Time really flies. Before we know it, 2023 is coming to an end soon. Hence, I have decided that a trip to Japan will be a good closing chapter for the year. This trip will focus primarily on gourmet food trail across Japan. As such, I have purchased an open-jaw ticket where I will be flying in to Narita Airport and flying out from Fukuoka Airport. How exciting! ☺️
In Japan, I will be staying over 2 nights in Tokyo, followed by 2 nights in Nagoya, then another 2 nights in Hiroshima and the final 3 nights in Fukuoka.
To achieve this, I will need to purchase the 7 days of unlimited JR Pass to maximise the travel plan fully. Recently, JR Group has just announced the upcoming price increase of the ticket pricing for the unlimited JR Pass ticket, which will see the drastic price increase by more than 68% from 1 Oct 2023! 😱
Moving forward, self-drive would be the way to go (at least for me 🤣).
The excitement can only commence upon passing through the Departure Gate. Yay!
This was immediately followed by chilling out at my all-time favourite SilverKris Lounge. 👍
Freshen up before boarding for my red-eye flight.
Time to board for the Land of the Rising Sun.
Cheers to good health and here I come Tokyo!
Enjoying breakfast prior to arrival.
Thai style rice porridge with pork slices, pork meatballs and mushroom, garnish with preserved vegetable and fried garlic.
Safe arrivals in Narita Airport. Customs clearance is swift and I am out of immigration in a jiffy.
Immediately headed to the JR Ticket Office to exchange for my 7 Days Unlimited JR Pass.
From there, make my way to Akihabara Washington Hotel to park my luggage as check-in will be after 2pm.
I read about Gyukatsu Motomura (a must eat joint when in Tokyo), specialises in beef cutlet. I am lucky to find one such outlet which is about 200m walk from the hotel that I am in.
Queues were already forming as expected before the opening hours at 11am and thus decided to go for an early brunch to avoid disappointment. 😀
Each diner is expected to order one set meal and there are 3 different set meals to choose from; one piece of beef cutlet, 1.5 pieces of beef cutlet or 2 pieces of beef cutlet.
You may choose to decide on the doneness by grilling your beef cutlet on the hotstone plate provided.
The beef cutlet is so tenderly good and delicious. 😋👍
Headed over next to Shibuya for window shopping.
As usual, long queues spotted waiting to take their picture with Hachiko who happens to be celebrating its centennial birth.
A visit to Shibuya will not be complete without the busy iconic Shibuya Crossing.
Finally, I get to see the new JR Harajuku Station. I still find the old JR Harajuku Station far more nostalgic.
Spotted my favourite Doutor Café opposite JR Harajuku Station.
Oh, how I missed Doutor! Glad to have my cravings fixed!
Headed over next Ginza for more retail therapy. Chanced upon this Uniqlo shop at Ginza and was mesmerised by it.
Went in search of dango and hotteok at Kamata, but unfortunately both the stores are no longer in existence. 🤣
Hence, decided to settle for dinner at Cocoichibanya at Kamata instead.
Oh my! The level 7 spice really has the “kick.”
Downing it with a cold onsen egg couldn’t have been a better choice.
So much on a first day especially after a long day with flying, it’s time to have an early night to charge up for tomorrow.
The hotel room size is spacious in the Japan context. Good enough for a comfortable sleepover.
Starting Day 2 with a nice breakfast at Café Restaurant Gusto.
After a simple and satisfying breakfast, went over to Jiyugaoka. Jiyūgaoka is known for its European vibe and picturesque streets and a mecca for sweet lovers with a range for sweet shops and dessert cafés.
While changing train at Oimachi Station, spotted Mister Donut from afar and hence made a brief detour. 😋
Look what I see! 😲
Arriving into JR Jiyugaoka Station after a 10 min train ride from Oimachi Station.
Jiyugaoka “Liberty Hill” also known as Little Europe is a neighbourhood in Southern Meguro, Tokyo.
La Vita is one of the flocked-to places when you are here.
A cute little square with Italian inspired buildings complete with man-made miniature river.
Doesn’t this give you the vibes of being in an European city?
Just opposite of the La Vita will be the Kumano-jinja Shrine.
Kumano Shrine offers a serene piece of the more traditional side of Japan.
