Exploring Tokyo's Trendiest Neighborhoods: Nakameguro, Daikanyama, Ebisu 🇯🇵 Japan Shopping Vlog 2023

A Guide to Nakameguro, a trendy riverside neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan.
Autumn has arrived in Tokyo's Nakameguro 中目黒 district. Join us on Day 6.5 of our Tokyo Travel Guide, as we take you vintage shopping through Nakameguro’s river-flanked streets, walking up to the stylish Daikanyama Tsutaya Books, all the way to Ebisu えびす, Tokyo.
Film photography is also big in Tokyo, Japan. We visit some of the best film camera shops in Tokyo's Daikanyama 代官山 and Ebisu areas, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and your film cameras loaded! 35mm and 120 film stock both happen to be cheaper too due to the yen conversion.
Of course, we end the day with a unique bowl of potato mousse curry udon at a popular noodle shop in Ebisu.
So many things to do in Tokyo. Sugoi!
Stay tuned for the rest of our 7 Days in Tokyo!
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Ralph - / ralphmendo
Sam - / sampotenciano
Souvenir - / sou.ve.nir
Music by:
Chinsaku - Peaches - thmatc.co/?l=BFAF8E16
Chinsaku - Far Away - thmatc.co/?l=14C2A9A5
Jimmy Koproto - Thanks - thmatc.co/?l=19FBA7D2
TossedOnion - Waiting - thmatc.co/?l=AD113364
TrackTribe - Jane Street
XXIII - Cozy Spot - thmatc.co/?l=68EB328F
Buy us a coffee at: www.buymeacoffee.com/ralphsam
#tokyoshopping
#tokyovlog
#nakamegurotokyo
#walk
#food
#nakameguroshopping
#tokyocafe
#nakameguroriver
#thingstodointokyo
#daikanyamatsite
#ebisu
#daikanyamatsutaya
#tokyofilmphotography
#代官山
#中目黒
えびす
#中目黒vlog
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:29 Nakameguro Walk
01:03 Aesop Tokyo
01:21 Nakameguro Shopping
02:55 Sidewalk Stand Coffee
04:29 Lawsons Fried Chicken
04:58 Daikanyama Walk
06:18 Daikanyama T-Site
08:07 Daikanyama Shopping
10:15 GT Camera
11:26 Ebisu Shopping
12:27 Potato Curry Udon
13:41 Osawa Camera
14:44 Japanese Beauty Haul

[@veryclaro]

Been a fan for a while and only realized I have not been subscribed to you all this time (thanks, KZbin algo, I guess, for feeding me consistently with your vids :)) I notice there seems to be a lot of couple youtubers nowadays but for some reason, i only enjoy your vlogs because I feel like you being a couple doesn't take centerstage, but at the same time your taste as a couple just effortlessly shows :) TL;DR - i love how you guys naturally 'show and not tell' hehe (for the lack of a better way to put it) Happy to have found you guys here; I watch your vids when I have a bad day and need to calm my nerves.

[@RalphSam]

This made our day! Thank you so much for the kind words. And genuinely happy to hear what we put out makes someone's day a little bit better. wishing you all the best. and thanks for finally subbing lol! better late than never 😂💖🙏

[@veryclaro]

@@RalphSam Hehe I caved! Lurker lang sana but thought i'd let you guys know :)

[@RalphSam]

@veryclaro hey, we appreciate it! 😊

[@seafarer_]

The two of you have such easygoing, harmonious vibes. Love your style!

[@RalphSam]

Appreciate that! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@josiek.6238]

I was in Japan for three weeks in 2023 in may and i’m going back in april for another three weeks. In my excitement I pretty much watch every available vlog of japan on youtube. And I binge watched all your videos today. I must say you captured the vibe and the beauty of tokyo like no other. Followed you in a heartbeat and can’t wait for every upcoming video when you return! Great work! 😍🤌🏻

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much, we really appreciate comments like this. Especially after a long editing day haha 🥲 And April is the perfect time to visit. Hope you have a fantastic trip this Spring 🌸

[@fukuko558]

音楽と映像がとてもオシャレで素晴らしいです。過去のvlogもこれからどんどん観ますね。

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@ahughes9882]

