WAttention Singapore vol 44 by WAttention

Singapore Edition

Tokyo - Malaysia - L.A - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

May/ Jun 2018 VOL.44 MCI (P) 120/08/2017

商店街 TANJONG PAGAR

SHOTENGAI S HOPPING DI S T R I C T

洋食屋

イイモノあげる。

八百屋 g o od

sh oes gives you win gs

Family Fun in Japan

Get set, go! Our 2nd Stamp Card Campaign starts Apr’18!

www.wattention.com

！第2弾ョンタンジ福引パガー

ーンペンャキ

暦 Koyomi April

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

卯月

Mif uji 美藤

text & artwork / Allan West, coordination / Mariko Takahashi, photo / Keiiji Okazaki

This painting titled “Mifuji” (beautiful

four panels folding screen “Mifuji”

For this painting, I approached it as a

wisteria) was inspired by an experience I had

portrait of a person’s essence instead of

back in the U.S. when I was in elementary

their physical characteristics. Against the

school. I had climbed over the fence behind

cheerful sky with copper and gold clouds,

the campus and entered the woods which

I painted the words to the Noh play “Fuji”

were oﬀ-limits to students. In the clearing, I

in the background using ﬂuid cursive

was greeted by a gorgeous mass of fragrant

script. In this particular play, the female

wild wisteria hanging before me in the bright

spirit of the wisteria blossoms takes

sun. That magical vision stayed with me until

the form of an elegant princess who

ALLAN WEST

this day. From then, wisterias became my

performs a special dance before fortunate

favourite subject to paint during my high

onlookers. This painting thus embodies

school and college days. Even now, they are a

the reﬁned beauty and grace of the

Born in 1962 in the US, Allan West settled in Tokyo and eventually graduated with a Masters in Fine Arts from the Tokyo University of the Arts. You can visit his open studio in Yanaka, Tokyo.

motif that I return to time and time again.

wisteria spirit.

www.allanwest.jp

| WAttention Singapore

VOL.44

SPECIAL FEATURES

大好評につき、今年もスタート！

第二回商店街スタンプカードキャンペーン TANJONG PAGAR “SHOTENGAI” CAMPAIGN RETURNS & JET OFF TO JAPAN WITH YOUR FAMILY SPECIAL FEATURE

The Traditional Japanese Neighbourhood: Shotengai

Yasuko Suzuki WAon Pte Ltd 2A/2B Craig Road Singapore 089662 Tel: (65) 6324-2127 E-mail: singapore@wattention.com

– Explore the diﬀerent aspects of a typical shopping

Ayako Miyazaki

district in Japan – Exciting promotions instore for our second Tanjong Pagar Shotengai Campaign

Publisher

Editor in Chief Advertising Sales Ayako Miyazaki / Miyoko Takeuchi Mikako Suzuki / Kaoruko Hishida / Rio Kawai

Editorial Team Lam Ying Wai / Michelle Kan

– Tanjong Pagar Shotengai Walking Map

Design Team

Family Fun in Japan

Japan Editorial & Design Team

– 10 reasons why Japan is ideal for family trips – Model itinerary for four diﬀerent families 02

In Harmony with the Seasons

WAt’S New?

WA Seh – The Really Useful Japan Travel Guide Vol. 07

Japan Travel & Beyond – Early Summer Guide

JPN47 Vol. 22 – Yamagata City

Event & Information

Chew Yan Qiao / Eric Voon Ariko Urano / Yuri Sato / Miki Yasui Yuka Suzuki / Kenji Ishida

Photographer Maiko Yoshimoto / Chris Mollison Noboru Hanamura

Partners WAttention Co., Ltd

Special Thanks Shibuya Ward Shotengai Business Association Chairman, Mr. Kenji Onishi Tanjong Pagar – Tiong Bahru CCC Chairman, PBM, Mr. Ho Nai Chuen Tanjong Pagar – Tiong Bahru Constituency Oﬃce, Constituency Director, Ms. Janice Ong Tanjong Pagar Town Council 本誌に関する日本国内でのお問い合わせ先和テンション株式会社 Tel: +81 3-6418-5701 Fax: +81 3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

Prices printed are indicative only.

Why “WAttention”? WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（和）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! *Prices reﬂected in the magazine are exclusive of GST *All restaurants featured reserve the right to alter their respective promotional periods and prices

世界中の人々に「和」（WA）に注目（Attention）してほしいという願いを込めて WA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。

WAttention is a publication of WAon Pte Ltd. All articles published are in good faith and based on bonaﬁde information available to The Publisher at the time of press. The Publisher accepts no responsibility other than that stipulated by law. The Publisher also accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. All rights are reserved and no part of this publication may be reproduced in part or full without the previous written permission of The Publisher. Neither can any part be stored or recorded, by any means. The opinions expressed in The Publication are those of the contributors and not necessarily endorsed by The Publisher. This publication and the name are owned solely by WAon Pte Ltd, 2A/2B Craig Road, (S)089662. Email: singapore@wattention.com. WAttention is published bimonthly and distributed throughout Singapore. Trademarks and copyrights for all other products, logos and depictions contained herein are the properties of their respective trademark and copyright owners.

Paper from Responsible Forests All colour separation and printing by NPE PRINT COMMUNICATIONS PTE LTD Licence No. L001/12/2017 39 & 41 Kallang Place, Singapore 339169 Distributor: DJ Express Services

WAttention Singapore |

Soak in the relaxing atmosphere of a newly reopened Italian bar Reopening its doors in March, this is the perfect place to enjoy casual Italian lunches by day and popular Italian tapas during happy hour by night. Helmed by Italian manager Mr. Lukasz, you are guaranteed a wonderful time with colleagues and loved ones here.

Menu P ER E TTA L’ O

Home-made arancini

$16

Tagliatelle with Boston lobster in light cream tomato sauce

$35

Entrecote with green peppercorn sauce $36 Bella Napoli pizza

Corner Bar Returns With

$32

Italian

Kushiage ! t p e c n o C w e N d n a r B A ×

Indulge in Kushiage at their new counter area This classy restaurant serves specially crafted donburi during the day and kushiage courses at night. Fresh seasonal vegetables and seafood imported from Japan are used for the kushiage, ensuring exceptional taste. Pair the freshly fried skewers with their wide range of sake, including select sake from Fukui prefecture, for an unforgettable meal!

Menu Kushiage Omakase Course

from

$80

Kushiage Light Course

$60

Kushiage Ladies Course

$60

Corner Bar L Operetta / ECHIZEN ☎ 9127-4611

L’OPERA G R O U

7, 9, 11, 15 Boon Tat St, 069614 ¦ Mon Fri 11:30 ‒ 14:30 17:30 ‒ 22:30 Closed on Sat, Sun and PH operettacornerbar/echizensg

アテンション！新登場

WAt’S Orchard

Shisen Hanten by Chen Kentaro

四川飯店

Level 35 Orchard Wing Mandarin Orchard, 333 Orchard Road | 68316288 / 6831-6262 | Mon-Fri 12pm – 2.30pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 6pm – 10pm (L.O. 9.45pm)Sat, Sun & PH 11am – 12.45pm (L.O. 12.30pm), 1pm – 2.45pm (L.O. 2.30pm) shisenhanten.com.sg

A Dash of Szechwan ..............$50

*Only available at Shisen Hanten

Learn the best of Szechwan cooking Recreate your favourite dish from Singapore’s highest Michelin-rated Chinese restaurant with the release of Executive Chef Chen Kentaro’s ﬁrst English cookbook! ‘A Dash of Szechwan’ features 50 recipes, some of which have never been shared before. Try your hand at making Dan Dan Noodle Soup and Chen Family’s Mapo Tofu through his easy-tofollow instructions and impress your loved ones today! Orchard

Hokkaido Marche

北海道マルシェ

#B2-11 to #B2-29, #B2-44 to #B2-48 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road HokkaidoMarcheSG 6509-9383 | Daily 11am – 11pm (L.O. 10pm)

Revel in heart-warming Hokkaido cuisine At this marketplace-style food hall, diners can tuck into a variety of Hokkaido fare without burning a hole in your pockets. A total of seven shops will oﬀer yummy seafood donburi, curry rice, ramen, soba and udon dishes. A café and bar complete the exciting lineup, so get ready to enjoy the laidback atmosphere of a Japanese yatai while indulging your tastebuds!

Robertson Quay

Unagiya Ichinoji

鰻家一の字

Riverside View #01-05, Roberson Quay | 6732-1970 | Daily 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm

Hitsumabushi (Medium) ..................................... $26.80

Seiro Mushi with Chawanmushi ........... $24.80

125-year-old unagi specialist opens ﬁrst Singapore outlet From one of Tokyo’s most established unagi restaurant comes its very ﬁrst foray into the Singapore F&B scene! Newly opened on 12 April, the 34-seater will serve unagi in three styles: HItsumabushi follows Nagoya-style cooking, which can be eaten three ways, while Seiro Mushi originating from Fukuoka places grilled unagi covered in sauce in a bamboo steamer. Last but not least, try the classic Osaka-style Mamushi Donburi.

Tanjong Pagar

Kajiken

歌志軒

Tanjong Pagar 1 Tras Link #01-03 | 6444-9260 | Daily 11.30am – 9.30pm kajikensg.com kajiken Sg

Mazesoba Nagoya Style ....................................................$12.80

Mentaiko Cheese Mazesoba ....................................................$16.80

Japan’s No. 1 Mazesoba brand strikes again! NEW

Heads up Kajiken lovers! Their ﬁrst branch in Singapore is expanding, moving just two stores down to a bigger venue at Tanjong Pagar. This reputed joint has garnered much love from locals and Japanese alike, gathering a strong base of regulars. Check out their upcoming new menu items and enjoy the unrivalled harmony of their chewy noodles mixed with top-secret sauce. WAttention Singapore |

WAttention_HPFC_131x180mm_T3genericapril2018_FA.pdf

| WAttention Singapore

11/04/2018

11:40

i a g n e t Sho The Traditional Japanese Neighbourhood:

商店街

Nothing shouts a true local experience louder than walking down a Japanese shotengai (商店街, shopping district). These distinct stretches of shops are present in both major cities and obscure towns alike, where shopkeepers here tend to have closer relationships with their patrons. Usually located near a train station and deeply rooted in their locality, their concept is somewhat similar to the wet markets of the neighbourhood heartlands in Singapore where our mothers and grandparents get daily necessities from. As people begin to rediscover the value of community-based businesses, these marketplaces have now transformed into retro-hip areas where a mix of new and old shops co-exist in original structures. The myriad of establishments consists of both local and foreign elements — it is this mesh of cultures that add to the uniqueness and character of each shopping arcade.

