outdoor fun. Yokohama is ready to oblige. This month there is no shortage of great events in which to participate, so be sure to read our listings for…
Bruntons is not your average beer bar, possessing style and sophistication that set it apart from other establishments. The rowdy atmosphere so common at a sports bars is absent, too. This is a place where people with discerning tastes come to appreciate good beer in a calm, cozy atmosphere. With five bar seats and a few small tables, it can certainly seem intimate. The bar will not disappoint serious craft beer fans. The staff is knowledgeable and very particular about a correct pour. When we visited they had a healthy selection of craft beers from all parts of Japan, including…
When Tomei Wines sold its popular Motomachi wine bar to focus more on its wholesale business, owner Michael Scott promised he would someday be back with a brand new concept. Well, the wait is over. On March 31st Tomei Wines opened The Warehouse tasting room and retail shop in Yoshidamachi. The goal is to provide a rare wine experience that isn’t currently found in Japan. The concept is to give customers an opportunity to taste a variety of wines as they would when visiting a winery. When they find the ones that suit them, they can purchase bottles to take…
Feel like having a few craft beers on the way home? How about some bottles or cans to stock the fridge? Need a nice selection to impress friends at a barbecue? The newly opened Antenna America Yokohama, in the Yokohama Station complex, can serve all these needs. This satellite shop is run by Yokohama-based American craft beer importer Nagano Trading. Similar to its original Antenna America shop in Kannai, the new venue is both taproom and retail shop. You can buy draft beers to drink at the counter (pints ¥1000~) or choose from an impressive lineup of around twenty brands…
What spots do you recommend in Yokohama? People often ask us what the best places are to eat, drink, shop, relax, etc. Sometimes it’s people we encounter while doing our work. Sometimes it’s other business owners. Occasionally, it’s the local government exploring what inbound tourists might like. In fact, we’ve created a number of videos for Yokohama City, some showcasing our selections. You can find them on our website. Obviously, audience matters. Are we recommending for inbound tourists? Or are we talking to residents? Our magazine is actually primarily geared to residents, whether Japanese or international, though it’s certainly of…