Exploring Azabudai Hills Central Square & Carmen Gastrobar in Tokyo
Siva McAteer • July 26, 2025
Have you ever been to a gastrobar?
π·β¨ If not, let me take you along on our latest Tokyo adventure, where we stumbled upon one of the most unique dining experiences at Carmen, a cutting-edge gastrobar located in the stunning Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza.
Getting Lost in Luxury at Azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills is a high-end shopping and dining complex that’s so massive you could easily spend hours wandering—and, yes, we did exactly that! This upscale destination is surrounded by some of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels, making it a hotspot for elite travelers, celebrities, and anyone looking to enjoy the finer things in life.
Just outside the shopping center is the Azabudai Hills Central Green Plaza. With its futuristic design and lush greenery, it’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Tokyo. If you’re searching for places to relax or take memorable photos in the city, this plaza is a must-visit.
Our Culinary Adventure at Carmen Gastrobar
After exploring (and admittedly getting lost for about an hour), we decided to refuel and, by chance, found Carmen Gastrobar. Let me tell you—this was no ordinary restaurant. Gastrobars are known for combining the creativity of fine dining with the casual vibe of a bar, and Carmen did not disappoint.
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We watched in awe as the chefs prepared everything right in front of us, showcasing their culinary artistry and attention to detail. Every dish was not just food—it was an experience. The flavors were rich, bold, and absolutely unforgettable. If you ever find yourself near Azabudai Hills, do yourself a favor and stop by Carmen. You’ll thank me later!
Need-to-Know Details
Carmen Gastrobar
π Address: 1-3-1 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Azabudai Hills Tower Plaza 3F
Azabudai Hills Central Square
π Address: 1 Chome-3-7 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan
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What’s Next?
Our journey through Tokyo is just getting started! Next up: TeamLab Borderless, one of Tokyo’s most popular immersive digital art museums. You won’t want to miss it!
#FoodFind #Gastrobar #AzabudaiHills #HiddenGemTokyo #FunThingsToDo #TokyoTravel #JapanFoodie #UGCCreator
That’s a wrap on our day in Kochi, Japan, and what an adventure it has been! As we rode the shuttle bus back to the Celebrity Millennium cruise terminal, it was the perfect time to reflect on everything we experienced. Kochi was the perfect blend of history, culture, quirky fun, and of course—delicious food. A Day Full of Surprises Our day kicked off at the Harimaya Bridge, one of Kochi’s most famous landmarks. From there, we couldn’t resist a quick snack stop at Mister Donut, a Japanese favorite known for its creative donuts and fluffy “pon de ring.” Next up was pure joy for anime fans—Donguri Kyowakoku, the Ghibli Store. Packed with magical treasures from Studio Ghibli classics, it was impossible not to geek out. And yes, we couldn’t resist grabbing a blind box and doing a little unboxing surprise.
When you’re on a Celebrity Cruise through Japan, every port promises new adventures, unique flavors, and little surprises. Day 5 brought us to Kochi, and with it—a bite-sized French treat I had been eager to try: the canelé. What Exactly Is a Canelé? A canelé (pronounced kah-nuh-lay) is a tiny pastry that hails from Bordeaux, France. It’s famous for its caramelized crust on the outside and soft custardy center on the inside. Flavored with just the right touch of vanilla and rum, it’s baked in special fluted copper molds to achieve its distinct look. Think of it as a pastry that’s equal parts rustic and refined. A Sweet Bit of History Here’s a fun foodie fact: canelés are tied to Bordeaux’s winemaking roots. Centuries ago, winemakers used egg whites to clarify wine. That left heaps of unused yolks, which were then passed to nuns. Waste not, want not! The nuns turned those yolks into these little pastries. Over time, rum and vanilla were added, the copper molds gave them their signature shape, and the canelé as we know it today was born.
Forget fancy restaurants—if you want the real taste of Japan, Hirome Market in Kochi is the place to be! This buzzing indoor market has earned the nickname “Kochi’s Kitchen” for a reason. With over 60 food stalls and restaurants, Hirome Market is a lively hub where locals and visitors come together to eat, drink, and celebrate Kochi’s rich food culture.
