WAttention Singapore vol 7 by WAttention

W O N D E R L A N D J A PA N MICA(P)137/12/2010

www.wattention.com

www.wattention.com 秋の魅力満載、日本

JAPAN, Fantastic Autumn Colour Destinations

Rediscover Tohoku - Land of Breathtaking Scenery Welcom to "Mahoroba" Japan! HEART OF JAPAN - Fly & Drive tour in Chubu

ISSUE 07 Autumn 2011

WATAMI Turns 2 yrs old in Singapore!

Introducing Delightfully Exciting NEW DISHES

Watami Salad

9.8

和民サラダ Special Watami Salad with Tuna Mayo

Tenpura Soba

13.8

つぶせ明太ポテトサラダ DIY Cod Roe & Potato Salad

Cheese Senbei

天婦羅そば Soba with Tempura

6.8

Mentai Potato Salad

6.8

第四弾

厚揚おかか炒め Bite-sized Tofu on Hot Pan

長崎ちゃんぽん Nagasaki Ramen (Pork Broth)

15.8

Mentai Cheese Tofu

豚骨キムチ鍋 Spicy Kimchee Pot with Pork in Pork broth

チーズせんべい Cheese Cracker

Atsuage Okaka Itame

(Tonkotsu soup)

サーモンのカルパッチョ Salmon Carpaccio

Kimchee Nabe

5.8

Nagasaki Ramen 13.8

Salmon Carpaccio 9.8

Konbu Dashi Sumo Nabe

15.8

昆布出汁ちゃんこ鍋 Konbu Sumo Wrestler's Hot Pot

Kaisen Omelette Rice in Stone Pot

7.8

厚揚明太チーズ焼 Tofu Baked with Cheese & Cod Roe

12.8

Ebi Katsu Tamago Toji

10.8

海老フライ卵とじ Shrimp Cutlet with Scrambled Egg Sauce Set

石焼海鮮オムレツライス Seafood Omelette Rice in Stone Pot

Exciting NEW Lunch Sets

Best Value Ever Set Meals

SPECIAL SET (for 2) 55 Udon

200g

うどん Udon

Tori Karaage & Negi Pirikara Sauce-gake Half Watami Salad 和民サラダ (ハーフ) Special Watami Salad with Tuna Mayo (Half)

Save up to

鶏唐とネギのピリ辛ソースがけ

Crispy Fried Chicken with Spicy Sauce

20%

New!

Sutamina Don Set 10.8 東京名物月見豚肉飯 Tokyo Specialty Pork Rice Bowl with Egg Yolk

New!

Shabu Buta Salad Set 10.8 冷しゃぶサラダ定食 Shabu Shabu Pork Salad Set

Sapporo Miso Ramen 札幌味噌ラーメン Miso Based Ramen with Minced Pork, Vegetables and Corn

Hire Katsu Tamago Toji ひれカツ卵とじ Pork Fillet Cutlet with Scrambled Egg Sauce

Beef Sukiyaki Nabe すきやき鍋 Sukiyaki

Glasses

Tompeiyaki 豚平焼 Tompeiyaki (Pork, Cheese, Cabbage & Egg)

Main Dish, Hot Pot, Side Dishes, and Drinks have Other Choices Available

New!

Wafu Hitokuchi Steak Set 15.8

Kaisen don Teishoku Set 15.8

鉄板牛サイコロステーキ Bite-sized Beef on Hot Pan

海鮮丼定食 Assorted Sashimi Sushi Rice Bowl Set

ION Branch

The Central Branch

Raffles City Branch

Junction 8 Branch

ION Orchard #B3-23, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801

6 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, #03-82/83/85/102/108/109 Singapore 059817

252 North Bridge Road, #B1-06/07, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103

9 Bishan Place, #01-33, Junction 8 Shopping Centre, Singapore 579837

Tel: 6323 3398

Tel: 6336 24 25

Tel: 6258 3577

Tel: 6509 9366

We accept reservations at The Central and Raffles City Branches only. ● Prices are in terms of Singapore Dollars. / 表示価格はシンガポールドルになっております。 ● All prices shown are subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST. / 当店では、サービス料として別途ご利用金額の 10% と消費稅 7% をいただいております。

● The pictures are only for reference. / 写真と異なることがございます。

www.watami.com.sg

Publisher Yasuko Suzuki Minook International (S) Pte Ltd 2B Craig Road Singapore 089662 Tei: (65)6324-2127

contents

Editor in Chief Naoki Kiyota

FEATURES

Sub Editor in Chief

04 Rediscover Tohoku: Land of Breathtaking Scenery

Ayako F Sogo

10 Welcome to "Mahoroba" Japan!

faciobb Co.,Ltd, Creative Commune LLC

Partners Advertising Sales

REPORT

20 HEART OF JAPAN - Fly & Drive tour in Chubu, Central Japan

Naoki Kiyota Ayako Miyazaki Shima Kusunoki Miyoko Takeuchi

kiyota@mangosteen.com.sg miya@mangosteen.com.sg shima@mangosteen.com.sg take@mangosteen.com.sg

Editorial & Design Department in Japan Yaeko Inaba …Writer and Editor Mizuho Ota …Writer Sonoko Azuma …Illustrator Yasuhisa Tamura …Graphic Designer

COLUMN

18 HOW TO BE A GOOD TRAVELLER

Photo courtesies

23 FINE DINING FEATURE 31 A DELICIOUS JAPANESE RECIPE TO COOK AT HOME

Okaeri Channel, Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization, Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation, JNTO

Cover Photo

REGULARS

Akita prefecture

Central Japan International Airport Co.,Ltd, JNTO Singapore ofﬁce, Kathleen Massara

Special thanks to

WHO WANTS TO BE A CONNOISSEUR?

A STUDY OF JAPANESE CUISINE WATTENTION is a publication of Minook International (S) 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

ty Chari k Boo

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 Minook International (S) Pte Ltd, 2B Craig Rd, Singapore 089662. Email: info@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. All colour separation and printing by International Press Softcom Ltd. Licence No. L004/11/2010 International Press Building 26 Kallang Ave. Singapore 339417 Singapore MICA (P) 137/12/2010.

A NEW TRAVEL GUIDE for JAPAN! 41 celebrities and cultural ﬁgures recommend the best attractions of Japan!

JAPAN VISIONS by KISHIN SHINOYAMA

Cherry Blossoms, Mount Fuji

Paul Smith recommends:

S$20 incl. GST

{Magome} Gifu Pref.

