June 25, 2025

A highlight of our trip nearing its end in Tokyo, we made reservations at a speakeasy under the guise of a small basement coffee shop. The bar entrance opens upon showing the server their webpage and that you know their secret. The menu was made up of many options, showcasing numerous coffee cocktails and non-coffee cocktails. We succeeded in locating the secret menu drink as well, which is promptly set aflame upon delivery to your table. 

This little establishment is now a fond memory, it showcased a bit of Japan’s esthetic that we had been so charmed by. In one of the largest population dense cities on the planet, we found ourselves in a cozy escape, in a small but comfortable room with only a few other patrons visting. The host joined our table for a surprising amount of time, discussing California and our trip so far around Tokyo and Kyoto. There is a subtle ever-present magic in traveling where you get a respite from crowds and have the time for true interactions with locals.

Upon exit, to keep up the charade of the coffee shop front, you leave with a small pour of coffee, so that any bystanders on the street are never-the-wiser.