It’s the start of a brand new year! Knowing that most of us probably didn’t get to travel anywhere for a countdown trip, we have collated a fun Experience A Day In Japan (but in actual fact, in Singapore) for all of you to visualise yourself in the beautiful endless discovery country.

And for those who have not been to Japan before, here’s a link to our TikTok video for you to envision yourself there! If you are up for a mini “getaway”, feel free to visit the spots below and stay tuned to more videos like these on our new TikTok channel!

8.30 am - Morning Stroll at Japanese Cemetery Park

Kickstart your day with a nice stroll at Singapore's One and Only Japanese Cemetery Park! And yes, you did not read that wrongly. You can actually stroll in a Cemetery Park.

The Japanese Cemetery Park is a memorial park and burial ground that contains the remains of members of the early Japanese community in Singapore.

Nestled in a quiet residential neighbourhood in Hougang, this place is ideal for a stroll (not what you thought it would be). And in fact, during our time there, there were more than 2 people taking their morning stroll/jog too. 

This spot sparks a mini dispute on the internet when more people have visited this place for Instagram worthy pictures when the floral archways are in full bloom. No matter what reason you are there for, bear in mind the true meaning of this place.

Address: 22 Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549854

10.30 am - Breakfast at Baristart Coffee

In need of a good cup of ice coffee after a walk under the morning sun.

Opened in Singapore in early 2019, Baristart Coffee is a popular Hokkaido cafe that originated from Sapporo, Japan! Known for using rich and creamy Hokkaido Milk in their coffee and desserts, this cafe attracted a seemingly long queue on a Monday morning.

At Baristart Coffee Singapore, they serve Biei Jersey Milk (a type of Hokkaido Milk that is extremely popular among Japanese) air-flown from Hokkaido directly!

We got 2 mains to share! On the left, Wafu Pasta ($17.80) - this is a must-try from us! A Japanese-style soy sauce pasta, very similar to my favorite Aglio Olio style, with big and succulent prawns, small and thick dices of bacon, and asparagus! And Obihiro Butadon ($18.80) on the right - their signature rice bowl with Hokkaido Nanatsuboshi rice and grilled Kurobuta pork belly in sweet teriyaki sauce. Though the don was not as good as I thought it would be, the rice was still really soft and fragrant - I felt like I could eat that alone with the teriyaki sauce!

I also got myself a cup of Iced Latte ($7.50), which was a great decision. A slightly acidic coffee with just the right amount of sweetness from the Biei Jersey Milk - the kind of latte I love on days when I want to get something other than my usual Ice Americano.

Must-Try Baristart Signature Cream Puff!

No matter how full you are from your meal, you have to order this Cream Puff (one for $5.50, and three for $15). Also using Biei Jersey Milk in the cream filling, this puff has a crispy and flaky texture on the outside, with Hokkaido Milk cream stuffed substantially inside. Sometimes cream puffs can get very sick to my stomach, so I always prefer them to be bite-sized, but for this, I wouldn’t mind if it was not - the cream filling is just too good to even put into words.

Address: 65 Tras St, Singapore 079004

Opening Hours: Everyday, 9am to 9pm.

Contact Number: 6904 3168

Other Outlet Information Here.

1 pm - Soak at Yunomori Onsen & Spa

Though we do not have any natural Onsen in Singapore, we could still make do with Yunomori Onsen & Spa - the No.1 Onsen in SouthEast Asia combining traditional Japanese Onsen therapies and Thai spa treatments.

Photography and Videography are not allowed inside hence only the storefront picture here.

We went with the Adult pass for $40.66 after GST, and this pass entitles us to the Onsen Baths and several other facilities. Due to COVID, several baths are currently not available. The one we went for was their special bath, Tabitofugogo Bath, which is only available from 10th to 25th December.

It was a good and rejuvenating session, one we may not be able to obtain easily anywhere else in Singapore! Check out their menu if you would like to opt for their other services such as spa or massages that we didn’t get to try out this time. 

Address: 1 Stadium Place #02-17/18, Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628

Opening Hours: Everyday, 10am to 10pm.

Contact Number: 6386 4126 / 6385 7985

2.50 pm - High Tea at Kurasu

Kurasu serves specialty coffee from Kyoto. A minimalistic cafe set in a less buzzing street in Singapore, Waterloo Street, we got ourselves a Hot Cup of Hand Drip Coffee ($7), Iced Matcha Latte ($7.50), and a Raspberry Swiss Roll ($5.50). It started pouring the moment we finished our soak at Yunomori Onsen & Spa, and the hot coffee was a good fix.

However, the Matcha drinks here are the real deal for me. The Iced Matcha Latte was one of the best matcha coffee I had in Singapore. It’s rare to find a matcha latte with milk that does not overpower the matcha taste. And this was it.

Address: 261 Waterloo St, Singapore 180261

Opening Hours: Everyday, 8.30am to 6.30pm

4.30 pm - Shopping at Lumine

Lumine is a Japanese mall located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. It is popular among locals and tourists for a one-stop location to get a variety of Japanese fashion items. It is also where many unique and flagship brands choose to open their stores. Lumine Singapore is established with the concept to showcase Japan's unique, versatile, and diverse fashion. With more than 20 Japanese clothing brands, it is one of the best places you can shop for Japanese fashion in Singapore!

Address: 6 Eu Tong Sen St, The Central, Singapore 059817

Opening Hours: Everyday, 11am to 10pm.

Contact Number: 6224 0919

7 pm - Dinner at Tommy’s Sake Bar (Tomi Sushi)

Tommy’s Sake Bar is a sushi restaurant under Tomi Sushi. At Tommy’s, you will be able to find a diverse selection of handmade sushis, course meals, and all kinds of à la carte items. Many types of Sake are also available to match them with your food.

Left - Chirashi Don ($38). Right - Unagi Roll ($22). Paired with a pint of Sapporo Draught Beer at $6.80 - their Happy Hour ALL DAY LONG.

Though the Chirashi Don wasn’t one of the best we had, the Unagi Roll and the Happy Hour Sapporo Draught made up for it!

We wiped out so many pints, and there definitely wasn’t a better way to end off this special day!

Address: 182 Cecil Street, No. #01-09 Frasers Tower Singapore 069549

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9.30pm. Closed on Sundays.

Contact Number: 6203 5457