Tsumago and Magome Fashion designer

More than 80 times since 1982

n Tokyo, I would suggest to visit Shibuya for its so many variation of stores, restaurants, etc and Aoyama/Harajuku where there are a lot of fashion shops from high fashion to very local and small, or vintage. In country side, I would suggest Magome, Tsumago villages where tradition and old houses and streets still exist. I used to visit country side personally when I started my business in Japan about 30 years ago, but now I really don’t have enough time to visit apart from Tokyo where I am only allowed to walk around near my office in Aoyama, Harajuku and Shibuya due to my busy schedule. However, I always find some new interesting things and like watching people, how they dress etc. I was lucky to have time to visit Tsumago and Magome for a project with a magazine last year, and I found these villages are so beautiful. It is great to see that they are still there and unchanged, which is rare and

#03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City, #03-50 Liang Court, #03-09/12 Bugis Junction

Editor’s memo Nakasendo’s two historic post towns Tsumago and Magome are towns where you can feel the air of the Edo period. Both areas were post stations located on the Nakasendo Route, which is one of the Gokaido, the five major highways. The Nakasendo linked Edo and Kyoto through the inland area and had 69 post stations.

AID Japan

< A6 format Full-color 160 pages>

Sold at Kinokuniya Bookstores inland wide

024

In order to help Japan and its tourism industry, 41 celebrities and cultural ﬁgures worldwide made this book possible. The contributors include Jane Birkin, Paul Smith and Tommy Hilﬁger. This guide book is uniquely composed of recommendations on places, buildings, shops and events provided by foreign celebrities who love Japan. Find your destinations from celebrities’ recommendations and our directory of the best Japanese hotels, ryokan, restaurants and museums!

Magome in Gifu prefecture AID Japan

025

www.wattention.com 03

Rediscover Tohoku:

Land of Breathtaking Scenery

The 3.11 earthquake left haunting images of a devastated Tohoku in our minds. That, however, was 5 months ago, and much of the region is now rapidly recovering. Although this region may not be a typical tourist mecca like Kyoto, it is full of beautiful sites with breathtaking scenery. Let us help you rediscover the wonderful Tohoku region!

Sendai, Lu Xun, and China To many literary fans, Sendai maybe known as the city where the Chinese writer Lu Xun once studied. In fact, he attended Sendai Medical Academy (now the Medical Faculty of Tohoku University) for about 2 years during his 19021909 stay in Japan. It was here in Sendai where Lu Xun, one of the founders of modern Chinese literature, made up his mind to become a writer. As the first Chinese student, Lu Xun was welcomed by the school and the teachers. One of his most enthusiastic instructors was Dr. Fujino, who checked his work and added missing information from class - even correcting the grammar of Lu Xun’s notes for every single lecture of his course. The professor continuously encouraged Lu Xun, and his unconditional dedication made Dr. Fujino one the most respected figures in Lu Xun’s life. Although many welcomed and supported Lu Xun around school, he was also the target of xenophobic gossipmongers. Although his name was cleared, one film

The statue of Lu Xun donated by Shaoxing city, his birthplace, at the Sendai City Museum.

shown in class changed the writer’s life forever. Healing of the minds of Chinese people, he realized, was more urgent than healing them physically. Consequently, Lu Xun quit the Academy to start his writing career. The short stay left a great impact on Lu Xun’s life as well as on the city of Sendai. There are many monuments related to the writer around Tohoku University, such as a statue, a former classroom and his old apartment house, and there are many award and exchange programs with China in Lu Xun’s name. He continues to be a great bridge that connects the city to his native land. Wandering into ancient Japan with breath taking scenery One of the most exciting features of Tohoku is the beautiful scenery of the countryside. Vast rice ﬁelds and orchards expand all the way to the foot of the mountains. When the sun sets, the mistcovered mountains nearly disappear, and you become a witness of the same beauty that inspired the ancient painters of traditional ink brush works. Tohoku is also known for its unspoiled nature. The most famous is the World Heritage Site, Shirakami-Sanchi, which is a virgin beech forest. A number of other beautiful and accessible spots await you around the region. Just 30 minutes outside of Sendai is Matsushima, one of the three most scenic

spots in Japan. Some 260 small, pinecovered islands are scattered around the bay opening to the Pacific. The islands are very masculine with the distinct contrast of yellowy cliffs and dark-green pines, bearing the fierce waves from the Pacific. The islands stand there with quiet dignity and beauty created by the brutality of nature. On the contrast, Oirase Gorge, located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori prefecture, welcomes you with a gentle beauty. Surrounded by lively trees and lush ferns, this pleasant stream flows so calmly that you would think it isn’t even moving. When you walk along this divine stream, you feel Mother Nature holding gently. Regardless of the form, nature in Tohoku has something spiritual and majestic about it. Its beauty is both ethereal and eternal. Without realizing, you start to connect with nature, just like people there have been doing since ancient times.

The contrast of the bright yellow green of the rice patches and dark green mountains create a truly outstanding landscape.

Mesmerized by the historical monuments Embedded in the extraordinary nature are a number of historically and architecturally important monuments. Just this year, the temple and gardens in Hiraizumi were designated as World Heritage Sites. Zuigan-ji and Kabu-shima are also beautiful and interesting, Zuigan-ji, a national treasure, is a Zen Buddhist temple founded in 828 in Matsushima. A straight, shady path lined with ancient cedar trees invites you to the serene premises, giving it a divine and mysterious feeling. On the sides are clusters of partially man-made pits where ancient Buddhist monks used to meditate. Across the street, a modest wooden temple, Godai-do, stands on a small island connected by a scenic bridge, creating a subtle yet extraordinary view. Kabu-shima is a small island with a shrine on its peak just outside of downtown Hachinohe in Aomori. The natural

The bridge leading to Godai-do has gaps between the wood panels to straighten up and clear the minds of the worshippers.

Nyuto onsen in Akita prefecture

monument is a breeding ground for seagulls and is a symbolic place for the citizens of Hachinohe, since these migratory birds always come back to the same place every year. Nearby is a beautiful 12km coastline covered with hundreds of marine and mountain plants in the springtime. Acting like a shield to downtown Hachinohe from the ocean, the divine island broke the great tsunami on March 11th and protected the city. Get relaxed to the bones in onsen! One of the beneďŹ ts of visiting a volcanic country like Japan is a large number of unique hot springs. Tohoku is not an exception; the region is full of famous as well as hidden onsens that have been used for therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years. Taking a dip in onsen amid nature is one of the best ways to get away from the daily stresses of city life. Scenic Sukayu Onsen in the middle of Mt. Hakkoda in Aomori has a 300-year history of providing therapeutic baths to the public. Even today, they have facilities and advisors for people who visit the spring for therapeutic bathing, or toji. Nyuto onsen in Akita prefecture is one of the most famous in the region not only for its great hot springs but also for the historic ryokans. More accessible is the 1000-year old Naruko onsen in Miyagi prefecture. Conveniently located in the center of Tohoku, you can base your trip here for a number of tourist sites such as Matsushima, Hiraizumi and Yamadera in Yamagata.

