Tag: Japanese

Long Week At Work? Rest And Recharge At These 5 Japanese Onsens In S’pore Instead

Mineral-rich onsens, magma stone beds, quaint tatami rooms and a Japanese Zen garden.

Ahhh…you can’t help but daydream about a relaxed getaway especially now that the end of year is approaching. Sure, a short getaway to a nearby country sounds great but sometimes time and money are tight.

But if you’re able to block off a couple of hours in your day, check into these Japanese spas and onsens instead to zen out and pamper yourself!

Ditch the air tickets – these Japanese spas will surely teleport you to Kyoto ryokans and Hakone onsens – minus the passport!

1. Ikeda Spa

A five-star Japanese spa, Ikeda offers a ryokan (traditional Japanese spa) and a variety of massages to have your stress and worries melted away. Founded in 2009, Ikeda Spa offers a quaint sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of town, nestled among lush greenery in Bukit Timah.

Ikeda Spa is home to Singapore’s first hinoki onsen – that is, an onsen made from Japan’s most prized cypress wood once reserved strictly for royalty, and used for building palaces, temples and shrines. This precious wood releases mineral oils with soothing scents and anti-bacterial properties to calm and uplift.

They offer single baths (from $80+ for 30 minutes) for those who prefer a bit more privacy. You can also choose from 5 different bath salt choices for different aromatherapy and other health benefits for your needs.

Alternatively, cosy up with your partner and opt for the couple’s bath (from $120+ for 30 minutes) instead. Spend quality time at their private couple onsen bath with your special one, relax and indulge in a 30 minutes therapeutic bath.

To make the entire experience feel like you’re truly in Japan, choose from a range of colourful yukatas and enjoy some hot tea on a tatami mat.

Ikeda Spa (Bukit Timah outlet)
Address: 787 Bukit Timah Road (Before 6th Ave) Singapore 269762
Opening hours: 1.30pm – 10.30pm, daily
Telephone: 6388 8080

Ikeda Spa Prestige (Clarke Quay outlet)
Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clarke Quay Central #05-22 (Level 5 Carpark) Singapore 059817
Opening hours: 1pm – 10pm, daily
Contact No.: 6388 8080

2. Yunomori Onsen And Spa

The largest onsen in Singapore, Yunomori Onsen & Spa features 11 aquatic therapy pools over a sprawling area of 16,000 sq ft. There’s no better way to commemorate your friendship than for all of you to jump into a pool together, fully butt-naked.

The pools are gender-separated and 100% communal, so prepare yourself and strip away all your inhibitions.

There are various hot pools here, including jet bath, bubble bath, a silk bath and even a soda bath. There’s even a steam and sauna room available that helps rejuvenate the skin, relieves joint and muscle pain, and relaxes the body and mind.

Once you’re done soaking in the baths, don your yukatas and head over to the Yunomori Cafe for some hearty Japanese grubs such as soba, ramen and oden. Or treat yourself to an ice cold bowl of kakigori.

This place will definitely make you feel like you’re in Japan!

Address: 1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628
Price: $38 for all-day access to baths, sauna, steam room, and lounge
Opening hours: Daily, 10AM-11PM
Contact No.: 6386 4126
Website

3. ESPA

Known for Singapore’s first authentic Turkish Hammam, did you know that ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa has an outdoor Japanese forest onsen as well?

Surrounded by lush greenery, this is the closest you’ll get to Japan! After taking a dip in the onsen, take a break  at the tea lounge that overlooks the Forest Onsen.

Apart from that, you’ll also have access to other facilities like the Rock Saunas, and Crystal Steam Bath – as long as you purchase a spa pass, or have a minimum booking of a 60-minute spa treatment.

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Price: $100 for 180 minutes
Opening hours: 9am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6577 8880
Website

4. Elements Wellness

Nestled in a private room, you can experience the time honoured Japanese bath ritual in a handcrafted Koyamaki wood tub with energised ion water. If you’re not familiar with Koyamaki, it is the wood of the sacred Japanese Umbrella Pine which releases a lime fragrance when in contact with water, and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

The Signature Koyamaki Onsen Ritual includes an Ocha Body Massage (60-min), Seaweed Body Scrub (15-min), Koyamaki Onsen Therapy in Private Suite with Steambath (40-min) and Foot Detox Therapy in VIP lounge (10-min). A couple spa option is available upon request as well.