Come along with us as we explore the diﬀerent aspects of a shotengai!

What to expect at a typical Designed by Chew Yan Qiao Written by Michelle Kan

Japanese Shopping District 日本の商店街を紹介！ With various businesses all clustered in a single place, the main purpose of shotengai is to support the daily lives of the nearby residents. To date, over 15,000 such shopping districts can be found scattered across Japan. To get a taste of the local culture, nothing beats the authenticity of a shotengai!

Greengrocers, Butchers & Fishmongers 八百屋・肉屋・魚屋 // yaoya, nikuya, sakanaya Here, you can find independent grocers and vendors selling fresh produce ranging from fruits, vegetables, meat, pickled foodstuff and more. Much like the wet markets of the Singapore heartlands, they cater to the day to day practical needs of nearby residents, offering endless in-season, homegrown selections. Unlike supermarkets, there is a local touch to these grocers and owners tend to converse with their patrons.

Biyōin

Kissaten

美容院 // Hair Salons

喫茶店 // Traditional Japanese Coffee Houses

Step foot into the cheerful interior of these neighbourhood salons, where the hairstylists provide you with more than just a haircut. Whether it is over a quick trim or a luxurious head spa, the team of amiable stylists will serve you nothing but the best!

Tucked away in a cosy nook, the quaint kissaten of shotengai are where the art of brewing tea or coﬀee is taken seriously. Sip on quality cuppas meticulously handcrafted by the owner against the vintage interior décor, with soft jazz music playing in the background.

Sōzai-ya

Game Centres

惣菜屋 // Delicatessens

ゲームセンター

These casual stands are known for their freshly made, prepacked foods that you can tuck in to right in front of their store. Expect a wide selection of both sweet and savoury, inexpensive Japanese street food like croquettes, grilled squid, roasted sweet potatoes, crepes — you name it, they have it.

Entering one of these entertainment facilities, you will be surrounded by amazingly loud music and blinding neon lights. You can play a variety of old-school arcade games here or spend hours at purikura (プリクラ, Print Club or “neoprints”) photo booths.

| WAttention Singapore

An illustrative map of an actual shotengai in Japan!

Based on Jujo Ginza Shotengai

Convenience Stores コンビニ

Pan-ya パン屋 // Bakeries

The magical konbini of Japan hardly needs any introduction. Stocking a range of everyday items from basic groceries to toiletries, many stop by here for inexpensive ready-to-eat meals like bento, onigiri and sandwiches. Lesser known to others is that one can also access ATMs, reserve bus or concert tickets, use printers, pay their bills, and even engage in postal services here. Be it grabbing an alcoholic beverage late at night or buying a cheap umbrella from a sudden downpour, the 24-hour konbini has got you covered.

There are very few things in the world that can compare to the sight and smell of freshly baked bread and pastries. These local bakeries nestled in shotengai handmake each piece daily, with seasonal specials appearing time to time. From meronpan (メロンパン, melon bun) to karepan (カレーパン, curry bun), indulge your senses in both sweet and savoury pastries! Little ones can also tuck into buns sold in fun shapes.

Yōfukuten 洋服店 // Clothing Shop Forget the mass-produced fashion lines and luxury brands, the clothing shops at shotengai are all about the practical and contemporary essentials. Oﬀering tasteful designs for everyday wear, here you can also unearth rare gems going at cheap prices. Find the perfect accessory for yourself in the simple yet homely furnishing of the store with welcoming owners and staﬀ who are more than willing to help you.

Hon-ya 本屋 // Bookstore Get a wave of nostalgia by stepping into a traditional Japanese hon-ya. The humble bookstore found at shotengai has a smaller interior compared to the commercial stores in Japan. Even though you may not be able to ﬁnd much material written in foreign languages, it is always nice to ﬂip through stylish magazines, design books and explore the literary world of Japan’s print. Who knows, you may even get your hands on a rare book!

Izakaya 居酒屋 // Japanese pubs The iconic red lanterns and kifuda (木札, wooden placards) menus displayed on the exteriors of these Japanese pubs are hard to miss. Soak in the lively atmosphere and dig in to all your favourite otsumami (おつまみ, Japanese sides that go well with alcohol) along with an ice-cold beer. A popular choice for after-work drinking, the “bottle keep” services for sake and shōchū also help draw regulars from the surrounding area.

sho es giv es

SHOPPING DISTRICT S TAMP CARD CAMPAIGN HOW TO PLAY

スタンプカードキャンペーン参加方法 Scan the QR code or visit our Facebook event page for the full list of participating outlets and prizes.

you win gs

step 1

step 2

Collect a stamp card at any of the 38 participating restaurants and shops during this period. Besides F&B outlets, you can get stamps at beauty salons and travel agencies too!

Spend at least $10 at any outlet to earn one stamp. Every ﬁve stamps entitle you to one spin on the FUKUBIKI. The more you spend, the more you spin and the higher your chances of winning!

25 APR - 7 JUN’18

step 3

1 JUN - 7 JUN’18 Visit our booth at H.I.S Singapore (#03-16/17/18, 100 AM Mall) to take part in the FUKUBIKI lucky spin. *A maximum of 10 spins are allowed per turn.

Prizes proudly sponsored by:

洋食屋

商店街

g oo

TANJONG P A G A R

イイモノあげる。

八百屋

タンジョンパガー

step 4

Watch which coloured balls drop when you spin! Each colour represents a diﬀerent prize category, and you stand to walk away with complimentary beauty treatments, restaurant vouchers, air tickets to Japan and more!

Tanjong Pagar Shopping District

STAMP CARD CAMPAIGN is back for the second time this year!

A total of 32 shops in the area joined us for the very ﬁrst campaign last year, with over 20,000 participants involved in the stamp card event and lucky spin. While we mainly focused on Japanese restaurants previously, we are reaching out to a wider range of establishments this year! The local marketplace in the Singapore neighbourhoods share the same dynamism as Japanese shotengai (商店街, shopping districts), and are rooted in similar concepts of communal living. Likening the Tanjong Pagar area to a shotengai, we hope to encourage more people to visit not only the many authentic Japanese diners found there, but also the existing local and foreign businesses that support the daily life of the nearby residents and working crowd. Mr. Kenji Onishi

Mr. Ho Nai Chuen

Shibuya Ward Shotengai Business Association Chairman

Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru Citizens Consultative Committee Chairman

In the past, the lives of the Japanese centered around castletowns or temples, causing many trades to gather in those areas to support the daily lives of the people which eventually evolved into the shotengai of today. It really is an honour to hear of such an event is taking place outside of Japan — this is indeed a great chance for others to learn about a lesser known aspect of Japan. I hope that through this, many would want to visit the shotengai of Japan for an authentic local experience.

Formerly the place where lower income migrants used to congregate, Tanjong Pagar is also the legacy of our ﬁnding Prime Minister who fostered a strong sense of community spirit over his 60 years of service. Today, it has been completely transformed into a vibrant and modern township with a good mix of commercial establishments, public and private housing where people work, play and live. The campaign has also helped raised the business proﬁle of the area by revitalizing it as a shopping district to attract more visitors, even foreigners, who are looking to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Singapore.

1 等当たるといいなぁ～

What is FUKUBIKI (福引き)？ The word “Fukubiki” is the combination of the Japanese characters for “luck” (福) and “pull/draw” (引き), which essentially means lucky draw! Simply turn the handle on the octagonal FUKUBIKI box slowly until a coloured ball pops out a from a hole at the side. Check the corresponding prizes for the colour you get.

Welcome to

r a g a P g n o j Tan i a g n Shote

The Pinnacle@ Duxton

Tanjong Pagar Plaza

Tanjong Pagar Rd

8, 9 12, 17

1, 2, 3, 4 5, 6, 7, 23

Orchid Hotel

100am

11 20

Oasia Hotel

Icon Village

Tanjong Pagar Centre

Gopeng Rd

Scan here for online map

13, 16

International Plaza

EW15

26, 30

EW15

Tanjong Pagar

Anson Rd

| WAttention Singapore

10 35

Peck

Dorsett Singapore

EW16 NE3

Outram Park

Bukit Pasoh Rd Keong Saik Rd

25, 28

Craig Rd

Duxton Hill

Craig Place

32 36

Duxton Rd

Neil Rd

Tras St Maxwell Rd

タンパガへ

Seah St

ようこそ !

Participating Shop Lists

1. Numazu Uogashi Zushi 2. Shabu Shabu Gyu Jin 3. YAYOI 4. Tokyo Yakiniku Heijoen 5. Ramen Keisuke Tori King 6. Saboten 7. Nadai Fujisoba NI HACHI 8. Gyoza King 9. Takeda Shoten Sake Bar

10. Tendon Ginza Itsuki 11. Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei 12. Tonkotsu King 13. JAPAN RAIL CAFE 14. TAKU Sushi & Wagyu x Craft Bar 15. JF Kanda Wadatsumi 16. IPPUDO 17. KAJIKEN 18. Binomio 19. El Tardeo

20. Pizzeria L’Operetta 21. Etna 22. Trattoria Nonna Lina 23. H.I.S. 24. FLOR Patisserie 25. COVO 26. Shoppink Room x Pink Room 27. Hair Studio Flamingo 28. KJStudio 29. Raku Raku 30. Kan Sushi 31. Guenpin

32. Kagurasake 33. Yakinikuou 34. Hakata Ikkousha 35. Hokkaido Izakaya 36. Onigiri-Ya by Inaho 37. Jing Hua Xiao Chi 38. SG Taps

Read on for more great deals!