You will also find Kosoan Tea House opposite La Vita too.
If you follow a stone path under the maple trees……
……you will notice a room at the back……
……where people sit on straw mats, having their tea in the traditional way.
Thereafter, I went in search of Potato Cream, Jiyugaoka’s potato salad specialty store.
A minimalistic little bar that serves mashed potatoes with a gourmet twist. This cosy small store only has a standing facility for you to enjoy your mashed potato.
A new sensation of warm and creamy potato cream. Oiishi desu!
There are 2 main shopping streets in Jiyugaoka, Marie Claire Street and Green Street.
Just one block off the station, you will find Marie Clarie Promenade and Green Way.
Checking out the newly open Tokyo Pork Bun.
Their bun skin is doughy-ly delicious. 👍
Chanced upon Okinawa Ryori Restaurant and went in for a light munch.
It was a wise decision to step in here, this is all I can say. 🫢
As I did not get to eat my honey filled Korean pancake at Kamata, I decided to make a trip to Shin-Okubo (Tokyo Koreatown) to search for it instead. 😅
So happy to find Jongno Yataimura selling all kinds of popular Korean street snacks.
My long awaited and anticipated Hotteok! Itadakimasu!
Moving on next to Azabudai Hills at Kamiyacho Station as this is one of the newest developments that has just opened up in Tokyo.
The concept of Azabudai Hills is a “Modern Urban Village” weaving offices, residences, a hotel, an international school, retail shops, restaurants and cultural facilities into the fabric of everyday life, encompassing work, learning, recreation, interaction and relaxation.
This visionary project also aims to create “a city within a city” full of greenery.
Azabudai Hills Mori JP Tower is now the tallest skyscraper in Japan at 1,067 feet after its completion.
You can even catch a nice backdrop of the Tokyo Tower from here.
More sweet treats………..
Enjoying warabi mochi at Kinako to Torori.
The mochi is served warm. My first time seeing warabi mochi in this form. This is really good stuff. Highly recommended for mochi lovers!
Came across Pie Mania, specialty store selling freshly baked apple pie which just opened its store at Akihabara on 1 Dec 2023.
Offering wide varieties of different flavours of apple pies.
This pie is so good as expected. The flaky pastry with generous servings of apple chunks with custard cream. Walah!
Settle for dinner at Tsukiji Sushiko at Akiba Tolim.
8 Nigiri sushi plus thin rolled sushi.
It’s definitely a satisfying meal to end the day with.
Enjoying a nice and simple breakfast at Denny’s.
Preparing to checkout from the hotel and make my way to Nagoya from Akihabara.
I made a reservation for the shinkansen ride departing from Tokyo Station at 11:33 hrs and arriving Nagoya Station at 13:14 hrs.
Time to depart for my ride to Nagoya.
Sake chilling on the Shinkansen ride. Cheers!
Starting my food trail at Kishimen Tei upon arrival to Nagoya.
My long awaited “Mee Pok” ramen, main reason why I am here in Nagoya. 😊
Checking in to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Nagoya Shinkansenguchi thereafter.
Decent room size though a bit of a squeeze for 3 beds. 😅
Caught hold of the characters’ display at JR Nagoya Station.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch in 2023.
Another key reason for visiting Nagoya is to have a hitsumabushi meal atまるや本店 too.
This is the best unagi ever! I swear by it! 👍👍👍
Begin Day 4 morning with a great breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee.
Fluffy delicious pizza toast with lots of egg salad spread and melty cheese.
An unbelievable match between freshly deep-fried big crispy cutlet and cabbage.
I will be making a day trip from Nagoya to Osaka for more food fixing. 🫢
Preparing to board for my Shinkansen ride at 09:03 hrs bound for Shin-Osaka.
I will henceforth make it a point to feature “him” whenever I visit Dontoburi in Osaka to give “him” the due respect. 😀
Taking a light snack at Sanuki Udon Hanamaru, best in class for their udon. Springy-ly good.
Tummy warming comfort food (tofu, radish & egg), especially on a cold day.
Not forgetting the condiments that you can add on to. I had their potato croquette & chikuwa. 😋😋
I have decided to queue for Pablo this time round as I always gave it a miss in my past trips.
