text: I’ve split this trip report into sections this time (click on the days to view the post). I’ve added stars (*) to places that I felt were the best experiences of the trip:
  
  Absolutely no relation to Kokoro Ramen (Instagram) on Victoria Drive, Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba opened up in late September 2018 and has been buzzing all over Instagram ever since. It joins an interesting student-heavy area of downtown, located right beside BCIT Downtown Campus and is close to other places like Gyoza Bar, Ramen Gojiro, Peaceful, Baghdad Cafe, Koala Kebabs, Cartems Donuts, Smile Diner, and Cinara.
  I went for lunch twice in two days to see what the fuss was all about. Great to finally have solid mazesoba (soupless mixed noodle) in town. Prices are a touch steep but the place is loud and busy, so I think they’ll do fine with the student crowd (who actually seem have a ton of discretionary spending money when it comes to food).
  They’ve got some slightly wacky millennial person in charge of the sign board and their Instagram account.
  This chain from Japan only started in 2013 but already has 15 locations in Japan, and locations in Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Spain(?), and now here. Their website has a prominent FRANCHISE button.
  There’s a luxuriously spacious, Instagram-worthy waiting area. You won’t need to hang out here that long because seats turn over fairly quickly.
  You might be wondering why they didn’t convert this area into more seating. Apparently the city only allowed them x number of seats for the whole place, so they stuck in this generous waiting area.