Sunday, September 23, 2012
Eating Fresh Lotus Seeds
It is common the find lotus seeds in deserts and soups, however it is rare to find people munching on fresh lotus seeds. If you happen to be as lucky as me to receive a lotus pod, here is a tutorial on how to eat the lotus seeds. After you get used to the green taste, consuming the lotus seeds can be pretty addictive.
1) Remove the seeds from the pod
2) Remove the outer skin
3) Remove the "heart" of the seed (the yellow greenish stem in the centre) which is bitter
4) Done
Impression Series (Zhang Yimou)
Impression West Lake VS Impression Lijiang
The first question I often get when people know that I have been to Hangzhou and Lijiang is - Did you catch Zhang Yimou's Impression show? Which one is better? My reply is often how do you compare an Apple and an Orange? Both shows are set in pretty impressive outdoor theatres - one against the backdrop of the Jade Snow Mountain and the other on the West Lake. However no matter which location it is, I am sure you will marvel at the hardwork the performers had to put in. Be it running through the freezing waters on a stage built 3cm below the water at night or dancing under the scorching heat on a man-made stage at the foot of the mountain. The shows deserve some credit, as they exhibit excellent music and choreography.
There is no concrete theme for Impression Lijiang. It is based on acts, which highlight folk culture and portray the life of the minority people. One can expect traditional singing, dancing, acrobatic acts on horses and when the show ends the minority tribes will invite the audience to join them in a prayer of blessings.
On the other hand, Impression West Lake narrative is fairly minimalist and is a sensational performance based on the myths and legends of the Lake. One can expect to see elaborate designed floats, the use of the surroundings as props and a spectacle of lights.
A tip : Before watching any of the shows, you should read up on the storyline. It helps you appreciate the show better and less likely you will be lost.
There is no concrete theme for Impression Lijiang. It is based on acts, which highlight folk culture and portray the life of the minority people. One can expect traditional singing, dancing, acrobatic acts on horses and when the show ends the minority tribes will invite the audience to join them in a prayer of blessings.
On the other hand, Impression West Lake narrative is fairly minimalist and is a sensational performance based on the myths and legends of the Lake. One can expect to see elaborate designed floats, the use of the surroundings as props and a spectacle of lights.
A tip : Before watching any of the shows, you should read up on the storyline. It helps you appreciate the show better and less likely you will be lost.
Singapore: Heritage Wedding Museum
We have more than 10 Museums in Singapore. One of the lesser known museum is the Heritage Wedding Museum, it showcases every stage of traditional Chinese weddings in an interactive way.
Weddings are complicated affairs, especially so for the Chinese, because of their different dialects - Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese, Teochew, Hokkien etc.
Have you wondered what customs are observed when a Teochew Bride marries a Hokkien Groom? What must you prepare for the Guo Da Li (过大礼)? Are the items the same for a Hainanese Bride and a Teochew Bride? Are you curious what had to be prepared for the An Chuang (安床) in the past and what are the modern day replacements? What should a Dowry Set (嫁妆) contain and how do you perform the Shang Tou (上头)? Do you know that couple's hair must be combed four times on the eve of the wedding?
Whether you are a "confused couple" or just wanting to find out more about traditional wedding customs, this is an interesting place to visit.
Address: 38, North Canal Road (Opposite Hong Lim Park - Speakers' Corner)
Weddings are complicated affairs, especially so for the Chinese, because of their different dialects - Cantonese, Hakka, Hainanese, Teochew, Hokkien etc.
Have you wondered what customs are observed when a Teochew Bride marries a Hokkien Groom? What must you prepare for the Guo Da Li (过大礼)? Are the items the same for a Hainanese Bride and a Teochew Bride? Are you curious what had to be prepared for the An Chuang (安床) in the past and what are the modern day replacements? What should a Dowry Set (嫁妆) contain and how do you perform the Shang Tou (上头)? Do you know that couple's hair must be combed four times on the eve of the wedding?
Whether you are a "confused couple" or just wanting to find out more about traditional wedding customs, this is an interesting place to visit.