#03-K1

s a t t n e A diﬀer o y a d h eac by

沼津魚がし鮨

Numazu Uogashi Zushi

Savour the freshest catch straight from Numazu

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Daichan Nigiri Set Lunch

$20 Shin Kaisendon Set Lunch (inclusive of soup) $25 (inclusive of salad & soup)

ITADAKIMASU_ILLUSTRATION.pdf 1 28/3/2017 6:12:51 PM

ITADAKIMASU_ILLUSTRATION.pdf 4 20/3/2017 8:45:41 PM

Treat yourself to a selection of sushi made with the freshest seafood brought in directly from Suruga Bay in Shizuoka Prefecture. Established in 1979, the brand has over 40 outlets in Japan and offers generously-portioned sashimi, grilled or stewed fish teishoku at reasonable prices. Available on weekends too, enjoy a hearty meal complete with a warm bowl of soup!

Besides providing everyday Japanese meals for the people, itadakimasu by PARCO’s strategic location at the heart of town makes it the perfect fit for party or banquets too.

☎ 6444 - 0868 | Daily 11am – 3pm, 5. 30 pm – 10 pm

#03-10

やよい軒

YAYOI

Spoil yourself with tasty yet nutritious teishoku

This teishoku specialist of fers a large variet y of set meals guaranteed to satisf y even the pickiest of eaters. A side from regular favourites such as the Hitsumabushi Teishoku, we highly recommend their Curr y Nabe Teishsoku. Ever y set comes with Kinme Rice, salad and soup, so you are assured a well-balanced diet!

しゃぶしゃぶ牛陣

Shabu Shabu Gyu Jin

Sumptuous servings of top-grade wagyu

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Curry Nabe Teishoku $18.90 / Ala Carte $16 Hitsumabushi Teishoku $21.90

☎ 6694 - 8809| Daily 11am – 10 pm

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Japanese A5 Wagyu Shabu Shabu/ Sukiyaki Dinner $72.90 Buffet (90min)

Serving up A5-grade Japanese kuroge cuts, this restaurant offers bottomless courses complete with free-flow drinks, ice-cream, and a vast selection of fresh vegetables. We recommend the well-loved Hidaka Kelp Dashi from their five different soup bases, but if you’re feeling more adventurous, give the Yuzu Salt base a go! Besides their affordable buffet courses, diners can also enjoy lunch sets at pocketfriendly prices.

#03-12

☎ 6538 -1820 ¦ Daily 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10 pm

#03-11

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焼肉平城苑

Tokyo Yakiniku Heijoen

Tuck into hearty portions of grilled meat

All-You-Can-Eat Wagyu Premium $49.90 Lunch Buffet (50 min) All-You-Can-Eat Wagyu Premium $59.90 Dinner Buffet (90 min) *Japanese A5 Wagyu!

Japanese Wagyu Aburi Don $27.90 (lunch only)

Get your bellies ready for all-you-can-eat yakiniku buffet at this reputed casual restaurant! Uncomprimising in quality, each piece of wagyu is beautifully marbled and carefully aged, producing an extra depth in flavour. This is a great chance for meat lovers to experience a spread filled with a wide variety of cuts!

☎ 6538 -2981|Daily 11am – 3pm, 5pm – 10 pm (L.O. 9. 30 pm)

| WAttention Singapore

r o f n a p te of Ja ! k e e w e h ft

鶏王けいすけ

Ramen Keisuke Tori King

Tasty chicken soup ramen for the soul

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Tori King Ramen with Flavoured Egg $13.90 Tori King Ultra Rich Tan Tan Mien Special $19.90 (All Toppings)

Slurp up bowl after bowl of this addictive chicken-based ramen, served with a thick broth and topped with a protein-laden grilled chicken thigh. For the inaugurated, you may also want to try their tempting tsukemen, which comes with a rich dipping sauce made from chicken stock and Hidaka Konbu. For those who prefer a lighter taste, go for the clear soup base that has a more refreshing finish! ☎ 6604- 6861 ¦ Mon-Fri 11.30am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 10pm Sat, Sun & PH 11.30am – 10pm keisuke.sg/tori-king-tanjong-pagar

#03-15

#03-13

名代富士そば二八

Nadai Fujisoba NI HACHI

Authentic handmade soba to satisfy your cravings

Hap󰈥󰉙 󰉀󰈡󰉊r A󰈗󰈘-Nig󰈊󰉄 󰈪ro󰈚󰈡󰉄󰈏on

新宿とんかつさぼてん

Saboten

Sinfully good cutlets worth every calorie

20% OFF Bar Menu

*Applicable to bar snacks, beer, sake and wine only *Valid till 31 May’18

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Cheese Minced Pork Katsu Classic Gozen Cheese Minced Pork Katsu & Tenderloin Katsu Gozen

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Cold NI HACHI Tempura Soba $20 Lunch Set (11am-2.30pm) *Hot or cold soba *Choices of donburi available: unagi, salmon, yakiniku, kashiwa, mentaiko, butabara, kamonegi, tororo, beef or mentai salmon

Freshly made in-house daily using the finest buckwheat flour, the noodles at NI HACHI boast quality in both texture and taste. Served alongside an aromatic sauce, slurp up yummy soba while feasting on a myriad of side dishes. Be spoiled for choice with tantalizing meats to premium seafood fresh from the shores of Japan. Their affordable lunch sets are not to be missed too! ☎ 6443 - 8827 | Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm, 5. 30pm – 10pm, Sat, Sun & PH 11am – 10pm fujisoba

$23.50 $26.50

*Seasonal Menu available till 31 May’18

Sink your teeth into the mouthwatering cutlets at this tonkatsu (豚カツ) restaurant. Each piece is coated in freshly-grated breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection, pairing superbly with shredded cabbage on the side. The skillful chefs serve up juicy cutlets with the right amount of crunch, and cheese lovers can also delight in the delectable cheesy katsu specials this season! ☎ 6904 - 4032 | Mon-Fri 11am – 3pm, 5. 30pm – 10pm, Sat, Sun & PH 11am – 10pm saboten.sg

#03-14

itadakimasu by PARCO

100 Tras St. Level 3 100 AM Shopping Mall (5 min from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station) |Daily 11am – 10pm itadakimasubyparco

itadakimasubyparco

Visit for more details! www.parcoitadakimasu.com WAttention Singapore |

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Ignite your tastebuds with Keisuke’s umami-packed meals!

餃子王

Gyoza King

酒バー竹田商店

Takeda Shoten Sake Bar

銀座天丼いつき

Tendon Ginza Itsuki

Juicy pan-fried gyoza with super side dishes

Drink in the authentic Japanese bar atmosphere

Delicious tempura fried to crisp perfection

The succulent handmade dumplings served here are infused with the same soup base of the successful Keisuke ramen stores. Diners choose from three varieties — the best-seller Pork Gyoza, Prawn Gyoza and Chicken Gyoza, all of which have crisp outer skins encasing flavourful fillings. Pick two sides from a delectable selection of eight and pair them with soup and glistening Koshihikari rice for a great meal!

Tuck into signature bar bites and sip on a wide range of exclusive sake that chefowner Keisuke Takeda sometimes handcarries into town. Pick from a food menu that includes oden and miso-flavoured grilled cream cheese to go with your choice of drinks. Don’t forget to stop by during lunchtime to try their karaage (唐揚げ, Japanese-style fried chicken) too!

At this 24-seater, diners can look forward to hearty bowls of Japanese rice topped with light, crispy pieces of tempura made from the freshest produce. The Special Tendon comes with tender chicken and shrimp, while the Vegetable Tendon features locally-grown ｇreens. All ingredients are coated in a batter made from Japanese flour and fried in different pans to ensure the best taste and texture.

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Gyoza Set

$13.90

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Bottle Beer Bucket (5 Bottles)

$50

Bamboo Basket Chicken $15 Karaage Set Meal $13.90

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Special Tendon $13.90 Vegetable Tendon $12.90

(Lunch only)

☎ 6604 - 6674 | Orchid Hotel # 01-15, 1 Tras Link Daily 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm, 6pm - 10. 30 pm keisuke.sg/gyoza-king-tanjong-pagar

☎ 6444 - 0880 | Orchid Hotel # 01- 08 , 1 Tras Link Daily 12pm - 2. 30 pm, 4 . 30 pm - 10. 30 pm takeda-shoten.sg

☎ 6221- 6678 | 101 Tanjong Pagar Road Daily 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm, 5. 30 pm - 10 pm keisuke.sg/tendon-ginza-itsuki

鉄板焼きハンバーグ日本橋けいすけ別邸

Teppanyaki Hamburg Nihonbashi Keisuke Bettei

豚骨王

Tonkotsu King

鶏王

Tori King

Sink your teeth into sizzling Japanese-style hamburg

Savour the ﬂavours of traditional tonkotsu ramen

The best place to get your chicken ramen ﬁx

Specialising in Japanese-style hamburger steaks, this concept restaurant dishes out two signature sets. Both the original and triple cheese hamburg are made using U.S Prime beef, and the latter is stuffed with a mix of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan. Each set comes with refillable rice and soup, as well as unlimited servings of items from the salad bar and free-flow eggs of all styles.

Long queues outside the homely outlet are testament to how good the ramen here is — each bowl contains a rich, milky soup cooked with pork marrow bones and fat, thin springy noodles, as well as tender chashu and a flavourful ajitsuke tamago (味付け玉子, marinated soft boiled egg). Diners can also enjoy free-flow marinated beansprouts and hardboiled eggs.

Besides the delightful retro décor, the ramen is yet another thing to love about this concept store. Using a creamy chicken stock, the Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) comes with soft chicken chashu and a grilled chicken thigh with meat so tender that it falls off the bone! Their Tan Tan Mien, which has a spicy kick, is also a must-try.

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Keisuke Prime Beef Hamburg Set $18.80 Triple Cheese Prime Beef Hamburg Set $20.80

Tonkotsu Ramen $10.80 Black Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen $11.80 Tonkotsu Ramen Special All Toppings $14.80

Tori King Ramen Special (All Toppings) $16 Tori King Tan Tan Mien $13.90

☎ 6908 - 4348 | 72 Peck Seah Street Daily 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm, 5. 30 pm - 10 pm hamburg-keisuke.sg

☎ 6636-0855 | Orchid Hotel #01-19, 1 Tras Link | Mon-Sat 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10.30pm, Sun 11.30am - 3pm, 6pm - 10pm keisuke.sg/tonkotsu-king-tanjong-pagar

☎ 6604-6861 | 100AM #03-15, 100 Tras Street | Mon-Fri 11.30am - 3pm, 5.30pm - 10pm, Sat, Sun & PH 11.30am - 10pm keisuke.sg/gyoza-king-tanjong-pagar

| WAttention Singapore

ジャパンレール・カフェ

JAPAN RAIL CAFE

The one-stop platform for all Japan lovers This contemporary café serves up comfort food eaten daily by the Japanese themselves. Feel free to approach their friendly onsite Japanese Travel Communicators to learn more about Japan; you can even purchase Japan Rail Passes and data SIM cards from the instore counter!

