As we announced on Instagram and Facebook, Culture Club (CC) and Pine Fields Market (PFM) officially opened on January 18th in Matsubara, just a few kilometers west of Circles in Chiyoda.
Both shops were bustling from day one, with PFM’s koppepan rolls selling out well before their 4:00 PM closing time.
It seems that cyclists looking for fresh inspiration are flocking to Culture Club one after another.
Though it may be sudden, I’d like to introduce a model case (or perhaps, a daydream) for the best possible day off spent between Chiyoda and Matsubara.
Start with breakfast at Early Birds while waiting for Circles to open. Once it does, grab a staff member while the shop is still quiet and pepper them with questions from A to Z about the bike you want. Once you've decided on the perfect build and gathered the parts, haul them over to Culture Club on my prized company-owned Hunter cargo bike. Using the UNIOR tools, which are stocked to handle almost any situation in bike maintenance, and following the occasionally stern but loving guidance of our battle-hardened staff (perhaps "Masters," in honor of Yoda, is more appropriate), you not only gain the ultimate vehicle for freedom—your bike—but also the knowledge to assemble and maintain it. Then, with a delicious hand-drip coffee from PFM in hand, you sit back and admire your new companion while planning your next adventure.
I thought I’d put this into practice on my next day off... but just like us, both shops are closed on Thursdays.
Instead, I’d like to propose this to our customers. Please, come share your own daydreams with our staff.
Now, let's get back on track with directions from Circles to Matsubara.
From the Fujimi-cho East intersection where Circles is located, head straight toward the Fujimi-cho West intersection.
It’s a straight path for a while; look for Shimochaya Park on your left as a checkpoint.
After that, cross the Matsubara intersection on Route 19.
Turn right at the Yamanaka supermarket. This is a pedestrian-protected intersection, so don't rush.
You’ll be heading into some side streets from here, so watch out for blind spots.
Turn left at the intersection by Matsunoya candy store and continue straight.
Once you pass the 7-Eleven, you’ll see a Mitsui Repark parking lot on your right; turn right there.
From there, a cool shutter will be there to welcome you.
There’s a handy saying: "Seeing is believing," and it couldn't be more true in this case. I believe that by coming in, seeing the shops, and talking to the staff, you’ll grow even more attached to these places, so please do make the trip out to Matsubara.
Next Time
An introduction to Culture Club and a guided tour of the Naka-ku Matsubara area by the owner of Culture Club. Stay tuned!