In our Perfect Days column, we ask notable Tokyoites to share how they’d spend an ideal day in their home city.
Yurié Collins is a comedian, actress and social media sensation. From her stand-up sets discussing the horrors of dating in sharp and hilarious detail to her skits with fellow Japan-based content creators, Collins is an expert at bringing laughter to people in Japan (and far beyond). Here’s what an ideal day in Tokyo looks like for her:
My perfect day in Tokyo is …
One that embraces spontaneity and allows for mindfulness. I like to start the day by putting my hands together to say thank you for this new morning. In the bustle of a big city, it’s easy to forget how lucky I am to be able to pursue my dreams. After that, I’d start my ideal day with a morning visit to the gym. (All the girlies who lift heavy say woo!)
Although my mother lives in Wakayama, where I’m from, I’m fortunate that she comes to Tokyo quite often for work. I love kicking it with her in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo’s biggest Koreatown. Our favorite restaurant there is Kurumu, an amazing Korean barbecue place. We also like to get K-beauty essentials, like face masks, at Irohani, a small but very well-stocked cosmetics store.
Another thing I love to do is to buy magazines. I always have the best time looking through the selection at the Tsutaya Books in Daikanyama — they have great photo books, too.
As a performer, I cherish a good place to write and reflect. My go-to spot is Nelken, a coffee shop in Koenji. The vibe is so magical; it’s quiet and atmospheric, with classical music playing and lush seats and curtains made of red velvet.
A perfect day would of course have some stage time. I love performing at Shibuya’s Tokyo Comedy Bar — my dojo. After a show, there’s nothing better than hanging out with the other comedians; they’re the best. A bar I really like is The Music Bar – Cave Shibuya.
Tokyo’s best kept secret is …
Not so much of a secret, but finding a snack bar with karaoke is the best way to make friends in Japan. Something about singing allows people to put down their usual social guard, and it’s a great way to meet people who are from a totally different field. I often go to Karaoke Bar Asoko in Shibuya. It’s always a fun and chill spot, one where you can bond with strangers.
A spot I’ve always wanted to try is …
The fake Shibuya crossing they use to shoot movies! It’s called Ashikaga Scramble City Studio, in Tochigi Prefecture. Unfortunately, it costs hundreds of thousands of yen to rent, which is why I haven’t tried it yet.
I’ve also always wanted to go to Bar Centifolia, a cocktail bar in Azabu-Juban where the bartender does elaborate performances. I know it’s super popular, but I can’t help but want to experience the lure of that bar master. Yes, drama!
Follow Yurié on Instagram.
