Residents of Japan have long viewed Izu fondly as an idyllic getaway. From hot spring hotels to white beaches, the peninsula overflows with diversions for all seasons. Izu City, in particular, teems…

Tucked away on the third floor of an ageing building, at the end of two narrow veins of Harajuku’s throbbing heart, lies a juicy slice of North America; Harry’s Sandwich Co. at…

Tucked away on the third floor of an ageing building, at the end of two narrow veins of Harajuku’s throbbing heart, lies a juicy slice of North America: Harry’s Sandwich Co. at Cafe Roots. Designed and conceived by San Francisco native Harry Stanwood, this eatery provides one of Tokyo’s few true breaks from Japanified foreign foods. Raised in the Bay Area, Harry brings to his sandwiches attention to detail and a well thought-out composition. His take on the classic Meatball Hero sub, for example, includes meatballs made from his father’s recipe, homemade marinara sauce, and carefully selected mozzarella cheese, which, all-combined, provides a delicious trip through space and time. The restaurant also dedicates a full third of its menu to vegetarian tastes; from the classic comfort-food Grilled Cheese to the savoury Caprese, to the domestic flavours of the Nassu. Address: 1-16-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku Website: www.facebook.com/harryssandwichco    Open: Wednesday to Monday from 12:00 - 23:00. Closed on Tuesdays.

Having a working musician as a father, and a record collecting mother, the brothers O’Malley –Frankie, Patrick and Michael – grew up playing their parents’ instruments while dreaming of following in their…

If you’ve ever been to the southern United States, you’ll know that, there, tastes lean towards natural states. Boots are made of leather, tables are made of wood, and food – which…

Rising to indie fame around the turn of the twenty-first century, the American progressive-punk band The Fall of Troy defied expectations; achieving mainstream radio and TV airplay worldwide, as well garnering placements…

As the ban on dancing is lifted, and EDM continues its ascent, Tokyo hosts an exciting new conference. Tokyo Dance Music Event bills itself as “Japan’s First International Dance Music Conference.” Spread…

Decades after “Live at Budokan,” the men from Rockford still rock Japan. It’s been an epic year for Cheap Trick. In addition to being inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame –…