Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo is actually home to a decent number of child-friendly activities that both locals and tourists can enjoy. For those who are looking for animal-based activities but aren’t keen on such experiences indoors, you need to include Yoyogi Pony Park in your itinerary. 

Yoyogi Pony Park offers children the opportunity to enjoy pony rides and brush ponies. Best of all, it’s absolutely free. This small park is also situated near to the famous Meiji Jingu, so you can treat Yoyogi Pony Park as a pitstop for the children to have fun at before exploring the surroundings of Meiji Jingu.

Yoyogi Pony Park offers 2 pony ride sessions for children under the age of 12 from Tuesday to Friday (1:30pm – 2:15pm and 2:30pm – 3:15pm)* and an additional session from 10:30am – 11:15am on weekends.

Do note that your child has to be at least 85cm to take part in this pony riding experience alone and that they will only be entitled to a pony ride once around the track. Children between 1 and 3 years old can sit on the pony together with their parents, subject to a total weight of 75kg.

Before participating in this experience, children will need to collect a card from Yoyogi Pony Park’s staff, which they will subsequently drop into a box before mounting the pony. Ticket distribution is between 1:30pm – 2:15pm (except Thursdays) and 2:30pm – 3:15pm.

Just a tip: As this park is frequented by quite a number of local children, we’d advise you to reach the park at least 15 minutes before the scheduled sessions as Yoyogi Pony Park’s staff will start handing out cards to children around this time. Also, as there is only one pony available for the pony ride sessions, being present early would also allow you to beat the queue.

As for brushing the ponies, there are 2 “Brushing Time” sessions scheduled each day (1:30pm – 1:45pm, and 2:30pm – 2:45pm)* and these sessions are also free. If you’re visiting on the weekend, there is an additional sessions from 10:30am – 10:45am and 3:30pm – 3:45pm. During these sessions, children get to choose from a basket of small brushes and thereafter brush the adorable ponies for at least half a minute. Thankfully, the queues for these sessions aren’t long and Yoyogi Pony Park does not restrict you from rejoining the queues for this experience.

Before visiting, do remember to run a check online to see if there are any events ongoing outside the Yoyogi Pony Park as they may put horse riding sessions on hold if the events are too loud for the ponies. Pony riding is also suspended from January to February and from July to September.

Yoyogi Pony Park
4-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City,
Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
Tel: +81333739996

*The sessions stated above are accurate as at the time of writing. Please double check the slots online before making arrangements to visit Yoyogi Pony Park. 

Fondly known as ‘Tenko No Daidokoro’, which translates to ‘The Nation’s Kitchen’, Osaka should be your one-stop destination in Japan if you’re on a gastronomic pilgrimage for some solid Japanese cuisine.

This food-focused metropolis is home to a plethora of delectable Japanese delights. From the humble street stall vendors selling piping hot takoyaki to the large restaurant chains that churn out plates of kaiten sushi, the vast variety of food here is sure to leave your stomachs hankering for more.

If you’ve been to Osaka or have done extensive research on it, you would probably have come across Kuromon Ichiba, a popular market that has been around for almost 170 years. Despite being a seafood market, the 580-metre stretch also has shops that sell fresh local produce as well as restaurants that serve up local cuisine.

A staggering average of 23,000 people visit Kuromon Ichiba a day and the market is said to not attract just tourists, but locals too. However, over the years, does the place continue to be an accurate representation of a Japanese seafood market or has it slowly evolved into just another tourist trap?

The market supposedly wakes up around 9am every morning and despite reaching there just slightly before the official opening hours, the place was already bustling and packed with people.

FRESH SEAFOOD

The bulk of the market specialises in seafood-related items. Whether you’re here to grocery shop or to down some freshly shucked oysters, the market has plenty of fresh seafood to go around.

Vendors line the front of their stalls with beautiful displays that showcase their colourful array of crustaceans and other sea creatures. The selection is pretty impressive and includes the likes of lobsters, snow crabs, oysters, salmon and sea urchins.

The market also has stalls that specialise in fugu, also known as pufferfish. While pufferfishes are known to be poisonous and dangerous to even touch, it is considered a delicacy in Japan. Places that sell fugu are required to have a government certification so fret not, you can safely sample this unique dish without worrying about being poisoned to death.

Watching a fugu being slaughtered for its flesh is not for the faint-hearted; the creatures are plucked from their tanks alive and squirming and are then immediately skilfully sliced open by the chefs. The process is bloody and quite stomach-turning, so if you aren’t a fan of gory sights, it’s best if you don’t witness the procedure first hand. However, for the more curious and adventurous, the grisly experience is definitely a unique one for the books.

COOKED SEAFOOD 

If you want to chow down on something that is piping hot and freshly cooked, there is also cooked seafood available for purchase. Watch your scallops being grilled right before your eyes while you munch on some skewered tako; your mouth won’t be able to stop moving!

The appealing thing about Kuromon Ichiba is that you get the thrill of watching the vendors prepare your food; the built-up anticipation from watching it being marinated, cooked and garnished is enough to make one salivate!

