Hypemaps Team
The Hypemaps editorial team consists of our native staff members local to Tokyo, New York and other cities and have an extensive knowledge of their hometowns to provide the most organic, non-biased opinions on locations.
Paris has some of the most prolific literature collections from past and recent centuries. The French capital is a place for rare treasures of historical literature and fashion bibles. Bookshops can be tucked away or amongst some of the greatest monuments of the city, but not matter where they are, the stores offer a unique book finding experience for any type of book lover.
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You don't always have time or energy for a full-on meal, but don't worry – the city has you covered. These are our favorite spots that are not only quick and easy, they're all under $10 USD, some even half of that.
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As one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world, New York City is filled with hotels known for their unique personality and charm. From luxurious high-rise hotels and trendy boutique hotels, the city has something for every type of traveler. In this list, we will explore some of the best hotels in New York City that offer exceptional service, standout amenities, and unforgettable experiences.
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Pâtisseries aka pastry shops, are a must when visiting Paris. Unsurprisingly, the French are known for some of the world's best and most famous pastries. Whether you're a Francophile or not, France is the pastry capital of the world and Paris has some of the best pâtisseries, serving up classics or contemporary mash-ups in every neighborhood in town.
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When it comes to thrift shopping and looking for the best vintage finds, Paris is home to some of the best hidden gems. While one can find a flashy row of high-end stores off the iconic shopping streets of rue Saint-Honoré and Saint-Germain, Paris has some of the finest vintage apparel stores in the world where customers can seek out long-lost fashion archives and more. Take a look at our list of best vintage shops in Paris.
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Part of the fun of visiting Paris is enjoying its many cuisines and restaurants. Stepping into a classic French bistro is a major component to everyday Parisian life. Locals can tell you that bistros are casual and often moderately priced dishes, serving up simple and straight forward options. Often known to be a neighborhood restaurant with a cozy and warm atmosphere, there are some bistros that are a must-try in Paris. Take a look at the list.
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For travelers and locals alike, sometimes there's no better comfort than a quiet afternoon, a strong coffee and a good book. Tokyo thankfully understands this vibe completely and has an excellent crop of bookstores, some more traditional than others. If you're looking for a great Japanese novel, biographies, English/foreign language books and, of course, manga and comics, look no further than Tokyo and its outlying districts.
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Paris has been known for some of the world's most sought-after brands in the world. With an everlasting reputation in the industry, the city is also home to some of the most innovative retail experiences. From archival stores and standalone brick-and-mortars to fashion-forward boutiques, Paris is home to some of the most intricate and unique shopping spaces, each with a specific story to tell for the brand, its products and even its future.
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Enjoying the local wine options is part of the charm of any French city. Paris is no different, offering a diverse selection of wine bars for any mood and occasion. Take a look at the top wine bars to visit in Paris.
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When it comes to coffee culture, Parisians take their routines very seriously. While cafés and bistros are a dime a dozen, specialty coffee shops have been up and coming in the past decade and are known to be part of the third wave in coffee culture in Paris. If you're looking for local roasters and baristas to lead a genuinely good coffee experience for city dwellers and travelers alike, here are our recommended coffee shops in the French capital.
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Paris is one of the most visited capital cities in the world. Part of its charm is the city's penchant for exclusive experiences. The world's leading capital in luxury, heritage, design and fashion, there's no better way to experience the unparalleled quality of Paris than through some of the most exceptional hotels. For your luxury stays, Paris has a place for everyone, from historic glamor to contemporary elegance.
Take a look at some of the best luxury hotels in Paris here.
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Part of the Parisian charm is enjoying some of the city's best cuisines. Whether you're looking for an intimate date night spot or one where you can experience the chef's work in an open kitchen seating, Paris has the right restaurant for you. Take a look at some of the must-try modern European restaurants in the city.
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Paris has a penchant for romance and the city of lights has no shortage of options when it comes to a boozy night out. From classic cocktails to ones with a bit more flair, Paris has a diverse selection of bars for any mood and occasion. Take a look at the top cocktail bars in Paris.
