One-Day Itinerary: Experience ‘A Taste Of Japan’ In Central Singapore!
Discover delightful Japanese food, shopping and relaxing onsen experiences in Dhoby Ghaut-Orchard area with our one-day itinerary!
The borders of Japan are not open to tourists yet, some of you may be gearing to jet off soon or wait it out through the initial frenzy. Nevertheless, you can embark on a relaxing day trip in Central Singapore, accessible to everyone across the sunny island. Check out our recommendations which uphold the spirit of the Land of the Rising Sun! We’ve picked out authentic Japanese experiences, read on to discover more!
Our One-Day Itinerary:
Brunch: Izakaya Nijumaru at Cuppage Plaza
Shopping: Iroha Mart at Plaza Singapore
Onsen: Elements Wellness at Centrepoint
Afternoon Tea: Café Ma Maison at Mandarin Gallery
Dinner: Sun with Moon Dining & Café at Wheelock Place
Source: @izakayanijumaruSg Facebook
Begin your day with a hearty brunch at Izakaya Nijumaru at Cuppage Plaza. As you would probably know, this is the prime location housing many authentic Japanese places.
Make yourself at home at this cosy family restaurant. They have been serving Japanese bentos & yakitori since 1987. This is a go-to place for scrumptious food and affordable Japanese sake. The rustic wood furnishings take you back to the 80s. Spot the vintage Japanese memorabilia!
Some menu highlights include Nikujaga (braised beef stew with potatoes) and Nijumaru Bento ($21), served with tender braised pork belly, salmon, seabass and tuna, grilled mackerel, tempura, a large bowl of rice and miso soup. Order a couple of Kushiyaki skewers to pair with your beer or sake. Do check out their seasonal menu and weekly lunch specials for a pleasant surprise.
Tip: You can call to pre-order for self collection. Delivery option is also available.
Izakaya Nijumaru
Address: 5 Koek Rd, #02-10/12, Cuppage Plaza, , Singapore 228796
Reservation: 6235 6693
Opening Hours: 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm – 10pm (Mon-Sat), 6pm – 10pm (Sun)
Shopping: Iroha Mart at Plaza Singapore
Iroha Mart is a grocery store from Tokyo, Japan. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to stock up on rare Japanese sweets and snacks, ranging from limited edition Kit-Kat to funky flavoured chips. You can also find fresh produce and essentials such as cooking wine and confectionery goods.
Source: @IrohaMart Facebook
Iroha Mart
Address: 68 Orchard Road, #B2-17/18 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Source: Elements Wellness
What’s a better way to unwind than to relax in an onsen? Elements Wellness offers Onsen Therapy, where you can experience Japanese bath ritual in a handcrafted Koyamaki wood tub with energised ion water.
Bonus: Authentic Hinoki wood bath accessories are provided.
Source: Elements Wellness
Fun Fact: Did you know? Koyamaki (Japanese Umbrella Pine) is rare and greatly valued in Japan. The beautifying and therapeutic characteristics of this wood are legendary and there are still imperial Koyamaki baths operating in Japan that are known to be centuries old.
A soak in the onsen improves circulation, relieves pain, and revitalises your health. It is recommended to combine your onsen dip with a massage.
Elements Wellness Centrepoint
Address: 176 Orchard Rd, #02-28 The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Book appointment: Call 6737 8488 or WhatsApp 9357 8183
Opening Hours: 11am-9pm (Mon-Fri), 10.30am-8pm (Sat-Sun)
Afternoon Tea: Café Ma Maison at Mandarin Gallery
Source: @mamaisonsg Facebook
Some of you may be familiar with Ma Maison who is known for their Japanese-Western fusion cuisine, tonkatsu and lovely fruit tarts. “Ma Maison” represents “my home” in French, and this is a cosy café when you can simply relax or celebrate special moments with your loved ones.
Source: @mamaisonsg Facebook
Dessert highlights include assorted Fruit-Sando, Classic Strawberry Shortcake, Fresh Fruit Cake and Assorted Fruit Tarts. Craving for savouries? There is a small menu with items such as Katsu Sando, and Mentaiko Spaghetti.
Grab a seat and reminisce about your time in Japan, while enjoying a lovely tea session with your friends and family.
Café Ma Maison
Address: 333A Orchard Road #02-33/34 Mandarin Gallery Singapore 238897
Tel: 6235 6411
Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Source: Sun with Moon
This is a café-restaurant which offers a mix of modern and traditional Japanese cuisine ranging from kamameshi, sushi, sashimi and bento sets. On top of their carefully curated regular menu, they also offer seasonal special menus such as Kansai Regional Menu featuring delicacies from Nara and Osaka.
Source: @sunwithmoondining Facebook
There are diverse Japanese rice dishes appealing to different palates. Sun with Moon’s one-pot meal of kamameshi, a traditional Japanese mixed rice dish cooked in an iron pot or “kama” makes a perfect comfort food. Mix it up, scoop and eat! Add a dash of dashi broth, to elevate the level of umami.
Sun with Moon Japanese Dining & Café
Address: 501 Orchard Road, #03-15 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880
Reservation: 6733 6636
Opening Hours: 11.30am - 10pm (Sun - Thu & PH), 11.30am - 10.30pm (Fri, Sat & Eve of PH)
We hope you will enjoy this exciting itinerary curated for all local fans of Japan. Share this with your friends and begin your discovery journey!
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