Blushandtulle

.Travel blog .

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Osaka highlights

Osaka Aquarium

1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka City 552-0022 Japan Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Opening hours 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m 

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Ringed seal, the one with the most smiles, brightens anyone’s day :)

We had tons of fun with the animals, they were so friendly and playful.

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Make your own cup noodles!

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum

Location: Japan, 〒563-0041 Osaka Prefecture, Ikeda, 満寿美町8-25

Opening hours: 9:30 – 16:30

Along the way back to the station, we stumbled upon this 100yen sushi store and went mad. Everything was in Japanese so we took some time deciphering which was which (with the help of pictures). But we somehow managed to order our favourites and were filled!

Think this is the address below

権太呂すし 池田店

Japan, 〒563-0041 Ōsaka-fu, Ikeda-shi, Masumichō, 2−7 矢野池田ビル 1F

[phone]

Opening hours: 11am–10:30pm

Osaka Castle

View from the top

We ended our Osaka-kyoto trip and took a Shinkansen to continue the next leg of our journey in Tokyo and Takaragawa. We will definately be back!

Bought some bento boxes at the Train station before boarding the shinkansen

Battera - Osaka (Kansai) Style Pressed Sushi with Mackerel

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Arashimaya, Kyoto

- Bamboo forest, Kyoto

Kyoto is a quick train ride from Osaka. Depending on the length of your trip, staying a day or two might help cover Kyoto.

We decided on a day trip due to the short amount of leave we had.

Kyoto is beautiful and definately worth a trip down if you're in the area.

This was a little stand-up udon store in the transiting train station on the way to Kyoto that we happened to walk in. Amazing Udon!

For this, tickets are purchased from a vending machine outside the shop

Huge Cream puff at that same train station

We chose to visit the Western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama. Women wearing their yukatas strutting the street. It was a lovely sight on arrival to Kyoto.

Simple map of the area

Bike rentals are available for getting around as well

This little mochi shop along the walk was a quick stop from the cold. We had the strawberry mochi, tea was provided in the shop.

Being a huge tourist attraction, Kyoto attracts all sorts of people. Rickshaw rides are available too.

Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves

Tenryuji Temple

Train crossing 

We happened to stumble across an event (we saw lots of people walking towards it, so we followed). There were popup stores selling all sorts of snacks, fish red bean pancake, miso soup, noodles, ice cream etc.. 

Togetsukyo Bridge- Arashimaya’s well known central landmark

Gion, Eastern Kyoto

We decided to pop by to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district.

The streets were lined with pretty lanterns, and they had so many roasted unagi shops by the road side

We were managed to spot a Geisha or two strolling the streets as well!

We ended the day with Kaiseki sushi dinner at Kyoto station.

Arashiyama

JR Sagano line from Kyoto station 

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Namba/Dotonburi, Osaka

Pretty and calm Osaka

During this trip, we covered Osaka - Kyoto - Tokyo.

On most of our self- guided trips, wifi has got to be a number one for essentials.

We used GAC (Global Advanced communications) for this trip, wifi was good throughout and fast. Ordered and paid for it online, picked it up at the post office at the arrivals hall.

Comes with a charger in a storage pack like this. At the end of the trip, just post it back with the post-back envelope provided.

Tip: Always bring a portable battery along to charge it once in a while on the go, portable wifi's tend to die out if used much

Took the airport train to Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka where we stayed. We picked it for its awesome location. It's within walking distance to Osaka-Namba station and Namba station as well as Dotonbori.

There's a a decent sized supermarket just below the hotel down the escalator, which makes it easy to buy back sashimi supper snacks.

Getting there:

Namba station

浪速区湊町1丁目2−3, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0017, Japan

Tengayu Rukuaire shop, 天がゆ ルクアイーレ店

Most of the huge train stations in Japan have a departmental store attached to it with good restaurants usually situated on the higher floors.

Osaka, Mitsukoshi shopping centre is similar. My husband and his family visited this tempura restaurant a few years back and could not stop talking about the exploding uni tempura that they had.

We visited this omakase style tempura restaurant during this trip in attempt to have it. Although, they served it wrapped in squid this time around, it was still exquisite.