Bought a box of Pablo Dacquoise that comes with cheese tart flavour. Uniquely special.
A visit to Osaka will not be considered complete without eating takoyaki.
Followed by light lunch at大阪王将.
Made a visit to Namba Yasaka Shrine thereafter. Have always wanted to visit this shrine but couldn’t find the opportunity to do so previously.
Namba Yasaka is famous for its lion-shaped stage, which stands out as a unique piece of architecture and is a mere 8 minute walk from Namba-Nankai Station.
Ventured off next to Jinrui Mina Karasa for the spiciest ramen in Hoop. Another reason for visiting Osaka. 🫢
The ramen shop is located inside Hoop Dining Court at B1 Floor of Hoop. You may use Exit 9 from Tennoji Station.
Look at the redness from the soup…..it’s super spicy but certainly delicious. Be prepared to sweat it out! Game for the challenge? 😲
After completing my food activities, time to head back to Nagoya. This is the best part of buying an unlimited JR Pass where I can fully maximise the value from it. 💪
Checking out あんぱんゃ for their an pan bun and curry donut.
Had an all chicken affair dinner at 赤い鳥 before calling it a night.
Another satisfying meal as always to mark an end to my final night stay in Nagoya.
It is almost a ritual for me to take advantage of the great discounted food items pricing at Takashimaya supermarket right before their closing hours.
Now you know what I mean? Definitely a steal. You can trust me on this! 😉
Day 5 breakfast at Tonkatsu Matsunoya.
Time to check out from the hotel to head down to Hiroshima via Shin-Kobe.
What I love about travelling on a Shinkansen is to enjoy food on board the train.
First time trying a fruit sandwich. It’s pretty refreshing and tasty, especially with the softness of the bread. 👍
Changing for my next leg connecting train at Shin-Kobe for Hiroshima.
Upon arrival to Hiroshima Station, headed for the check-in at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima, located conveniently beside the station.
Room size is much more spacious for a triple sharing room.
Happens to see the cute JR Train model at the hotel that reflects the start date of my arrival stay.
Wow…what a huge origami crane at the hotel lobby.
Immediately after check-in, scoot off to Okonomiyaki Mitchan for my anticipated Okonomiyaki and oysters, key reason for my visit to Hiroshima.
I am so glad to get my cravings fixed for now. It’s so so good!
Next up, went over to だるま燒売 for another round of food fixing.
Their shuumai is deliciously good and different from what we are used to having. Fried rice comes with generous chunks of grilled pork and you will not go wrong with fried rice in Japan. Power type. 💪
Thereafter, decided to make a visit to The Outlets Hiroshima for retail therapy.
How to go to The Outlets Hiroshima?
Take a JR Train from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Nishihiroshima Station.
From there, take Bus 17 from Platform 2, which will bring you directly to The Outlets Hiroshima.
This is the largest outlet mall in the Chugoku-Shikoku region with about 120 famous brand shops selected from Japan and overseas. I love this outdoor mall as it is not crowded and you can take your time to shop till your hearts content.
There is also a huge food court at B1 Floor at The Outlets Hiroshima where you can have a wide selection of food options with spacious seating capacity.
Another satisfying meal to end the day with.
Likewise, you may board back Bus 17 from Platform 2 at The Outlets Hiroshima back to JR Nishihiroshima Station. Only thing to remember is to take note of the bus timing to avoid missing the last bus. 😉
Enjoying a nice supper, yakisoba with ham at the comfort of the hotel room. 😊
Start Day 6 morning with a limited edition burger at MOS Burger.
Followed up with Mister Donut……
Thereafter, came across Hearth Brown and was captivated by their buns.
Oh my! The buns are damn good, especially when it’s fresh from the oven.
After a hearty breakfast, I will be heading off to Miyajima this morning.
How to go to Miyajima?
You may take JR Train from JR Hiroshima Station to JR Miyajimaguchi Station.
After leaving the station, walk straight ahead and you will see the ferry passenger terminal. You may be pleased to know that the JR unlimited pass will cover the ferry fare as the ferry is operated under JR West. However, there is now a 100¥ tourism tax that each visitor will need to pay to visit the island.
Time to board the ferry. The ride will take about 10 mins.