RESTAURANTS 

There are also a number of restaurants within and at the outskirts of the market for those of you who prefer to have a meal while sitting down. These restaurants serve a very extensive variety of dishes which include rice bowls, soba and udon.

FRESH PRODUCE AND SNACKS

Aside from seafood, the market also has a variety of other food and snacks available to fill your bottomless pits.

We came across a wide assortment of goodies which ranged from fresh produce such as dried fish and vegetables to premium cuts of A5 Wagyu beef. Sweet tooths can even get themselves some ice cream and fruit!

While Kuromon Ichiba undoubtedly has an impressive range of foodstuff for sale, the prices here are, however, much steeper than what we expected. Having visited this market a few years back, we were rather shocked by the mark up of prices. Granted, this is a popular tourist stop that attracts swarms of visitors daily, but some of the price tags that we came across were pretty outrageous.

The market is definitely worth a first-time visit for curious travellers, but we would probably give it a miss if we already had a relatively packed itinerary.

Kuromon Ichiba
2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi
Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6631-0007
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nippombashi/Nippombashi

If you’re a foodie who’s heading to Japan for the first time and you’re not sure which city you should start with, we highly recommend that you slot in Osaka at the top of your list.

Endearingly known as “Tenka no Daidokoro”, which translates to The Nation’s Kitchen, Japan’s second largest metropolitan area is home to a plethora of food options that are sure to leave you spoilt for choice. From bite-sized balls of takoyaki to piping hot bowls of ramen, there is something to eat in pretty much every corner of Osaka. You’ll never go hungry in this gastronomic paradise!

Aside from being a glutton’s idea of heaven, the fast-paced city is jam-packed with plenty of things to see and do. From one of the largest pokemon centres in the world to the majestic Osaka Castle, Osaka is truly a one-stop destination where you can experience the beauty of Japan in a nutshell.

For those of you who need some help with your itinerary, here is our 5D4N guide on what to eat, see and do in the kitchen of Japan.

DAY 1

HAVE LUNCH AT KIMUKATSU

Start your trip off with some tonkatsu at Kimukatsu. The tonkatsu here is more like a pork mille-feuille that is made up of many thin layers of pork. In addition to the original tonkatsu, they also have other flavours like cheese, black pepper, green onion, garlic, sour plum and yuzu pepper.

1-9-19 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Namba

EXPLORE DOTONBORI 

Prized as one of the hottest tourist destinations in Osaka, Dotonbori is an iconic street that is packed with a never-ending array of things to eat, see and do. This happening, fast-paced stretch of entertainment and restaurants is enough to keep you occupied for an entire day.

Come dusk, the entire place is illuminated by the glows of neon signboards from stores that line the streets and Dotonbori Canal. Do remember to snap a picture of yourself with the famous Glico billboard!

1 Chome-9 Dotonbori Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Kintetsu Nipponbashi

VISIT DOTONBORI KONAMON MUSEUM 

The kitchen of Japan is home to a plethora of scrumptious eats, but one notable candidate that is criminal not to try is the takoyaki. For the uninitiated, takoyaki is a spherical-shaped street snack made of flour-based batter. A typical takoyaki is stuffed with minced or diced octopus but other variations of fillings include tempura scraps, shrimp and ham.

When in Dotonbori, you can check out the Dotonbori Konamon Museum which features a museum that talks about the history of takoyaki, an area where you can make takoyaki wax samples and a booth on level one that pushes out freshly made takoyaki for hungry guests. Adults can also head down to B1 where they can enjoy their takoyaki with carefully selected wine and champagne at the museum’s very own bistro.

1 Chome-6-12 Dotonbor Chuo Ward
Osaka 542-0071, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6214-6678
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Kintetsu Nipponbashi

ENJOY A KAPPO-STYLE DINNER AT KIGAWA 

For the uninitiated, Kappo refers to a multi-course meal that is left entirely up to the chef. To experience an authentic Kappo-style meal, we recommend checking out Kigawa, an institution that is well-known for naniwa-kappo. Elusively hidden in a back alley near the Hozen-ji, Kigawa looks just like one of those ancient houses that are better known as machiya.

1-7-7 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6211 3030
Daily: 11.30am – 2pm, 5pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT DON QUIJOTE 

If you’re still in the mood to shop after dinner, you can head on over to Don Quijote, Japan’s famous discount chain store that has over 160 outlets across Japan. A Don Quijote store isn’t hard to miss and you can usually identify it by its massive neon signs and iconic penguin mascot.

You can find pretty much anything and everything at Don Quijote; from basic groceries, beauty products and household items to clothes, luggage bags and funky Japanese products, the place will keep you occupied for ages.  Most Don Quijote stores are also open till the wee hours of the morning, so you can do some late night shopping if you can’t sleep.

7-13 Souemoncho Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0084, Japan
Tel: +81 6-4708-1411
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest Station: Osaka-Namba/Nippombashi

**Multiple outlets across Japan

DAY 2

START THE DAY WITH SOME SASHIMI BOWLS FROM KUROMON SANPEI

Primarily a wholesaler, the folks behind Kuromon Ichiba supply fresh seafood as their core business. A few years into the business, they decided to set up Kuromon Ichiba, a small retail-cum-eatery for the mass market. If you love fresh, raw fish, this is a great place to get your fix!