Getting there:

Osaka station, Mitsukoshi Shopping centre, 10 floor

Japan, 〒530-0001 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Kita Ward, Umeda, 3−1−3 ルクアイーレ 10F

Dotonbori, Osaka

You will find Dotonbori within walking distance to the hotel. Be sure to visit this vibrant street both in the day and night. They hold different scenes at whichever time in the day you visit. I personally love it at night!

Osaka's famous street food is Takoyaki. Easy to spot! A huge giant Octopus sign and music jams from this tiny stand.

Crab restaurant, Dotonbori

Osaka is also known for their Crab restaurants, King crab, Snow crab dinner sets. Not realizing how busy it was, we failed to book beforehand. They were nice to accomodate us last minute! Although it was a smoking room, they had multiple ventilators and vents to rid of the cigarette smell which made the dinner quite pleasant.

It was the meal that we enjoyed very much, especially the crab sashimi!

The view from the crab restaurant overlooking Dotonbori.

Getting there: Find the giant crab sign!

We came upon this interesting pop up ramen store in the middle of the street. The minute we saw people slurping the piping hot noodles, we just HAD to sit down for a bowl.

Great for people watching.

Dotonbori is filled with little alley ways, be sure to stroll into a few!

Hidden inside one of those alleys we found Kigawa, one michelin star restaurant which exceeded our expectations greatly. 

Kigawa, Dotonbori, Osaka

Kigawa is tucked in the streets of Dotonbori. It was definately one of the best restaurants I've ate in Japan. Kaiseki style with a fixed range price of ¥5000, ¥8000 or ¥ 12000. We decided to go with ¥8000 tier, seeing that it was the middle of the day and we had to keep our tummies well rested for the rest of the day. Not a dissapointment at all! Each dish was meticulously prepared and translated in English for us!

The meal was divided into Starters, Raw, Cooked, Grilled and dessert.

Little map of Dotonbori as its place mat

Sesame tofu with Japanese horseradish

Example of a translation hand written for us :)

Flounder, olive grilled

Garland soup

Super love bamboo toothpicks!

Foot red shrimp, bamboo shoots, Udo, Bracken

Special Cream Croquette

Kigawa 1-7-7 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku Tel: [phone] Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 10.30pm Nearest Station: Osakananba/Nipponbashi

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Jeju, Korea

Incheon airport - Gimpo - Jeju

Our Car rental was from a company called KT Kumho. They provide shuttle to and fro from Jeju airport. If you're planning to go to a place in Jeju, just type in the telephone number in the GPS, it's easy!

Seongsan ilchubong peak/sunrise peak

Take a hike up to the crater that rose up from volcanic eruptions a few years back. Standing 90m high, sunrise from the peak is one of its features.

Grassy fields on the way down

View from the top

Getting there

[phone]

284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12

Spicy Galchi and Hwe Guksu

This was recommended by a friend. Jeju is especially famous for their hairtail fish, Galchi. There are certainly different ways of savouring this fish, fried/grilled/braised.

Hwe Guksu on the other hand is raw fish with cold noodles. This is served with red gochujang (red pepper paste). The colour is deceiving, it's not as spicy as it looks. During this trip to Korea, I've tried so many different dishes that surprised me, dishes that I've never tried before, a real eye-opener.

Getting there

Trick Art Museum

This is an extremely enjoyable museum to take pictures and great for families and kids. They hold a huge collection of realistic looking art that's creatively put together.

Getting there

[phone].

2644, Beon yeong-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 제주특별자치도 서귀포시 표선면 번영로 2644 (표선면)

09:00-19:00 ※ Last admission: 1 hour before closing.

Jusangjeolli Cliff

Watch the sunset, take in the view and breathe the sea salt air. This place if amazing for pictures and perfect to watch waves crashing against the cliff.

Other attractions in that area include the Teddy Bear museum which we decided to skip.

Getting there

[phone]

08:00~18:00

2663, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 제주 서귀포시 중문동 2663

Manjanggul Cave

Located North of Jeju, also known as the lava tunnel. A laval tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Beautiful lava stalagmites formed as a result. The inside of the tunnel sustains a cool temperature of 11-21 degrees, so wear some good shoes and bring a jacket!

Getting there

3341-3, Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 제주 제주시 구좌읍 김녕리 3341-3

Mysterious Road

SO apparently, there's this road just before Jeju loveland, also known as Dokkaebi Road. It lies on a hill at the foot of a mountain, and connects two major highways on Jejudo Island. Here, you can find objects and liquid appear to roll and flow up the hill instead of down, when, in fact, such image of gravity defiance is an optical illusion rendered by the seemingly high surroundings.

