“Hello friends. Check this out.

Tokyo is crowded, constrained, cramped. More so than anywhere else in Japan, NAY, the world, people are preoccupied. After living here for 6 months I completely understand why everyone eventually goes crazy and behave like dogs – running around on all fours and biting anything in sight.

Ok, that was an exaggeration. But, at the very least, it’s hard to live in Tokyo; everyone is so very distant and unapproachable. Or so it seems. In reality, there are several absolutely incredible, intimate spots scattered all over this bustling megapolis. And by spots I mean coffee shops. Let’s expand.

Harajuku is basically a black hole in the universe. Girls walk around decked out like vampire lolita, intimidating Jamaican men sell lingerie and sketchers, and there is always at least 1 gaijin in site that’s trying to fulfill his/her dreams of everyday cos-play. Despite this, Harajuku is also home to Tokyo’s most incredible, creative coffee shops. Today I will be addressing my personal favorite, which I don’t even know the name of. But, it is on TOP of a building called “”The Tokyo Hipsters Club.”" So, it’s bound to be cool.

Imagine your 6th grade classroom. Now, stretch that room out until it’s a nice oblong prism. Replace the white board with a slick bar. The three remaining walls become windows, looking out over a roof lined with vibrant greenery. Throw out the desks and add a dozen gorgeous wooden tables and chairs – sanded down to just the right viscosity. Add candle in glossy vase for soft lighting. The reading corner remains untouched – a snazzy nook lined with pillows. Just for fun, throw in a $10,000 sound system and a collection of slow jazz, bossa nova, and electronica.

Your classmates are peaceful individuals who appreciate everything about the beauty of the previous 8 sentences. The teacher is a staff of warm, relaxed, hip Japanese baristas who love their work. The everyday handout consists of a menu with the rarest foods in Tokyo – quesadillas and coconut lattes – all prepared to perfection. Class starts at 10:00 AM and closes at 11:30 PM. Come and go as you please. Yes, this is my idea of heaven.

From the moment I step through the door, my entire body feels at ease. It’s as if someone took the magic of Yokohama’s Minato Mirai and compressed it into 50 meters of smooth beats and great taste. I ended up talking to the employees a bit today about music and offered then a listen to my new Sakura Bossa Nova cd. They, being the hip, laid back individuals that they are, said they’d love to hear it. I plugged in my new iPod touch and returned to the reading corner, resting my head on a stack of plush pillows. For 10 minutes I closed my eyes and soaked up the magnificence of the reality surrounding me.

Again, here it comes – Life without flaw. Seriously, try to imagine this: You’re in your dream location, surrounded by like minded people, broadcasting your favorite music through a 10K sound system, sipping a delicious beverage, supported by a stack of feathers. Definitely too good to be true.

But then again that’s just another day in my life – seems to only improve with the seasons.”