Beautiful Historic City Aizu Aizu-wakamatsu is a beautiful city surrounded by scenic mountains. Unfortunately this city is located in the western part of Fukushima prefecture, and has been associated with the nuclear power plant disaster. The city, however, is business as usual. This city has been the center of powerful Aizu-han in the Edo period with its own castle, Tsuruga-jo. Inside the castle is a museum that shows life in the castle; the observatory on the top floor gives a scenic 360-degree view of the city as well as the garden below. There is also a beautiful tearoom in the garden where you can enjoy traditional tea with sweets. You can also enjoy painting your own akabeko, a traditional papier-mĂ˘chĂŠ toy that is a specialty of Aizu. Thirty minutes outside of the city is a great hot spring village, Ashinomaki Onsen, located in a steep valley looking down on a beautiful stream. Okawaso, an amazing traditional ryokan offers you great bath, delicious food and wonderful service that makes you want to come back again and again!

Food paradise Tohoku With its vast land and water, Tohoku is an important region for producing meats, seafood and various kinds of produce. On the coast, you find delicious fresh fish and shellfish and inland, you’ll find specialty beef, pork, chicken and fruit. These ingredients are used generously to make simple and delicious local foods. What is a good trip without tasting good food? Come and taste the best of Tohoku! Tohoku’s extensive coastline is home to a variety of sea creatures. From oysters to crabs, squid to mackerel, the markets are always full of fresh sea food of the season year-round. At Hasshoku Center in Hachinohe, fresh seafood can be cleaned and prepared to be enjoyed on the spot. Just choose your favorite fish and ask them to prepare sashimi for you! There is also a stall in the market where they grill and shell fish over char coal, which is another great way to enjoy fresh sea foods. Branded beef, pork and chicken are

You can enjoy fresh seafood on the spot at Hasshoku Center.

Tohoku offers you a variety of branded beef. Beware of drooling!

Youth Ambassador and warmth of people in Tohoku To help the devastated Tohoku region, 100 students from Singapore became youth ambassadors in order to volunteer and to experience local tourist spots. The aim was to provide an opportunity for the students to see the “real” Tohoku and to bring back credible information to Singapore. After six busy days, what many students remembered the most was the kindness of the people who welcomed them

another specialty of this region. Almost all prefectures in Tohoku have their own brand of beef including the famous Yonezawa beef from Yamagata and Maezawa beef from Iwate. These special animals are protected by strict regulations to maintain the quality. Among them is Hinai jidori, a cross-breed of Hinai dori which is a natural treasure. The chicken is so valued that counterfeit Hinai jidori has been a repeated problem, causing stricter regulations in the past few years. Yamagata is very famous for delicious fruits as well. You can enjoy fruit picking from early June till the end of November, starting with cherries, peaches, grapes and apples. You can eat as much as you’d like in some of these orchards, and some people eat more than 10 peaches in one sitting! Last but not the least, the great rice production in Tohoku makes it perfect for brewing sake. Each region has a number of local sake breweries producing delicious and unique local brews. Most res-

taurants and bars serve a few different brands, so try a little bit of each to ﬁnd your favorite from that region. You will be surprised at the variety and deliciousness of sake loved by the locals! Noodles with history Inaniwa udon are specialty udon noodles originating in southern Akita prefecture; their unique smooth texture and full ﬂavor have been valued for hundreds of years. In fact, the unique procedure to make these noodles was kept secret and passed down in only selected families for ages. Unlike other udon noodles, Inaniwa udon is thinned by stretching with two sticks, and the process puts small air bubbles in the noodles, which results in their characteristically smooth texture. Try these noodles at Hyakusuien near the samurai street in Kakunodate. This restaurant operates in a 400-year old wooden building and serves delicious traditional food.

Fruit in Tohoku is delicious, especially when you pick it yourself!

wherever they went. Ms. Tay Yi Hui from Nanyang Technological University, enthusiastically remarked, “The way these residents just continued with their life impressed me; people were always so friendly to us and smiling and greeting us everywhere.” That sums it up. Tohoku is recovering and people are going on with their lives. With its great food, breathtaking scenery and generous people welcoming you, Tohoku is one of the most attractive tourist destinations now more than ever!

Over 300 years of history helped perfect Inaniwa udon, one of the best noodles ever.

Access to Tohoku You can get to major cities in Tohoku by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Take local trains or buses to smaller towns and tourist spots. If you plan to take the trains, JR pass is convenient and reasonable. It is only sold outside of Japan, so don’t forget to buy it before you leave. Driving is also a nice way to get around Tohoku to enjoy its scenery. Chance to win Inaniwa udon! Check on our website for details. www.wattention.com

•

Hakone Ryokan 1 N + Tokyo 2 N fr $898

Hotel Okada -

Tokyo 4yDR3esNort + Tokyo Disne 1 day ticket fr $648

3 Nights package includes:

• Return economy air ticket by Delta Airlines • 3N stay at 3-5 stars Hotels from the choice list • Tokyo Disney Resort 1day passport

*Prices are only valid for payment using DBS/POSB credit card. . *Booking period by 27th Sep 2011 for Tokyo Free & Easy packages. *All prices are subjected to associated taxes & surcharges correct at time of price & subject to change from S$320- S$400. *Other terms and conditions apply

JTB Travel Saloon www.jtb.com.sg

ION Orchard (#04-29) Mandarin Gallery (#02-17) Tel: 6595-0600 Tel: 6735-2345 Email: jtbion.sg@jtbap.com Email: jtbtravelsaloon.sg@jtbap.com

ホテルおかだ -

is a traditional Japanese style hotel (Ryokan) in Hakone. Meals are rich with the ﬂavours and scents of the season. Guests can take their dinner in their room. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast buffet as well. An elaborate complex of hot springs awaits you (indoor and outdoor). Let the beauty of the nature surrounding you cleanse your mind and being as you take a moment to relax and immerse yourself in the luxurious and healing waters.

3 Nights package includes:

• Return economy air ticket by Delta Airlines • 1N stay at Hotel Okada (incl. Breakfast & Dinner) • 2N stay at Hilton tokyo (room only) N ATA S S p e c i a l P r o m o t i o n

$2,238 fr $2,738

*Prices are only valid for payment using DBS/POSB credit card. *Only at NATAS HOLIDAYS 2011.

Visit us at NATAS HOLIDAYS 2011 Singapore Expo, JTB Booth 6H-28

The World’s Widest Full-Flat Business Class Seat Measuring 30 inches wide and decked out in luxurious leather in a soothing mocha and camel colour scheme, Singapore Airlines’ Business Class seat is almost 50 percent wider than others in its class, and its recline, leg rest and ottoman features allow customers to relax in their preferred seating or lounging positions. This innovative design allows the seat to be converted into one of the largest full ﬂat beds measuring a generous 76 inches in length, allowing you to rest in comfort and style. Business travellers who prefer to work onboard can do so in style and comfort with the height-adjustable table, well-positioned reading lights, in-seat laptop power supply and USB ports. Other thoughtful features include dedicated storage areas for cabin baggage and personal items. Business travellers can also indulge in the very best of international and local delicacies specially created by Singapore Airlines’ International Culinary Panel.