Just park your car in neutral and it will seem as if the car is rolling upwards.

Spoiler: There is actually a 3 degree slant.

Getting there

2894-63, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do 제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2894-63 (노형동)

Haemul Jungol, Seafood hotpot

If you've managed to rent a car, definately swing by this restaurant. They have amazing fresh abalone for $12 a dozen! As long as you have soup left in your pot, you can keep em' coming!

I throughly enjoyed having a meal at this restaurant. The abalones are so fresh they squirm while being cooked in the pot. With such good value, ordering so much abalone is not too painful on the wallet

After being cooked, the abalones turn out soft and very delicious!

Note: Very different from eating raw abalones, which in my opinion taste horrible! Hard and has a distinct nauseating oil flavour

Abalone porridge Jeonbokjuk

This can be found almost anywhere in Jeju. It is one of their specialties.

Huek Dweji Samgyeopsal, Heukdonga Jeju

Also known as Jeju black pork bbq, is not to be missed before leaving Jeju. This is a small restaurant that serves really good cuts of black pork belly and meats. It's ironically located opposite a massive large chain bbq restaurant, but it has the qualms of a cosy small bbq joint. Not to be missed!

Getting there

1509 Nohyeong-dong, Jeju, Jeju-do, South Korea

Serious Eats has a fantastic slideshow of Koreas fare of foods

http://www.seriouseats.com/2011/12/south-korea-best-food-on-mainland-jeju-do-slideshow.html

Map of Jeju's attractions

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Shopping + Cafes, Seoul

- Take out drawing cafe

1) Myeongdong

Go-to shopping spot especially if you're staying in that area. Myeongdong is known for its fashion, food and nightlife. Vibrant throughout the day, filled with dozens of cosmetic shops, every girl's dream. 

If you're yearning for a late night snack, would recommend Chir-Chir chicken on the 2nd floor for a late-night snack of fried chicken and beer!

2) Sinsadong Garosu-gil Area

Althought slightly upmarket, this street is lined with stores selling clothes and accessories from young designers. Managed to pick up a few trendsetter-worthy pieces!

Nearest station: Sinsa

3) Sinchon and Ewha Womans Uni

Take a train to Ewha Woman's uni station and stroll down "Ewha uni's street you want to visit" which intersects with Migliore and "Sinchon's Pedestrian Friendly street" This eventually links back to Sinchon station. You'll find tons of shopping along this district and it's lined with food stores and drinks. I had lots of fun picking up clothes. 

The only downside to shopping in Korea is their no-trying policy in most of stand along boutiques. The prices are however affordable and I had a blast trying out the clothes in the hotel room at the end of the day! Hit and miss shopping :)

Nearest stations: Ewha Womans Uni and Sinchon

4) Hongdae Street

Located near Hongik Uni, famous for its college of fine arts. A vibrant street filled with young people and their creative art drawings/grafittis. It's also filled with food and shopping!

Nearest Station: Hongik Uni exit 9 or Sangsu station

5) Dongdaemun market

Sadly, we didn’t get to go to dongdaemun shopping complex as it was closed. But I’ve heard from girlfriends that it’s worthwhile visiting, latest fabrics and clothing

Not to fret! There are tons of shopping malls around the area DOOTA, Migliore, hello apM and lotte Fitin The best part is they open till late (5am), so ladies shop till you drop! While walking around, you'll find snacks all over- Oden, interesting ice cream crunchy curly cones, strawberry juice.

If there's time, walk down Cheonggyecheon stream, pretty at light and romantic to stroll

- Samgyeopsal

Before all the shopping madness, we had dinner at one of the restaurants nearby in Dongdaemun.

Tip: Don't get conned by taxis at the bay side. You'll easily get a cab who charges by the meter for $6-8. There are some dodgy ones that would state their fee of $20-30 for a one-off fee. Always go by the meter!

Nearest station: Dongdaemun station Exit 8,9

6) Samziegil, Insa-dong street

Insa-dong street is filled with korean traditional culture and antique art, traditional teahouses and craft shops. Samzie-gil is a multi-cultural space displaying young/traditional designer's crafts. Korean Neoprints can be taken here too with costumes provided!

They too have snacks on site!