We live in Scotland and visit Tokyo every year. We always stay in Ebisu, as it’s so relaxing and has great places to drink and eat. We’re an older couple who wear original 40s clothing and that’s partly why we visit japan. There are lots of similar minded and dressed people we’ve become friends with. We’ve met them through going to clubs, bars and vintage shops. You both remind me of my husband and I, but you’re obviously much younger. You wouldn’t buy from shops we buy from, as it’s too early (30s, 40s, 50s), but you may like to know about them to visit. Japan are the best for 1940s and 50s men’s reproduction clothing. Love your vlogs. Thank you. 🥰

[@RalphSam]

thank you so much for the lovely comment! 🤍that's quite a trip away for you guys! the ebisu/daikanyama area is fantastic. would love to know about the shops you both visit in tokyo. even though we don't normally wear pieces from that period, we do love to browse and get inspiration from all sorts of vintage and antique shops. i'm sure you know fabulous ones 😊

[@meluvcats]

To Ralph's observation about the couple taking their time eating is something I noticed too on my very first trip to Tokyo and a typical scenario is when people will step to the side of a pedestrian walkway to pick up a phone call. It's quite a contrast where in such a cosmopolitan city that people will still take the time to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

[@RalphSam]

It really gave me a sense of peace to see the runners take their time on a Monday of all days. Tokyo's beautiful in that way. Thanks for observing my observation.

[@Baick_Snacks]

This is a seriously underrated channel! Planning to go to Japan in Fall 2024, and I've watched sooo many vlogs. Landed on you guys, and I couldn't be happier. This is the vibe I'm looking for! Appreciate the awesome curation of things to do, see, and eat!!

[@RalphSam]

Comment made our day, thank you! ✨️🥰🍣🥰✨️

[@JUNNIEJUNNIEJUNNIE]

Thank you for coming to Japan You guys are very good travelers The first BGM is COSMOS NI KIMITO from the ending song of an old legendary Japanese anime IDEON

[@RalphSam]

WOW, we had no idea! We just watched the Ideon ending song and you're right! So cool. Thank you for sharing 😊🤍

[@marlowecastagna5036]

I love your channel - your approach is unique, not to mention the asthetics are great, also it’s not obnoxious like many other channels haha - but why didn’t you cover Osaka? It’s known as the kitchen of Japan and it’s got the best thrifting plus people are warm and friendly. It’s also close to Kyoto and a few other cities.

[@RalphSam]

Osaka is definitely on our list for all the reasons you mentioned 😊 Hope to visit it and Kyoto this year! 🤍

[@user-ht3xg4ok3r]

1115 love

[@ellyz35]

super excited for more Japan content 😍

[@RalphSam]

awww ty elli!!! few more to go 😂🍙

[@guidebooktraveller]

A great watch. Tokyo looks beautiful this time of year. Keep em coming, from new sub❤️🙏

[@RalphSam]

Thanks new sub! 🥰🥰

[@Mulberry792]

I’ve been sick in bed all week (COVID, again!). Stumbled across these Japan videos and now I want to go to Japan so much. You are a very cool couple. Love the vibe.

[@RalphSam]

hope you're starting to feel much better! 🙏 and thank you for watching. 🍙🍜

[@lazyholy]

i have been really enjoying all the photos~ wowWww

[@RalphSam]

thank you! 📸

[@onceuponalonetime]

Orange espressos are so underrated. I had my first ever from EXT cafe at Cubao Expo, changed my life!

[@RalphSam]

Yes it's underrated! Hope to check out that cafe soon!

[@TheEvergreens]

Hey guys! We really love the chill vibe of your content! Cheers from Pennsylvania!

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for watching, guys! We appreciate it! Hi from Manila 😊

[@kathlene642]

I'll be in Japan this feb. Your vlogs have really helped me map out what I'd like to do and see in Tokyo. You both have an artistic view and just overall appreciation for life's beauty. That shines through in your videos. Salamat!!

[@RalphSam]

One of the nicest comments! We like to see art and beauty in the simple things. Thanks for motivating us. Enjoy your trip! Weather's nice and cold then ✨️

[@syarifmaulana4341]

I wanna visit Japan in November this year, definitely will try to visit Nakameguro and Daikanyama. Start subscribing you now, love your vlog!

