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

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!

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

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

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)

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!

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.

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.

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)

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

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

Jalan Jalan Japan: Kichijoji Station - Ocharaka & Harmonica Yokucho Alley

Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku, Ginza etc are usually the areas that pop up in your mind when you think of shopping in Tokyo. There are a couple of areas (Nakameguro, Kichijoji, Koenji, Shimo Kitazawa, Kagurazaka etc) in the outskirts of Tokyo that are rising in popularity among designers, artists, entrepreneurs and restaurant owners. These unique locations have been labelled as the “in” places to visit in Tokyo. Perhaps it will lose its “wow factor” if it gets more densely populated. Make sure you visit them before they lose their shine!

Kichijoji Station

If you have the time, you may like to visit Koenji which is a few stops away on the JR Chuo Line! I think you need at least a day to complete this area. There is an eclectic mix of old and new.

Kochijoji-Honcho is a shopping belt about 15 mins walk away from the station. This street is wide enough for only one car to pass through, enjoy wandering through the clothing stores, stylish cafes and gift shops. Situated just 15 mins walk away from the station, it provides a quaint charm from the hustle and bustle of the crowded shopping district around the station. Do stop at Orcharaka when you are there.

Stephane Danton is a tea maestro who has brought his revolutionised Japanese premium tea to the international stage. When asked which is his best seller, he mentions Natsumikan but adds a word of caution that everyone's taste differs. Using the 4 Ws- who?what?where?when? he will decide on the best tea for you.

He brought to my attention that a common misconception among foreigners is that Japanese Tea is expensive. However he feels that unlike western tea leaves which only gives you one cup of tea, the same amount of Japanese Tea can be brewed a couple of times.

His business revolves around satisfying the demands of consumers for exotic Japanese tea. He perfectly infuses flavorings into the tea and the end product is a tea smelling and tasting like its name! Fancy chocolate houjicha which can be prepared with milk instead of water, aoshisho tea with Japanese basil or lime tea a perfect summer cooler? Alternatively try his special occasion blends like Noel

Noel for Christmas or seasonal flavours like Sakura tea for spring. There is something for everyone.

Ocharaka ( Japanese Tea with a twist)
http://www.ocharaka.co.jp/e_index.html
7 minutes walk from the west side of JR Kichijoji Station, along Nakamichi-dori
3-3-11 Honcho, Nakada Bldg. 1F, Kichijoji, Musashino-shi 180-0004
Opening Hours: 11:00am to 7:00pm
Rest Days: Tuesday, the 2nd and the 4th Wednesday of the month

Fancy a beetle as a pet? You can get one there


Harmonica Yokucho Alley about 5 mins walk from Kichijoji is a very narrow alley, housing izakaya bars, restaurants, and traditional shops. Curious day-trippers will enjoy the surprises housed inside it. Have you seen an old pickle shop before? Who said Beetles/ Stag Beetles are cheap to upkeep? Owners have to feed them jelly which can be bought at the 100 Yen shop.

Beat the heat in Singapore with some of these cooling products from Japan. They are available in most convenient stores. If you happen to be in that area, you can buy the following products from this store, in the shopping arcade beside Harmonica Yokucho.

Jalan Jalan Japan : Takadanobaba Station - Tsumami-Kanzashi Museum

JR Takadanobaba Station: Tsumami-Kanzashi Museum

Tsumami Kanzashi on display and a memorable keepsake for all visitors to the museum

I decided to visit Tsumami-Kanzashi Museum, which showcases the Ishida family’s work of art - traditional Japanese hair ornaments. The hair clips are not on sale here but are available in the Kimono section of major departmental stores around Japan Why not bring home a delicate handcrafted piece to admire for a lifetime and even pass it on to the next generation. This is in-line with the Japanese tradition.

* Tsumami – A craft of pinching small square pieces of cloth to form eye catching designs like those pictured above. (extracted from Tsumami Kanzashi Museum Pamphlet)

Directions: Tsumami-Kanzashi Museumつまみかんざし at JR Takadanobaba Station. It is 10 mins walk from Toyama Exit and on the 4th floor of Takadanobaba Building.
Opening Hours: 10.00AM – 5.00PM
Rest Days : Sundays - Tuesdays

* The museum consists of a shelf with some Tsumami-Kanzashi on display. Most people visit the museum to find out more about this craft from a Tsumami Kanzashi master whose workshop is there. He speaks only Japanese, therefore do bring a Japanese speaking friend along if you are not fluent in the language.

Jalan Jalan Japan : Sugamo - A fashion hub for the elderly ladies

Sugamo Station

I visited Sugamo, affectionately known as 'The Harajuku for Grannies'! It is a fashion district geared towards the greying hair generation. This is a hip place where they can buy their “Akai Pantsu” which is believed to bring good luck to the wearer. I know red pants may not be on your shopping list but why not bring back some of the area specialities from Jizo Dori the shopping street of Sugamo.

1) When I walked past this shop, I heard some Japanese commenting that this shop is famous for its Salted Daifuku. Daifuku are usually sweet, so therefore you’ve got to try this unusual combination . It tasted a bit like salted green bean paste with bits of red beans. I don’t think you can get this in Singapore. So if you like it, perhaps you may consider buying a few pieces for home.

2) Doesn’t this shop’s rice cracker remind you of Famous Amos’s icing biscuit? Instead of a plain Senbei, why not give your friend a Senbei with some well wishes
on it?

3) Have you tried pickled garlic with wolfberries? Dipped your cucumber sticks into garlic miso / yuzu garlic miso paste (the miso contains slices of garlic) or ate Black Garlic? If you have not, here is a snapshot of one shop which sells these items. I bought a clove of black garlic, will let you know my opinion of it when I cook it with pasta. By the way, do note that you are only to eat one slice from the clove per day and not gobble the whole clove in one day!

4) Nom, Nom, Nom! Satisfy your Kit Kat cravings at convenience stores like Family Mart & Newsday! My favourite flavour is Chilli Dark Chocolate Kit Kat, I found it at the museum store in Matsumoto City.

6) Sugamo is a Seaweed paradise. It has more than 5 stores selling different types of Japanese Seaweed. If you prepare Miso Soup at home, why not use Mekabu(めかぶ) as an alternative to wakame. Add this to boiling soup and it will give the soup a different texture.

* Tip – Some of the stores sell the same goods but at different prices. So do walk around before making a purchase.

Directions:
Cross the street when you come out of the station and turn to your right. You will see an alleyway resembling the picture on the left. Walk along the alleyway and you will come to Sugamo Market along Jizo Dori.