2-4-1, Nipponbashi
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6635 1938
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Nipponbashi

EXPLORE THE MAJESTIC OSAKA CASTLE 

A visit to Osaka is not complete without visiting the magnificent Osaka-Jo, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century and you can learn more about its past as well as Japan’s history at the museum within the castle. You can also get spectacular views of the castle grounds and the surrounding area from the top of the castle.

Aside from the castle, the area is also home to the Nishinomaru Garden, a gorgeous garden with over 600 cherry trees and a teahouse.

1-1 Osakajo
Chou Ward 540-0002, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6941-3044
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Osakajokoen

Photo Credit: twofatkids 

HAVE LUNCH AT SUSHIRO 

When Sushiro opened their first store at Tiong Bahru Plaza in 2019, Singaporeans went absolutely crazy, and for a good reason too. They are known for consistently pushing out fresh plates of sushi and they sell around 1.36 billion plates annually, making them one of the most popular kaiten sushi chains in Japan. Sushiro is also much cheaper in Japan, so you can binge away and stack those plates high without feeling the pinch in your wallet!

Japan, 530-0041 Osaka Kita Ward
Tenjinbashi 5 Chome 6-24, 1F
Tel: +81 6-4800-1780
Mon to Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

**Multiple outlets across Japan

Photo Credit: j.jeii

WALK DOWN OSAKA’S LONGEST SHOPPING STREET— TENJINBASHISUJI SHOPPING STREET 

The Sushiro outlet that we mentioned above is located at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, also known as the longest shopping street in Japan.

Spanning a whopping total of 2.6km, the place has around 800 stores that sell all kinds of things. From clothes to household items and even kimonos and traditional knives, you can spend a good 2 to 3 hours just exploring the area and uncovering hidden gems. Walking down the street is also great exercise!

Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward Osaka
532-0011, Japan
Daily: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

Photo Credit: xu.xit

LEARN MORE ABOUT JAPAN’S HISTORY AT THE OSAKA MUSEUM OF HOUSING AND LIVING 

At the furthest end of Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street near Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station is Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. It’s great for history buffs or people who are just curious about Japan’s culture.

The museum has interactive exhibits that showcase how people in the past used to live and they even recreated a section of the townscape of Osaka in the late Edo Period. You can also don traditional Japanese costumes for a small fee and have your photos taken; it’ll really make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time!

Japan, 530-0041 Osaka Kita Ward
Tenjinbashi, 6 Chome-4-20
Daily: 10am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Tenjimbashisujirokuchome Station

SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT UMEDA

Just close by Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is Umeda, which is also known as Kita, meaning the ‘North’ district. It is one of the two main cities in Osaka and is considered Osaka’s busiest transportation hub. Aside from that, it is also home to some of Osaka’s largest departmental stores and underground malls, making it one of the best places to get your shopping done.

Some malls here that you can visit are Lucua, Grand Front Osaka, Hankyu, HEP FIVE, and a massive underground shopping street.

Nearest Station: Umeda

Photo Credit: inspirock

VISIT THE LARGEST POKEMON CENTRE IN OSAKA 

Pokemon fanatics will be thrilled to know that the largest Pokemon Centre in Osaka is located right smack in Umeda. Located on the 13th floor of Daimaru Department store and just 5 minutes away from JR Osaka Station, this store will make even non-pokemon fans excited! There is an overwhelming amount of merchandise available as well as limited edition items that you can’t find anywhere else in the world, making it the perfect place to do some gift shopping.

Japan, 530-8202 Osaka Kita Ward
Umeda, 3 Chome-1-1, 13th floor
Tel: +81 6-6346-6002
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

HAVE DINNER AT GYUKATSU MOTOMURA 

One of our favourite foods in Japan is gyukatsu, also known as deep-fried breaded beef cutlet. There are multiple places across Japan that serve decent gyukatsu, but one of our absolute favourites is Gyukatsu Motomura. The simple menu consists of nothing but gyukatsu with different portion sizes for people with differing appetites. If you love beef and all things fried, you definitely need to try this when you’re in Osaka.

They also have outlets in other parts of Japan such as Tokyo and Kyoto.

Japan, 530-0001 Osaka
Kita Ward Umeda
3 Chome-1-3 LUCUA 10th Floor
Tel: +81 6-6151-1290
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

**Multiple outlets across Japan

Photo Credit: Reijikirihara

SEE OSAKA FROM ABOVE ON THE HEP FIVE FERRIS WHEEL 

Aside from shopping and food, one of Umeda’s main attractions also includes the HEP FIVE Ferris wheel, which is attached to the roof of the mall. You can board it on the 7th floor and it takes about 15 minutes to complete one full circuit. We recommend going in the day so you can have clear views of Osaka from above, but if you prefer the city when it’s lit up, go at night.

5-15 Kakudacho
Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0017, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6313-0501
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Umeda Station/Osaka-Umeda Station/JR Osaka Station

DAY 3

SLURP UP YOUR BREAKFAST AT ICHIRAN 

When in Japan, it is an absolute must to try Ichiran. This popular Japanese ramen chain has been widely accepted as one of the best spots for tonkatsu ramen and it has most definitely set the benchmark for Japanese ramen.

