Yanaka neighbourhood guide

Yanaka moves at a different pace from much of Tokyo. As the city has changed around it, Yanaka has retained its old-fashioned atmosphere. Vacant wooden buildings have been brought back to life as new businesses such as cafés, noodle shops and galleries give them a fresh purpose.

Latest Films

Konfekt Preview: Issue 15

It’s time to set off on a sun-soaked summer journey: let Konfekt’s new travel-themed issue inspire a few itineraries. Whether you prefer a grande dame on the Ligurian coast or a bolthole in Patmos, our annual hotel guide will be happy to assist you when choosing where to check in for a seaside holiday.

1 min video

My life as a vending machine

Currently serving 250,000 drinks a day, Tao Bin has become a staple in Thai malls, hospitals and offices since the brand launched in 2021. The machines boast freshly ground coffee, fizzy lemonades, protein shakes and more. Monocle Films travelled to Bangkok to see them in action.

2 min video

Ikuchijima: Japanese island revival

The best hospitality projects delight visitors as much as locals. In this vein, businessman Yuta Oka transformed a series of historic buildings in the small town of Setoda into charming inns, a coffee roaster, a public bathhouse and more. Join us on a jaunt to the Seto Inland Sea.

3 min video

Sharp dressing at The Decorum

The Bangkok-based retailer and fashion label has been recognised as the top emerging fashion outpost in Monocle’s inaugural Retail Awards. We meet co-founder and creative director Sirapol Ridhiprasart to talk about dressing The Decorum way. The brand’s silhouettes blend Thai style with classic British footwear, Japanese tailoring and more.

3 min video