Address: 38, North Canal Road (Opposite Hong Lim Park - Speakers' Corner)
Clarke Quay is the nearest MRT Station
Tel: (65) 6438 5698
From Singapore to China
Ni Hao Ma(How are you)? Within a span of 7 months, I found myself in China twice, the land of my ancestors. I visited Shanghai, Wuxi, Hang Zhou, Su Zhou, Kunming and Lijiang. Pictures speak a thousand words, so here are some snapshots of my days in the beautiful cities.
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Sunday, February 19, 2012
Is Japan Cool competition?
There is a show on NHK world TV titled Cool Japan and every week it showcases features which are considered cool and unique to Japan. Why not click here and share what you think is COOL in Japan. Who knows you might win a pair of return air tickets on ANA :) Good Luck!
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Cool Singapore - “Stories Behind Singapore Streets” Exhibition @ National Library Building
image taken from NLB website
Learn the history behind the street names and also pick up interesting facts about roads and places on our island.
You can read more about this exhibition here
Location: National Library Building, Promenade, Levels 7 and 8
Opening Hours : From Jan 11 to Jun 29, 10am to 9pm daily (except public holidays)
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Shimchong, The Blind Man's Daughter & Ballet Revolución
I love these two performances and I hope that you will catch them when they come to your home country.
It is a delightful folklore from Korea. It is about Shimchung, who loved her blind father dearly that she was willing to sacrifice her life for him in order for him to regain his sight.
Another awesome performance : Ballet Revolución
Straight from the heart of Cuba, the undisputed home of dance, Ballet Revolución is an energetic fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and modern hip hop. *Description taken off Esplanade's page
It is a delightful folklore from Korea. It is about Shimchung, who loved her blind father dearly that she was willing to sacrifice her life for him in order for him to regain his sight.
Another awesome performance : Ballet Revolución
Straight from the heart of Cuba, the undisputed home of dance, Ballet Revolución is an energetic fusion of ballet, contemporary dance and modern hip hop. *Description taken off Esplanade's page
Jalan Jalan Japan : The End
After thoughts about my 3 days shopping trip in Tokyo
Time flies! Fortunately with a digital camera, the memories are captured in time. And scrolling through the pictures 6 months later still bring a smile to my face.
I realised that a common misconception about Japan is that it is expensive and that it is hard to get around due to the language barrier!
If given 3 days to shop in Tokyo, where will you go? I left Singapore with 7kg, the Japanese Customs Officer commented that “my bag was light”! I came back with 25 kg, 24 kg in the Bag and 1kg around my waist! Unbelievable? Here’s a snippet of what I did. Most people know what Wagashi is, but how about Dagashi? I visited Ooyashoten at Nippori Station to buy the kind of Dagashi (sweets) Japanese children like. Let Tokyo be your window to the other provinces of Japan in a day. You may find this statement a little incredulous but it’s possible at Kotsu Kaikan Building. Trust me - you won’t leave empty handed! Stop by Sugamo “The Harajuku for Grannies”! Buying the fashionable “Akai Pantsu”(Red Pants) may not be on your shopping list but how about Salted Daifuku? By the way I noticed something, there are no thrash bins along the streets and yet they are litter free! And you don’t have to bring pocket tissue in Summer, it is always given out free. Most department stores open at 9am and close at 8.30pm! Perfect places to shop after 8.30pm are in the train stations & convenience stores and at Tsukiji Market in the mornings. Lastly you can’t say that you have seen Tokyo by just going on one trip! 3 days is simply not enough to discover Tokyo and I will be back again!
Do leave a tag, if you have any questions and I am sure you will enjoy Tokyo as much as I did. Have a wonderful week ahead:)
さよなら
Once again, a huge Thank You to ANA Singapore, Japan National Tourism Board and those strangers whom I crossed path with in Tokyo!
Time flies! Fortunately with a digital camera, the memories are captured in time. And scrolling through the pictures 6 months later still bring a smile to my face.
I realised that a common misconception about Japan is that it is expensive and that it is hard to get around due to the language barrier!