The broth is unbelievably rich and thick, which pairs well with the springy noodles. They also let you customise your ramen broth, the texture of the noodles, as well as the ingredients you want to have with your ramen. It is, in a nutshell, the perfect bowl of ramen. You have to try it to believe it!

1 Chome-4-16
Dotonbori Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Tel:  +81 6-6210-1422
Daily: 24 Hours

**Multiple outlets across Japan

RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN 

Theme park enthusiasts can’t leave Japan without checking out the exhilarating and magical Universal Studios Japan. Some of their more popular attractions include the backwards-riding Hollywood Dream roller coaster, Space Fantasy and the thrilling Flying Dinosaur. We can also foresee Potterheads spending hours in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which makes you feel like you’re on the actual set of the movie!

2 Chome-1-33
Sakurajima Konohana Ward
554-0031, Osaka, Japan
Nearest Station: Universal-City

Photo Credit: taken.identity

TRY TAKOYAKI AT THE OSAKA TAKOYAKI MUSEUM

Right outside of Universal Studios Japan is Universal Citywalk Osaka, an area that is lined with restaurants, shops, hotels and speciality stores. One place here that you definitely should check out after a fun day of playing is the Osaka Takoyaki Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the origins and history of takoyaki, do some souvenir shopping and sample takoyaki from five popular takoyaki shops.

Japan, 554-0024
Osaka Konohana Ward
Shimaya 6 Chome-2-61 4th Floor
Tel: +81 6-6464-3080
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Universal-City

HAVE DINNER AT MATSUSAKA BEEF YAKINIKU M

Most people are probably familiar with Kobe beef, but have you heard of Matsusaka beef? Also known as Japanese Black, Black-haired Wagyu or Kuroge Washu, Matsusaka beef from the Mie Prefecture is actually a grade higher than the famous Kobe beef. It has one of the highest fat-to-meat ratios and it has an insanely creamy texture and a sweet aftertaste.

Matsusaka Beef Yakiniku M is a beef paradise that carries the mentioned prized Matsusaka Beef. You will definitely be in for a meaty feast that will leave a lasting impression! We also love the excellent service which helps to enhance the dining experience. Reservations are recommended.

1-1-19, Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel:  +81 6-6211-2904
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 5pm – 12am
Mon to Fri: 5pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

DAY 4

HAVE FRESH SEAFOOD FOR BREAKFAST AT KUROMON ICHIBA 

Kuromon Market is a seafood lover’s paradise! The 600 metre-long street is packed with stalls selling a multitude of seafood and fresh produce that are handled and prepared right before your very eyes. You can either purchase seafood to cook at home or have the staff freshly prepare it on the spot for you. Apart from seafood skewers like scallops and octopus, you can also find uni (sea urchin) and fugu (blowfish), which are interesting must-try items when in Japan. 

2 Chome-4-1 Nipponbashi Chuo Ward
Osaka, 542-0073, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6631-0007
Daily: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Namba

Photo Credit: yogaquarelle 

GO FOR SOME RETAIL THERAPY AT SHINSAIBASHI 

Shinsaibashi is one of the city’s main shopping areas and this long shopping arcade houses a mixture of both international and local brands. Aside from shops selling the latest fashion items as well as drugstores that are chock full of beauty products, the street also has quaint dessert and coffee houses that are great pit stops in between shopping. Foodies can also look forward to wining and dining at some of the plenty of restaurants available that serve both Japanese and international cuisines.

Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi

HAVE LUNCH AT MIZUNO OKONOMIYAKI 

Mizuno is famous for its okonomiyaki. For the uninitiated, okonomiyaki is one of Japan’s most popular street snacks and refers to a savoury Japanese pancake that originated from Osaka. The restaurant dishes out a variety of pancakes to hungry patrons throughout the day. Among all the options on the menu, the best-seller is the yam flour Okonomiyaki with scallops and roast pork.

1-4-15 Dotonbori
Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6212 6360
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX AT GRANKNOT COFFEE

Located in America-mura, Granknot Coffee is a great coffee spot for all you caffeine addicts to get your midday fix. They have a pretty extensive menu filled with a variety of different coffees; there’s a cuppa for everyone! Aside from coffee, they also have American-style food which includes sandwiches and french toast.

1Chome-23-4 Kitahorie
Nishi Ward, Osaka, 550-0014, Japan
Tel: +81 6 6531 6020
Mon to Wed, Fri: 9am – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 11am – 6pm
(Closed on Thursdays)
Nearest Station: Nishiohashi

Photo Credit: trixiepgallery

SHOP VINTAGE AT AMERICA-MURA 

To experience Japanese youth culture, head on over to America-mura where you can find plenty of quirky clothes and accessories that are definitely head-turners. People who love to shop vintage can also come here to hunt for unique pieces that are carefully sourced and curated. The whole area is centred around the famous Sankaku Koen Park, where you can sit, people-watch and appreciate the vibrant atmosphere of the place.