[@RalphSam]

Thanks for the sub! 🙌 Hope you get to visit this fall

[@Hero_my_Hiro]

Nakameguro is soooo chill and has such a vibe. That udon looked amazing!! Can’t wait for Kamakura. Following you both on IG so I can be ahead of the YT game 😊

[@RalphSam]

Thank you! Working on the Kamakura this week 🌊😌😌🌊

[@marcomorosino6081]

Great shooting and all the places are so chic and a la page, bravo to you both

[@RalphSam]

Thank you, we appreciate it! 🤍

[@kingcobrahs]

Enjoy your Japan videos- can’t wait till you go back.

[@RalphSam]

Same here! We already have a trip booked 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@user-tg1xr3xm9s]

love to see this channel growing! 😍 i've been subscribed since your ukay videos because of the quality and because i'd see the things i love in each video - vintage things and food! i want to follow one of your vids as itinerary when i'm able to travel. be safe, my fav vlogger couple

[@RalphSam]

Salamat!!! Super appreciate the support since our first videos 😊 Happy new year to you and hope you get to travel soon ✨️

[@premiumrvrm]

Nicee! Sobrang gusto gusto talaga content nyo sa Japan. Food, coffee shops, thriting, camera, etc.

[@RalphSam]

Salamat! Means a lot to us ❤️

[@markn7533]

Loving the chill vibes in your videos!

[@RalphSam]

Aw thanks! We like to keep it chill ✨️😌😌✨️

[@betterdanash]

Just got back from Japan and this vid makes me wanna go back already 🥹

[@RalphSam]

🍣✨️🇯🇵✨️🍣

[@lisavaldez7638]

Thanks for sharing. Heading to Japan ❤❤❤❤

[@RalphSam]

Lucky you! Enjoy 🇯🇵🤍

[@karenm6487]

I'm Japanese and love your beautiful video ❤ If you like vintage and thrifting, recommend Ohsu area in Nagoya. There are so many nice vintage store, Japanese casual snack stand, coffee shop, and antique market at shrine. Look forward to see next video 😊

[@RalphSam]

Thank you very much for the recommendations 🙏 Always appreciate hearing from Japanese locals 😊 We are actually researching cities for our travels this year, and Nagoya sounds really interesting. We will definitely keep this in mind 🤍

[@crabapples1995]

The prices on the Portra 400 35mm seemed pretty decent, I was surprised. Great video. I miss Japan so much,

[@RalphSam]

Film stock's cheaper due to the weaker yen. It's actually substantial (and enjoyable). Japan's the best ❤️🇯🇵

[@A_Ride_To]

I really need to get back to Tokyo for some second hand / vintage shopping in Shimokitazawa. The amount of clothes that finds its ways into the stores and goes over the counter is almost as crazy as the fact that they turned a Sento and an underground park house into store space. Btw the “new” self serving at many Lawsons sadly ruins the crispiness of the L chiki as they are already in the little bag. Still better than Famichiki tho (especially L chiki red and the deep fried L chiki), I’ll die on that hill.

[@RalphSam]

Didn't get to visit Shimokitazawa on this trip, but we have visited that sento turned secondhand shop you mentioned. Definitely needs a visit on our next trip! And, oh man... definitely adding the red L chiki to our list of konbini snacks next. Can't believe we haven't tried that one yet.

[@adeleofficial]

Love your Japan episodes please upload more! :D

[@RalphSam]

Thanks! We will 😉✨️

[@andream.313]

Amazing skincare products

[@RalphSam]

very fun shopping for japanese beauty products 🤍

[@andream.313]

Wow love the candy shop

[@RalphSam]

same! love caramels 💛

[@GinandKurt]

planning to travel to tokyo soon. Thanks for sharing the cool spots!

[@RalphSam]

Our pleasure! Enjoy Tokyo! Best city

[@PixelOrgy]

Fantastic Tokyo video once again guys keep up the good work..subscribed!