Tanjong Pagar Centre # 01-20 5 Wallich Street Daily 11am – 9pm japanrailcafe.com.sg JAPANRAILCAFE

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The Ultimate ABC Burger Avocado Kaisen Don Watashino Curry Rice Beauty Salad

$22 $18 $18 $15

タク寿司＆和牛ｘクラフトバー

TAKU Sushi & Wagyu x Craft Bar

Pamper yourself with top-of-the-line omakase by a world-class chef Foodies worth their salt ought to pay a visit here for the most exquisite omakase experience yet! This new contender arrived on the scene last year, offering top-grade sushi and wagyu amongst their other faultless dishes. Besides their many à la carte options and seasonal varieties, the refined interior makes it suitable for business dining, exclusive dates and special occasions.

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Omakase Course Taku Course Lunch Course

from $180 from $128 from $38

JF 神田わだつみ

一風堂

IPPUDO

More than just your normal ramen bar

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰

Lunch Set

(comes with iced green tea)

$12

*Available from Mon-Sun, 11am-5pm

Free Children's Meal

*Only available on weekends

Located in the central business district, IPPUDO’s Tanjong Pagar outlet makes it an ideal meeting point for colleagues and business partners to enjoy lunch or dinner with one another on any day of the week. Children even get to eat for free on weekends! Besides slurping up nourishing bowls of ramen, diners can also can also kick back and unwind at their sake bar, with handpicked offerings such as hot and cold sake, ice-cold Sapporo beer and intoxicating whisky highball. Tanjong Pagar Centre # 01-15, 7 Wallich Street Sun-Thu 11am - 10 pm, Fri-Sat 11am - 11pm ippudo.com.sg ippudosg

☎ 8321-3507 | 46 Bukit Pasoh Road | Mon 6pm - 11pm, TueSat 12pm - 3pm, 6pm - 11pm Closed on Sun Taku.craft.sg

ワダツミ

JF Kanda Wadatsumi

The best place for seasonal seafood Nestled in the city centre, this dignified restaurant will impress you with their selection of seafood brought in directly from various prefectures in Japan. Their donburi lunch sets feature superior grade unagi and wagyu atop fragrant rice, all reasonably priced while uncompromising in taste and value. For dinner, let Chef Hara mesmerize you with the specials of the day! ☎ 6221- 6264 | 50 Tras Street Mon-Sat 12pm - 2. 30 pm, 6pm 11pm, Closed on Sun & PH kanda-wadatsumi.sg

歌志軒

KAJIKEN

Devour bowls after bowls of delicious soupless ramen

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Wadatsumi Omakase Mori For 2 - 3pax $98 → $68 For 4 - 6pax $128 → $98 *Available from 25 Apr - 7 Jun’18

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Mazesoba Nagoya Style $12.80 Hokkaido Mazesoba $16.80

Treat your taste buds to a simple, fuss-free bowl of dry ramen. Hailing all the way from Aichi prefecture, their signature Nagoya Style Mazesoba topped with a gooey egg features a slightly tangy, robust flavour. Fans of mentaiko and cheese can also look forward to their latest addition featuring both items. All items are reasonably priced and we guarantee you'll be back for more. Hungry customers can top up their noodles for free too. You can count on Kajiken to satisfy your cravings anytime! ☎ 6444 -9260 | Orchid Hotel # 01- 03, 1 Tras Link | Daily 11. 30am – 9. 30 pm kajikensg.com | kajiken Sg

WAttention Singapore |

ビノミオ

Binomio

Experience authentic Spanish cuisine in style

Stunning dishes by a talented Italian lady chef

This fine dining restaurant serves up traditional Spanish food, each carefully and beautifully plated. Their knowledgeable staff can also help you to pair your meal with the perfect glass of wine. For those who are looking for private event venues, function rooms are available for eight to 30 guests. ☎ 6557- 0547 | Craig Place # 01- 02, 20 Craig Road Mon-Fri 12pm - 1.45pm, 6pm - 10.15pm, Sat 6pm 10.15pm, Closed on Sun reservation@binomio.sg binomio.sg

This established restaurant celebrates their 10 th anniversary this year. Highly-acclaimed for their stylish presentations and innovative menu, first-timers can try their linguine with flower crab in crabmeat sauce. Ring up all your beloved ones and indulge an evening of elegance!

Weekday Set Lunch Customizable Set Menu 5 Tapas Tasting Set

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Gin & Tonics Spanish Style 2 for $32 Happy Hour: 2 cocktails from $20 Beer, Red or White wine (glass) $7

Truffle Croquettes Takoyaki Style Spanish Omelette Crispy Pork Belly

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$10 $10 $24

$35

from $78

$137

☎6220 -5513 | 49/50 Duxton Road Daily 12pm - 2. 30 pm, 6pm - 10. 30 pm etnaitalianrestaurant.com.sg EtnaItalianRestaurantPizzeria

エルタルデオ

トラットリアノンナリーナ

Trattoria Nonna Lina

Japan meets Spain at this classy yet casual tapas bar

Fill your tummies with comforting Italian cuisine

Cocktail connoisseurs, get ready to marvel at Marie Nakazawa’s spectacular creations! Winner of the Ultimate Bartender Championships, excite your senses with her uniquely crafted cocktails while digging into authentic tapas prepared by a Spanish chef. The welcoming setting makes it the ideal place to hang out with your best mates or loved ones after work.

Hailing from the humble town of Tuscany, the amiable owner-chef personally sources premium and natural ingredients for all his dishes. This hidden-gem sticks to traditional family recipes, offering delicious home-cooked Italian meals made with love. Gather the whole family and enjoy quality food and great service here!

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Show this article to get 15% OFF à la carte menu

☎ 6221- 6288| Craig Place, # 01- 01, 20 Craig Road Mon-Thu 4pm - 11pm, Fri-Sat 4pm - 12am, Closed on Sun

*Valid till end of 31 May’18 *Items in course menu change every month

ピッツェリアオペレッタ

株式会社エイチ・アイ・エス

Catch great deals at this friendly travel agency!

Helmed by Executive Chef Nao Hasebe, this pizzeria prides itself in using a traditional brick furnace to produce crisp yet doughy pizzas. For those with huge appetites, make sure to catch their 1 for 1 pizza deals available in the afternoon! Do also look out for their newly released Dessert Set, made with the finest ingredients.

Plan your trip with H.I.S. Singapore, your Japan specialist! With 504 branches worldwide and growing, this one-stop portal to Japan has loads to offer. From Group Tours, Free & Easy to Optional Tickets and Day Tours, there’s something here for everyone. WAttention readers get to enjoy an exclusive group package deal to Hokkaido too!

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Free Italian biscuit with every Dessert Set order

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Weekday Pizza Lunch Set

from

(inclusive of salad and soft drink)

$34

Dessert Set*

$10

(inclusive of 2 soft drinks)

* Available from 2.30pm - 5.30pm only

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Up to $300 OFF per couple!* “Hokkaido Lavender” Special Group Package Tour

$16

1 for 1 Pizza Set*

☎ 6222- 0930 | 61 Cantonment Road | Tue-Fri 12pm - 2. 30 pm, 6pm - 10. 30 pm | Closed on Mon nonnalina.sg

H.I.S.

Feast on wood-ﬁred pizzas made by a Japanese chef

| WAttention Singapore

Linguine al Granchio $28 Angus Beef Carpaccio $24 Ribeye Steak (300g) $48 Traditional Tiramisu with Pistachio Paste $14

El Tardeo

Pizzeria L’Operetta

☎ 6222-9487 | Icon Village # 01-78/81, 12 Gopeng Street Mon-Fri 11. 30am - 9.45pm, Sat, Sun & PH 12pm - 9.45pm pizzeriaoperetta.sg

エトナ

Etna

☎ 6222-1230 ¦ 100 AM # 03 -16/17/18 , 100 Tras Street Daily 10am - 7pm his.com.sg

(Departure Dates: 5, 18 or 24 Jul’18)

$3,288* *Terms and conditions apply

ショップピンクルーム ⅹ ピンクルーム

Shoppink Room ⅹ Pink Room

Learn to create ravishing gel nails

フロルケーキ

FLOR Patisserie

Divine pastries for the sweet tooth

Come ‘shoppink’ at Shoppink Room x Pink Room International Nail Academy! Stocked with a massive collection of Japanese manicure goods direct from TAT Japan, this nail supply store caters to both professionals and novices. Convenienly located within the PinkRoom International Academy, a CPE registered school that has successfully trained nail technicians since 2003. Join their nail workshops to learn all about the latest trends from Japan!

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 5% OFF total bill *Valid till 31 May’18

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Sakura Giftbox S $24.05 / L $35.30 Sakura Pack $8.55 Sakura Pie $7.40

☎ 9155 -2334 (WhatsApp/LINE) International Plaza #36 - 01A, 10 Anson Road | Mon-Fri 11. 30am - 9. 30 pm, Sat 11. 30am - 6pm, Closed on Sun

Uncover a whole new world of decadent cakes and sweet treats at this charming Japanese-style patisserie located in the heart of the town. Using only the finest and highest quality of ingredients, each of their Japanese-inspired French confectionaries are handcrafted from the heart. FLOR takes pride in sticking to natural and organic elements, without touching any artificial colouring or preservatives. The menu is updated throughout the year, so you can look forward to something new each time you visit. Sakura-themed treats are currently in season, while stocks last!

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Gel Nail Workshop $68 (workshop only) $128 (workshop + take-home kit)

*Take-home Kit U.P $98, has no odour and is non-toxic, safe for kids *Compact and adorable design, inclusive of LED nail lamp

ヘアスタジオフラミンゴ

Hair Studio Flamingo

Say goodbye to dry and frizzy hair...