Nearest Station: Yotsubashi

TAKE A TRIP TO WONDERLAND AT ALICE ON WEDNESDAY 

Have you ever dreamed of being Alice, falling down a rabbit hole and entering a magical world where you could meet The Madhatter, Cheshire Cat and the gang? You can do so here at Alice On Wednesday, a lifestyle concept store with a magical Alice in Wonderland theme. Step in through the tiny door and be transported to another world; you may not even feel like you’re in Osaka!

Japan, 542-0086 Osaka Chuo Ward
Nishishinsaibashi 2 Chome-12-25
Tel: +81 6-6211-6506
Daily: 11am – 7.30pm
Nearest Station: Shinsaibashi/Yotsubashi

END THE DAY WITH DINNER AT HANAMARUKEN RAMEN 

Ramen lovers in the know will find their way to Hanamaruken. This much-loved Osaka ramen chain has been dishing out hearty bowls of ramen for over 30 years. The broth is made from stewed pork cartilage and the pork that comes with each bowl of ramen is fork-tender and outrageously succulent. We recommend getting their Signature Happiness Ramen bowl, which features tonkatsu ramen with slow-braised pork rib.

1-2-1 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tel: +81 6 6213 0131
Daily: 24hours
Nearest Station: Namba/Nipponbashi

**Multiple outlets across Japan

DAY 5

Photo Credit: love_travel_food_kanazawa

HAVE BREAKFAST AT NAKANOSHIMA NADAMAN 

For an authentic and traditional Japanese breakfast, head on over to Nakanoshima Nadaman where they serve kaiseki style meals. For the uninitiated, Kaiseki is a style of traditional Japanese cuisine where small, intricate dishes are prepared and served to diners on a tray. The sets here are all very well-curated with quality ingredients, ensuring you of a fantastic Japanese breakfast experience.

5 Chome-3-68 Nakanoshima Kita Ward
Osaka, 530-0005, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6443-7101
Daily: 7am – 10am, 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 9pm

FULFIL YOUR INSTANT NOODLE CRAVINGS AT THE INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM (MOMOFUKU) 

Did you know that instant noodles were first invented by Momofuku Ando in Osaka? Nissin Foods was the first company to create and distribute it to the masses. To celebrate this amazing creation that many around the world are thankful for, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum was born in 2011 and is open to the public to come forth and understand the history and significance of this iconic food.

Here at the museum, you can even customise and make your own cup noodles for a small fee. It makes the perfect memento!

8-25 Masumicho
Ikeda Osaka 563-0041, Japan
Tel: +81 72-752-3484
Thu to Tue: 9.30am – 4pm
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Muromachi

Photo Credit: aiphoto0508

LOOK AT ADORABLE ANIMALS AT TENNOJI ZOO 

Tennoji Zoo has been around for over 90 years and was the third zoo to be built in Japan. The 11-hectare space is home to over 1000 animals which include specimens from New Zealand and Australia. Aside from that, they also have lions, chimpanzees, a reptile house and a hippo enclosure that mimics the African savanna.

1-108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji Ward
Osaka, 543-0063, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6771-8401
Daily: 9.30am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Dobutsuen-Mae/Tennoji

Photo Credit: reji.sti

DO SOME LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AT TENNOJI 

Aside from the zoo, Tennoji also has a massive cluster of brightly lit malls and skyscrapers that shopaholics will adore. Some of the malls that you can visit include Tennoji Mio Plaza Mall, Abeno Cues Town and Hoops. There is also a massive Don Quijote and plenty of restaurants that are a short walk away from the train station.

Nearest Station: Tennoji

Photo Credit: w___album

HAVE A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF OSAKA FROM ABENO HARUKAS

Aside from being a shopping mall that houses a massive department store, an art museum and a hotel, Abeno Harukas, standing at 300 meters tall, is also the tallest skyscraper in Japan.

It would be befitting to place an observation deck on one of the tallest buildings in Japan, so that is exactly what they did. Harukas 300, their observation deck, can be accessed on the 58th, 59th and 60th levels of the building. The massive floor-to-ceiling glass panels provide one with a magnificent 360-degree view of Osaka and we could honestly spend the whole day here just watching the world pass by.

1 Chome-1-43 Abenosuji
Abeno Ward, Osaka, 545-6016, Japan
Daily: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tennoji

Photo Credit: rum_1412

EXPLORE THE COLOURFUL SHINSEKAI 

Shinsekai, in our opinion, is one of the most intriguing neighbourhoods in the whole of Osaka. One step into the area and you’ll feel like you’ve been zipped back to the 1960s. We adore the colourful buildings and loud, quirky decor that gives the place plenty of personality and character. At the heart of it all is the famous Tsutenkaku Tower which stands tall and proud and was designed by architect Tachu Naito, the same man who designed the Tokyo Tower.

The area is also a foodie’s idea of paradise. Here, the streets are lined with rows and rows of restaurants and eateries that sell all kinds of delicious food; it makes you want to try everything!

Nearest Station: Ebisucho/Dobutsuen-Mae/Shin-Imamiya

INDULGE IN SOME CRISPY KUSHIKATSU 

One famous dish that you must try in Osaka is kushikatsu. Also known as kushiage, kushikatsu is essentially deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers. Every skewer is coated with a light batter and deep-fried to a lovely golden brown.