Premium Experience in Economy Class Such innovative design continues in Singapore Airlines’ Economy Class. With ergonomically designed seats, height-adjustable leather headrests, front-mounted footrest and increased legroom, travellers will enjoy more privacy, comfort and knee and leg room. With reading lights located at the base of the larger 10.6 inch widescreen LCD monitor, travellers are provided with non-intrusive illumination.

KrisWorld - Over 1000 Entertainment Options Powered by the latest Panasonic eX2 in-ﬂight entertainment system, Singapore Airlines’ new KrisWorld offers more than 1000 on-demand options. Available on all classes, the extensive selection includes over 140 movies, more than 190 TV programmes, as well as a wide range of interactive games, audio CDs, hosted radio programming, and a variety of learning applications. Other features include larger, 1280 x 768 high-resolution screens across all three classes, sleek and compact handsets with intuitive controls as well as external USB ports, ensuring that you will never have a dull moment onboard. 09

Welcome to "Mahoroba" Japan!

ent t t A W

ion

nel n a h R I C ature E A K O al Fe haku bags peci c

Photos (clockwise from center right): Bicycles in Tokyo; Tenugui(Japanese towlet) with stamps for visiting nine spots in Shibu Onsen; Dogashima Islands in Izu Peninsula; skiers in Kakeyu Onsen; tourists walk around Shibu Onsen; town of Ito Onsen; Autumn leaves

S in ts – k readers! ial gif 0 Spec lucky 10 for

Learn more about Japan and find your next destination this fall

apan is a country where, the more your travel, the more you are attracted to its wonders. OKAERI Channel – a travel and destination website in Japan – offers useful information including local trivia even the Japanese don’t know. It currently provides information in Japanese; however, its English version will be available very soon. There are about 2,700 onsen spots all over Japan, most of them located in the countryside. These onsen villages will not only charm you with all the natural hot springs but also with various kinds of local ﬂavors. Likewise, each place has its own distinct culture and traditions, which can be seen in their arts and crafts. For travelers who have already done the “Japan Trip 101,” such as visiting temples in Kyoto and Nara, as well as shopping in 10

Tokyo, it is a time to plan something unique. Our suggestion is to take a long break and visit an onsen! You can unwind yourself in this slow pace of life and enjoy tasting the bounties from oceans and mountains. After recharging yourself, you’ll be ready to jump into the vibrant city of Tokyo again! In this special feature, we have 15 onsen & accommodations to recommend, together with unique sightseeing suggestions perfect for this autumn season. What’s more, we are giving away little kinchaku eco bags (with used kimono cloths) to lucky 100 readers who answer simple questions on our website (www.wattention.com)! Please do not miss it out!

OKAERI Channel offers known and unknown attractions in Japan

n Japan remains a number of spots or things that are unknown even to the Japanese people. OKAERI Channel focuses on such hidden attractions. In Japanese, “okaeri” means “welcome home,” because when people visit the Japanese countryside, they feel at home. OKAERI Channel covers such charms of the countryside in Japan, from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. OKAERI channel guides you to unique attractions including local products, sightseeing spots, historical episodes, eco activities and more. They also provide you with information on long stays and even relocation to the countryside. Up-to-date travel tips and information on local foods only a local would know, are also provided to make your stay something special.

Okaeri Channel www.okaeri-ch.com For more details on each attraction, please visit their websites or inquire about them through their contacts.

Acco m m o dati o n

Stay at a cozy onsen accommodation

f you want to enjoy Japan, dipping in an onsen is a must. Here we introduce seven accommodations, both Western and ryokan (Japanese inn) style. Each place is known for their dedicated omotenashi (“hospitality” in Japanese). Whether you are a ﬁrst-time or seasoned traveler in Japan, their hospitality and facilities will make you feel right at home. Soaking in on-

sen is an essential way to enjoy Japan. Here we introduce seven accommodations including styles of hotel and ryokan. Each entry provides omotenashi which the Japanese term itself refers a hospitality concept–thoughtfulness, and dedication to customers. Both beginners and repeaters for trip in Japan will be relaxed in those services and facilities.

Entry 1

Kokuya Hotel Nagano:

Traditional ryokan welcomes guest from around the world

okuya Hotel is located in historic Shibu Onsen near Jigokudani in Nagano, which is known for its nine famous old public baths, each with different effects on your body. The hotel was established about 400 years ago. Their well-known appreciation of wooden architecture is demonstrated in each guest room, which reﬂects different architectural styles. To date, Kokuya has welcomed guests from 32 countries. They have six different onsen water sources and two of them spring from underneath the premises. Guests are encouraged to try out the different types of baths available here.

Kokuya Hotel Nagano • Address: Shibu onsen street, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano • Phone: +81-269-33-2511 • Web: www.ichizaemon.com/lang_en • Transportation: From Tokyo, take Nagano Shinkansen to Nagano Station. Transfer to express Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station. Call them for free pickup from 3-6 pm.

Entry 2 Acco m m o dati o n

Shibu Hotel:

Feel relaxed in a traditional room with their omotenashi

t Shibu Hotel, their friendly staff welcomes you with a smile and sends you off with smile. Your stay will surely be ﬁlled with excellent omotenashi hospitality. This traditional ryokan is decorated to the brim with goods from the 1960s, which will make you feel like you have traveled back to the good old Showa period (1926–89). Dishes using fresh local ingredients such as rice and wild vegetables will satisfy your appetite, while its highquality onsen water will make you feel rejuvenated. Don’t hesitate to walk around the neighborhood wearing a Yukata, since it is absolutely normal here.

Shibu Hotel • Address: 2173 Hirao, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano • Phone: +81-269-33-2551 • Web: www.shibuhotel.com/english/index.htm • Transportation: From Nagano Station, take express Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station. Call them for free pickup after 2:30 pm.

Entry 3

Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku:

Take a moment to meditate in the beautiful Japanese gardens

ocated in Kanbayashi Onsen in the northwest part of Nagano, Kanbayashi Hotel is known for its two breathtaking Japanese gardens which are filled with 120 kinds of wild flowers and trees that are over 100 years old. You can soak in the open-air bath in the forest while enjoying the views of an onsen fountain nearby. A natural cycling system keeps this rich onsen water continually fresh. A perfect place to unwind in nature, the two open-air baths are available for private use upon reservation. You can also find lots of wild monkeys enjoying the onsen at Jigokudani Yaen Koen, about 30-minute’s walk away.