If given 3 days to shop in Tokyo, where will you go? I left Singapore with 7kg, the Japanese Customs Officer commented that “my bag was light”! I came back with 25 kg, 24 kg in the Bag and 1kg around my waist! Unbelievable? Here’s a snippet of what I did. Most people know what Wagashi is, but how about Dagashi? I visited Ooyashoten at Nippori Station to buy the kind of Dagashi (sweets) Japanese children like. Let Tokyo be your window to the other provinces of Japan in a day. You may find this statement a little incredulous but it’s possible at Kotsu Kaikan Building. Trust me - you won’t leave empty handed! Stop by Sugamo “The Harajuku for Grannies”! Buying the fashionable “Akai Pantsu”(Red Pants) may not be on your shopping list but how about Salted Daifuku? By the way I noticed something, there are no thrash bins along the streets and yet they are litter free! And you don’t have to bring pocket tissue in Summer, it is always given out free. Most department stores open at 9am and close at 8.30pm! Perfect places to shop after 8.30pm are in the train stations & convenience stores and at Tsukiji Market in the mornings. Lastly you can’t say that you have seen Tokyo by just going on one trip! 3 days is simply not enough to discover Tokyo and I will be back again!
Do leave a tag, if you have any questions and I am sure you will enjoy Tokyo as much as I did. Have a wonderful week ahead:)
さよなら
Once again, a huge Thank You to ANA Singapore, Japan National Tourism Board and those strangers whom I crossed path with in Tokyo!
Jalan Jalan Japan : Haneda Airport, Suica and Monorail Pass
Getting from Haneda Airport to the City (Vice Versa)
There are Two Ways to get from Haneda Airport to the city. In the arrival hall, look straight ahead and you will see a sign pointing to the Monorail on the left and another to the Keihin Express on the right.
*A factor which can help you decide which mode of transport to take is Your Hotel’s Location. JR Shinagawa Station is closer to JR Shinjuku, JR Shibuya and JR Ikebukuro Station. JR Hamamatsucho is closer to JR Tokyo and JR Ueno Station.
1) Keihin Express takes 19 mins to JR Shinagawa Station
2) Tokyo Monorail takes 22 mins to JR Hamamatsucho Station
*TIP : If you are planning to take the monorail, please go to the information counter in the arrival hall to check on the return timing for the monorail.
* Sample of the Suica and Monorail Pass
• A Suica and Monorail Pass is available for foreign passport holders (round trip 2700 ￥) (one way 2400 ￥). When you board the monorail, please use the Tokyo Monorail Saver Ticket and not the Suica Pass.
*TIP : You can use the remaining money in your Suica card at the Duty Free Shop in the Airport.
You might be interested in this post about the JR Pass. Click here if you would like to find out more about the transportation options out of Narita Airport
There are Two Ways to get from Haneda Airport to the city. In the arrival hall, look straight ahead and you will see a sign pointing to the Monorail on the left and another to the Keihin Express on the right.
*A factor which can help you decide which mode of transport to take is Your Hotel’s Location. JR Shinagawa Station is closer to JR Shinjuku, JR Shibuya and JR Ikebukuro Station. JR Hamamatsucho is closer to JR Tokyo and JR Ueno Station.
1) Keihin Express takes 19 mins to JR Shinagawa Station
2) Tokyo Monorail takes 22 mins to JR Hamamatsucho Station
*TIP : If you are planning to take the monorail, please go to the information counter in the arrival hall to check on the return timing for the monorail.
* Sample of the Suica and Monorail Pass
• A Suica and Monorail Pass is available for foreign passport holders (round trip 2700 ￥) (one way 2400 ￥). When you board the monorail, please use the Tokyo Monorail Saver Ticket and not the Suica Pass.
*TIP : You can use the remaining money in your Suica card at the Duty Free Shop in the Airport.
You might be interested in this post about the JR Pass. Click here if you would like to find out more about the transportation options out of Narita Airport
Jalan Jalan Japan : Ikebukuro Station and Ginza Station
Ginza Station
Tucked at the end of Ginza’s bustling shopping street is a toy emporium.
So now you know where to send the kids while you go shopping!
Ginza Hakuhinkan Toy Park
Address: Ginza 8-chome
When I arrived at Ginza, I found out that the Rice Gallery is no longer at Ginza Gas Hall Building(original location) and Kokusai Forum (second location).
