Places we don't want anyone else to know about. A personal refuge. Everyone has one, right?
A refreshing drive or bicycle ride down Okinawa or by the Seto Inland Sea coast.
A hidden cafe. Or relieving your stress with karaoke and a bowl of ramen...
Here, we introduce the special places that allow us to relax and recharge, as chosen by MATCHA's editorial team.
01
Okinawa, consisting of Japan's southernmost islands, is famous for its beautiful beach resorts and is visited by 7 million domestic travelers annually. It's also known as the "Hawaii of Japan." Head on a road trip in southern Okinawa to stunningly scenic sightseeing spots.
02
Chichibugahama Beach, one of the best sunset viewing spots in Japan, offers an excellent cycling course with great scenery, local food, and hot springs. Learn more about this oasis-like area from a MATCHA editor who resides there.
03
We introduce three Tokyo cafes with rooftop seating, personally recommended by a MATCHA editor. Bask in the warm sunlight as you enjoy delicious desserts and savory dishes outdoors!
04
Coffee no Kaori is a cafe in Tokyo's Kodaira City that is loved by the locals for its thoughtfully brewed high-quality coffee. The interior of the cafe is decorated with stained glass lamps and art, allowing customers to relax and reattune themselves to their own creativity.
05
Kawana Hotel’s Sun Parlor offers sweeping views of Sagami Bay from a ship-inspired lounge. This sunlit dining facility, located in Ito, Shizuoka, offers tasty appetizers and delectable fruit parfaits. It is the perfect weekend getaway from Tokyo.
06
Despite admitting he isn't great at karaoke, one of the Thai editors from MATCHA goes singing at least once a week. Find out more about the unique weekend routine--karaoke and soy sauce tonkotsu ramen--of an international resident in Japan!
07
Kurokawa Onsen, located near Mt. Aso in Kumamoto, is a remote region famous for its hot-spring baths. This article introduces useful tips for a road trip to this charming onsen town from Fukuoka Airport. A list of recommended inns, cuisine, souvenirs, and sightseeing spots is included.
08
Find your next escape at Monozuki, a traditional coffee shop in Tokyo's Nishi-Ogikubo, just one stop from Kichijoji. Its interior is a delight, boasting tasteful, classic décor that whisks you away into a storybook world.
09
Tokyo's Shimbashi district is home to two buildings that have served as an "oasis for office workers" since Japan held its first Olympics in 1964. We introduce two longstanding coffee shops located in these Shimbashi landmarks that offer a nostalgic escape with a cup of joy.
ISSUE 02 : My Oasis
MATCHA Monthly Feature 2025.12.26