Kanbayashi Hotel Senjukaku • Address: 1410 Kanbayashi, Yamanouchi-cho, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano • Phone: +81-269-33-3551 • Web: www.snowjapan.com/e/hotel/viewhotel.php?hotid=338 • Transportation: From Nagano Station, take express Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station. Take a bus to Kanbayashi Onsen. Alternatively call them in advance for the pickup from Yudanaka Station.

Entry 4 Acco m m o dati o n

Nozawa Grand Hotel:

Delicious local dishes with fresh seasonal ingredients

ozawa Grand Hotel is located in Nozawa Onsen, one of Japan’s most popular ski resorts with various off-season attractions. You can choose either Western-style or Japanese-style guest rooms. Enjoy magniﬁcent views from the open-air bath overlooking the onsen town underneath. Flowerbeds along the hill present guests different colors each season. Nearby attractions include old temples, Lake Hokuryu, as well as many onsen within walking distance. Local cuisines, such as Shinshu (Nagano) beef, carp sushi, and horse sashimi, are a feast for your eyes, as well as your tastebuds.

Nozawa Grand Hotel • Address: 8888 Nozawa Onsen-mura, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano • Phone: +81-26985-3151 • Web: www.nozawagrand.com (Japanese only) • Transportation: From Nagano Station, take JR Iiyama Line to Togari Nozawa Onsen Station. Take a bus to Nozawa Onsen. Alternatively you can take bus from Nagano Station directly to Nozawa Onsen.

Entry 5

Saito Hotel:

Take a long holiday to explore various attractions and activities

he long-established Saito Hotel is located in the quiet mountainous countryside which offers various unique attractions during your stay. The hotel has sports facilities including an onsen swimming pool, a training gym and a beauty spa; and it’s a good idea to stay longer to maintain bodily health. Extra activities such as Kamikochi Highland trekking, local wine tasting, as well as sightseeing bus tours are also available, while live concerts are often held in the lobby area. Breakfast and dinner are offered in buffet style with 40 different dishes from Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisines.

Saito Hotel • Address: 1387 Kakeyu Onsen, Ueda-shi, Nagano • Phone: +81-268-44-2211 • Web: www. saito-hotel.co.jp (Japanese only) • Transportation: From Tokyo, take the Nagano Shinkansen to Ueda Station. They provide free pickup from the station everyday at 1:30 pm. Call 0120-311-079 for the reservation.

Entry 6

Fresh seafood and onsen in a location few hours away from Tokyo

to Grand Hotel is located near the center of the popular Ito Onsen in Shizuoka. The town is home to an onsen fountain that produces 32,000 liters per minute of hot spring water. The hotel has a newly-renovated large bathing facility and three different open-air private baths. Gastronomic treasures from the oceans and mountains are sure to satisfy every guest’s appetite. Its vintage building evokes a sense of nostalgia, while their omotenashi will make you feel like you went back to the good old days of Japan. Ito Grand Hotel • Address: 3-3 Takaracho, Ito-shi, Shizuoka • Phone: +81-557-37-4343 • Web: www. ito-grand-hotel.com (Japanese only) • Transportation: From Tokyo, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station. Transfer to Izu Kyuko Line to Ito Station. Call them for free pickup.

Entry 7

Hotel Katara Fukushimaya:

Enjoy onsen resort in your own style

ant to enjoy both the onsen and the sea? Then Hotel Katara Fukushimaya is your destination. It is located in Atagawa Onsen on Izu Penisula, with every guest room facing the ocean. There are various options for rooms, from a suite which comes with a private open-air bath and foot bath, to reasonablypriced Japanese-style rooms. Breakfast comes as a buffet, but you can take your time to enjoy a dinner full of fresh local ingredients right in your room. Nearby attractions include Izu Animal Kingdom and Atagawa Banana Crocodile Garden. Hotel Katara Fukushimaya • Address: 992-1, Naramoto, Higashiizu-cho, Kamo-gun, Shizuoka • Phone: +81-557-23-2222 • Web: www.katara.co.jp • Transportation: From Tokyo, take Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station. Transfer to Izu Kyuko Line to Atagawa Station. Call them for free pickup.

Acco m m o dati o n

Ito Grand Hotel:

Entry 8

Entry 9

R eg i o n

EBESA: A tour guided by locals for a unique experience of Nagano

hen you visit the northern part of Nagano that includes Yamanouchi, Yudanaka Shibu Onsen-kyo and Shiga Kogen Highland, you can join unique tours offered by EBESA. All guides are local residents who know every detail of the region and its attractions. Their tours let you enjoy various experiences, from hiking to traditional performances. • Phone: +81-26933-2138 • Web: w w w. i n f o - y a m a nouchi.net/english/ ebesa-tour/index. html

Jigokudani Yaen Koen: Meet adorable monkeys enjoying the onsen

igokudani Yaen Koen is a park where you can ﬁnd monkeys bathing in an outdoor onsen. In winter, people call these bathing monkeys “Snow Monkeys,” and their adorable bathing action attracts tourists from all over the world. The park is close to several onsen towns including Shibu and Kanbayashi. • Address: 6845 Yamanouchimachi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano • Phone: +81-269-33-4379

Entry 10

Ito Onsen: Find your special spots around this attractive onsen town

to Onsen is a traditional and popular resort town only a few hours’ train ride from Tokyo. The Ito Onsen Ryokan Hotel Association provides information on events, activities and attractions in town, as well as information on unexplored destinations. It also publishes an informative magazine in Japanese, edited by local female writers. Visit www.ito.or.jp.

Entry 11

Shimanchu MiRiKa: Okinawan Anime delivers a message to the future in Asia

atch a special edition of this Okinawan animation where three little local girls send a message to the future through their fantastic adventures. This special edition is only available on OKAERI channel at www.okaerich.jp.

Entry 12

Kiri-e: Fantastic paper works attract all generations

iri-e, or paper cutting art, is one of the renowned Japanese traditional arts. Finely cut Kiri-e art – which resembles colorful stained glass – is now transforming into modern art with new twists.

Entry 13

To k y o

Tokyo Great Cycling Tour: Explore Tokyo with a bicycle

hether you are the ﬁrst-timer or a frequent traveler in Tokyo, this tour is a great way to explore this gigantic metropolis. English-speaking guides will take you to various spots including the Tsukiji Fish Market, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba, Asakusa, and the fashionable Harajuku/Omotesando areas. Bicycle tours will give you a different view of Tokyo and its many interesting interactions. • Phone: +81-3-4590-2995 • Web: www.tokyocycling.jp

Entry 14

Oasis Grill and Italian: Relaxing Italian restaurant in Ginza

lthough trying Japanese food is the ﬁrst priority during your stay here, nothing stops you from trying other dishes in this gourmet city. You won’t regret dining out in this cozy Italian restaurant in the center of Ginza, which offers both authentic Italian and multi-national dishes.