I wanted to introduce this shop as rice is an important commodity to the Japanese. But my main aim was to check out the gift shop which sells rice-based skin care products. Throughout my trip I found that cosmetics made from food such as Sake, Soy Milk, Natto(fermented soybeans), Green Tea and other natural products are gaining in popularity and can be easily found in drug stores around Tokyo. A good place to start is at Nakameguro’s Drug Store next to station, which has a wide collection of such products. Lush inside Ikebukuro station also sells natural products.
If you are staying around JR Ikebukuro Station, you may want to check out these two shops inside the station. They are located diagonally from each other.
Verger A convenient location to pick up relatively cheap fruits:
(a make- shift vegetables and fruits stall which sells produce from farmers in the region) : http://www.e-verger.com/
I bought and hand carried home 16 peaches costing 1680 Yen! “So cheap!”
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic
Tucked at the end of Ginza’s bustling shopping street is a toy emporium.
So now you know where to send the kids while you go shopping!
Ginza Hakuhinkan Toy Park
Address: Ginza 8-chome
When I arrived at Ginza, I found out that the Rice Gallery is no longer at Ginza Gas Hall Building(original location) and Kokusai Forum (second location).
I wanted to introduce this shop as rice is an important commodity to the Japanese. But my main aim was to check out the gift shop which sells rice-based skin care products. Throughout my trip I found that cosmetics made from food such as Sake, Soy Milk, Natto(fermented soybeans), Green Tea and other natural products are gaining in popularity and can be easily found in drug stores around Tokyo. A good place to start is at Nakameguro’s Drug Store next to station, which has a wide collection of such products. Lush inside Ikebukuro station also sells natural products.
If you are staying around JR Ikebukuro Station, you may want to check out these two shops inside the station. They are located diagonally from each other.
Verger A convenient location to pick up relatively cheap fruits:
(a make- shift vegetables and fruits stall which sells produce from farmers in the region) : http://www.e-verger.com/
I bought and hand carried home 16 peaches costing 1680 Yen! “So cheap!”
Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic
Jalan Jalan Jalan Japan : Pen Boutique Shosaikan & Vulcanise London at Omotesando
Pens are a necessity and therefore I visited the pen boutique to admire antique and rare Japanese made pens, in the hope of acquiring one in future. If you are looking for a pen with traditional Japanese design, perhaps you can consider Namiki’s collection made of 18k Gold, which costs around 725,000 yen. The most expensive pen there is more than 5,250,000 yen and the cheapest is around 3,675 yen. Such a stark difference! A collection for all budgets.
Pen Boutique Shosaikan
http://www.shosaikan.co.jp/
5-13-11 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3400-3377
Opening Hours: 11.00am to 8.00pm
No photography is allowed in the shop, so here are some snapshots of the Namiki collection from their brochure.
Getting there
Take exit B1 and walk along the street, you will pass Kinokuniya on your right. You will come to a big T junction with Max Mara on your left, cross the street to this Berry Café. Turn to your left and go down Kotto Dori, till you see Nikka Whisky Building. Turn right and go down the small street.
I <3 Japanese Fruit Tarts
After the pen shop, do stop at Vulcanise London, a lifestyle shop nearby to check out the European Brands and have an airline styled coffee break for those who have not been onboard Virgin Air. Virgin Air souvenirs are also available.
Vulcanize London
http://www.vulcanize-lon.com/#
Address: Aoyama Gakuin University
I spotted a Family Mart (right) along that street and it looks so different from a typical Family Mart in most parts of Tokyo (left)
Getting there : Take the Ginza/Hanzomon/Chiyoda metro line to Omotesando Station (G02)/(Z02)/(C04)
Pen Boutique Shosaikan
http://www.shosaikan.co.jp/
5-13-11 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3400-3377
Opening Hours: 11.00am to 8.00pm
No photography is allowed in the shop, so here are some snapshots of the Namiki collection from their brochure.
Getting there
Take exit B1 and walk along the street, you will pass Kinokuniya on your right. You will come to a big T junction with Max Mara on your left, cross the street to this Berry Café. Turn to your left and go down Kotto Dori, till you see Nikka Whisky Building. Turn right and go down the small street.
