Kunihiro Hagimoto and Joyce’s Tokyo dining map: an eight-seat Italian restaurant and a 100,000-record bar
Inita chef Yamato Hagimoto and his wife Joyce returned to Tokyo in the spring of 2026, visited the old commuting routes, and pieced together a date map belonging to them between Nishi-Azabu, Roppongi and Nakameguro, from a secret Italian table to a vinyl bar, recording the familiarity and freshness this city gave them.
In the spring of 2026, Inita chef Kunihiro Hagimoto and his wife Joyce returned to Tokyo, where he once lived and worked, and embarked on a small trip without a rigorous itinerary. The two retraced their old commuting route and unexpectedly found the apartment they had lived in before. While eating, drinking and walking, they pieced together a dating map that belonged to each other.
Where is the Secret Italian Table?
Ristorante Merachi in Nishi Azabu Alley has only eight seats. Chef Kousuke and Kunihiro Hagimoto worked in Italy at the same time, so it is more like a friend's table. The calm wood tone is matched with the burgundy interior, and the kitchen operations can be directly seen from the bar seats. The two particularly liked the Pauper's Pasta and the Mullet Roe Pasta, and the dessert ended with Espresso Basque Cake and Mozzarella Gelato.
Where can I eat Chinese food that is suitable for two people to share slowly?
Tousenkaku on the basement floor of Roppongi allows you to order even the steamed dumplings individually, which solves the problem of difficult portions of dishes for two people. The restaurant combines Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine with Japanese elegance, with exquisite dishes and moderate portions. Hagimoto prefers fried shrimp mayonnaise, while Joyce loves turtle spring rolls. Since the bar is open until one o'clock in the morning, the two of them often drop by after visiting bars, and have been assigned to a quiet private room, which is especially suitable for late-night chats.
Taoxian Pavilion, where two people can easily order, is the best late-night extension after the bar. Image: Inita
Where is the taco that you can have for breakfast?
Los Tacos Azules in Ebisu is open from breakfast time, following the Japanese craftsman spirit. In front of the bar, you can see the tortilla being hand-made on site. The process is as meticulous as a sushi restaurant. The menu also includes taco omakase for easy tasting. The two particularly liked Avocado taco, Carnitas Special and Chile Relleno during this trip. The combination of Mexican flavors and Japanese techniques made the overall experience familiar and fresh.
The brand provides photos showing one of the scenes visited during this trip.The brand provides photos showing one of the scenes visited during this trip.
A sweet rest stop during a walk
Nakameguro has always been one of the best neighborhoods in Tokyo for walking, and Green Bean to Bar Chocolate is a regular stop for the two of them. The store offers tastings of a variety of award-winning chocolates and cocoa from different origins. The hot cocoa is rich and balanced. Hagimoto especially likes the delicate chocolate pudding. Every time they visit, the two of them will choose a few pieces of chocolate to give each other as a souvenir of their trip.
The brand provides photos showing one of the scenes visited during this trip.The brand provides photos showing one of the scenes visited during this trip.
How to arrange romantic dinner and night view?
Crony, which has two Michelin stars and a green star, is located in a two-story independent building. The high space and simple design make the dining process feel like a stage performance. That night, the two of them were arranged to sit by the window, so they could see the corner of Tokyo Tower from a distance. After dinner, the two took a special detour to approach the Iron Tower, ending their date in the night and lights.
With Japanese and French techniques as the bone and Nordic style as the shape, Crony has concentrated the flavor into the purest state. Image: Inita
A late night spot for vinyl lovers
Because Joyce loves vinyl music, a friend recommended the two of them to visit MUSIUM Record Bar in Roppongi. It has a collection of more than 100,000 vinyl records and is equipped with a sophisticated sound system. Guests can choose their own albums to play, and the DJ will also help recommend them. The only rule in the store is to speak softly, and the atmosphere is quiet and focused, which is perfect for purely enjoying music and wine.
The brand provides photos showing one of the scenes visited during this trip.
The natural daily life of Shiba Park
Since Joyce had never seen Tokyo Tower up close in the past, the two of them took a walk from Azabudai Hills to Shiba Park, and happened to encounter the early blooming cherry blossoms and plum blossoms on the way. The Zojoji Temple next to the park and the Tokyo Tower form a unique landscape combination in Tokyo. No matter day or night, it is suitable for walking, picnicking, or simply sitting and watching the tower light up. It is one of their favorite corners of the city during this trip.
Walking from Azabudai Hills to Shiba Park, Tokyo Tower is slowly approaching. Image: Inita