• Address: 1-4-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo • Phone: +81-3-3567-0013 • Web: www.ginza-oasis.com (Japanese only) • Transportation: A few minutes walk from Ginza-itchome Subway Station, Ginza Subway Station and Yurakucho JR Station. Entry 15

Grand Park Hotel Excel Chiba: Stay at a hotel with an easy access to Tokyo and Narita

ith easy access from Tokyo and Narita, this reasonable business hotel (with rates from 4,000 yen and free wi-ﬁ service) has rooms ranging from single to triple, ideal for both business and family. Ask the friendly staff for information on nearby attractions. • Address: 123-4 Tonodai-machi, Wakaba-ku Chiba-shi • Phone: +81-43-251-4123 • Web: www.grandpark-ex.jp/foreign/english.html • Transportation: From Tokyo Station, take a train on the JR Sobu Line to Chiba Station. Take a taxi from the Chiba Station.

Japanese etiquette for visitors <5>

Sakura

How to Be a

Kumata

会席料理

Kaiseki Manners Part 1

Many ryokans offer dishes in Kaiseki style, a traditional Japanese style of food and serving. Let’s learn with Sakura how to eat each dish beautifully using accompanying soy sauce and seasonings properly!

Itadakimasu

Getting started ⑤

⑧

④

⑦

③ ①

When it is offered as a course, the dishes are usually served in the order below.

⑥

②

① Sakizuke(appertizers)→② Suimono(soup)→③ Mukouzuke(sashimi etc) →④ Nimono (boiling food)→⑤ Agemono(tempura etc)→⑥ Yakimono(grilled fish in season)→⑦ Mushimono(chawan-mushi etc)→Rice/Ko-nomono (pickles)/Tomewan (miso soup) →⑧ Mizumono (dessert, fruits). When all the dishes are served on a low table (ozen), dishes are usually set up as in the left figure. Dishes are to be enjoyed with sake, and rice and miso soup are served at the end when all the dishes are finished. When the dishes are served this way, a well respected manner is to eat all the dishes little by little rather than finishing one dish and move onto another.

Suimono (soup)

Tempura

Shiso Flower (seasoning)

When you travel, you tend to meet different kinds of people and be in touch with other cultures, but do you know about their local etiquette? Miss Wattention, SAKURA, and her little bear KUMATA will show you how to enjoy Japan's unique culture in an authentic way. You won't feel embarrassed if you know basic their manners and etiquette.

Sashimi Put a small portion on a piece of sashimi rather than mixing it in soy sauce to fully enjoy its flavour. To eat without dripping soy sauce all over yourself, hold the small dish with soy sauce close to your mouth (you don’t want to have stains of soy sauce on your cloths!). When you dip your sashimi in soy sauce, make sure not to dip too much as it ruins the delicate flavour of sashimi. Sometimes little dark-purple buds or small flowers accompany wasabi. These are also seasonings, so put them in soy sauce and enjoy their flavour.

Sonoko Azuma

Illustrator & Manga Artist

She started her career working for one of the most established manga magazines in Japan. Since then, her artworks have been widely featured in publications and websites.

Hold the bowl in the left hand, remove the lid and enjoy the aroma before taking a sip. It is easier to sip if you hold down the solid contents with your chop sticks. Do not drink all the soup at once, instead, enjoy the content and the soup alternately. When shell fish is in the soup, eat the flesh and leave the shell in the bowl rather than putting it on the table. It is better to sip quietly as much as possible.

Tempura is usually served with special sauce (ten-tsuyu). Mix graded daikon (daikon-oroshi) and graded ginger in the sauce, and dip tempura lightly before eating. Along with the sauce, some places serve salt or kabosu (lime-like citrus fruit). You can choose the seasoning you prefer.

To be continued…

中部

Travel Report

Chubu

Fly & Drive tour in Chubu, Central Japan

Heart of Japan The Chubu region is the heartland of Japan, located between Kanto and Kansai areas. Bordering the Sea of Japan, the region includes the major city of Nagoya, as well as an extensive range of mountain resorts. A Fly & Drive tour gives you the freedom of the open road to see Chubu’s colorful scenery, and it’s a fabulous way to explore the region at your own pace. Our editor reports on a Follow Me Japan Tour to share her 5-night, 6-day experience in Chubu. Cormorant Fishing

Day 1

Nagoya → Gifu

After picking up our cars at Chubu airport, all fellow travelers set oﬀ to the ﬁrst meeting point: Nagoya Castle. Honestly, we were a little nervous about driving in Japan, but with a marvelouslydesigned GPS navigation guide, we immediately found that driving around was easy and very pleasant. By the time we were admiring the golden dolphin statues on the roof of Nagoya Castle, we were convinced that the trip would be great. A few hours later, after enjoying regional style lunch, we left for the next city, Gifu, where we could watch

Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River at close range from a boat. This unique night fishing method has been used for some 1,300 years, and the river is the only place you can find this in practice. Generations of master fisherman with royal warrants use tame cormorant birds ‒ which are excellent at fishing ‒ to catch Ayu (sweetfish). Under the light of fire lanterns, these fishermen (known as Usho ) lead their specially-trained birds on a leash as they dive and swim for their catch, making for a beautiful and dramatic night performance.

Day 2

Hitsumabushi, Nagoya -style Unagi (eel) cuisine

his A master ﬁsherman withper 30 year-old veteran skip

Gifu → Takayama

The second day s highlights were two historic market towns. Located in a mountainous valley, the town of Gujo preserves an ancient ambience along its old streets. Taking a leisurely stroll, I felt like I was transported back to the days of old. The town is also famous as the home of the Plastic Food Replica Factory, which makes 80% of the wax food samples that you see displayed across restaurants in Japan. The factory has a shop that stocks thousands of food samples which are sold as souvenirs. You can also create one by yourself at the attached workshop ‒ it s a whole new meaning to playing with your food! About a 1.5-hour drive took us to Takayama, a provincial city during Edo period, with many historic sites preserved as they

Gujo

Nagoya Ca st Nagoya, wa le, a landmark of the seat of s built in 1612 as the feudal lo rd

I made it!

Takayama

have been in their glory days. These days, the old town district is home to bustling shopping streets lined on both sides with shops, as well as food stalls and counters, where you can buy authentic Japanese snacks. It was a good thing that we didn t indulge ourselves too much, because at Hotel Hodakaso Sangetsu ‒ a traditional Japanese Onsen inn in which we stayed the night ‒ had prepared a meal of locallyproduced Hida beef of the highest grade for dinner.

Creating a wax sample of a lettuce is really fun!