Beautiful views taken on board ferry.
The iconic floating O-torii Gate taken from afar.
Who says only Nara has roaming deers? 😲
My first snack of the day.
Next up will be fried snacks.
Beautiful O-torri Gate where you will see in every Japanese literature.
Up close and personal shot. It’s a pity that I could not catch it during low tide in my second time to Miyajima. Else, I will be able to walk towards it and touch the O-torii Gate.
Caught hold of this soy sauce shop selling all kinds of soy sauce.
Spotted this shop specialising only in oysters.
Paid a visit over to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park next.
Look what I found? This is definitely a rare find.
Hiroshima Limited freshly cooked prawn crackers.
I have been to Japan so many times but did not really have a chance to try out Hoshino Coffee, so I will make it happen for this trip.
Look what I found here! Ippudo Instant Ramen? 😱
Holy Moly! It tasted so good and even has a slice of char siew pork in it. How cool can this be!!! You ought to try it out when you are in Japan the next time round.
Enjoying another round of Doutor for breakfast.
I like the vibes in this Doutor Café. Look at the mural depicting the various attractions in Hiroshima City.
Round 2 breakfast at Komeda’s Coffee. 😊
White soft serve ice cream atop a dark-coloured Danish pastry.
Comes complimentary during breakfast hour with any drink order.
Cherry blossom flavoured tea with red bean.
Had a quick lunch bite at Shonoya for their yakitori.
Grilled chicken thigh meat and green onions, grilled pork belly & grilled wrapping of pork belly and enoki mushrooms.
Grilled wrapping of pork belly and asparagus, grilled shiitake mushroom & grilled chicken meatball.
Time to check out of the hotel for my last leg of the trip to Hakata Station.
Checking in to Hotel Clio Court Hakata upon arrival.
This hotel room size by far is the most spacious. I am so thankful that my last 3 nights stay here will be much more comfortable. Yay!
Went straight over to Canal City in search of the Ramen Stadium for my ramen fix.
Here I am at the Ramen Stadium on Level 5 of Canal City.
Dive straight into Hakata Tonkatsu Ramen stall without much hesitation.
Swinging over next to Sanmi Tomato Ramen as it is not very often that you can find a tomato broth ramen in Japan.
Enjoying a leisure stroll, taking in the beautiful night view of Canal City and soaking in to the atmosphere.
Hakata in winter is famous for their yatai stalls along the canal stretch and you can see the stalls packed with diners shoulder to shoulder enjoying each other’s warmth.
I managed to catch hold of the special dancing fountain performance by Seventeen which is available from 8 Dec to 18 Dec 2023.
Enjoy the special music performance by Seventeen.
Soaking in to the festive mood at the Christmas Market at Hakata City thereafter.
Followed by dinner at Mexican Restaurant & Bar at Level 9 of Hakata City.
Mexican style shrimp and garlic stir fry.
Pork shoulder marinated in ten spices and roasted to creation of Mexico’s most famous taco dishes. Combined with the sweet juciness of pineapple and the spiciness of salsa, the taste is indescribable.
Chicken marinated in homemade sauce for 24 hours.
My most expensive fruits for supper. 😱
Recharging at 松屋 for breakfast.
Adjourning to Seattle’s Best Coffee for coffee break.
This morning, I will be doing a day trip to Yamaguchi, making full use of my JR Unlimited Pass before it expires today. 😊
Spending a relaxing late morning at the shopping street near Yamaguchi Station. The pace is slow here and the best part of all, it is not touristy.
Surprise to see Cacaocat shop here. I have seen this shop at Bugis Junction but did not try it as it is too expensive back home. It is definitely much more affordable in Japan.
OMG! Look at the number of varieties of chocolate flavours here. Over 30 different flavours to choose from.
Bought a couple of flavours like blueberry, yuzu, maple, hazelnut, pistachio, white & yubari melon for tasting.
It’s so good that I ended up buying a tin back. Isn’t the cat cute? 🫢
It’s interesting to know that most of their stations are unmanned in the outskirts. Just like what you see in Japan Hour and their local train timings are not very frequent as they come in an hour interval.
The local train even has air conditioners and fans onboard. 😲
After spending a relaxing, laid-back trip to Yamaguchi, time to head back to Hakata.
