Melinda Joe

Jan 13, 2025 | cntraveler.com | Melinda Joe

Deciding on the best things to do in Tokyo depends how much time you have—and for your sake, we hope you have a month. The city’s streets can feel like a game of soccer that's being played at hyper speed; meanwhile calmer attractions range from temples, museums, and gardens to origami classes and bohemian sojourns. This megacity has more than enough going on to put you in a tizzy, so a word of advice: Arrive with a game plan, but give in to getting lost along the way (in a good way).

Nov 29, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Melinda Joe

In the minimalist tasting room at Leaves Coffee Roasters in Tokyo’s Sumida Ward, my host leans in close to a cup of Panama Geisha, inhaling deeply. "When it's hot, you'll find aromatic compounds like jasmine," she explains, guiding me through the tasting of Lamastus Estate's Elida Falda. The first whiff reveals candied ginger and warm spices like nutmeg.

Oct 11, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Melinda Joe

I'm supine on a padded mat as waves of sound wash over me. The vibrations of a gong reverberate through my chest, intertwining with the ethereal melodies of singing bowls, chimes and the gentle flutter of a rainstick. As the symphony of tones ebbs and flows, I feel the stress of a grueling week of work melting away. It's my first sound healing experience, one of the treatments available at the recently opened Six Senses Kyoto hotel.

Oct 8, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Melinda Joe

The sprawling new Azabudai Hills complex rises from Tokyo's skyline like a gleaming vision of the future. The most ambitious development project to date by mega-developers Mori Building, this "city within a city" was 30 years in the making and seeks to redefine urban living with a blend of luxury and convenience. In the central square, art installations by Takeshi Murakami punctuate meticulously landscaped greenery.

Oct 5, 2024 | japantimes.co.jp | Melinda Joe

In the world of fine dining, sommeliers have long been cast in supporting roles, their expertise confined to curating wine lists and making pairing suggestions. However, Yoshinobu Kimura is rewriting the script. At Sushi M in Tokyo’s Aoyama neighborhood, Kimura is blazing a trail for a new breed of sommelier — one who doesn't just complement the chef's vision but actively shapes the dining experience.