Naj Austin - Founder of SOMEWHERE GOOD on Escaping to Tokyo
Introducing Weekend With, our latest content series featuring interviews with fascinating women who love to travel. Discover how these bold personalities would spend a weekend away, from their destination of choice to their ideal travel companion. Come along for the ride as we explore unique perspectives on the art of traveling. Whether you're a seasoned solo traveler or simply curious about new destinations, Weekend With promises to deliver insightful and inspiring travel stories that will leave you yearning for your next vacation. Sit back and join us on this exciting journey.
Who is Naj Austin?
My name is Naj Austin and I’m the founder and CEO of Somewhere Good, a new way to get together, designed for the next generation. Before that, I founded Ethel's Club and spent my career in the real estate & tech industry building digital and physical products making the world a more intentional space. Through my work, I try to help people feel more deeply connected to themselves and one another by centering community, conversation and identity. I was named one of Inc's 100 Female Founders transforming America, A Woman Making NYC Better by Time Out NY and has been featured in The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, HuffPost, CNBC and others.
Photo: Bryan Banducci
Where are you going and who with?
I'm going to Tokyo -- I'm going there to take a break from the world and from myself. I plan on disappearing into the crowds and food, the music and energy.
Solo traveler or travel partner?
I'm traveling with someone I love. It's important for me to share experiences that I believe shape who I am and how I see the world.
What’s your travel style?
I travel full tilt - 3 days on, 1 day off, 3 days on, 1 day off! I'm traveling so I can embed myself into the city. I want to deeply know the people who live there and call it home. I want to wander away from my itinerary and stumble into the a place that's not on the map. Tokyo is the perfect destination for following the energy of that day with no planning.
What I Like.
I love the embedded efficiency of Tokyo. Women only cars on the subway. Streets feel like sidewalks. The abundance of hand wipes/towels. Contactless metro payments. Respite gardens inside busy spaces. Trains stop smoothly and with purpose. Warm seats on all the train and toilets. Vending machine culture.
What I Recommend.
Bongen Coffee, Ginza ☕️
JBS Bar, Shibuya 🥃
Ben Fiddich, Shibuya 🍸
Coming of Age Exhibition, Shibuya
Mikeller, Shibuya
City Country City, Shimokitazawa
Describe how travel affects your well-being in 5 words.
Reminder of self, curiosity, re-centering.
Carry-on or check-in?
Carry-on!
Hotel or Airbnb?
A mix.
Photo: Bryan Banducci
Photo: Courtesy of Naj Austin
Share a song, podcast or movie for the trip.
Hiroshi Suzuki! Tokyo has a big jazz, blues, soul scene and I love going to all of the vinyl cafes and record shops. I picked up my first Hiroshi Suzuki album in Tokyo.