image taken from Open House 2012 website
Check out this Art and Heritage walking tour here :)
Saturday, February 18, 2012
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!
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