I <3 Japanese Fruit Tarts
After the pen shop, do stop at Vulcanise London, a lifestyle shop nearby to check out the European Brands and have an airline styled coffee break for those who have not been onboard Virgin Air. Virgin Air souvenirs are also available.
Vulcanize London
http://www.vulcanize-lon.com/#
Address: Aoyama Gakuin University
I spotted a Family Mart (right) along that street and it looks so different from a typical Family Mart in most parts of Tokyo (left)
Getting there : Take the Ginza/Hanzomon/Chiyoda metro line to Omotesando Station (G02)/(Z02)/(C04)
Jalan Jalan Japan: Nakameguro
Nakameguro
Sakura Trees and funky independent shops & stylish life style stores sandwich a canal running through the hip residential district. And if you are feeling peckish there are numerous joints available to fulfill your rumbling tummy.
Here are some interesting shops –
1)Living by Design Green Scape – creating a “moss ball vase” seems to be the in-thing in this neighbourhood. Why not bring back a DIY moss ball pack for your friends with a green thumb?
2) I bumped into a sample sale there. Clothings, accessories and shoes were at a 80% discount to the average retail prices of above 10,000 yen ! If you visit, hopefully you will see other sample sales there too.
3) & Stripe Gear – I know previously I recommended visiting L muse LTD; however this button shop is different as they design and make their own buttons. I spotted buttons filled with wild flowers, figurines, tiny buttons, insects, beans etc. They also have a range of other accessories.
4)Take a break and enjoy Mahakala’s Happy Pudding in a little glass jar. There are various flavours available.
http://www.mahakala-nakameguro.com/
Address 東京都目黒区青葉台1-17-5 メゾン青葉102
5) If you are an instant noodles fan, head to Tokyu Store Food Market to pick up some unusual flavoured cup noodles. I bought 1) Eco Friendly Cup Noodles(udon and soba) 2) Mini Cup Noodles 3) Western flavoured Cup Noodles – Fettucini Carbonara, Spaghetti Bolognese and Tobiko(Fish Roe) Pasta. Yummy!
Sakura Trees and funky independent shops & stylish life style stores sandwich a canal running through the hip residential district. And if you are feeling peckish there are numerous joints available to fulfill your rumbling tummy.
Here are some interesting shops –
1)Living by Design Green Scape – creating a “moss ball vase” seems to be the in-thing in this neighbourhood. Why not bring back a DIY moss ball pack for your friends with a green thumb?
2) I bumped into a sample sale there. Clothings, accessories and shoes were at a 80% discount to the average retail prices of above 10,000 yen ! If you visit, hopefully you will see other sample sales there too.
3) & Stripe Gear – I know previously I recommended visiting L muse LTD; however this button shop is different as they design and make their own buttons. I spotted buttons filled with wild flowers, figurines, tiny buttons, insects, beans etc. They also have a range of other accessories.
4)Take a break and enjoy Mahakala’s Happy Pudding in a little glass jar. There are various flavours available.
http://www.mahakala-nakameguro.com/
Address 東京都目黒区青葉台1-17-5 メゾン青葉102
5) If you are an instant noodles fan, head to Tokyu Store Food Market to pick up some unusual flavoured cup noodles. I bought 1) Eco Friendly Cup Noodles(udon and soba) 2) Mini Cup Noodles 3) Western flavoured Cup Noodles – Fettucini Carbonara, Spaghetti Bolognese and Tobiko(Fish Roe) Pasta. Yummy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Jalan Jalan Japan : Tsukiji Fish Market - A possible shopping and breakfast spot in the morning
Tsukiji Fish Market (H10) on the Hibiya Line
Most people know Tsukiji Fish Market as a place for fresh seafood. As most shops are not open before 9 am, and if you happen to be early why not visit the market for some shopping. Perhaps blowing away 28000 yen on a snow crab may be a little extreme, but the assortment of dried seafood snacks at less than 500 yen/pack are perfect souvenirs. Do try the dried fish bones!