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Ok so you've been up and down Cat Street, Harajuku, Aoyama and more and bought all the new collections. Done? Not even close – there's vintage and archive pieces you haven't even explored yet.
Naturally, Japan – as the fashion capital of the Eastern hemisphere – vintage and archival collecting is an entirely separate world of style and couture. The stores listed here specialize in vintage and have a real passion for curation, so expect some true gems ranging from classic graphic and band tees, memorabilia, jeans, accessories and much more. Be warned however – just because they're decades old, doesn't mean they're cheap, so try not to be shocked by the price tags.
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Audiophiles out there – besides your living room, where do you go to experience your music?
Thankfully in New York City, listening bars exist and they are incredible. What seems like a recent development across major cities, listening bars are actually an import from Japan, where they started as "Jazz Kissa" or jazz teahouses. The idea is simple: patrons would come more for the music than the drinks, while equally enjoying both in an atmosphere where acoustics is priority over all else.
Now, listening rooms/bars are all the rage, especially with hi-fi, ultra-crisp and clear audio equipment being readily accessible. Check out our picks for the best Listening Rooms and Bars in New York City.
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For our continued coffee series, we explore one of the most coffee-centric areas of Tokyo you may not have heard of: Kiyosumi Shirakawa.
Outside of central Tokyo is Kiyosumi Shirakawa, in the outlying city of Koto. While Kiyosumi is largely residential and industrial in atmosphere, a large group of coffee brands, shops and distilleries have made their homes in the more-traditional city outside of the touristy areas. The historical region consistently provides high-quality cafe offerings and is growing more and more each day with new additions, bestowing upon Kiyosumi Shirakawa the fitting nickname the unofficial "coffee town" of Tokyo.
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When time is of the essence, quality and service becomes everything.
For our next guide on our Tokyo Coffee Tour, we decided to highlight some of the local coffee stands and quick stop locations. Since our team is constantly on the go, we rated them more so for their convenience, their quality, and their customer service above all else. Some have decor and vibe as well, while others are your literal hole-in-the-wall joints with outstanding coffee.
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When it comes to cultural staples, we feel coffee is a bit of a conundrum. While the recipe is fairly simple, coffee lovers will attest that the culture around timeless drink is as rich as the beans to which it's brewed from.
For our first Hypemaps tour, we explore the vast industry of coffee in the city of Tokyo, Japan. Our local editorial team curated this highly selective list based on multiple factors – attention to detail, atmosphere of cafe, accessibility, chill factor and, naturally, the quality of the coffee. Out of all the locations we visited, these were the ones we'd return to and not hesitate recommending to both casual coffee drinkers and true snobs.
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With New York City's rich 400-year-long history, a backlog of historical texts comes with the territory. However, the number of bookstores containing the historical references is dwindling – recent reports claim only about 80 or so bookstores are still left. And while some are definitely more famous than others, thankfully there is no shortage of great retailers for books, magazines, comics and more.
In this list, you'll find local neighborhood shops that carry international periodicals, old-school book shops with rare first editions, smaller magazine spots for niche international publications and more.
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In the vibrant and ever-evolving city of New York, shoppers are treated to unique and innovative retail experiences. Throughout the city there are diverse and captivating concept stores that redefine the boundaries of traditional shopping. From fashion-forward boutiques to cutting-edge design spaces, here's a curated list of the best concept stores in New York.
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Cat's out of the bag – our favorite neighborhood in all of Tokyo is, hands down, Nakameguro.
From the beautiful river setting to its wide selection of shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurants, Nakameguro is how we envision the perfectly balanced Tokyo neighborhood to be. It caters to so many people, while also holding a special place for locals and being approachable to tourists and visitors alike.
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Arguably a hub for pizza, New York City is filled with countless pizzerias serving up delicious slices. From classic New York-style pizza to Neapolitan-style pizza, there is a pizza for everyone in the Big Apple. In this list, we explore some of the best pizzerias in the city, as voted and tested by locals and regulars.
