This series features hip foreigners who know how to enjoy Shinjuku, a city where various scenes and cultures intersect. In the second installment, we welcome Vaughn, who grew up in Melbourne, known as a mecca of coffee/cafe culture, and who has an insane knowledge of Tokyo's cafe scene. In the crazy city of Shinjuku, what kind of shop can a true coffee lover find peace of mind?

Vaughan, originally from Australia and now living in Japan for 11 years, is active in various fields including modeling, writing, event organizing, and teaching English at Bunka Fashion College. A true coffee lover who grew up in Melbourne, a city known as a mecca for coffee/cafe culture, he runs his own coffee-specialized blog and also writes for web media for coffee lovers, and knows the Tokyo cafe scene inside and out, from long-established shops to up-and-coming new establishments. Currently living with his wife and 4-year-old son, he loves Shinjuku, a city he describes as "crazy" but "a city that suits his lifestyle," and he shared his top recommended coffee spots that are perfect for relaxing, along with his thoughts on "Shinjuku," "coffee," and "cafes."

■ Profile

Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she gained popularity for her column on "Good Coffee," a website by coffee lovers for coffee lovers, and became a "coffee writer," traveling to cafes all over Tokyo. Armed with experience and a keen sense cultivated through her own travels and palate, she continues to spread coffee culture. She is also active in various fields, including fashion modeling, event organizing, and teaching English at Bunka Fashion College. https://instagram.com/vja/

━━━ Mr. Vaughn, you've been in Japan for 11 years now. What were your first impressions of Shinjuku?

"How crazy!" I thought. I had carelessly made an appointment to meet at Shinjuku Station, but the moment I stepped off the train, all hope was dashed (lol). The cityscape was so different from my hometown of Melbourne, it was exciting, and I was just completely overwhelmed.

━━━ I hear you live in Shinjuku. Do you like it?

Absolutely. The location suits my lifestyle, so it's really convenient. Isetan (Shinjuku branch) is close to my house, so I can shop on the food floor and eat at home with my family. As for my favorite cafes, there are both grand, long-established places and casual shops, and of course, chain stores. Sometimes I spend the whole day in a cafe to write for my freelance work, but there was one time when I stayed in a cafe from 10 am to 2 am, drinking coffee continuously, and I couldn't sleep (laughs).

━━━ What do you think is the best way to enjoy Shinjuku?

Going to a cafe during a break from work in the daytime is great, of course, but there are different ways to enjoy yourself at night too. I like alcohol, so I often go to bars. I like the unique old-fashioned atmosphere of Golden Gai, and I also like just strolling around Kabukicho feeling tipsy after having a drink.

━━━ Melbourne, your hometown, has a well-developed coffee/cafe culture. How does it compare to Tokyo?

Tokyo coffee has a finer texture compared to Melbourne coffee. They meticulously prepare the coffee, following a precise recipe and timing, almost like a chemistry process. It's truly a craftsman's skill. I make coffee at home too, but I tend to do it rather haphazardly, by feel, and it has its own unique charm (laughs).

━━━ Today you showed me two of your favorite coffee spots in Shinjuku. First, we went to "Bon," a long-established shop famous for its in-house roasting and with over 1,500 different cups on display. Do you have any particular feelings about it?

I've passed by "Bon" many times because it's located near the east exit of Shinjuku Station, right next to Alta, but I never noticed it until someone told me. But once I found out about it, I was really intrigued! The shop's name is similar to my own, too. This shop is one of the highest quality and most expensive in Tokyo, and I come here to enjoy a cup of coffee as a reward for myself when something good happens or when I've accomplished something big. So, naturally, "Bon" holds many good memories for me.

━━━ Next, we went to "Paul Bassett," which is located in the heart of the business district and is bustling with people. What do you think of this place?

Most of my favorite cafes open late, but Paul Bassett is an exception because it opens early, which I really appreciate. The barista is Shuichi Sasaki, the first Japanese person to win the Aeropress World Championship (WAC) in 2014. The taste is guaranteed, the prices are reasonable, and the friendly atmosphere is great. It's also a place that nurtures talent; people who have worked and trained there for many years have gone on to open their own cafes. I love that positive atmosphere.

━━━ What is it about cafes that you find so appealing, Mr. Vaughan?

Perhaps it's because I can relax and reflect on myself by reading a book or thinking. Conversely, I think it's also meaningful to simply rest my body without thinking about anything. In busy Tokyo, especially in a crazy city like Shinjuku, it's nice to have a calm space, and that contrast is interesting.

━━━ Why do you love coffee so much in the first place? Is there something about it that captivates you besides the taste itself?

In my hometown of Australia, people sprinkle chocolate powder on top of their cappuccinos, and I remember my mother scooping up the chocolate powder and sharing it with me when I was little. It was delicious, especially with the slight bitterness of the coffee. Perhaps because of that warm memory, when I was in high school, I would always go to cafes after school and spend my youth there. Now I have a list of over 200 cafes I want to visit. It's also interesting to think that throughout history, many scholars, writers, and artists have spent time in cafes and gained inspiration there.

━━━Coffee can also be a useful communication tool, but could you share any memorable episodes you've had involving coffee?

I was honored to have the opportunity to interview a 101-year-old café owner, a legend in the coffee world. The atmosphere was solemn, and I felt a powerful aura that is difficult to put into words. I will never forget that experience.

■ The spots we visited this time

Home-roasted coffee shop Bon

Address: B1F, Tori Building, 3-23-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3341-0179
Opening hours: 12:30 - 23:00
Closed on: None

Paul Bassett Shinjuku

Address: Shinjuku Nomura Building B1F, 1-26-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-5324-5090
Opening hours: 7:30 - 20:30 (weekdays), 8:00 - 20:00 (Saturdays), 9:00 - 19:00 (Sundays and public holidays)
Closed on: None
URL: www.paulbassett.jp/

toilet
"It's my favorite bar in the world. It has a unique style where you can sit in a bathtub, listen to piano music, and enjoy your drinks. There's also a large print by Ryan McGinley on the wall, and it's wonderful to spend a sophisticated time just gazing at it. The owners are also really nice people."

Address: 2F, 1-16-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-3226-5678

Apartment Hotel Shinjuku

"The accommodation is reasonably priced, and all the furniture and displays are made in Japan, some of them even dating back to the Taisho era, which is really interesting. I recommend it to all my friends who come from overseas. I'd love to live here too!"

Address: 4-4-10 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone number: 03-6273-0991
URL: www.ap-shinjuku.com/

■What Vaughn brings when he goes out in Shinjuku
"I'm surprised myself at how many cafe-related cards I carry around!"



Textbooks for English classes at Bunka Fashion College; numerous shop cards from Passport Cafe in Australia; a tote bag: from the Melbourne band "The Harpoons". Illustrations by Moe Nakase.
Coffee file: Everything related to coffee is compiled in one place Keychain: A gift from a barista Voice recorder: Sony Notebook: Moleskine Pen: Maki/Gisher

"A Hip Shinjuku Cruising Trip Vol. 1 | A Model Born in Taiwan and Raised in Shinjuku Enjoys Playing at an 'Adult Amusement Park'"