Walking down the street, you might here loud "PING! PING!"sounds, the sounds lead you to the baseball cages where girls swoon over boys hitting the bats

Getting there: Line 3 Anguk Station Exit 6, 7 min walk

        ================== Take a Break ======================

Cafe life in Korea is Huge

Here are some we visited:

1) Talk Service Cafe

Love the concept of their cafe. A huge industrial style pull up window that peers into the hustle-bustle of Sinsa-dong. Great for people watching.

They serve all styles of coffee here, from drip to traditional

Getting there: 44, Apgujeong-ro 10-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2) Deux Amis

Always had a thing for Korean strawberries, sweet and simple. Deux Amis is known for its strawberry shortcakes

Getting there: 535-9 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Tel: [phone] Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

3) Take out drawing

A two story cafe in Itaewon which doubles as a exhibition space of expression.

We especially loved their quirky creations!

Getting there: 140-861, Itaewon-dong (Noksapyeong), Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: [phone] Nearest Station: Hangangjin

4) Sangsu-dong Cafe street

After a day of shopping at Hongdae, drop in to one of the many trendy cafes along Sansu-dong. Have a break and get back to shopping after!

Getting there: Sangsu station Exit 1, 2

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Seoul, Korea

Was not a Korea fan till I discovered K-dramas! We decided to make a short trip up, 3 days in Jeju and 7 days Seoul

Hotel Shin Shin, Myeongdong

This is where we stayed, the heart of Seoul City

Great location, within walking distance to Myeongdong shopping district and the train station

Also, if you're thinking of travelling out to Jeju Island, there's a bus stop conveniently down the road from the hotel that goes straight to the domestic/international airports. Really great

Downside: You have to drag the luggage slightly up a hill, but if you're fit I see no worries there!

Surrounding the hotel is a convenient store and a few restaurants around. If you like the amenities at hotels, you'll love the one at shin shin :)

This was one the bulgolgi restaurants down the road from our hotel, yummy!

Location: 04526 17-5, 남대문로5길 중구 서울특별시 South Korea

My regular in the mornings!

Tosokchon Samgyetang, Gyeongbokgung palace

We visited the famous Gyeongbokgung palace, first ever to be built during the Joseon Period. Be sure to stay for the changing of the Royal guards ceremony (11:00,14:00, 16:00). There's also an english tour at around 11am.

On other Palace worth visiting is the Deoksugang Palace.

Getting there: Line 1 City Hall station Exit 2

While you're in that area, remember to visit the famous Samtzeyang ginseng chicken. We went there at 10.45-11am to beat the crowds/tour buses as per a friend's friendly insight. Order the soup that comes with the additional hundred-year old ginseng roots served in a tub. Add it into the soup to get that extra punch.

Tosokchon Samgyetang

Hours: 10:00am to 22:00pm Tel: [phone], Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울 종로구 자하문로5길 5 (체부동)

Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station,Exit 2. Go straight about 170m and turn left onto Jahamun-ro 5-gil Road. Tosokchon (토속촌) is located 10m ahead on the left.

Gwanghwamun Square

We took a stroll down the road from the palace. This stretches 550m in length and 34m in width. Children running around the fountain of this expansive plaza. This is where the two historical figures in Korea stand- King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-shin.

Sejong Center for the performing arts

Ganjang Gejang street, Sinsa-dong

There's a whole alley street dedicated to Ganjang Gejang. Just walk into any shop and indulge

These are live crabs put to sleep in the fridge and marinated for 6 hours with soy sauce, chili pepper, ginger, dried kelp, onion and garlic. After being salted and fermented, they are served like crab sashimi. Plus they mostly come with huge amount of crab roe which taste creamy and sweet.

Remember to mix some rice into the crab shell at the end to lick up its goodness!

Getting there: Sinsa station line 3, Exit 4. Turn right after 20m to the start of the alley

Mapo Naru House

During one of our shopping trips in HongDae, we came across this traditional Korean restaurant on the 2nd floor of one of the shops. One of the best meals we had. We had the cold noodles, Naengmyeon, with a serving of Ganjang Gejang at the side :)

Getting there: 

Mapo Naru House 마포나룻집 (South Korea, Seoul)

364-19 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-guSeoul, South Korea 서울 마포구 서교동 364-19번지 

Tel: [phone]

Opening Hours: Mon 11.30am - 10pm                         

Tue to Fri 1130am - 7am                         

Sat 1130am to 3am

Great Eating spot around Sinsa-dong 

This was another find while strolling around Sinsa-dong. I can't exactly remember where and what we had but we queued up quite a bit to dine here. Food was really good. All I can remember is it was when we were looking for Cafe Deux Amis!