☎ 6223 - 8628 | 2 Duxton Hill # 01- 01 | Daily 11am - 9pm cakeflor.com.sg @flor_patisserie

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 $10 OFF entire menu for first-time customers *Valid till 31 May’18

... and say hello to silky and shiny locks! Celebrating their second year in Singapore, you can trust these skillful and friendly Japanese hairstylists who specialise in taming poufy, unmanageable hair caused by our humid climate. There are 15 types of treatments available, each meticulously crafted to match different hair qualities. The results are immediate, and you will walk away with healthier, re-hydrated hair!

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Cut Female $90/Male $70 Cut+ Colour + Treatment $250 Cut+ Rebonding+ Treatment $400

コボ

COVO

For easily maintainable, trendy hairstyles

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 20% discount for first-timers *Valid till 31 May’18

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Cut Cut + Argon Oil Colour

$78 $200

*COVO uses Carbonated Water Shampoo *Senior Stylist Price

This well-reviewed salon from Tokyo uses In-House developed products that guarantees damage-free healthy hair. According to each customer’s hair quality and facial structure, their team of skilled Japanese stylists will create the most suitable cut that requires minimal styling. Sit back and relax in their semi-private booths as their hairstylists work their magic; with a straightforward menu and standard prices with no extra charges for long hair, you’ll soon become a regular in no time. ☎ 6221- 4585 / 9118 - 0860 (SMS) | 43 Keong Saik Road | Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm (Reception closes at 7pm) , Sat, Sun & PH 10am - 7pm (Reception closes at 6pm)

☎ 8726 -2116 | 7 Neil Road Daily 9. 30am - last reservation hairstudioflamingo.com

ケイジェイエス

KJStudio by COVO

Captivating, luscious lashes Get long-lasting and beautiful doll-like eyelash extensions you’ve always desired at KJS. Their skilled Japanese eyelash experts will ensure a natural finishing that does not wear off easily. If you’re new to this treatment, be rest assured that they use only selected products that are gentle on your skin. Introduce your friend and get 10% off on your next visit! ☎ 6221- 6209 / 9151-7246 (WhatsApp) 43A Keong Saik Road Level 2 Mon-Fri 11am - 8pm Sat, Sun & PH 10am-7pm kjs.covosg.com KJStudioSG @kjstudio.sg

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Eyelash Extensions 20% OFF Single Lash $110 → $88 (120 strands)

Volume Lash

(300 strands)

$160 → $128

*Only for first visit

Eyebrow Embroidery $350 → $240 *Eyebrow Embroidery limited to firsttimers only *Valid till 31 May’18

WAttention Singapore |

楽楽

Raku Raku

Enjoy the simple things at this unpretentious izakaya As its name suggests, dine with ease at this hole-in-the-wall joint that pays tribute to modest yet gutsy everyday Japanese food. Their menu showcases a wide array of options which are definitely bang for your buck. Feeling extra peckish? Don’t hesitate to upsize your rice bowl or add a couple of side dishes to flesh out your meal.

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Free bottle of sake or shochu! *For 10pax and above with course menu reservation

All Day Sapporo Beer (mug) $8→ $5.50 *Quote “WAttention” upon ordering

☎ 6224 -5420 | 29/ 30 Duxton Road | Mon-Wed 11. 30am - 3pm, 5. 30 pm - 11pm, Thu-Fri 11. 30am 3pm, 5. 30 pm - 12am, Sat 5. 30 pm 11pm, Closed on Sun & PH

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5 Kinds Assorted Sashimi $35 Sanma Shio Yaki $12 Shabu Shabu Pork Salad $15

寛寿司

Kan Sushi

Melt-in-your-mouth tuna goodness

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Tuna Kabuto Sushi 1pc $10 → $5 Tuna Kabuto Sashimi 5pcs $48 → $24 *Flash this article upon ordering *Available from 25 Apr - 7 Jun’18

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Dotedon $12 (half) /$18 from$55 Omakase Sushi Sushi Lunch Set from $25 $28 Aburi Set (5 Kinds)

Discover a whole new level of omotenashi at Chef Kan’s intimate restaurant as he serves up meals with thoughtfully sourced ingredients made with utmost care. Currently in season, make sure you try their highlyacclaimed Tuna Kabuto (かぶと, Bluefin tuna head). The fish is marinated beforehand and lightly seared upon serving to ensure the ultimate umami taste.

神楽酒

Kagurasake

Pair excellent sake with fresh in-season dishes

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰

Omakase course $80 (min 2pax)

*Reservation required *Available till 7 Jun’18

20% OFF bottle sake on Saturdays

From tempting sashimi to fragrant grilled dishes, this elegant diner imports their ingredients straight from Japan. Adding another 20 more labels to their existing selection of Japanese sakes and wines, the restaurant invites you to delight in the brilliant combination of sake with modern Japanese sides. Chef Hiroaki Maeda has also specially prepared an exclusive omakase course for the Tanjong Pagar campaign! For a more intimate dining experience, make a beeline for the counter seats. ☎ 6221- 4885 | 70 Duxton Road | Mon-Fri 6pm - 12am, Sat 6pm - 11pm Closed on Sun & PH

☎ 6221-3678 | International Plaza # 0254, 10 Anson Road ¦ Mon-Sat 11am 2. 30pm, 6pm - 10pm, Closed on Sun & PH *Reservation required for Sat lunch kansushi

玄品

Guenpin

Experience dish after dish of exquisite fugu This rare pufferfish specialist turns one this year! The certified diner invites customers to partake in premium torafugu (トラフグ, tiger pufferfish), the most exquisite of its kind. Have it three ways — in the form or tessa sashimi, grilled, and deep fried. If pufferfish is not your cup of tea, fret not as you can enjoy the sweet succulent meat of the famed snow crab instead. ☎ 6634 -2916 ¦ 32 Maxwell Road # 01- 06 | Mon-Fri 12pm - 3pm (L.O. 2. 30 pm), 6pm - 12am (L.O. 10. 30 pm), Sat, Sun & PH 5pm - 12am (L.O. 10 pm)

| WAttention Singapore

焼肉王

Yakinikuou

Eat to your heart’s content while making your money’s worth!

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Enjoy 50% OFF on Guenpin’s most well-loved dishes Tessa $28 → $14 Fugu Sashimi $32 → $16 $78 → $39 Tecchiri (Fugu Hotpot) Crab Hotpot $69 → $34.50

*Available from 1 May - 15 May’18

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Angus Beef Steak Lunch $14.80 Set (225g) Japanese Wagyu Fillet $24.80 Lunch Set (225g) Goen Special Pork Bowl $14.80

A paradise for diners with huge appetites, stuff yourself with Singapore’s notoriously affordable yakiniku! Besides the good ol' grill-it-yourself options, this cost-saving restaurant also boasts scrumptious steaks. Each cattle is brought in whole directly from producers in Japan, which are then cut and prepared on the spot daily to maintain freshness. Conquer their terrific steaks or charcoal grill your own meat — all at zero service charge. Follow them on Facebook to keep up with their latest happenings! ☎ 6444 -2488 | 1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza # 01-36 | Mon-Fri 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm (L.O. 2.15pm), 5pm - 11pm (L.O. 10.15pm), Sun & PH 5pm - 10. 30 pm (L.O. 10.15pm), Closed on Sat washokugoen.com/yakinikuo

博多一幸舎

Hakata Ikkousha

Slurp up the ramen of champions If you only eat award-winning ramen, look no further. Holding the victor’s title of Ramen Champion for two consecutive years, they take extra care in preparing their soup, slow-cooking it for up to 10 hours. The result is a fragrant, creamy broth of umami goodness packed with robust flavours. This, with the combination of their chewy yet yielding handmade noodles, will appease all ramen junkies. ☎6538 -1880 | Blk 7 Tanjong Pagar Plaza # 01-104 | Mon-Sat 11. 30am 10 pm (L.O. 9.45pm), Sun 11. 30am 9pm (L.O. 8.45pm) hakataikkousha.singapore

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Free portion of gyoza (5pcs) with every bowl of ramen *Valid from 25 Apr - 7 Jun’18 *Quote “WAttention” upon order

Black Fire

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$16.50

*Available from 1 May’18.

Tonkotsu Special God Fire Gyoza (5pcs)

$16.50 $14 $5

北海道酒場

Hokkaido Izakaya

Genuine taste of Hokkaido fresh from its shores

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Toriten Zaru Soba + Mini Chirashi Don Set

*Valid from 25 Apr - 31 May’18

$22 → $18

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Chicken Karaage Hokkaido Style $6 Hokkaido Potato Salad $9 Hokkaido Chika Fish &Chips with tartar sauce $12 Fresh Oyster from Akkeshi Town 6pcs $48

Certified as one of the official restaurants representing bona fide Hokkaido cuisine, this casual diner is not only a popular haunt amongst sake lovers, but also known for their palate-pleasing traditional dishes. Try out their range of karakuchi (辛口, dry) sake and pair them with the thoughtfully sourced, high-quality seafood flown in straight from Hokkaido three times a week.

京華小吃

Jing Hua Xiao Chi

One-of-a-kind Chinese delights

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Xiao Long Bao (7pcs) $8 Pan-fried Pork and Seafood Dumplings (10pcs) $9 Chinese Pizza $11

This established eatery has a long history of almost 30 years, initially starting out as a modest neighbourhood Chinese eating house during its early days. Till date, it remains a favourite haunt amongst locals and Japanese expats, with patrons flocking to their restaurant daily. They have mastered the art of striking a balance in their seasonings to produce an unrivalled taste and texture for their Panfried Dumplings and Xiao Long Bao. If you ever need to sate your hunger with nourishing homecooked food, this is the place to go!

