Alexandra Hongo

Originally from Bulgaria, Alexandra (Ally) came to Japan with her family at the delicate age of 15 and has never left ever since. After attending (and surviving) a public Japanese high school, she went to an American college in Japan, and later a Japanese grad school, studying international affairs and journalism. She's made of coffee, wine, and books.

Articles By Alexandra

Redefining Art With Pen and Ink Artist Rieco Komiya

For someone like me, whose paintings back in high school were good for nothing other than be placed in dark, horror house setups during school...

May 12, 2016 | Art & Culture, Lifestyle

Xvin, Shiodome: Chinese Dining To Impress

With plenty of superb restaurants to choose from in Tokyo, it’s a difficult task to find one that adds something new to the scene. Delicious...

April 1, 2016 | Food & Drink

Tantanmen Gomaru: Ramen for Women

Up until a few years ago, ramen—the high-calorie, late-night noodle bowl or quick lunch choice mostly favored by Japan's salarymen—would not normally be associated with...

February 26, 2016 | Food & Drink

Tokyo’s Top Five Onsen Style Spas

After several months of oddly warm winter, the temperatures have finally cooled off, which for many of us means the urge to take a relaxing...

February 16, 2016 | Health & Beauty, Lifestyle

Daikanyama’s Mottainai Farm Radice Tackles Japan’s Food Waste

[THIS RESTAURANT CLOSED] Japan is often admired for its exquisite presentation of food, which is achieved with a notoriously meticulous perfectionism and style. Whether it’s...

February 12, 2016 | Food & Drink