Let me know if you do manage to find it and if you enjoyed yourself!

Gwangjang Traditional Market (광장시장)

Have a seat at this auntie's stall. She serves a mean bibimbap! Apparently she's been doing this for 20years

Just sit and she'll start dishing up once she realises you're a tourist.

Bibimbap- very different to the ones I had in Singapore, this is full of vegetables and taste really fresh!

Jeon - Korean pancake with kimchi, meat, seafood/vegetables

Getting there: Jongno 5-ga Station, Exit 8 or Eujiro 5-ga Station, Exit 4. Hours: 7:00am to 10:00pm. 6-1 Yeji-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Yoogane (요가네) Dakgalbi, HongDae Branch

Yoogane is a huge franchise chain in Korea. Known for it's dakgalbi, stir-fried marinated chicken. They place a huge pan in the middle of the table and place the marinated meat with vegetables for you to cook. If in doubt of what to eat in Korea, have this!

Getting there: 163-11 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, SeoulHongik MRT Exit 9

Maple Tree House, Itaewon

We chanced upon this Galbi restaurant located behind Hamilton Hotel while shopping around Itaewon. We loved it! Slighty more pricey, but famous for its Korean Jeju Black Pork Belly and Korean Beef Sirloin. They serve a refreshing ice-cold plum tea as well which I loved! Ended buying some back from the supermarkets!

Getting there: Itaewon station. 116-1 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hamilton Hotel 2F, 116-1 Itaewon dong Yong san gu, Seoul Tel: [phone] Daily: 11.30am – 10pm Nearest Station: Itaweon

Noryangjin Fish Market 

Even if you're not a fan of seafood, it's sight to visit this fish market. Long rows of aunties trying to sell their seafood. If you're thinking of buying some, just head up to the 2nd floor after where they'll cook them for you. Be careful of steep prices! Also, we tried their Sashimi, and it's not fantastic, we deduced Korea was much better for their cooked foods.

Nevertheless, we had a feast.

Getting there: Line 1,9 Noryangjin Station

N Grill, N Seoul Tower

We decided to dine at the 10th tallest tower of the world! It stands 236.7m tall and the view was amazing! We ate at the revolving restaurant right at the top which gives us a free entry in. 

The food was reasonable and we enjoyed our experience. Tip: Slight steep climb up the tower, might not wanna wear those high heels. Saw some victims of heels taking a long time to climb up!

Getting there: Bus 2,3, 5 from Myeongdong

1-3 Yongsandong 2(i)ga-dong Yongsan-gu, Seoul Tel: [phone] Mon to Fri: 11am – 2pm, 5pm – 11pm Sat & Sun: 11am – 11pm Nearest Station: Myeong-dong

Gomtang, Hadongkwan

Also known as Beef Soup, Hadongkwan restaurant is one of the oldest and famous restaurant, serving Gomtang for over 70 years!

For some, the soup may be slightly bland, but this is how its meant to be taken. Clean and neat.

Getting there (Myeongdong/Gangnam branch)

10-4 Myeong-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, 100-021, Seoul, Korea [phone] Opening Hours 7:00am - 4:30pm Closed 1st and 3rd Sundays

891-44, Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu (강남구 대치동 891-44) [phone] Open daily 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m (closed the first and third Sunday of each month)

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Nami Island, Korea

- Nami Island is great for couples. We've seen countless K dramas being shot there. But it's truly a pretty little island to explore and popular for families to bring their kids too. With tons of activities to choose from, one will hardly be bored.

Getting there: (Ask the hotel concierge! Can't really remember)

Take a bus from Myeongdong to the Nami Island ferry terminal. 

Ferry across the terminal

Greeted by the famous row of trees in Nami island. I hear it's pretty in winter and autumn if you get to go then

Pretty, scenic strolls

Sat down for lunch at one of the few stalls in the middle area of Nami. Had a giant kimchi pancake and good ol' ramyun

Rent a bike! Cycle all around the Island and snap some pictures

Paddle a swan!