When you think of Japanese castles, Kyoto or Osaka might come to mind—but hidden on the island of Shikoku is one of the country’s most unique gems: Kochi Castle. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we made a stop in Kochi and discovered that this castle isn’t just beautiful—it’s full of surprises, from turtles to chickens! Why Kochi Castle is So Special β¨ Here’s a fun fact for history buffs: Kochi Castle is the only castle in Japan that still has all of its original Edo period buildings. That includes the iconic castle tower and the Honmaru Palace, both dating back to the 1600s. Most Japanese castles were either destroyed in wars, earthquakes, or fires, and later rebuilt. Kochi Castle, however, survived the centuries—making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese history and architecture.
Forget everything you know about photo booths—because in Japan, they’ve taken the concept to a whole new level. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stumbled into the Maruge Kochi store and discovered the magic of Purikura (γγͺγ―γ©)—Japan’s famous kawaii photo booths. What is Purikura? πΈπ The word Purikura is short for “Print Club” (purinto kurabu), and it’s one of Japan’s most beloved photo experiences. Unlike your average photo booth, Purikura machines transform you into a kawaii, anime-inspired version of yourself. Think: flawless skin, sparkling eyes, and endless filters to play with. But that’s not all—after your photo session, you get to edit your pics with: Digital makeup (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush—you name it) Cute stickers, borders, and doodles Feature adjustments like larger eyes, slimmer face, or even taller height Messages and signatures using a digital pen And the best part? Your finished creations are printed out as stickers—perfect souvenirs of your Japan trip. Some newer machines even send your photos or short videos straight to your phone! π‘ Fun fact: Purikura became insanely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it’s still a must-do for teens, couples, and travelers alike.
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan, you already know that Japan is the ultimate paradise for Ghibli merch. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we stopped in Kochi, where we found the magical Donguri Kyowakoku (Acorn Republic)—the official Ghibli store chain in Japan. And what better way to experience it than with a little blind box unboxing fun?
If you’re a Studio Ghibli fan… prepare your heart, because this store in Japan is pure magic. On Day 5 of our Celebrity Cruise through Japan, we docked in Kochi, and stumbled upon one of the cutest, dreamiest shops ever: Donguri Kyowakoku – the official Studio Ghibli store in Japan. β¨ Spoiler alert: It felt like stepping straight into a Ghibli movie!
Cruising through Japan is already an unforgettable adventure, but if your itinerary includes a stop in Kochi, Japan—consider yourself lucky! This charming port city might not get the same spotlight as Tokyo or Kyoto, but trust me, Kochi is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list.
Day 5 of our 12-day Celebrity Cruise through Japan and South Korea is officially underway, and today we’re exploring Kochi, Japan! This charming port city is known for its friendly locals, delicious food, and rich history—and we’re starting our adventure with one of the easiest ways to get into town: the free cruise shuttle bus. But before we head off the ship… let’s talk breakfast. π
Cruising through Japan isn’t just about exploring incredible ports like Osaka—it’s also about the amazing entertainment waiting for you back onboard. And let me tell you, Motown Night in the Sky Lounge was a total vibe! The Sky Lounge has this perfect balance of cozy and energetic—it’s a smaller venue, which makes every show feel intimate, but the crowd and atmosphere bring big energy. Add in the ocean views, a dance floor, and live performers, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate night at sea. ππ€ The Show Patrick, our hilarious and ever-energetic Cruise Director, kicked off the night by warming up the crowd, and from there it was non-stop fun. The live band set the tone with those iconic Motown beats, and the singers and dancers gave it their all. With the smaller stage, the dancers were able to interact directly with the guests, pulling people into the experience and turning it into a full-on party. Songs We Loved Here are just a few of the timeless Motown hits we got to enjoy live: Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder Baby Love – The Supremes Stop! In the Name of Love – The Supremes I Got Sunshine – The Temptations Reach Out (I’ll Be There) – The Four Tops The Tears of a Clown – Smokey Robinson & The Miracles I Want You Back – The Jackson 5 If you weren’t already dancing, you couldn’t resist by the end of that set! Fun Fact: Motown at Sea π΅ Celebrity Cruises is known for themed entertainment nights, and Motown parties are a guest favorite. They’re usually held in the Sky Lounge, but you might also find them in other venues depending on your ship. Besides Motown, you can expect themed nights like British Invasion or 80s Dance Parties. The best part? They’re all included in your cruise experience! π Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check your Daily Program or the Celebrity Cruises app for the schedule of events. These parties are can’t-miss highlights of your cruise. Whether you’re a lifelong Motown fan or just love a good dance party, this is one of those cruise nights that makes your vacation unforgettable.