Whenever people know you are planning a meal at Tsukiji Market, they will often wish they could go along too. You can’t take them there BUT you can bring home some “sushi” for them. Have fun walking around the market and I am sure you will be able to find other interesting gifts.
*If you are planning to go to the inner sections of the market, beware of the food carts and do not step on the wooden crates as they are used to place the frozen tuna for auction.
Most people know Tsukiji Fish Market as a place for fresh seafood. As most shops are not open before 9 am, and if you happen to be early why not visit the market for some shopping. Perhaps blowing away 28000 yen on a snow crab may be a little extreme, but the assortment of dried seafood snacks at less than 500 yen/pack are perfect souvenirs. Do try the dried fish bones!
Whenever people know you are planning a meal at Tsukiji Market, they will often wish they could go along too. You can’t take them there BUT you can bring home some “sushi” for them. Have fun walking around the market and I am sure you will be able to find other interesting gifts.
*If you are planning to go to the inner sections of the market, beware of the food carts and do not step on the wooden crates as they are used to place the frozen tuna for auction.
Jalan Jalan Japan - vending machines
1)Dole Banana Machine – Shibuya Station (Exit 3) near to Book 1st.
2)Apple Machine – inside Kasumigaseki Station. An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
3)Freshly grounded coffee vending Machine – inside Toei Asakusabashi station. Have a quick fix to your tiredness, the cold coffee comes with bits of ice and sediments of freshly grounded beans. It actually didn’t taste that bad!
4)Cigarettes vending machines: however please note that YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SMOKE AND WALK ALONG THE STREETS.
5) Newspaper vending machine.
2)Apple Machine – inside Kasumigaseki Station. An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
3)Freshly grounded coffee vending Machine – inside Toei Asakusabashi station. Have a quick fix to your tiredness, the cold coffee comes with bits of ice and sediments of freshly grounded beans. It actually didn’t taste that bad!
4)Cigarettes vending machines: however please note that YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SMOKE AND WALK ALONG THE STREETS.
5) Newspaper vending machine.
Jalan Jalan Japan: Shopping
Whenever I am in a supermarket or departmental store, I often feel like Alice in Wonderland. There are so many things to see yet you are constrained by the hands of the clock as most stores usually close at 8 – 8.30pm.
The oden in Singapore are usually served hot, but to beat the summer heat the oden jelly in Japan is served cold. Do bring back some non alcoholic beer for your friends and family. This beer was created so that consumers can drink and drive and those below the age of 20 can drink it too!
Kanpai(Cheers) to Tokyo – 0% Sugar, 0% k cal and 0% alcohol content
For those who are used to late night shopping in Singapore, where can you shop in Japan? You can visit the shops located inside major train stations – Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya etc. They are usually open till much later. Or you can visit the local convenience stores (Lawson, Seven Eleven, Family Mart etc)
The oden in Singapore are usually served hot, but to beat the summer heat the oden jelly in Japan is served cold. Do bring back some non alcoholic beer for your friends and family. This beer was created so that consumers can drink and drive and those below the age of 20 can drink it too!
Kanpai(Cheers) to Tokyo – 0% Sugar, 0% k cal and 0% alcohol content
For those who are used to late night shopping in Singapore, where can you shop in Japan? You can visit the shops located inside major train stations – Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Shibuya etc. They are usually open till much later. Or you can visit the local convenience stores (Lawson, Seven Eleven, Family Mart etc)
Jalan Jalan Japan: Antenna Shops in Kotsu Kaikan Building & Muji
Have you heard of Antenna Shops? Next stop a visit to Kotsu Kaikan Building at JR Yurakucho Station
You don’t have to travel out of Tokyo, to discover the joy of the other prefectures. These prefecture shops are the tip of the iceberg in helping you discover the joy of the other parts of Japan. Trust me you won’t leave empty handed as the prefecture goods also make the perfect souvenirs for your trip! Don’t forget to collect travel information about the provinces too!
In general these shops are mainly concentrated between JR Shimbashi and JR Tokyo Station. If you have limited time, I suggest visiting Kotsu Kaikan Building first, as there is a cluster of around 13 Antenna Shops there: Toyama, Shizuoka, Hyogo, Hakata, Hokkaido, Osaka, Wakayama etc
You may like to check out the following items
1)Toyoo Ka : black beans – Do you fancy black beans cake, black beans jam, or black beans coffee/cocoa?