Address: 176 Orchard Road, #02-28 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Price: $148 for 125 minutes (single) $258 for 125 minutes (for 2)
Opening hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 9pm, Sat – Sun and Public Holidays: 10.30am – 8pm
Telephone: 6737 8488

5. Le Méridien Singapore

Set in the heart of Sentosa, Le Méridien Singapore is an upscale lifestyle hotel with an illustrious history which provides luxury comforts for the modern traveller. If you’re ever planning on a staycation in Sentosa, opt from the 19 unique Japanese-style Onsen Suites featuring private onsen pools available.

The Japanese Onsen Suites offer an expansive 63 sqm of stylish living space where you can enjoy the cool evenings under the stars on the private open air deck with the Japanese Onsen hot tub.

As a general indication of how much you’ll have to fork out, a night in the Onsen Suite at the Le Méridien starts from $600.

Address: 23 Beach View, Sentosa, 098679
Price: From $600 per night
Telephone: 6818 3388

While you’re waiting on your next trip to Japan, how about taking a break from work and checking in to these onsens instead?

It’s always good to treat yourself, so let these warm onsens tide you over.

Also Read Gardens By The Bay Gets A Glow Up – Meet Neon Animals, Circus Performances & Movie Screenings

(Header Image Source: Resorts World Sentosa)

This New Tom Yum Ramen Brings Together The Best Of Both Thai And Japanese Cuisine

What do you get when you combine Thai and Japanese cuisine together?

This masterpiece.

Kop Khun Konnichiwa

Together with sister brand Soi Thai Soi Nice, Ramen Tenji has launched the Tom Yum Ramen ($17.90) which will be available for a limited time only.

You can expect your favourite springy ramen noodles bathed in an aromatic Tom Yum broth that is prepared from scratch daily by Soi Thai Soi Nice’s Head Chef Worawang Phairit.

This Tom Yum Ramen is packed with big succulent prawns, tender Charsiew meat, a side of black fungus and not forgetting the ingredient that every ramen must have – the Ajitama egg perched on top of a mound of noodles.

The best part? This Tom Yum Ramen is available for both dine-in and takeaways at Ramen Tenji and Soi Thai Soi Nice at The Seletar Mall.

Looking for a change from your usual Japanese Ramen? This cross-cultural mash up is right up the alley.

Ramen Tenji
Address: 33 Seng Kang West Avenue, The Seletar Mall, #01-28, Singapore 797653
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 3pm, 5pm – 9.30pm, Sat: 11:30am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6581 2189
Website

Soi Thai Soi Nice
Address: 33 Seng Kang West Ave, The Seletar Mall #01-29/30, Singapore 797653
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11:30am – 10pm, Sat – Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact No.: 6581 2190
Website

Also Read Get Some Pho-King Good Noodles At These 8 Vietnamese Restaurants

(Header Image Source: Ramen Tenji)

Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

It’s not cheap to fly all the way to Japan for a food adventure. Don’t even get us started on the language barrier! But guess what? Japan Food Town will officially open its doors at Wisma Atria, Orchard on the 16th of July 2016! It’s about curating and bringing the best of Japanese food to our sunny shores!

We Singaporeans loveeeeee Japanese food. From takeaway sushi rolls, cook-it-yourself curry rice or the ‘I saved for moths for this piece of Kobe beef’, there’s always an occasion for Japanese food.

Image source: Japan Food Town

But how about authentic Japanese food? How many of us actually had proper artisanal sushi (not machine pressed rice with corn and mayonnaise)?

What is Japan Food Town?

Known for their deep fried pork cutlet (specifically Japanese black-haired pork, also known as kurobuta) served with homemade sauce, you sure can count on Anzu for your Katsu cravings. Everything is prepared from fresh Kyushu produce. They even grow the vegetables themselves!

2. Onigiri @ Bonta Bonta

Do not underestimate the Rice Balls (onigiri) at Bonta Bonta. Every grain of rice is carefully selected by a ‘Rice Sommelier’ and processed to the highest standards to qualify as Kinmemai – low-calorie brown rice with high nutritional value. Certainly a humble dish prepared with lots of effort and love.

3. Sake @ Dassai Bar

Hokkaido’s unique geographical location means access to the best flavours of both worlds – the sea and the land. You’ve heard people rave about their seafood (Hokkaido crab!!) and soba from the Tanjong Pagar branch. How about trying it for yourself at Japan Food Town?

5. Handmade Udon @ Inaniwa Yosuke

Ramen Ramen Ramen! Need we say more?? We’d love to let the broth do the talking but what makes Machida Shoten really special is their “Iekei” concept, which translates to noodles that are cooked to the diner’s specified softness or hardness. Personalised Ramen, bring it on!