I am fortunate to be able to board the Hello Kitty Shinkansen on my way back. So kawaii! 😘
Finally, it is time for my long-awaited Ichiran Ramen fix. I make it a point to go during off-peak hours to avoid the snaking queue.
You need to slurp up the soup in order to see what’s beneath the bowl. 😊
I love the design of this staircase at Sun Plaza. Amazingly beautiful.
Dinner will be at Salvatore Cuomo. I will always make it a point to dine in this joint whenever I am in Japan (if I happen to find one that is near me). Trust me, this is good stuff!
Marinated seafood and grilled vegetables.
Tomato sauce, smoked cheese, shrimp & new onions.
Paccheri beef cheek ragout, carrots & onions.
Another round of expensive supper. 😆
Day 9 – final breakfast at Kisuimaru being my last day in Japan as I will be leaving tomorrow morning for home.
I will be spending my time at Tenjin Hakata for leisure retail therapy and enjoying some last-minute food options prior to my home coming.
While en route, I spotted Boul’ange and decided to check it out as the breads and pastries seem to be calling out my name. 🤣
Did some shopping at Kawabata Shotengai.
Came across this stall and had a snack panic as per what the shop name suggested. 🤣
Ichiran flagship store in Hakata.
Holy Holy! Look at all the Santa Claus at the Christmas Advent event.
Having a late lunch at Sushizanmai.
Minced tuna with green onion handroll, sea urchin roe sushi, scallop sushi & fatty tuna sushi.
Visited Kego Shrine which is next to Kego Park.
Kego Shrine – In the middle of the busy commercial Tenjin area in Fukuoka City, the Kego Shrine (警固神社) is a completely different space. The time seems to flow differently in the precinct, making it a nice spot to get some quiet time from the bustle surrounding the shrine.
Hakata Yamadaya is known for their handmade creative sweets that change with the season. They have a wide range of products from large sweet dango to skewered dango, cup dango, and warabi mochi. There will definitely be one item that suits your taste buds. If you love mochi and all things chewy, this is a must visit place for you.
One for the road ramen dinner meal at Hakata Ramen.
Last supper for tonight: warabi mochi.
Day 10 – time to leave Fukuoka for home. It has been a great trip as always.
Enjoying my last moment at Mister Donut prior to heading to the airport.
It’s heartening to know that Fukuoka Airport is just 2 stops away from Hakata Station Airport subway line.
Relaxing at Lounge Fukuoka prior to boarding.
It’s a relatively small-scale lounge with light refreshments provided.
Goodbye Fukuoka for now.
Cheers to home coming.
With onions, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce.
Lunch Hanakoireki
Sakizake – Japanese Cold Appetiser
Crabmeat and cauliflower cake garnished with trout roes, crab flavoured jelly and yuzu citrus.
Mukouzuke – Fish Dish
Cold seared soya sauce marinated tuna loin garnished with suzensi seaweed and snap dragon flower. Accompanied with wasabi and bonito flavoured soya sauce jelly.
Kuchitori – Japanese Cold Appetiser
Cold low steamed cake marinated angler fish liver with Hakata style pickled gourd and seasoned wasabi leaves.
Men – Cold Noodle
Cold udon noodles garnished with shredded omelette and spring onion. Accompanied with seaweed, ginger paste and soba sauce.
Yakimono – Grilled Dish
Grilled miso flavoured kinmedai fish garnished with pickled turnip.
Takiawase – Simmer Dish
Yoshino style kozu flour dusted duck breast simmered in sake soya sauce with kojo leek, millet gluten and turnip. Garnished with wasabi.
Aemono – Vinegar Dish
Smoked salmon, garland chrysanthemum and konjack jelly tossed in beancurd paste, sweet vinegar marinated fried mackerel and baby onion.
Gohan – Rice Dish
Steamed glutinous rice topped with salmon Roes and mitsuba greens.
Kounomono – Assorted Pickles
Tome-Wan (Soup)
Miso soup with beancurd and nameko mushroom.
Mizumono – Dessert
Yuzu sorbet, sasame crisp
Selection of Cheese
Brie, mycella and red cheddar cheese with garnishes.
Great sky dining as always. 😋😋😋