2) Toyama Kan : Konbu Jelly –Most of us have tried Konbu in soup but you will either love it or dislike it in Jelly, as the taste of the seaweed is very strong. As a gift they make the perfect conversation starter.
3) Osaka Kan- Whenever you ask anyone about the specialities in Osaka, most people will mention “Tako Balls”. If you are feeling hungry try the freshly made “Tako-yaki”,or alternatively pack some street snacks from there.
4)Murakaramachikara Kan – Carries specialities from around Japan. If you like Nestum with milk, perhaps you might want to purchase Ama Sake, a sweet sake usually served along the streets during the colder months. Alternatively pick up some sochu jelly, to cool you down on a hot sunny day in Singapore.
5) Hokkaido – I managed to spot the Cosmetic section lurking at one corner of the shop. Ladies instead of bottles of milk jam, why not bring home some cosmetic?
Getting there: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building is just across the street from Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
Getting there: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building is just across the street from Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
Map (Left) – A useful guide of all the Antenna shops found along the stretch when you walk from JR Shimbashi station to JR Tokyo station
Map (Right) – The floor guide to all the Antenna shops in Kotsu Kaikan Building.
* I picked up the maps from one of the Antenna shop in Kotsu Kaikan Building
Muji Fans will love this Muji, as it is one of the biggest Muji! It is just about 2 mins walk from JR Yurakucho Station.
http://www.mujiyurakucho.com/
Address: Infos Yurakucho Bldg. 2F/3F, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours : 10am – 9pm
* Rest your tired feet @ Muji Cafe
You don’t have to travel out of Tokyo, to discover the joy of the other prefectures. These prefecture shops are the tip of the iceberg in helping you discover the joy of the other parts of Japan. Trust me you won’t leave empty handed as the prefecture goods also make the perfect souvenirs for your trip! Don’t forget to collect travel information about the provinces too!
In general these shops are mainly concentrated between JR Shimbashi and JR Tokyo Station. If you have limited time, I suggest visiting Kotsu Kaikan Building first, as there is a cluster of around 13 Antenna Shops there: Toyama, Shizuoka, Hyogo, Hakata, Hokkaido, Osaka, Wakayama etc
You may like to check out the following items
1)Toyoo Ka : black beans – Do you fancy black beans cake, black beans jam, or black beans coffee/cocoa?
2) Toyama Kan : Konbu Jelly –Most of us have tried Konbu in soup but you will either love it or dislike it in Jelly, as the taste of the seaweed is very strong. As a gift they make the perfect conversation starter.
3) Osaka Kan- Whenever you ask anyone about the specialities in Osaka, most people will mention “Tako Balls”. If you are feeling hungry try the freshly made “Tako-yaki”,or alternatively pack some street snacks from there.
4)Murakaramachikara Kan – Carries specialities from around Japan. If you like Nestum with milk, perhaps you might want to purchase Ama Sake, a sweet sake usually served along the streets during the colder months. Alternatively pick up some sochu jelly, to cool you down on a hot sunny day in Singapore.
5) Hokkaido – I managed to spot the Cosmetic section lurking at one corner of the shop. Ladies instead of bottles of milk jam, why not bring home some cosmetic?
Getting there: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building is just across the street from Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
Getting there: Tokyo Kotsu Kaikan Building is just across the street from Kyobashi Exit of JR Yurakucho Station.
Map (Left) – A useful guide of all the Antenna shops found along the stretch when you walk from JR Shimbashi station to JR Tokyo station
Map (Right) – The floor guide to all the Antenna shops in Kotsu Kaikan Building.
* I picked up the maps from one of the Antenna shop in Kotsu Kaikan Building
Muji Fans will love this Muji, as it is one of the biggest Muji! It is just about 2 mins walk from JR Yurakucho Station.
http://www.mujiyurakucho.com/
Address: Infos Yurakucho Bldg. 2F/3F, 3-8-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours : 10am – 9pm
* Rest your tired feet @ Muji Cafe
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