In French, there's a charming word for it: Flâneur.

The Dictionary describes a Flâneur as “someone who strolls around without a specific purpose, observing people and society.” In modern travel parlance, this translates to the art of meandering through a city, savoring the thrill of the unknown around every corner. It’s about the joy of exploration—discovering what lies just beyond the next bend, finding unexpected gems in uncharted streets.

One of the greatest pleasures in life is having the opportunity to simply wander. On our journey to Tokyo, this act of exploration becomes even more enchanting. Despite Tokyo’s bustling nature and its concrete expanses, the city offers a beautiful contrast in its parks, gardens, and serene temples. These pockets of tranquility provide a refreshing contrast to the urban sprawl.

While our primary purpose on this trip is to hunt down rare vinyl records—scouring Tokyo's vibrant music scene for those elusive treasures—we relish the rare days off. These are opportunities to dive into the city's diverse offerings. You might stumble upon a quaint vinyl shop specializing in vintage Jamaican 7” records from the 60s, where you can lose yourself in the music with the same enthusiasm as Otis with a can of tuna. Or you could discover a charming family-owned coffee roastery, offering a warm respite and delicious treats for the weary traveller.

In Tokyo, even the smallest details can captivate you—a nondescript building housing an antique film camera store on the fifth floor, or a humble shop selling intricately crafted vintage tsuba (the handguard of a Japanese sword). Each discovery adds to the richness of the wandering experience.

As you step back into the sunlight and resume your journey, remember to slow down. It’s easy to miss the city’s hidden wonders if you don’t take the time to look. Despite its massive population, Tokyo operates with a remarkable sense of order. The residents seem to navigate their roles within this vast urban hive with grace and efficiency. This harmonious blend of bustling activity and organised calm makes Tokyo an extraordinary city for the art of wandering.

One last tip, take a business card from the hotel you are staying in. When you are done for the day find a taxi driver and show them the card.

We hope that has inspired you to visit Tokyo, or Japan, and happy to share some spots to visit if you message me.