[@RalphSam]

Arigato! We try our best ❤️🇯🇵

[@neonlights4082]

Hi, I've been watching your videos while studying recently and they are so nice to have in the background, sometimes I get distracted watching but watching your vids really makes me want to go back and visit more of japan. I was kind of scared to go to some places as a foreigner due to a language barrier but I was wondering what do you guy do to get around so well? or is one of you somewhat knowledgeable in Japanese? I know some people just do their best with translations apps is that also viable for communication at restaurants and stores?

[@RalphSam]

Thank you so much for your lovely comment! In our opinion, Japanese will go out of their way to help you understand through gestures and you can easily get around using google translate. For our part, we know the most basic conversational words that will help us order food, etc. But even if you don't, no need to feel intimidated as they will try to communicate with you and help you out even if neither of you speak the same language. 🤍

[@neonlights4082]

@@RalphSam omg thank you so much for your reply and advice, I’ll definitely try to come out of my shell more next time I visit. I’m already bookmarking some of the spots you’ve visited. I’d love to go to some thrift stores and I’ll definitely swallow my nervousness if it means having a much more memorable experience. I also love your partner’s pictures btw they’re always so cool to look at.

[@RalphSam]

appreciate that so much! hope you enjoy your next trip 🇯🇵

[@nozy.diaries]

Love your vlogs

[@RalphSam]

Cheers! We would love to visit Sydney someday ❤️

[@nozy.diaries]

@@RalphSam oo yes! We got some great cafes & galleries here ☺️ where are you both from? Perhaps you have tips on budgeting for a Japan Trip?

[@RalphSam]

Manila, Philippines! But we love to travel all around Southeast Asia. Oh for budget, one tip is to look at the restaurant's price range on Google Maps. Helps to look for a sweet spot between high ratings and price. The yen conversion is much lower now as well which really matters. Oh and the convenience stores are so cheap and fun. Hope you get to go!

[@RalphSam]

PS We've been to Melbourne back in 2018 and the brunches and coffee were truly high quality 😌 need a repeat soon

[@petit.flo_]

I love your top ❤️ where did you get it from?🙏🏻

[@RalphSam]

thank you! my top was from GU 😊

[@cyanpu8299]

どの動画も編集・音楽・写真が素晴らしいですね(*'▽')　散歩しながらスナップ撮りたくなります📸

[@RalphSam]

Photo walks are such a pleasure. Thank you for watching the video.

[@denisehuerta4199]

Going to Tokyo in 3 weeks and I’m enjoying your videos so much! Which area would you recommend for second hand/vintage shops? Better pricing? Thank you!

[@RalphSam]

Shimokitazawa and Koenji have a great selection but they're on the pricier side. I would recommend chains like Kinji, Chicago and Flamingo for better prices. They have lots of branches too all over Tokyo.

[@-mizhavy-]

Another awesome video prepping me for my trip :) does Ralph know a good place in Japan to get a manual nikon lens? (for nikon FM10 film camera)

[@RalphSam]

Sure. There are many shops you can try: GT Camera as included in this vlog Lucky Camera and Map Camera both in Shinjuku Katsumido, Sankyo and Shimizu in Ginza Need to feature all these someday. Best of luck!

[@kristinekarla2943]

Thank you for this video! May I know the name of the pet store, please? We are heading there on the 1st and would like to drop by!

[@RalphSam]

Can't recall the name, but check 'Design F' on google maps. Quite sure it's close to here, where all the Nakameguro dog groomers are. 😊

[@kristinekarla2943]

@@RalphSam Thank you!!

[@kimmyestrada2799]

Hi Ralph & Sam happy new year! Im curious to know how do you plan out the places to go to in Tokyo since there's a lot!! also, do you start your day abroad super early to maximise or just free flow? watching all of Japan episodes for some inspo as I want to visit tokyo this year

[@RalphSam]

We usually have neighborhoods in mind, with an ideal restaurant and cafe. But it's mostly free flowing! We take our time and wander a lot. Happy new year, and thanks for being here! ✨️🇯🇵✨️

[@cabwhere]

love ur japan vlogs!!! Do you guys usually ask the staff if it's okay to film inside the shops? My family and I went to Nakameguro last October but we didn't get to explore much sad

[@RalphSam]

Thank you! When we enter we always greet the staff and when they approach us we ask if it's okay to shoot with our phones. They are often friendly and don't mind. Hope you get to explore more next trip!