A typical kushikatsu outlet is usually simple and fuss-free, and sells nothing else but skewers and drinks. The options available are usually chicken and beef, vegetables like brinjal and capsicums, eggs and mushrooms. There are over 60 restaurants in Shinsekai that sell kushikatsu and if you’re spoilt for choice, we recommend that you go to Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Sohonten for some quality sticks of fried goodness.

2 Chome-3-9 Ebisuhigashi
Naniwa Ward
Osaka, 556-0002, Japa
Tel: +81 6-6645-7056
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Ebisucho/Dobutsuen-Mae

STUFF YOUR FACE WITH SUSHI FOR DINNER AT KURA SUSHI 

Fans of conveyor belt sushi will adore Kura Sushi, a sushi joint that sells a whole array of sushi at incredibly affordable prices. Besides the cheap price point, you also get to play with the gachapon machines stationed at every table every time you eat a certain number of plates of sushi.

While on the conveyer belt, the plates of sushi also make their rounds in little domes to retain its freshness.

Japan, 556-0002 Osaka, Naniwa Ward
Ebisuhigashi, 2 Chome-6-3 2F
Tel: +81 6-6632-6101
Daily: 11am – 11pm

**Multiple outlets across Japan

While Japan is home to a smorgasbord of delicious food options that never fail to leave us spoilt for choice, there are a few perennial staples that the Japanese always go back to.

Ramen is one of them and is considered comfort food; we mean, who can resist springy noodles doused in a piping hot, savoury broth? We definitely can’t.

Although we can never say no to a classic bowl of tonkatsu ramen, we don’t mind stepping out of our comfort zone and trying an unconventional version of it, which is why we were drawn to Tanchou in Osaka.

What makes Tanchou so different from the other ramen joints out there is that their ramen comes cooked with chawanmushi. For the uninitiated, chawanmushi is a Japanese-style steamed egg custard that has a silky texture. This bizarre combination undoubtedly piqued our interest and here is what we thought.

The quirky restaurant isn’t hard to spot; just look out for the giant egg! It is also conveniently located near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel so it is a great place to fuel up at after a day of fun.

Like most Japanese restaurants, Tanchou has a pretty small interior that simply consists of a long counter and about 12 seats that are all side by side. Having a meal here entails a bit of a squeeze, but for the experience, it’s worth it!

You can order the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen for just 850 Yen, but we decided to spice ours up by getting the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen (1350 Yen).

Saying that the pork is fantastic is an absolute understatement; this fork-tender chunk of meat broke apart easily and was the epitome of melt-in-your-mouth. The fat-to-meat ratio was on point and the meat was jam-packed with umami which helped to elevate the subtle flavours of the chawanmushi.

The ramen and chawanmushi gelled surprisingly well together. We did, however, expect the chawanmushi to provide the ramen with a creamier texture, but alas, all the chawanmushi did was stick to the ramen in clumps. Also, instead of ramen broth, they incorporated the stock used to make the chawanmushi, which resulted in a concoction that was very light on the palate. As we prefer our broth to be on the thicker, richer side, we weren’t massive fans of it, but if you enjoy light soup bases, this would be perfect for you.

We also got ourselves the Steamed Egg Custard & Cheese Ramen (1350 Yen) which is essentially the standard Steamed Egg Custard Ramen that is blanketed in a luxurious layer of cheese. The dish is then flambéed, which melts the cheese and gives it a lovely char as well as an addictive smoky flavour. 

They also provide you with a side of toast that you can use to scoop up the cheese and chawanmushi.

When mixed in with the ramen and chawanmushi, the cheese gave the entire dish a creamier, more viscous texture, which was a complete contrast to the silky and smooth consistency of the Steamed Egg Custard & Pork Ramen. We very much preferred the ramen with cheese as it added more depth to the dish that helped to elevate the light flavours of the other components.

All in all, it was an interesting experience that we do not regret. While most of the flavours were too light for us, it was still a pretty solid bowl of ramen that is worth a try.

Tanchou 
3 Chome-8-7 Chikko
Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan
Tel: +81 6-6576-6826
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 5pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Osakako

The first thought that comes to mind when Nara is mentioned is deers. Lots and lots of deers.

Nara is famous for its free-roaming Sika deer which can be found wandering around the city. There are at least 1200 of these nimble creatures in Nara and they are tame enough for people to pet and feed them.

However, did you know that the Nara deer used to be deemed as sacred? These graceful creatures were once revered and considered to be divine messengers of the gods. They were so enshrined that anyone found to have killed a deer of Nara were to face the death penalty.

The deers these days are no longer considered as sacred, but they still continue to be protected as national treasures. The city loves their deer so much that there are even signs reminding people to give way to them when they cross the road!

Nara is the perfect blend of both the past and present, making it a great place to make a day trip. If you’re new to the city and are clueless on what to add into your itinerary, here is a guide on what you can see, eat and do there.

Nara is easily accessible from Osaka as well as Kyoto and you can take a train to either Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station.

Aside from their massive obsession with deers, it is also interesting to note that Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Due to its rich past, this quaint city houses some of Japan’s most important cultural landmarks which include Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples.