☎ 6221-3060| 21 Neil Road |11. 30am - 3pm, 5. 30 pm - 9. 30 pm JingHuaXiaoChi

☎ 6221-7118 ¦ 95 Tanjong Pagar Road Mon-Sat 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm (L.O. 2pm), 6pm - 12am (L.O. 11pm), Sun & PH 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm (L.O. 2pm), 6pm 10. 30 pm (L.O. 9. 30 pm) hokkaidoizakaya.sg

おにぎりや by いな穂

Onigiri-Ya by Inaho

Heartwarming rice balls to brighten your day Step into this cosy bar catered to the working crowd and be greeted by a unique segment dedicated to dish out lunch time onigiri. Opening 2nd May, the glistening rice balls here are bursting with inventive yet familiar fillings, with around 20 options to choose from. Each order is prepared on-site and will leave you feeling all warm and fluffy inside from just one bite! For the busy bees, onigiri take-out is available too. ☎ 6222- 0852 | 60A Duxton Road Mon-Fri 11. 30am - 2. 30 pm (L.O. 2pm), Closed on Sat, Sun & PH

エスジータップス

SG Taps

A creative mesh of local and Japanese cuisine

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰

Onigiri Set $11.90 → $9.90

(Includes 2 Onigiri, Dashimaki Tamago, Karaage, Pork-base soup and pickles) *Valid from 2 May - 7 Jun’18 only

ME󰈰󰈖

Onigiri A La Carte

from $3.20

P󰈤O󰈱󰈮T󰈽O󰈰 Happy Hour All Tap Beers (small) from $10 → from $7 All Tap Beers (pint) from $15 → from $11 *Available from 12pm - 7pm

Newly opened in March this year, this laid-back bar is managed by Mr. Norihito Hirose, who has lived in Singapore for 18 years. The place proudly presents a vibrant menu filled with an array of innovative fusion food, mixing local favourites with Japanese classics. Some of their popular items include their Yong Tau Foo Oden ($12) and Amami Chicken Rice ($12). Beers on tap are all locally brewed too; watch as they fill your pints with adorable Merlion faucets! All prices here are nett, so you can sit back and chill out with your friends over great beer and grub. 13 Duxton Hill # 01- 01 | Mon-Sat 12pm - 12am, Closed on Sun

WAttention Singapore |

Family Fun in With the number of recorded crimes hitting a record low in 2017, there is no denying how safe Japan is. Aside from a strong focus on crime prevention, ﬁrearms are also not readily available to the public. And as tourists carrying around more cash than usual, there isn’t much worry of being mugged. In fact, the Metropolitan Police Department reported that a record ¥3.67 billion lost cash had been returned in Tokyo alone. So, if you lose something, it might ﬁnd its way back to you!

税金払い戻し

Nothing can touch Japan’s konbini (コンビニ) when it comes to 24-hour availability and accessibility. There are approximately 50,000 convenience stores located nationwide, with a high percentage of them operating through the night. Their well-stocked shelves include items like hot snacks, drinks and even groceries. You can also ﬁnd toiletries, cosmetics, and other daily essentials here too. Some have ATMs and even shipping services to send heavy boxes of souvenirs home if you run out of luggage space.

REASONS

Since October 2014, tourists are exempt from paying tax on items including food, cosmetics and appliances. Depending on the store, you will either pay 8 percent less at the cashier or get a tax refund at a special counter.

to pick

アトラクションが山ほど For parents of young children and teenagers, you will know that boredom is their true nemesis. In Japan, that is never on the agenda. There is a long list of places to bring your kids and young adults — from the evergreen Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea, Fukuoka’s Umi no Nakamichi seaside park, to aquariums, themed cafes, interactive museums and eye-opening factory tours. You can also take part in a range of hands-on workshops such as soba-making or traditional handicrafts. And who can forget outdoor activities such as skiing, go-carting, hiking and fruit-picking experiences?

| WAttention Singapore

JAPAN

Planning for a family trip overseas can be daunting, so why not reduce stress levels by traveling to Japan? This famously safe country is known for its efficient transportation system, well-developed infrastructure and amazing hospitality. Not to mention, it has a wide variety of food and attractions to keep everyone in the family satisfied and happy, so do yourself a favour and jet off there next!

美食天国 With a huge array of food varieties to choose from, including halal and vegan options, you can keep every family member well-fed. Top picks for kid-friendly restaurants include Gusto, Genki Sushi and Royal Host.

Japan

In a time-conscious society such as Japan’s, being punctual is a big thing. The country’s extremely reliable and prompt public transportation system means it’s a lot easier for travelers to plan their schedules. Aside from that, trains and buses operate at high frequencies and have large capacities. Some even have space set aside for large baggages. Renowned for its cleanliness throughout the country, you can be sure that even public transportation and stations are kept spotless for all riders.

正確でスムーズな交通機関

品質

“Made in Japan” products, even machine-made or mass-produced, embody the craftworkers’ ethic of monozukuri (ものづくり), a commitment by the designer and manufacturer to do their best possible work through repeated reﬁning.

ディスカウント

高齢者に優しい

環境

One of the fastest greying societies in the world, Japan has been adapting to the needs of senior citizens. After a major lift installation programme in 2008, elevators are more commonly found on overhead bridges and subway train platforms now. Department stores too, have added more seats on every ﬂoor so that elderly shoppers can rest when they are tired, and handrails can also be found at restaurants and public restrooms. As of 2017, the infrastructure ministry in Japan plans to promote the development of barrier-free environments, ensuring the creation of facilities and areas easily accessible to the elderly and people with disabilities.

おもてなし

Stretch every dollar with air passes that oﬀer standard, low fares to any domestic destination, buy train/bus passes for unlimited rides, and don’t forget to ﬁnd out if there are child/senior discounts at attractions! Look out for coupon books that entitle you to special ticket prices or small complimentary gifts. Like Singapore, most supermarkets slash prices of meat, seafood and cooked food items near to closing time so you can save a small fortune purchasing at the end of the day instead. Do also keep an eye out for Japanese words like セール (seru, sale), 半額 (hangaku, half-price), 値下げ (nesage, price cut) and 割引 (waribiki, discount) when shopping!

Travel smart & stylish

with

SUITCASE

No matter where you go, you will no doubt experience the deeprooted culture of omotenashi, especially if you stay at minshuku (民宿 , familyoperated bed and breakfasts) or ryokan (旅館 , traditional Japanese inn).

ace./ PROTECA

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These high quality made-in-Japan suitcases use a 360°Open System, so they can be opened in any direction. Test out the Silentcaster® technology, which reduces perceived sound by 30% and be impressed by its smooth rolling Bearon Wheels. Available in three colours, they are resistant to impact and come with a 3-YEAR PREMIUM WARRANTY! 2 1” 32L

2 5” 61L

30 ” 8 5L

BACKPACK Perfect for parents who have plenty of necessities to lug around, this lightweight backpack comes equipped with a convenient organiser to store small items in the front pocket. Hidden compartments help to keep valuables out of sight, and air mesh on the back panels and shoulder straps provide excellent ventilation for all-day use.

PROTECA 360s Metallic ($1,149) Size: 76 x 54 x 27 cm Capacity: 85L Weight: 4.6kg Colours: Blue, navy, brown

Available at Takashimaya 3F Luggage Area Takashimaya Department Store, 391A Orchard Road Daily 10am – 9.30pm

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家族旅行なら、楽しさも倍増！

BRING YOUR FAMILY The \ LAM / Family

PROFILE

parents

children Married

Siblings

Child

Likes:

Nature, Food, Discount Shopping, Temples and Shrines

Consisting of six members, the Lam family recently welcomed Baby Teddy into the family and are looking to explore parts of Japan that they have not been to before. With two adults getting in on age and a 10-month-old who is learning to walk, they want somewhere with less crowds, comfortable temperatures and scenic spots to take family weﬁes in!

Budget

$10,000 No. of pax

51 +

Duration 1 week

60s x 1 50s x 1 30s x 2 20s x 1 0s x 1

age Group Travel Period April (Spring)

Main Mode Of Transport Public transportation

We recommend…

Hiroshima! For the nature lovers, there’s Sera Yuri En, a 7-hectare ﬂower garden known for its vast expanse of lilies, and Senko-ji Temple, an impressive landmark of Onomichi known for its 1,500 sakura trees. There are also two UNESCO World Heritage sites and plenty of attractions to discover while chomping down on yummy local delicacies.

Sandankyo Gorge Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Park Dedicated to advocating peace, the park’s 120,000-squaremetre grounds host a museum that showcases the history of Hiroshima, the bombing and its devastating consequences on mankind. The A-Bomb Dome, the only structure to remain standing near the bomb’s hypocenter, serves as a stark reminder of the destruction of nuclear weapons. During spring, the park is also a famed sakura-viewing spot. 24

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A designated National Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan, this is a nature lover’s paradise. The 16-kilometre-long ravine runs along the Shibakigawa River, with several trails that visitors can follow to see rapids, waterfalls and rock pools. If the weather is optimal, travellers can even take a boat ride through the valley.

Itsukushima Shrine With more than 1,400 years of history, this World Heritage Site is deﬁnite must-see when visiting Miyajima. The “ﬂoating shrine” has a main inner shrine with 37 buildings while the outer has 19, all painted in stunning vermillion lacquer. Don’t forget to visit the iconic ‘Great Torii’, a 16-metre-tall gate which stands on six pillars, during both high and low tide.

Hiroshima must-eats Filled with red bean paste, momiji manju (もみじ饅頭) are popular treats shaped like maple tree leaves. Also famous in these parts are succulent kaki (牡蠣, oysters), which are especially plump and sweet during winter. Lastly, tuck into Hiroshima’s soul food — hiroshimayaki (広島焼き, savoury pancake), which is layered rather than mixed and uses up to four times the amount of cabbage as their Osaka counterpart.

TO JAPAN !

In this issue, we talk to four families from Singapore who aren’t quite sure which part of Japan to visit. By analysing each member’s age, personal preferences and interests, we’ve chosen four distinct areas that will best ﬁt their group and individual needs!

Sapporo Snow Festival

We recommend…

Hokkaido! With an abundance of unspoiled nature and high snowfall, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands attracts many outdoor lovers during the cold seasons. Boasting some of the country’s best scenery, driving here is also a breeze as the roads are wide and generally free from heavy traﬃc.

This large-scale event takes place annually over a week across three main sites: Odori Park, Tsudome and Susukino. At Odori Park, you will find astounding snow and ice sculptures that reach over 15 metres in height. There are also food stalls set up, so you can grab a quick bite while enjoying snow activities specially targeted at families.

