Land of the rising sun...the land of my dreams, literally.
As mentioned...the moment I touched down in Japan I knew I wanted to be back already...which normally does not happen very often. From the hospitality to the food..to the attractions..it was all too good to be true though there were instances in Tokyo that I dreaded the service. (surprise, surprise!) Other than that, the journey to Japan opened a whole new world to me..how amazing the Japanese cuisine can be. And like all the other over ambitious trips I've made...I had a laundry list of things to try...from top 40 must eats to must trys to...oh well, here's the compiled list...that one day I hope to revisit once again.
In the first trip, we covered Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto..and Yokohama if you insist...here's just a compilation!
TOKYO
Souvenirs
Kitkat mania - You heard me, I went gaga. Narita airport has the complete range for the season so imagine my face when I had dragged my kitkats throughout Osaka-Kyoto-Tokyo only to realise Tokyo had them.
Mochis - Japanese mochis are SO different from the taiwanese or chinese equivalents.
Tokyo Banana/Tamago - The sort you'd lug back but just a tip, Narita stocks em so don't bother dragging them all over!
Food at various attractions
Sulphur Eggs - The must eat at the revered Mount Fuji!
Sanrio Puroland - All things sooooo kawaiiii!
Nakamise Shopping Street outside Sensoji Temple - A food street...literally.
Shinkansen Bento Sets - It's about eating a beautiful bento box in the train. Looks triumphs taste.
For the budget conscious
Konbini - The cheapest form of food available..you'd be surprised what goodies you can find at their convenience stores...I still miss my morning onigiri and daifuku..all for SGD 3!
Yoshinoya - It really tastes a world of difference in its home country.
MOS Burger - Japanese hamburgers.
Savoury
Ramen Museum - I went to Yokohama for this...LOL!
Torikizoku - Yakitori at 280 Yen!
Maisen - Tonkatsu sandwiches sooooo goooooood!
Hiraboku - Tonkatsu takeaways...I say Maisen's better.
Yoneshiru - Steamed glutinous rice at its best
Sushi - One life to live, the bestest sushi on earth
Sushi Dai - Ranked 2nd at Tsukiji Market. 3 hours. Again? In a heartbeat.
Wagashi - Fine and traditional Japanese sweets!
Toraya - Here, there everywhere and the brand goes back a long way!
A random one at Matsuya Ginza
Sweets
Momi and Toys - Crepes, a harajuku must eat but I ended up fulfilling the crepe at Shibuya!
Departmental desserts - The most unlikely Angelina mont blanc found! Strawberry shortcake too.
Shiseido Parlour - Yes, the cosmetic giant does dessert.
Nenrinya Baumkuchen - Wildly popular german dessert.
Cream Puffs - Beard Papa's and Hirota! Methinks Tampopo are better.
Wabisa Cream Roll - Not too fantabulous.
Mon Chou Chou - The most awesome to die for cream roll ALIVE.
Kimuraya - Bean buns...well they all say it's a must try!
Pierre Herme - The continuation of his magical macarons in Tokyo....DIEHARD FAN!
OSAKA
All at Dotunburi
Kinryu Ramen - Dotunburi's Green Dragon Ramen.
Takopachi - What Osaka's Dotunburi is known for!
Hara Donuts - Osaka's yummy donuts!
Chibo - Okoyominaki specialist..
Kani Doraku - The waving crab mascot
Jill Stuart Cafe - Once again, a cosmetic giant gone sweet.
Bakery @ JR Namba - Japanese bread
Random wagashi @ JR Noda - Little surprises
Tonharu Honten - Tonkatsu at the subway
Yogurtland - Froyo by weight.
Endo Sushi - Osaka's fish market lil gem!
Gokaku Confectionery - Chilled molten cake. Ingenious!
KYOTO
All at Nishiki Market
Mini Custard Buns - Near Nishiki market!
Nishiki Market eats -The loveliest market alive.
Ramen Sennokaze - The best of the trip, near Nishiki!
Gion Kinana - Icecream in winter, only at Kyoto.
Souvenirs
Yatsuhashi - A kyoto wagashi
Beef - A must eat...wagyu beef!
Grill Miyata - Divinity achieved.
Kaiseki
Gion Namba - Worthy of the michelin star!!!