The main place to explore is Nara Park, where you can find most of the temples, museum, shrines and deers. However, if you’re keen on exploring the sites of Heijo Palace and Horyuji Temple, there are also buses that are able to bring you there.

PLAY AND FEED DEERS

As mentioned earlier, Nara is famous for its gentle, free-roaming deers which can be seen wandering around the main parts of the city as well as Nara Park.

You can choose to purchase some biscuits from vendors located alongside the streets to feed them too. While the deers here are friendly, they can get a little aggressive if you withhold food from them, so try not to open the biscuits too obviously unless you want to be stampeded by a horde of hungry deers.

Top tip: If you bow at the deers, they will bow back. Reward them with some biscuits!

Photo Credit: lexy_ray_

VISIT TODAI-JI TEMPLE 

One of the most famous and important landmarks in Nara is Todai-ji Temple. The intricately designed structure is one of the biggest wooden buildings in the world and is also home to the world’s largest statue of Buddha cast in bronze. While the statue is mostly made from metal, x-ray scans have revealed that treasures are hidden within its framework. 

406-1 Zoshicho
Nara 630-8211, Japan
Daily: 8am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: bymtw_

STROLL THROUGH ISUI-EN GARDEN AND YOSHIKI-EN GARDEN 

While many people have heard of Isui-en Garden, Yoshiki-en Garden is a less known hidden gem that is located nearby. Both gardens are shrouded in lush greenery and gorgeous blooms, making them great spots to snap some lovely photos as well as to meditate and take a breather from the hectic city life.

Isui-en Garden Japan
630-8208 Nara Suimoncho, 72-3
Daily: 9.30am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Yoshiki-en Garden
1, Noboriojicho Nara
630-8213, Japan
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: caihonglim

HAVE LUNCH AT TOU NO CHAYA 

Tou No Chaya is a small Japanese cafe that specialises in dishes that are served with tea rice gruel, which is essentially rice porridge cooked in green tea. This simple, traditional dish can rarely be found these days, so if you’ve always wanted to try some authentic tea rice gruel, this is a great place that you can do so at.

18 Minamijodocho Nara
630-8341, Japan
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Nara

Photo Credit: mitaaninn

VISIT KASUGA TAISHA SHRINE 

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine and it is dedicated to the deity who is responsible for protecting the city. The shrine’s offering hall is free for all but if you want to explore the inner area which contains the main sanctuary, you have to pay a small fee.

The shrine is also famous for its bronze and stone lanterns, which are donated by worshippers. These mesmerising lanterns are only lit twice a year during lantern festivals in February and mid-August.

160 Kasuganocho Nara
630-8212, Japan
Daily: 6am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: sakamai1260

ADMIRE TAMUKEYAMA HACHIMAN-GU SHRINE 

Tamukeyama Hachiman-gu Shrine is a small, less-known Shinto shrine that is located up a hill behind Todaiji Temple. As it is rather overshadowed by the other shrines in the area, it’s more peaceful, which is great for people who want to avoid the hectic crowds at the more popular shrines.

434 Zoshicho Nara
630-8211, Japan
Tel: +81 742-23-4404
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: ruudverstraeten

SNAP SOME PICTURES AT KOFUKU-JI TEMPLE & THE KOFUKUJI FIVE STORIED PAGODA 

The famous Kofukuji Temple is a Buddhist temple that features several buildings that are incredibly rich in history. Out of all the beautiful structures on the grounds, the most prominent one would be the five-storied pagoda which is 50 metres tall and Japan’s second tallest wooden pagoda.

Aside from the pagoda, you can also check out the Central Golden Hall which houses a large statue of the Yakushi Buddha, as well as the temple’s amazing art collection.

48 Noboriojicho
Nara 630-8213, Japan
Tel: +81 742-22-7755
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: guesthousesmq 

LEARN MORE ABOUT NARA AT NARAMACHI MUSEUM 

At the heart of Nara is Naramachi Museum, a great place for people to learn more about the rich history of Nara. The small yet well-curated museum has a variety of tools, signboards and other historical artefacts from the Edo and Meiji periods on display for visitors to learn about. Entry to the museum is free too!

14-2 Nishinoshinyacho
Nara, 630-8334, Japan
Tel: +81 742-22-5509
Daily: 10am – 5pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: may_gio_d

DO SOME SOUVENIR SHOPPING AT HIGASHIMUKI SHOPPING STREET 

Higashimuki Shopping Street is a covered shopping arcade near Nara Park that is packed with souvenir shops and boutiques. You can head on over after a fun day of exploring to get gifts for your loved ones back home. There are also a plethora of eateries here where you can get a bite to eat to refuel.

5 Higashimuki Minamimachi Nara
630-8216, Japan
Tel: +81 742-24-4986
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Photo Credit: philmehz

HAVE DINNER AT EDOGAWA NARAMACHI 

For those of you who love unagi (eel), you need to have a meal at Edogawa Naramachi if you are ever in Nara. They specialise in grilled eel that is sourced from Kagoshima and this is usually served with a simple bowl of rice, miso soup and pickles. Their extensive menu also has a variety of other set meals for you to choose from.