Likes:

Nature, Hands-on Experiences, Factory Tours

The \ SIM / Family

Married

Married Siblings

parents

No. of pax

children

Married

Married Siblings

10 age Group

parents

50s x 4 30s x 4 0-10s x 2

children

PROFILE

Siblings

Shiroi Koibito Park Step foot into this heavenly theme park established by Ishiya, a local chocolate company which created the famous Shiroi Koibito cookies. The venue consists of a shop, café, chocolate-related exhibits and large windows where you can observe the cookie production process. Families can even join a hands-on workshop to make their own cookies!

Budget

$25,000

Duration 1 week

Travel Period Winter

Main Mode Of Transport Rental cars

Akan Mashu National Park

Asahikawa Zoo Ideal for family outings, the animals on display at this zoo include native wildlife from Hokkaido, which cannot be seen anywhere else. Catch polar bears diving into a huge pool and swimming penguins “ﬂy” over your head in the underwater glass tunnel. In winter, you can also observe the adorable king penguin parade up close!

Traveling for the first time as a large extended family, the Sims are tr ying hard to find somewhere which can cater to ever yone’s interests. And because they are a large group, they prefer renting cars to move around. Although they have visited Japan before, they want to experience a snow y winter together!

Encompassing three lakes, this gorgeous natural wonder is located on the eastern part of Hokkaido. Lake Akan is the most popular destination amongst the three, surrounded by a majestic group of volcanoes growing from the Akan caldera. Here, you will discover the charms of the indigenous Ainu culture, whose people maintain settlements in the area.

Hokkaido must-eats Aside from fresh seafood donburi, a specialty of Hokkaido is soup curry. A hybrid of the two dishes that comprise its name, it is usually filled with nutritious vegetables and meat and served with rice. End the trip with some yummy souvenirs from Rokkatei — their famous Marusei Butter has melt-in-themouth butter and raisin sandwiched between two fragrant biscuits.

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Nasu Garden Outlet Shop till you drop at this outlet shopping mall featuring 148 stores. Visitors can expect to ﬁnd both international and domestic fashion, sports and outdoors as well as lifestyle brands. There are also cafés and food courts for shoppers to take a break before continuing their shopping spree.

We recommend…

Tochigi! Situated in the centre of Honshu, this landlocked prefecture is just a short 50-minute train ride away from Tokyo. Showcasing some of Japan’s most splendid temples and mountainous landscapes, the region is a popular place to escape the summer heat. Fear not, as there are also great outlets for the family to get their shopping ﬁx!

Created when Mt. Nantai’s eruption 20,000 years ago blocked the valley below, this spectacular lake is found at an altitude of 1,269 metres. Numerous hiking trails surround its 25-kilometre circumference. A highlight of the area is Kegon Waterfall ( 華厳ノ滝), ranked as one of Japan’s most beautiful falls, with a drop of 97 metres.

Traverse the calm waters of this river in a wooden boat and see an array of rock formations during the 40-minute ride. Throughout summer, you may spot colourful kingﬁshers and even ayu ﬁsh swimming in the river. Be prepared to remove your shoes before getting on board as the seats are made of tatami mats!

Standing at an altitude of 1,400 metres above sea level, the area covers the plateau between Lake Chuzenji and Yumoto Onsen. Here, you can find as many as 350 kinds of lush plants and a variety of wild birds. Follow the Senjogahara Plateau Nature Trail to discover superb views of the marshland and surrounding mountains.

Tochigi must-eats Lake Chuzenji

Kinugawa River Cruise

Senjogahara Marshlands

Budget

$15,000 No. of pax

Known for being the top producer of strawberries in the nation, your trip will not be complete without tasting some of the best brands! Visit one of the many strawberry farms and eat your ﬁll of the famous Tochiotome (とちおとめ), which are sweeter and have a wonderful fragrance.

The \ CHUA / Family

Likes:

Shopping, Fashion, Sub-culture & Anime, Nature and Historical sites

age Group 40s x 2 20s x 1 10s x 2

parents children

PROFILE With a penchant for travelling, this family of ﬁve likes to strike a good balance when visiting new places. While they want to immerse themselves in exciting city sights and shop to their heart’s contents, they also want to venture further to the countryside and stop to smell the roses.

Siblings

Duration 10 Days

Siblings

Travel Period Summer

Main Mode Of Transport Public transportation

家族旅行なら、楽しさも倍増！

FAMILY TRIP TIPS 101 26

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The \ WEE / Family mother daughter

Likes:

We recommend…

Nature, Walking/Trekking, Food, Historical sites, Onsen

PROFILE No. of pax

Mummy and daughter trips are on the rise within Japan, and this time, our duo has expressed interest in challenging the Nakasendo Trail. Also called the “Central Mountain Route”, it was originally part of feudal Japan’s network of roads which connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. Both travellers are nature lovers who want to photograph Japan’s picturesque sights.

age Group 50s x 1 20s x 1

Kyushu! More speciﬁcally, as they both enjoy soaking in hot springs, we would send them to Kagoshima. The prefecture is an onsen kingdom, with the second most hot spring sources in the country. They can also explore natural wonders such as Ogawa Falls and catch the ﬂight of 10,000 migratory cranes who come from Siberia to Izumi City.

Budget

$6,000

Duration 2 weeks

Autumn

Main Mode Of Transport Public transportation

Cape Sata

This cluster of islands include Kamikoshiki, Nakakoshiki and Shimokoshiki, as well as other smaller islands in the region. Inhabited by approximately 6,000 people, the islands’ unique landforms are a geologist’s dream come true. Be sure to see Nagame-no-Hama, a 2-kilometre-long sandbar that separates a segment of the sea into a beautiful lagoon.

Unwind and let the day’s worries melt away in a relaxing hot spring bath at this renowned seaside resort. Several baths are available for guests to experience, such as the sunamushi sand baths said to help improve circulation. For the weary traveler, soak your tired legs in the footbath found outside Ibusuki train station.

Standing at 1,117 metres in height, this is one of the world’s greatest active volcanoes. A short ferry ride away from Kagoshima City, it is home to the Sakurajima Daikon, an enormous species of radish grown in volcanic ash. Visitors can even observe small eruptions taking place in the Showa Crater on Minami-dake peak.

Travel Period

Koshikishima Islands

Ibusuki Onsen

Sakurajima

Located at the Osumi peninsula on the southernmost point of Kagoshima, the views from this remote destination will make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. From the hilltop, there is a lookout from which Okinawa is visible. Keep an eye out for beautiful hibiscus along the drive from O-domari to the sea cliﬀs!

Kagoshima must-eats Pork features prominently as part of Kagoshima cuisine, and the prefecture is the leading producer of kurobuta (黒豚, black pork). This highly regarded variety is used in dishes like shabu-shabu, which showcases its texture and taste. Do also try fresh katsuo (鰹, skipjack tuna) caught oﬀ Makurazaki Wharf, which boasts an intense ﬂavour.

Lighten your load and rent equipment such as strollers, car seats, playpens, wheelchairs and bikes at popular travel destinations.

Prepare small treats and presents to reward your little ones for good behaviour when on a long flight or train ride.

Keep your pace slow with kids or elderly. Try not to squeeze too many activities or sightseeing into one day. WAttention Singapore |

Transform yourself with traditional Japanese wear Yumeyakata

At Yumeyakata, you can get professional kimono dressing, makeup, hairsyling and photography services for a fully immersive Kyoto experience. With rental kimonos available for kids and men too, there are plenty of options to fit your family’s needs. The established brand counts two outlets under their belt: the Gojo shop, located near the famous Kiyomizu Temple and Kyoto station, and the Oike shop, a Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto house) located near Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. While there, you can also sit in on a lecture about Japanese kimono culture from Beniko-sensei, a former geisha, or take part in a tea ceremony. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to learn more about Japanese traditions while having fun, and get beautiful

楽に行きたい

Let’s dress o! up in kimon

photos of yourself taken in the most scenic spots of Kyoto!

PREMIUM ¥ 10,000 PLAN *Gojo/Oike Shop Surprise your partner by dressing up in these exquisite kimonos made for special occasions such as weddings and formal tea parties.

KIMONO RENTAL Gojo Shop Kimono

¥ 2,800

Oike Shop Original Kimono

¥ 4,500

LOCATION ¥ 23,000 PHOTO PLAN *Gojo/Oike Shop

Gojo Shop (五条店) 128, Manjujicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8104 ☎ (+81) 075-354-9110

Commemorate your trip to Kyoto with beautiful shots taken in the area’s most famous scenic spots!

PHOTO SESSION

¥ 11,000

*Limited to Oike shop Leap through time with a photoshoot within Oike’s machiya with tatami rooms and a Japanese garden.

Oike Bettei Shop (御池別邸店) 472-1 Kinpukicho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0846 ☎ (+81) 075-354-9110 *Kimono dressing experience takes approx. 40 mins per person. * For more details about current plans and prices, please visit yumeyakata’s website.

yumeyakata.com

WA Seh :

Vol.

2017 4:47:30 PM

when the going gets t gh, the t gh go shopping

There may be a couple of unwritten rules regarding shotengai that foreigners may not instinctively be aware of. To avoid strange stares or simply refrain from causing unnecessary trouble to the locals, here are a couple of helpful tips to keep in mind when navigating through a shotengai!

T h e Re ally Use f ul Japan T ravel Guide 1. Don’t eating while walking

Locals consider it rude to walk and eat at the same time in Japan. Instead, feel free to stand outside the shop if you want to immediately tuck into the snack you just bought, or look around for designated tables or stands for eating.

2. Take note of speciﬁc road closure timings

While some shotengai might block oﬀ motorised vehicles from passing through at certain timings, this also means that riding a bicycle through the area may not be allowed.

MP 03:74:4 710

3. Check the opening hours of certain stores

A good number of shops call it a day when the sun sets as their main business is catered to the residents who buy food to cook for dinner. It might be good to check out the operating hours of shops you intend to visit beforehand to avoid disappointment.

4. Try not to bring bulky items along

On top of the already narrow walkways, these shops tend to be relatively small in size so be sure not to lug around large suitcases as it will be deemed a meiwaku ( 迷惑, nuisance) to others.