Catch a rabbit

Bookcafe at Nami

Bands play frequently here, we were fortunate to catch an all female A cappella group that was amazing!

Remember not to miss the last ferry out!

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Shinjuku West, Tokyo

When in Tokyo, one should not miss out a visit to Shinjuku West

If you’re into electronics, Yodobashi is one’s giant mart for Camera’s and all kinds of tech gear. Even if you aren’t a fan, you’ll find yourself being drawn to just enter and sight see

Not only are they famous for electronics but they have all kinds of delicious food. Izakaya bars run till late

1.Tsuke-men

This is one of my favourite Tsuke-men joints! It’s not on the top ten list per se but it was definitely worth stumbling upon.

Fried chicken is a definite.

Tsuke-men for those who aren’t familiar- cold noodles to dip in hot rich broth and slurped

Location: 1 Chome-12-7 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō-to 160-0023, Japan https://goo.gl/maps/zecWght4siy

2. Grilled seafood

One of the many franchises of this chain. Easy to spot with its 24h sign

Huge variety of different shellfish to pick from, grill yourself concept.

It was great when we were in the Tokyo freak snow storm in 2014!

Grilled Snow crab with its innards

Uni Salad

Location: Around Shinjuku West

3. Teppanyaki style Wagyu beef

On a previous tour, I learnt that beef everywhere in Japan served are Wagyu, just different grades. This 2nd storey Wagyu place opposite a fast food chain had amazing cuts

Slightly pricey, but still melt-in-mouth effect was worthwhile

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Ginza, Tokyo

Ten-ichi Ginza Honten (2 Michelin Stars)

One of our new finds during our recent trip. Situated in Ginza, this 2 Michelin star Tempura restaurant definitely lived up to our expectations :)

We got the help of the concierge to help book

Food was great, we even added on to our Omakase meal - Shirako tempura and more uni tempura wrapped in Shiso (stuffed so much till they couldn't stuff anymore!)

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Harajuku, Tokyo

Harajuku

Centre of Japan's most extreme teenage cultures and fashion styles

Location: between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line

Unique people signboards

Freshly made Royce chocolate Chips

Quirky looking shops

Definitely able to pick up something!

Walking further down from harajuku, slightly more upmarket area, with nice streetside shopping and cafes

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Tokyo

Why we love Japan- food, culture, weather, toilets

- Ameyoko market, Ueno 

Each time my husband and I visit Tokyo, we make it a point to stay at Hotel Century Southern tower at Shinjuku South for various reasons:

1. Shinjuku Train station

- located just opposite the station, easy to lug the luggages

- Houses almost every line in that station including the airport line and the Shinkansens

Jam Packed trains in busy Tokyo, very much different from Osaka

2. Fresh Bakery just below

3. Amazing view (hotel starts from the 20th storey)

- best seen in their lobby toilet 

4. Opposite Takashimaya

- My favourite juice store at B2, all genuine rich juice- No dilution/sweeteners

- Buying Uni at slashed prices just before they close

- Huge Tokyu Hands arts and crafts outlet- 6-7 storeys high

5. Food

- Great restaurants at Taka

- Sushi restaurant at Taka, Great sushi and sides! This is tabbed at our frequent-eats.

City Eats

Nakajima - Michelin Star Guide

Hidden Gem

Location: Japan, 〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku, 3 Chome−32−5, 日原ビル

https://goo.gl/maps/8mgQhRPvyZH2

Cuisine dedicated to Sardines, one well affordable lunch

2. Tsukiji Market

Sushi Dai- Great value for good sushi, omakase style

However, super duper long queue just to sit. We queued for 3 hrs in the cold during the Tokyo blizzard, but worthwhile. Although might add that sushi everywhere was good, if you don't feel up to the wait, just walk next door.

3. Yakitori Hachibei

Situated in Roppongi Hills, one of the best Yakitori places.

Random Eats

This was a restaurant in Shinjuku area that served dry noodles mixed with 'takoyaki' sauce, it reminded me of takoyaki balls. Ticket vending machine style restaurant

Oh this ice cream!

- Tokyo Station, Tokusei tsukemen

Shibuya Crossing

A must visit for a first timer in Japan, it is said the best view of the crossing is seen from the 2nd storey starbucks

Shop till you drop!

- Pablo Cheesecake, Rich and full of creamy milk