Tokyo Academics' guide to Nishiazabu (so far)

Welcome to our neighborhood. We've completed the move from our cozy Hiro-o home to our new learning center in Nishazabu crossing, and we're having quite a bit of fun exploring our new area. I wanted to take the opportunity to tell all of you 2 things:

(1) Come inside! We are more than happy to have our students in the learning center before or after lessons! There is no need to find something to do somewhere else in the area outside of lessons - we have more than enough armchairs and lounge areas. But beware - we tend to force idle students to do a mock SAT/SSAT/AP test.

(2) Explore outside! Whether you're looking for coffee, food, or ice cream(!), there are plenty of great, inexpensive options for both students and parents right outside our center. A few highlights so far:

• Hobsons Ice Cream: Directly across the street (SE corner of Nishiazabu Crossing) from our center, Hobsons is a local landmark, having served ice cream in Tokyo since 1985. Originally from Santa Barbara, California, Hobsons serves dozens of flavors including Pistachio, Yuzu, Green Tea, and Cheesecake!
• Tete's: A Japanese take on a Californian cafe, Tete's offers great coffee (roasted in-house every morning), a variety of salads, sandwiches, pastas, and entrees and a very approachable, international, English-speaking staff. Great environment for reading and catching up, and I personally recommend the baked chicken with tomato sauce for lunch. Located on the NW corner of Nishiazabu Crossing.
• Maruyama: The local installation of the refined coffee chain, Maruyama coffee delivers a long list of coffee and service options in an expansive, quiet, and tastefully decorated environment. A limited selection of food, but terrific coffee, and plenty of space to read, study, or just savor a well-deserved cup of joe. Just two blocks south of our office on the same side of the street (in the same building as Crossfit).
• Gonpachi: Located directly north of TA on the northeast corner, Gonpachi is a beautifully decorated restaurant perhaps most famous for being one of the sets for Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill. We've heard the dinners there are a bit pricey, but try it at lunch time for very reasonably priced lunch set options.
• Guras: Thai, Indian, Nepalese, and Vietnamese food all in one location. Quaint and decorative interior livened by Bollywood movies playing in the background. Affordable lunch sets (under ¥1,000) until 15:00. Menu includes a Lady's set with a refreshing mango lassi as one of the drink options. Just a few minutes north of the center at 1 Chome-14-17 Nishiazabu.
• FamilyMart: We could never forget our beloved Famima. We've already grown dependent on our conbini for coffee, onigiri, and all manner of other knick knacks. It's nothing more than other FamilyMarts, but this one is ours!

This list will continue to grow as we keep finding more cool places! If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments, or e-mail us at info@tokyoacademics.com and we'll add it to the list.

-Justin
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Edit: Some new additions from one of our TA members who lives very close to the new office and is a Nishiazabu veteran!

• Sawa Mura: Bakery downstairs, cafe/restaurant upstairs. On Gaien Nishi Dori, about a block or two south of TA on the opposite side of street. Open at 7:30 am!
• Zest: Easy Mexican restaurant also on Gaein Nishi Dori. Opposite side of the crossing and upstairs a few doors up from TeTes.
• The Local Ramen Place: Across the street from TA - you can't miss it - yellow sign with black letters.
• Pizzakaya: Fun American pizza parlor flair. Turn right at Roppongi dori and head toward Roppongi Hills. On your right and upstairs.
• Nomu Nishi Azabu: New cafe/coffee/wine spot a bit northeast of TA. May be a bit far for students but parents may like it!