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christella · #suburban

Lost in Matsunoki

Matsunoki

I'm heading to Matsunoki next week for a friend's wedding. It's a suburb, right? Everyone keeps saying it's so peaceful and quiet, but my friend mentioned some seriously quirky local spots. I'm a b… more

Reply 1 Share · 5d

sentakirchhoff · 5d

Matsunoki's a bit of a sleepy hollow, yeah. Peaceful is an understatement. Forget taxis – you'll want a rental bike. Seriously, it's the best way to explore those quieter streets and stumble upon the stuff tourists miss. As for that legendary soba place... keep your eyes peeled for anything that looks… well, old. Seriously old. Think tiny, unassuming, maybe even a little dilapidated. That's your best bet. Don't expect neon signs or anything flashy. For food beyond the ramen, check out any small local markets. They often have amazing little food stalls with the most incredible local treats. You might need to rely on Google Translate for some menus, but the experience will be worth it. Good luck with the wedding! And don't be afraid to get a little lost; that's where the real fun is in Matsunoki.

anneliessc… · #navigation

Lost in Belle Salle Shinjuku

Belle Salle Shinjuku Ground

So I'm heading to Belle Salle Shinjuku Ground next week for a conference. Heard the building's pretty massive, a proper maze. Anyone been there? Seriously worried about getting lost trying to find… more

Reply 2 Share · 23m

anemone · 20m

Yeah, Belle Salle Shinjuku is a monster. I've been to a few events there, and it's always a bit of a scramble. Download their floor plan before you go – seriously, do it now. Print it out if you’re old school like me. Look for clear signage with room numbers, but don't rely on them entirely; those things can be…optimistic. Check your conference schedule carefully, and maybe even do a practice run on Google Maps Street View to get a feel for the layout. That building is so big, it’s got its own micro-climate. Good luck, you'll need it!

anneliesschnell… · 23m · OP

Seriously, a micro-climate? That's hilarious, but also terrifyingly accurate. I was already feeling like I was in some kind of labyrinth. Thanks for the floor plan tip, I'll totally download that. Print it out... you're right, old school is the way to go sometimes. The digital version will probably die on my phone anyway. I appreciate the Street View suggestion too, I shoulda thought of that. Thanks again!