43 Shimomikadocho Nara
630-8365, Japan
Tel: +81 742-20-4400
Daily: 11am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Kintetsu-Nara

Most Singaporeans are used to the idea of cat cafes—but when it comes to themed cafes, Singapore is not quite at Japan’s level yet.

Did you know that you can cuddle up to a stranger, play with an owl and even have vampires serving you in a cafe? Sounds crazy but these thematic cafes really do exist.

From Alice In Wonderland Cafes, Owl Cafes, Robot Restaurant to Penguin Cafes, here are 10 themed cafes in Japan that you should check out the next time you visit the country.

Source: Alice In An Old Castle

#1 ALICE IN WONDERLAND CAFE

Fans of Alice in Wonderland will be thrilled to dine in Japan’s Alice in Wonderland-themed cafes. There are such unique cafes in Ginza and Shinjuku districts of Tokyo, where visitors get to immerse themselves in the highly acclaimed novel.

Building 3 B1 171-0022 Tokyo Toshima-ku
2-16-8 Minami-Ikebukuro Fujikyu building east
Mon to Sat: 5pm – 11pm
Sun: 5pm – 12am

#2 CUDDLE CAFE

A cuddle cafe might sound bizarre, but it is seriously what it is. Located in Tokyo’s quirky electronics district, Akihabara, customers basically pay a fee to sleep in the arms of a pretty girl or receive a foot massage. Their eccentric services range from 20 minutes to 7 hours.

KN Building 3F, 2-11 Sakumacho, Chiyoda-ku
Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan

Source: Thierry Draus

#3 FISHING RESTAURANT

Tokyo’s Fishing Restaurant operates on a simple yet fascinating philosophy—you eat what you fish. Visitors are given the option of letting the waiter fish for them, or they could catch fishes on their own. These fishing restaurants can be found across Japan in areas including Kyushu, Kanto, Kansai and Tokai.

High Manten Jinnan Building B1F,
1-19-3, Jinnan,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 4pm – 11pm

Source: Tsunagu Japan

#4 MAID CAFES

Maid cafes are the epitome of quirkiness. Waitresses are dressed like maids and the dishes served here are inherently cutesy. Think heart-shaped omelettes served by ‘kawaii’ cosplay girls. These maid cafes have different themes such as pop idols or Warring States Period.

Mitsuwa Building 4F-7F, Soto-Kanda 1-11-4, Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 (0)3 3526 3131

Source: Travelog

#5 NINJA CAFES

If you have always dreamt of meeting a ninja, then pay a special trip to Tokyo’s Ninja Cafe. The interiors of this cafe are designed to mimic an ancient Japanese castle and waiters are dressed up as ninjas to complete your dining experience. A meal here is far from cheap, but the experience is certainly worthwhile for those who love ninjas.

Tokyu plaza Akasaka 1F
2-14-3, Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: +81 03-5157-3936

Source: Time Travel Turtle

#6 OWL CAFES

Over at Tokyo’s Akiba Fukurou Cafe, patrons get to interact with an owl for a period of one hour. Reservations are highly recommended and it costs ¥1,500 / S$16.65 for an entrance fee which includes a soft drink of your choice. Flash photography and disturbing of sleeping birds are prohibited.

7 Kanda Neribeicho, Chiyoda
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6206-4095
Mon, Wed to Fri: 12pm – 6pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 7pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Source: Kotaku

#7 PENGUIN CAFES

Penguin cafes are very popular and one can find several of such themed cafes and even bars across Japan. The concept lies in the idea where you can watch penguins behind glass doors. Depending on the company, some establishments allow you to interact with these creatures during feeding times.

COSMY1 1st Floor, 2-38-2 Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 03 5927 1310
Daily: 6pm – 4am

Source: Tokyo Times

#8 REPTILE CAFE

Move over, furry cutesy animals. Reptile Cafes are now catering to people who love cold-blooded creatures such as snakes and other scaly reptiles. Customers too must accept the fact that Reptile Cafes are not held responsible if they were to get bitten. Not one for the faint-hearted, indeed.

Sampo Sogo building 8F, 6-5-6 Jingumae,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6427-9912
Mon, Wed to Sun: 11am – 8pm
(Closed on Tuesdays)

Source: Timeout Tokyo

#9 ROBOT RESTAURANT

Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant is situated within a six-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and the dining establishment is unmistakable. Expect a loud and vibrant atmosphere featuring a multi-coloured dance floor, twirling disco balls and fembots! It is best to book online to avoid disappointment.

1-7-1 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81-3-3200-5500
Daily: 3.30pm – 11.30pm

Source: Pinterest

#10 VAMPIRE CAFE

Tokyo’s Vampire Cafe has been in operations since a decade ago and it is designed to reflect Dracula’s castle. Each host’s dramatic make up and outfit make them look like gothic lolitas and of course, every single dish is named after a vampire. Visitors can anticipate bizarre drinks such as The Virgin’s Fresh Blood.

La Paix Building 7F 6-7-6 Ginza Chuou-Ku
Tokyo, Japan
Tel: +81 03-3289-5360
Daily: 5pm – 11pm