Kuramae & Dandelion Chocolate
In the Edo period, Kuramae was home to numerous rice granaries. These days, it is a low-key district that is slowly and surely gentrifying (I've even noticed a magazine calling it Tokyo's Brooklyn). All this means that making Dandelion Tokyo a destination in itself can be rewarding. A little stroll around the neighbourhood will reveal a leather workshop selling handmade bags and wallets (M+), an intriguing stationery shop (Kakimori), and another that specialises in naturally dyed fabrics (Maito Design Works). Appealing coffee shops are also starting to pop up in the area, but I would hold off on diving into one for a drink and snack. This is because Dandelion serves up some wonderful hot chocolate and sweet treats, and the space itself—high ceilings, simple wood furniture, with warm, brown accents—is a relaxing place for an afternoon pick-me-up. In front of the café is a playground and, if you come at the right time, you can watch children at play as you sip a hot chocolate and wonder whether you will really be buying every type of bar available in the shop (for me, the answer is yes—as many as I can safely afford).