7. 2 Michelin Star Hotpot @ Nabe Seizan

Feeling under the weather? Maybe a 2 Michelin Star hotpot (nabe) will pick you up. Helmed by Tokyo-born chef, Haruhiko Yamamoto, Seizan strives to bring out the true flavours of each ingredient rather than rely on sauces. Be blown away by this nabe.

8. Premium Teppanyaki & Wagyu @ Osaka Kitchen

Ever wonder what a ‘premium Teppanyaki’ experience is like? Just head to Osaka Kitchen for the finest wagyu on hot stove. While you’re at it, order Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and Yakisoba (fried noodle) for a true blue Kansai dining experience.

9. Fried Chicken @ Rang Mang Shokudo

This isn’t just ANY fried chicken. Tokyo’s Rang Mang Shokudo’s fried chicken is marinated in buttermilk for 6 hours. It is then double fried in low heat to bring out the umami, that desirable Japanese flavour. Pair it with their signature frozen lemon cocktail…that’s definitely finger licking good!

10. Mackerel @ Sabar

Started in 1997, this eatery operated on a simple motto – “good quality food with reasonable price”. Try their beef and vegetable buffet Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki and you’ll understand the true definition of amazing quality food and reasonable price.

12. Sushi Takewaka from Tsukiji Market

At Yakiniku Heijyoen, their beef is treated like fine wine – only top quality black haired wagyu beef from Japan is used. Before the beef even sees the kitchen, it is first aged for tenderness to bring out a deeper concentration of beef taste. Beef lovers, this is a treat you don’t wanna miss.

15. Yomoda Soba

“Yomoda” means many things – carefree, fun, easy going, but most of all, it’s a word used for friends to see things on the lighter side of life. Boasting freshly made soba served with “Yomoda” hospitality at a surprisingly affordable price, this is the kind of place you’d want to visit with your family and friends.

With such a wide range of authentic Japanese food to choose from, which eatery would you like to try out first? You can bet that we’ll be heading down with friends & family. Let’s pen this new food town in our food bucket list!

Japan Food Town
Official opening date: 16 July 2016
Location: 4th Floor, Wisma Atria Shopping Centre, 435 Orchard Rd, 238877
Operating Hours: 11am-11pm daily
Website: Japan Food Town

Header image source: Pexels

For more Japanese food in Singapore, click here.
Also, read A Rundown Of What’s Cooking At Food Opera – 8 Stalls You Must Check Out!

Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG

Train enthusiasts, cafe hopper, or lover of all things Japanese, we have great news for you! East Japan Railway Company (JR EAST) has just announced that they will be opening their very first out-of-Japan, tourism-themed cafe this November. And the best part of all, this ‘train’ will be arriving in Singapore!

Get your Japan rail passes at the cafe

Set to open their doors on the ground floor of Tanjong Pagar Centre, the Japan Rail Cafe will be a one-stop Japanese-experience for fans of the country. Besides dishing out yummy gourmet food and displaying kawaii items, prospective Japan tourists can also find information about lesser known regions of Japan and even purchase their Japan rail passes here. Now that sure is convenient!

Monthly menu and display updates

If you think this is just another ‘one visit and you’re done’ themed cafe, you’re missing out the fun here. The kawaii display items imported from Japan will be changed EVERY MONTH. The menu, which adopts the latest recipes developed by JR EAST’s F&B outlets in Tokyo, will also be updated on a monthly basis.

Workshops, pop-up booths, and seminars

On top of that, Japan Rail Cafe will also be hosting monthly workshops, and pop-up booths selling items from shopping malls inside JR EAST’s train stations. If you’re too broke to make a trip to the land of rising sun, you can experience Japanese culture at the seminars and get your Japanese (gift or souvenirs) here!

Get advice for your Japan itinerary

Planning the itinerary of an overseas trip can be a bit of a pain but we have a feeling that this cafe will be the perfect place to work on your Japan trip’s rundown. What’s better than having a local help you with your travel plans? At the Japan Rail Cafe, there will be Japanese service staff (fluent in English) who will introduce their home country to you.

2016 marks the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Japan Diplomatic Relations and having a cultural exchange in a casual setting sure is a great way to celebrate the relationship. #relationshipgoals

Japan Rail Cafe
Address: 5 Wallich Street, #01-20/21, Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore
Estimated opening date: November 2016

(Header image source: Wikimedia, words by writer)

Also read: Popular Nightspots – Unwind To Recommended Izakayas in Singapore