Kanazawa Tojinbo Cliff

Day 3

Takayama Tokyo

Gifu Nagoya Osaka

Shirakawa-go

Day 4

The Shin-Hodaka Ropeway zips you up to two-thirds of Mt. Hotaka at a height of 2,156m, where you can enjoy a breathaking panorama of mountain views. Unfortunately, we encountered some thick mists in the morning when we were there, but air was so fresh and cool that it was worth the trip. Back at the base, a Japanese tour leader suggested a pit stop at a bakery. It s not any ordinary bakery, but one awarded with thirdprize at a world competition! he claimed. The tip sounded interesting enough to make us all rush to the shop, ﬁlling the small car park. While there were many tantalising breads on the shelf, we were told that their most popular item was the Curry Bun. Luckily, we arrived just in time to get a hot freshly-baked bun. The taste? It s heavenly! Content with a full stomach, it was oﬀ to a walk around

Shin-Hodaka Ropeway

Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Shirakawa-go, a little village nestled deep in the mountains, still preserves a traditional rural lifestyle and retains an untouched countryside landscape. The scene of these uniquely-designed farmhouses with their steep thatched roofs surrounded by paddy ﬁelds was reminiscent The bakery awarded of a fairy tale: picturesque third prize at a world competition and unforgettable.

Kanazawa → Fukui

Starting the day at Kenrokuen ‒ one of the top three most beautiful Japanese gardens ‒ in Kanazawa city, we had some time to appreciate the rich culture of this elegant old castle town. Kanazawa still enjoys a reputation for their highly skilled artisans and craftsmen. It s not surprising then, that a local boy became a multiaward winning patissier ‒ he s even set up a café & confectionery in the museum located behind Kenrokuen. It wasn t even lunchtime, but we didn t mind tasting a couple of world-class cakes! As Kanazawa is also known for its seafood harvested from the Sea of Japan, our next destination was a lively ﬁsh market. Here, sushi restaurant signboards

Day 5

Tojinbo Cliff

Takayama → Shirakawa-go

jostled for prime space, behind which ﬁshmongers served fresh local seafood at a relatively cheap price. The sushi I ate here was one of the best I ve ever had. Before heading to our hotel in Fukui prefecture, we dropped in on a couple of places, including a gold leaf craft workshop and the Eiheiji temple, a Zen monastery built by a Buddhist monk in the 13th century. The serene and subtle beauty of the temple is typically Japanese.

Fukui → Nagoya

After enjoying a view of the Tojinbo Cliﬀ ‒ one of the country s most beautiful coastal sceneries ‒ we headed back to Nagoya. Today was supposed to be a big shopping day, as our return ﬂight was scheduled for the next day. As Nagoya is Japan s fourth biggest city, there are plenty of department stores and shopping malls. However, it would be more fun to check out some neighbourhood supermarkets ‒ where local Japanese folk shop for their daily grocery ‒ for their variety of products and reasonable prices. For lunch, I also decided to be a little stingy, and try some B-kyu Gurume ,

Kenrokuen

At a restaurant nestled in all the sushi is fresh and the market; so delicious!

or B-grade gourmet dishes. The word refers to reasonably-priced and delicious comfort food. Driving through the outskirts of the city, it was easy to spot diner-like restaurants sporting names of popular Japanese chain store brands. Why not give one of them a try? As all our fellow travelers were up for a night out, a decent Izakaya (casual drinking restaurant) was the perfect place for celebrating the end of our wonderful (and trouble-free) journey around Chubu. There s nothing like toasting with a glass of alcohol to say goodbye to Japan!

For more information about Follow Me Japan at: 16 Raﬄes Quay #B1-14D Hong Leong Building Tel: 6221-4250 www.followmejapan.com.sg www.facebook.com/primefmj

ert at Le Beautifully-decorated des patissier ng Muse de H by award wini

w n Crab (Sno ght Echize Locally-cau highlight of dinner e Crab) is th

Gyudon, beef, is thwhich comes with e king of sa B-kyu Gu lty-sweet ru 21 me

Favorite

Fine Dining SUJU Japanese Restaurant

Subtle Beauty of Simplicity At Suju, specialize in home-style cooking, the essence of Japanese cuisine is its conventional flavor ost restaurants present dishes which can never be replicated at home, but at Suju – a Japanese restaurant located in Mandarin Gallery – their mainstay is in authentic Japanese home-style food. These include plain rice, miso soup, and many kinds of traditional side dishes that go well with rice. These seemingly ordinary dishes are considered soul food that many Japanese are forgetting; the taste of which will delight those who appreciate the essence of Japanese cuisine. Suju is the first overseas outlet owned by miso (soy bean paste) and soy sauce producer, Suju Masayuki Shoten from Karuizawa in Nagano prefecture, 130km northwest of Tokyo. They also have outlets in their home ground Karuizawa and Marunouchi near Ginza, Tokyo. The Singaporean outlet follows the same concept as Marunouchi’s, serving authentic Japanese home-style dishes. Miso is one of the most important seasonings when it comes to creating a unique Japanese taste. This is especially true in Nagano

(the region known for its miso), where its variety of miso is called “shinshu miso”. Suju restaurant uses a lot of local Nagano ingredients, such as their original miso and vinegar, as well as grains, soy sauce and sake. For example, their signature dishes include “Tokusei Saba Miso” ($26), which is simmered saba (mackerel) in miso stock, and “Torimomoniku Kurosu Itame” ($26), which is chicken and vegetables sautéed with kurosu (black vinegar which tastes like fresh balsamic vinegar). Their miso soup is a must try as their speciality is making miso. Another important dish at Suju is rice. It is cooked in a small potion made-toorder in a copper pot, which adds shine and perfect texture when it is cooked. The only way to appreciate this is to try it for yourself. Executive chef Mr. Urashima says Suju’s speciality is this “beauty in simplicity”. Although they also serve sushi and tempura, he suggests that if you were a real Japa-

nese food lover, you must try these simply authentic home-style dishes from Japan. Sit back and relax at the counter which makes you fell closer to the chef. Enjoy discovering subtle procedure of cooking through conversation with the chef and floor staff. Their concept of “beauty in simplicity” as well as hospitality is humbly hidden in their dishes. They also incorporate their concept to its tableware and interior with a hint of rustic. Stylish but simply basic. Their wide range of teishoku (set menu) is popular during lunch time. Come during dinner time, you can enjoy their a la carte menu with selected sake or shochu. 酢重 SUJU JAPANESE RESTAURANT TEL. 6737-7764 333A ORCHARD RD. #04-05 MANDARIN GALLERY LUNCH 11:30-17:00 DINNER 17:00-22:30 (22:00 L.O.)