5. Don’t bargain

Not all stores offer tax exemption so be sure to check with their staff before making a purchase. Receipts are also rarely given out, although it depends on each place. Remember that this is not a bazaar or flea market and these folks are just trying to make a humble living.

Use f u l Ph rase s f o r Fa m i ly T rav e l

tei

BUS STOP

Travelling in a group can be quite challenging, especially for big families where you have to look out for the needs of every member. Even in a largely foreigner-friendly country like Japan, you might struggle a little when it comes to conversing directly with their staﬀ. Bridge that language barrier with this list of phrases which may come in handy during your next vacation.

English

Standard Japanese

Is there a nursing room available?

託児室はどこにありますか？ (Takuji-shitsu wa doko ni arimasu ka?)

Can we get a baby chair?

ベビーチェアを貸してください。(Bebi-chea wo kashite kudasai.)

Can we get a non-smoking seat?

禁煙席がいいです。 (Kin-en-seki ga ii desu.)

Do you have a kids menu?

お子様メニューはありますか？ (Oko-sama menu wa arimasu ka?)

Is there wheelchair access?

車椅子でも入れますか？ (Kuruma-isu demo hairemasu ka?)

Can we rent a pram?

ベビーカーのレンタルはできますか？ (Bebi-ka- no rentaru wa dekimasu ka?)

Is there a drugstore/pharmacy nearby?

この近くに薬局はありますか？ (Kono chikaku ni yakkyoku wa arimasu ka?)

Can we “dabao” this?

お持ち帰りできますか？ (O-mochi-kaeri dekimasu ka?)

Is there an age limit for this?

年齢制限はありますか？ (Nen-rei sei-gen wa arimasu ka?)

Do you have any recommendation for this age?

この年代にオススメのものはありますか？ (Kono nen-dai ni osusume no mono wa arimasu ka?)

Can we try it on? / Can we sample this?

これは試着/試食できますか？ (Kore wa shi-chaku/shi-shoku dekimasu ka?) Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com & www.freepik.com

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WANTED! Yes, you!

We are looking for talented sales executives, passionate writers and creative designers. PS: We have lots of Japanese snacks in the oﬃce.

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JAPAN

TRAVEL

Beyond

VOL.14 | E ARLY SUMMER GUIDE

PERFECT SEASONAL MOMENTS

Presented by

Summer Escapades with Fireworks and Flowers Spend an unforgettable time basking in the glow of festive ﬁreworks and admiring summer blooms with JTB. There are also plenty of good food and historical sites to be seen so book your trip today! Sandanbeki Cliﬀ 三段壁

Unkai Terrace 雲海テラス

Literally translated to a “sea of clouds”, this spectacular phenomenon is viewed at an elevation of 1,088 metres. Appearing in the early morning under special atmospheric conditions, they are almost near enough for visitors to reach out and touch. Stroll down the “Cloud Walk”, where you can feel like you’re walking on clouds!

Sakata Fireworks Show

This geographical wonder was once used as a look-out point for fishermen to spot ships and shoals of fish. Stretching two kilometres along the coastline, the view from the 50-metre-high clifftop is breathtaking. Visitors can take an elevator which brings them down 36 metres to a small cave network that houses a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten, who was originally a water goddess.

酒田花火ショー

This dynamic show features up to 12,000 fireworks launched to the accompaniment of music. Said to be the largest in the Tohoku region, the festival takes place by the Mogami River. Visitors can look forward to dazzling “star mine” and “shaku-tama” fireworks and a massive “Niagara Falls” display to end off the night!

Kongobuji Temple 金剛峯寺

Upon his return from studying Buddhism in Tang-dynasty China, the monk Kobo Daishi built this temple on Mt. Koya in 816. It was then rebuilt several times before becoming the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism. A highlight of the grounds is their rock garden, containing 140 granite stones arranged to form the shape of two dragons.

Himawari-no-sato ひまわりの里

Kumano Fireworks Festival 熊野大花火大会

This large-scale fireworks festival takes place in Mie Prefecture and is one of the few in Japan to be held away from urban areas. The two-hour show happening on the beach kicks off when two ships off the shore launch a barrage of fireworks into air alongside a vibrant pyrotechnic display. 30

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Be blown away by the sight of around 1.5 million sunflowers, which hosts a Sunflower Festival during the high season from mid-July to late-August. During this time, you can wander through the life-size sunflower mazes, enjoy sunflowerflavoured ice-cream and pose for your new profile photo amidst the vibrant flowers.

山形県

VOL.22 | SIGHT-SEEING

EXPLORE JAPAN’S PREFECTURE

Writer’s proﬁle: Chew Yan Qiao – A Singaporean currently living his dream in Japan. Cannot live without Japanese food and enjoys discovering the hidden charms of every prefecture.

YAMAGATA

Ginzan Onsen 銀山温泉

Kuhe Hotel 九兵衛旅館山形

Fruit picking at Takahashi Fruitland

Mt. Haguro Gojū-tō 羽黒山五重塔

Dinner at Kuhe

Fresh greens

Yummy soup

Smoothies from baby green

YAMAGATA - BASK IN AN IDYLLIC NATURE PARADISE

Shonai Airport [Domestic] おいしい庄内空港

An up and coming prefecture in the Tohoku region to visit amongst Singaporeans, this destination has everything a nature lover will swoon over. Simply breathing in the fresh air here will revitalise you! While there are plenty of places to visit in Yamagata, here are a few of the most memorable ones. Mt. Haguro (羽黒山) is one of the Three Mountains of Dewa in the ancient province of Dewa (modern-day Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Prefecture). Standing at 414 metres, this is the lowest of the three mountains and the only one which is accessible throughout the year. Visitors will need to climb 2,466 stone steps to reach its summit, passing by 600-year-old cedar trees and the famous Gojū-tō (五重塔, ﬁve story pagoda) along the way. The steps and pagoda are known for being National Treasures (国宝), the most precious of Japan's Tangible Cultural Properties. As you venture deep into the mysterious mountains of Yamagata, you will get to enjoy the crisp, cool air and lush greenery. 32

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Another must-go is Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉) , where you can rent traditional costumes popular during the Taisho era and stroll along the atmospheric streets and river. Be sure to visit the place in winter, as the beautiful snowfall provides a magniﬁcent scene for all to enjoy.

Yamagata Prefecture 山形県

Yamagata Station 山形駅

At night, rest and relax at Kuhe Hotel (九兵衛旅館山形) , a grand, secluded Japanese ryokan with hot spring services. After a nice soak, feast upon an exquisite dinner made using locally grown produce. The luxurious meal was so good that it made my heart sing with glee! If you like hands-on experiences, try fruit-picking at Takahashi Fruitland in Kaminoyama City. Sign up for the hour-long grapes picking session and be prepared to eat as many big, juicy grapes as you can. While roaming around the city area, keep an eye out for creative smoothies from baby green , a brand made with only the freshest local ingredients. Taste the refreshing goodness and don’t forget to take a cute Instagram snap of the drinks before you gulp them down!

Sendai Airport 東仙台空港

Tokyo 東京都

Tokyo Station Yamagata Station Shinkansen 2hr 30min ¥11,000 (S$134.64~) Narita Airport Shonai Airport Airplane 1hr ¥23,180~ (S$283.72~)

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What is WAttention? WAttention is a name created by combining “ 和 ” (WA) - meaning all things Japanese - with “attention”, referring to our mission to bring attention to the best of Japan. “Wa” also bears the connotation of “linking”, which is what WAttention aims to do as a bridge linking Japan and the world. We are the largest-circulating free magazine to introduce Japan’s unique culture as it is and tourism sights as they are to readers all over the world, in either English or the local language.

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EVENT & INFORMATION | MAY & JUN 2018

FIND OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN JAPAN & SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE 5 May Children’s Day Party Join in fun-filled activities such as the “Picture-Story Show” and a crafts session to make a paper Kabuto helmet. Attendees will get to enjoy delicious Kashiwa Mochi, a traditional rice cake with red bean paste filling wrapped with an oak leaf, commonly eaten during Kodomo no Hi (こどもの日, Children’s Festival). JAS Ballroom (2F) $5/pax | 2.30 – 4pm (Registration starts 2.15pm) jas.org.sg/event/kodomo/kodomo.html 1 Jun Japanese Speech Contest 2018 Want an opportunity to showcase your Japanese language skills and be rewarded for it? Then take part in this annual speech competition! Simply submit a five-minutelong original manuscript on a topic of your choice and stand to win fully-paid homestays in Japan! Email application form and manuscript to: japspeechcontest@jas.org.sg by 1 June 2018 (12pm) jas.org.sg/event/speechcontest/jsc.html

JP: Late Jun - Himeji Yukata Festival Enjoy three days of yukata fashion shows, music performances and tuck into street food at this popular early summer event! During the event, participants clad in yukata get to enjoy exclusive discounts and even free admission to Himeji Castle, the zoo and museums, so don your best yukata and get going! Osakabe Shrine japan-experience.com/city-osaka/himeji-yukata-matsuri

JAPAN Late Apr-Mid May Matsumae Sakura Festival More than 10,000 cherry trees and hundreds of varieties of spring ﬂowers bloom on the grounds of Hokkaido’s only castle. Recognised as one of the top 100 sakura viewing spots in Japan, you will also be able to ﬁnd plenty of food stands, festival stalls and live events happening during this time. Matsumae Castle grounds japancheapo.com/events/matsumaesakura-fest

3-5 May Hiroshima Flower Festival A huge event taking place annually along Hiroshima Peace Boulevard, this three-day event celebrates flowers, nature and music. Over 30 stages are set up, featuring special performances, exhibits and even flea markets. A giant Flower Tower, the symbol of the festival, stands at the entrance to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park visithiroshima.net/things_to_do/seasonal_ events/spring/hiroshima_flower_festival.html

15-17 Jun Tohoku Craft Beer Festival Held in Akita City, this jibiru (地ビール, local beer) festival showcases the best that brewers from northern Honshu have to oﬀer. Catch renowned breweries such as North Island from Hokkaido, Iwate Kura from Iwate as well as host brewery Akita Aqula at the event, which is held in conjunction with the Tohoku Meat Festival. Akita City aqula.co.jp/tohoku-craft-beer (Japanese only)

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