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For those looking for a good drink in Tokyo, the city offers a diverse nightlife scene. For every mood and occasion, Tokyo has a bar that will satisfy with classic and contemporary drinks. Take a look at this list of the top bars in Tokyo.
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New York City is famous for its food scene, and one of the quintessential experiences in the city is visiting a deli. Delis in New York are known for their flavorful sandwiches, hearty soups, and delicious sides.
From classic New York-style pastrami to mouth-watering corned beef and everything in between, the delis in this city offer a wide range of options to satisfy any craving. In this list, we'll explore some of the best delis in New York City, where you can taste the city's rich food culture, and history.
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Considered a comfort food for Japanese people despite its origins being in South Asia, many people find themselves craving a bowl of curry when in Tokyo. The endless varieties offered in the city open up a world of spices, textures, and viscosity tied to the rich and flavorful dish. This list will tackle the place to visit for curry lovers in Tokyo.
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The sprawling metropolis of New York City is filled with an endless array of world-famous attractions and landmarks. Though there are various hidden gems off the beaten path that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture. These off the beaten path sights are sure to surprise and make your trip truly unforgettable.
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Any streetwear/Hypebeast fanatic will know that Tokyo is one of the best places for used fashion, sneakers, accessories and so much more. It's a veritable Disneyland of sorts for anyone looking, which is why it can definitely be overwhelming to say the least. Here are our pick of the best locations of the best used shops – some are the same company, but we've sifted through the largest and most varied locations out there.
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Tokyo is known for its vibrant arcade scene, where gamers of all ages and skill levels can come together for both casual and competitive fun. Tokyo has something to offer every type of gamer and for those looking to score prizes from the extensive selection that is always changing. In this list, we'll be taking a look at some of the best arcades in Tokyo, each with its own unique atmosphere, games, and attractions.
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For 'The City That Never Sleeps,' New York City fittingly holds a vibrant bar scene.
New York's extensive history and heritage comes with it a long tradition of bars and alcohol-serving restaurants, some dating back to as far as the early 1900s and even earlier. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are countless options with unique atmospheres, drinks, and vibes – all of which serving the finest of beers, cocktails, spirits and even gourmet food and snacks.
Dive into this list of the top bars in New York City.
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As a dizzying shopper's paradise, Tokyo is filled with high-end luxury boutiques to quirky independent shops. Select shops, offbeat vintage retailers, and department stores planning your shopping path is extremely important when traversing Tokyo. Take a look at this list of must-visit shops in Tokyo for a shopping experience like no other.
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Sprinkled throughout the neighborhoods of New York City is a shopper's paradise with everything from luxury boutiques to quirky independent stores, and vintage shops. These hidden gems and offbeat stores help make the city a favorite for the fashion faithful. Take a look at the store you must visit for a unforgettable shopping experience in New York City.
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Despite being renowned for its vibrant food scene, one dish in Tokyo stands out among the rest: ramen. The iconic Japanese noodle soup has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world, with Tokyo being the destination for some of the best ramen shops in the country. Ranging from rich and hearty tonkotsu broth to depth-driven shoyu and light and refreshing shio broth, Tokyo's ramen scene offers a diverse range of flavors and styles that are sure to satisfy any craving. In this list, we'll explore some of the best ramen shops in Tokyo that are a must-visit for any ramen lover.
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Synonymous with New York City, bagels are an essential part of the New York experience. Whether you prefer your bagel with cream cheese and smoked salmon or piled high with deli meats, there are countless bagel shops serving up the delicious bread roll. In this list, we will explore some of the best bagel shops in New York City.
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Although Tokyo might not be the city you think of for pizza, it is actually home to an interestingly thriving pizza scene. Heavily leaning on the Neapolitan pizza style, here is a list of places to enjoy Japan's take on the iconic Italian delicacy.
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As a vibrant and bustling city, Tokyo attracts millions of visitors each year. For those visiting for business or pleasure, the right hotel is essential to having a great trip. From luxurious high-end hotels to budget-friendly options, here is a list of the best hotels to stay at in Tokyo.
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