Whoa connoisseur? wants to be

A Study of Japanese Cuisine vol.5

Don-mono

丼もの Fantastic variety of Japanese rice bowls

Katsu-don

Reasonably-priced, simple and just ﬁlling enough, rice bowls are well-loved by Japanese salary men and students. Donburi-mono or Don-mono is a rice dish served in a bowl called Donburi. There are many variations of don-mono, including Tempura-don (or Ten-don) which is topped with tempura, Gyu-don which comes with thinly-sliced soya-based salty-sweet beef, Oyako-don (literally means ‘mother and child’) which is made with chicken and egg, and Katsu-don which is served with a deep-fried port cutlet. These items can be seen at casual Japanese restaurants.

Gyu-don

Rice has long been the staple food of Japan, and a bowl of rice served with all kinds of side dishes is the original way of eating it. However, as labourers of the Edo period (1603-1867) did not have much time for eating, the don-mono became popular. As the toppings were served together with rice in a bowl, they found it easy and simple to have a meal within a limited space, and in a matter of minutes. Most donmono dishes were served with juicy toppings of a rich salty-sweet ﬂavor, which perfectly suited the people who engaged in physical labour. 28

Uni-ikura-don

Buta-don

These days, the word “B-kyu Gurume”, or B-grade gourmet dishes, is the “in” thing in Japan. The word refers to reasonably-priced and delicious comfort food – some of which claim a heritage status in their respective hometowns. One of the representatives of these dishes is the humble don-mono. It may sound strange, but these “B-grade” dishes do not have a negative image. It is rather imbued with the positive idea that they are loved by the commoners, rather than being ﬁrst-class gourmet meals served at exclusive restaurants. It’s a common saying that if quality ingredients are used, the dishes must be tasty. But do you know how much a serving of beef bowl at a restaurant is? It costs

Tempura-don

only 280 yen (S$4). Reasonable prices always attract a lot of the people, which makes every shop come up with something special, not to mention tastier dishes. Cities and towns have always tried to outdo one another in creating delicious rice bowl dishes for those who support Bclass gourmets. In that way, you can’t underestimate these “second-class” foods. On the other hand, there are some luxurious don-mono dishes, like seafood rice bowls topped with expensive stuff such as tuna belly, sea urchin and salmon roe. Serving these ingredients in a bowl shows how much the Japanese love donmono! It’s not an exaggeration to say that the don-mono is one of the most popular dishes in Japan today!

Shirasu-don

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Maeda is a quiet, cozy and very authentic Japanese restaurant, and a hidden gem located in the streets of Katong that helps put an end to the popular misconception that Japanese food is only about sushi and tempura. The friendly and attentive Japanese staff are always at the ready to help you choose your meals and sake, and make your visit memorable. Try the Omakase course(fr.$90), which allows the chef to select and serve you their highest quality courses, or their Kagoshima beef sukiyaki / shabu-shabu dishes, which are popular among the regulars. 467 Joo Chiat Rd. Tel: 6345-0745 18:00-22:30(L.O.) Closed on Mon

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Fashion made from retro Japanese kimono

Ikoma Language School is registered with the Ministry of Education as a Japanese Language school. Established in 1996, it is one of the biggest institutions teaching Japanese in Singapore, and is conveniently located in the central Orchard area. There are various courses including group classes and private lessons, from beginner to advanced level, with over 2,000 students currently studying Japanese. As they have Chinese and English classes at the same time, the school is a good platform to meet fellow students and exchange information about Japan. 350 Orchard Road #12-07 Shaw House Tel: 6238-0288 E-mail:jp@ikoma.com.sg www.ikoma.com.sg

FOR READERS

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JAPANESE COURSES AVAILABLE JLPT Courses Japanese Conversation Classes Every day Japanese Language Usage Private Tuition

The salon has specially constructed sauna style rooms with ‘anti-oxidant beds’, where you rest onto it. These beds consist of special ceramic tiles, which release negative ion as heated, that will absorb into your body to neutralize toxins. This therapy called “Ganban-yoku” has been popular in Japan for many years already, and has been recognized as a healthy treatment.

Beautiful and intricate kimono materials have been treasured for generations in Japan. They have been recycled and transformed to everyday items like blankets, chidren’s wear, etc. Such a magic continues at Patch Magic where kimonos are sewn into fashion wear and home accessories with reat care. Materials are sou reed by owner/ designer Akiko Silva and made-toorder service is also available. She also sources fashion wear created by contemporary Japanese designers

Table runner and silk cushion made from Wedding gown, silk scarf made from Kimono

1 Scotts Road #03-29 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208 Tel:6235-7710 HP:9617-1927 Mon-Sat 10:30-18:30 Closed on Sun & P.H. Email: akiko.silva@paciﬁc.net.sg

RESTAURANT • SHOPPING • SCHOOL • HEALTH & BEAUTY • OTHERS

JAPAN IN SINGAPORE Yano Language School Japanese language lesson for everyone

Classes Mon-Fri 18:30-21:30 Sat 10:00-13:00/14:00-17:00/17:30-20:30 Sun 14:00-17:00 Fee: 3 hours per session×12 week $235~ New term starts in October! Free trial lesson available (all levels except elementary 1)

Established in 2000, Yano Language School is a registered Japanese language school located at Tanjong Pagar. The school not only dedicates to working people around the vicinity, it welcomes anyone who holds interest in the language. The school specializes in small group classes to ensure all students are in pace the lessons. This allows students to be able to enjoy learning in a stressfree environment. Private tuitions are conducted in day times. Courses are ranged from “elementary” to “further advanced”. Make friends with the Japanese native teachers too! 141 Cecil Street #07-03 Tung Ann Association Building Tel:6220-6884 yanolas@singnet.com

Tohoku Earthquake Relief Charity Fundraiser

Sake for a Cause Luncheon/Dinner with Tohoku sake and special lecture on sake basics by Ms. Akiko Tomoda, sake taster and sommelière Enjoy various fresh sake directly delivered from breweries in Tohoku, and a special bilingual lecture by Ms. Akiko Tomoda, the acclaimed sake taster and sommelière in Japan. Every dish comes with the best matching sake carefully selected by Ms. Tomoda and Orihara Shoten. The series offers four different cuisines: Japanese, Thai, Italian and French. Expect an eye-opening marriage of food and sake! Net proceeds from the event will be fully donated to Japan Red Cross for disaster relief in Tohoku.

7 October, Friday

Lunch at TORITAMA (Japanese Kushiyaki) Dinner at KUMO (Japanese Kaiseki)

LUNCH: SGD 150.00 DINNER: SGD 250.00

8 October, Saturday

with 30 minute lecture on sake basics by Ms. Tomoda. Special Guest from Japan

10 October, Monday

-Total beverage consultantSommelière, wine coordinator Japanese sake taster, shochu advisor Japan Beverage Business Society Chairperson Author of the ﬁrst bilingual comprehensive book on sake: “The Sake Selection - Brands of Distinction”

www.wattention.com

9 October, Sunday

Dinner at JIM THOMPSON (Thai)

Akiko Tomoda