[@nathkeyn97]

Love your vlog may i know what camera do you use for videos? Planning to go to japan this march❤

[@RalphSam]

Sure! We shoot our videos with our Samsung Galaxy phones 😊

[@Natalie-et5og]

Such a great vlog! We are looking forward to our trip in April, but it’ll be a very different vibe with a 2 year old 😂 I know it’s polite/required to stand and eat in Japanese culture, but do you find it’s okay to walk around and drink coffee? Or even take it in to a store while shopping?

[@RalphSam]

In our experience, people will most often stand and finish their snack right outside the cafe or konbini (there is usually an area provided). For takeout coffee, I think it's alright to bring it around and take sips especially if you want to take your time to drink it. Japanese people won't stare or chastise you for it, they're very respectful as long as you also respect their establishment. 😊 One problem with bringing a drink/food around though is you will rarely ever find a trash bin, and they are very strict about trash segregation. You might end the day with all this trash in your bag and nowhere to throw it. 😅

[@andream.313]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤amazing i would like to be in tokyo with you, love your point of view , can you interview some old inhabitant

[@RalphSam]

thank you for watching! great idea, we'd love to interview some tokyo residents in the future. 😊

[@Tyo12552]

Hello great video! Between nakameguro, daikanyama, shimikitazawa, and koenji which do you guys recommend to explore? I’m visiting in April for three days and stuck between these places. They look amazing from your videos!

[@RalphSam]

If it's your first time in Tokyo, we'd say Nakameguro. The river is popular in April for being lined with cherry blossoms 🌸 Very scenic and Japanese. It also easily connects to Daikanyama by walking. However it is a more high-end area, so the prices will reflect that. Hope you have a lovely trip!

[@Tyo12552]

⁠@@RalphSam Thank you so much! It will be my first trip. Thank you for your videos and showing cool places to go and pretty scenery! Love the chill vibes.

[@lyscapuno5836]

Hi! im a recent subscriber, been binge watching your japan vlogs! what camera are u using for still photos? 😊 thank you!!!

[@RalphSam]

Welcome! We use a Contax film camera 😉📸

[@andream.313]

Bitter orange americano

[@RalphSam]

Favorite coffee mix! 🍊🍊🍊

[@sakuracartel3278]

😀😀😀😀

[@RalphSam]

😌🇯🇵😌🇯🇵😌🇯🇵

[@TroyHixon]

Hi Sam, what is the reddit name you mentioned? We will be there in May and my daughter would like to look into the skin care products as well Thanks heaps

[@RalphSam]

Hi there! It's called r/asianbeauty 😊 Just search for the term 'Japan' and you should find threads on users Japanese beauty recommendations 🌸

[@TroyHixon]

@@RalphSam thank you

[@everydayramenisgood]

I'mJapanese and I found a nice spot through you guys video😂

[@RalphSam]

Youre welcome! Glad to see a Japanese comment ❤️

[@rwaphyy]

what film camera do you use ??

[@RalphSam]

Contax 😉

[@oursonvie]

how much does a hasselblad 500cm 2nd hand cost in those vintage store? With 80mm and a12

[@RalphSam]

I would estimate Hasselblad 500cm to cost at least $2,000. Body and lens total. But hey, Japan sells them in mint and near mint condition. I would check it out on ebay Japan too.

[@oursonvie]

@@RalphSam thank, its a request from a friend. I use to had a star set which ive been told its a japan exclusive version and it use to be around 1k usd

[@samanthacalderon-colon4878]

Wait, is it not chilly rn? I see arms 😅

[@RalphSam]

Hahaha this was shot end of 2023! Before it got too chilly 😊🤍

[@beverlyteh4676]

Hang on! Are you guys married? ‘Bringing the wife to a camera shop’ 😮

[@RalphSam]

Hahaha, just realized we never mentioned it in our vlogs. 😂 Yup, we've been married for 5 years already 💛

[@user-ke9jo1zx2n]

first music name please

[@RalphSam]

Chinsaku - Peaches

[@user-ke9jo1zx2n]

@@RalphSam thank

[@AliciaEnikanoselu-qg3jw]

🫶🏾👏🏾

[@RalphSam]

✨️❤️🇯🇵❤️✨️