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4 Interesting Hot Springs in Japan You Have to Check Out

It’s common for people to take a dip in sulphur or milk, but what about a huge tub of green tea or red wine? Don’t fancy the idea of soaking in beverages? How about with monkeys? Trust the Japanese to come up with the craziest spas! My my. Read on as we show you four interesting hot springs in Japan, they’re definitely worth your time!

1. Hakone Kowakien

Wine bath in Kowakien Spa (Izu-Sakuraya)

Kowakien Spa is a unique spa in Japan that allows you to request for a different hot spring for each time you’re there. Ask for the wine bath when at Kowakien Spa to act like a rich snob for a day. France isn’t the only nation to know how to enjoy wine — if anything, the Japanese does it better!

Health junkies may consider tea or coffee spas — let your skin drink up the good stuffs because both are said to be high in antioxidants. Have a sweet tooth? Off to the chocolate spa!

Coffee bath in Kowakien Spa (Japan Kuru)

You don’t have to travel all the way to Israel, Jordan or Palestine to experience what it’s like to swim in the Dead Sea; presenting to you the Dead Sea Bath — just remember to not accidentally have a taste of the water!

2. Ginzan Onsen

To fans of Sen To Chihiro No Kamikakushi (Spirited Away), you’re probably no stranger to this onsen.

Ginzan means silver mountain and located along Ginzan River is a quaint little onsen town. Other than participating the obvious activity, onsen, you can get spirited away while you take a stroll around — the entire area feels like a movie scene from a Japanese period adventure film. Careful, you might stumble across the silver mine discovered 500 years ago, or you might just find discover a silver mine on your own.

Be awed by the onsen‘s architecture as they feature a graceful line of three and four storey wooden inns, situated on both sides of Ginzan River. It feels so much like olden Japan, you shouldn’t even be surprised if you bump into a samurai or geisha.

3. Nyuto Onsen

Now, if you have an old soul (like us at KKday), you’ll go gaga over Nyuto Onsen. Seated deep within the mountains, Nyuto Onsen is one of Japan‘s most traditional and rustic hot spring bath — a fantastic escape if you’re looking to detach yourself from the busy city life. (Run away from your boss who’s hot on your heels for deadlines, he’ll never find you here.)

Covering a huge land area and blessed by mother nature with natural onsen water, Nyuto Onsen is known for its milk-like water that offers various healing properties like lowering blood pressure, antioxidants and anti-aging. Women, are you listening? Forgo your skincare products and go for a hot spring bath in Japan instead!

Forget your worldly troubles and take a good soak while you’re here to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. It feels almost as if someone breathed life into you — yes, hot springs can be THAT miraculous.

4. Shibu Onsen

Ah yes, another traditional onsen for the old souls. REJOICE. If Ginzan Onsen feels like ancient Japan and Nyuto Onsen being buried deep in the mountains, is there any other hot springs you need to visit to complete your Japan trip? Welcome Shibu Onsen — a combination of Ginzan Onsen and Nyuto Onsen. /celebrates in Japanese/

With a long history spanning over 1300 years, Shibu Onsen has seen many customers come and go, including famous priests, samurai and poets. Rumour has it that good fortune comes to those who visit all nine bathhouse in Shibu Onsen, so why not take this opportunity to explore all nine bathhouses while at the same time rake up some good karma?

Monkeys taking a dip in Shibu onsen (The Nippon Newfie)

Visitors are strongly encouraged to roam the area with their yukata. Monkeys from the neighbouring forest may drop by for a quick dip with you if they’re curious about what you’re doing, however, it only happens if you’re really, really lucky because the monkeys have their own bath at the nearby Jigokudani Monkey Park. Don’t be alarmed when you see them joining you, play it cool. They are, after all, humans’ distant relative.

If you’re planning a visit to any onsen, remember to never rush. The Japanese treat their onsen sessions seriously and dipping in an onsen is all about purification — you want to be properly cleansed before rushing out, right?

Looking for more guides to Japan?

>> 10 Must Eat Street Food in Japan
>> 6 Strangest Themed Restaurants in Japan
>> 10 Must Buy Tidbits in Tokyo

If you’re planning on family trip to Japan, let KKday help you!

>> Tokyo Disneyland
>> Universal Studios Japan
>> Okinawa Water Bird Seabed Adventure

10 Must Eat Street Food in Japan

Food is one gateway to fully immerse and understand the culture in a foreign country. You may be skeptical about eating street food when you’re overseas but your fears are unfounded here in Japan — on a scale of one to ten, the possibility of you suffering a bout of food poisoning there is ranked a low one. Here are the 10 Japanese street food you must feast on at their yatai (small mobile food stores).

1. Okonomiyaki

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Oknomiyaki is a savoury pancake dish traditionally prepared by using up leftovers in the fridge. Derived from the word okonomi (meaning “what you want”) and yaki (meaning “grilled” or “cooked”), ingredients like cabbage, green onion, meat, octopus are added into the batter before it’s pan-fried on both sides, topped with sauces like okonomiyaki and Japanese mayonnaise and finished off with bonito flakes as garnish.

2. Takoyaki

Originated from Osaka, this popular flour and egg based batter street food is cooked in a round grill pan. Filled with octopus bits in the centre, the slightly crispy outer layer doughy texture is served with sauces and garnished with bonito flakes, just like Okonomiyaki.

3. Shioyaki

Shioyaki, also known as fish on stick, is prepared the traditional salt-grilled way. The mackerel are seasoned with a generous amount of salt before it is skewered and roasted over the fire.

4. Taiyaki

Well-loved by kids and adults alike, Taiyaki, a fish-shaped pancake, is one of the most famous street snacks in Japan. You can choose from a selection of sweet and savoury topping choices like chocolate and cheese, on top of the common azuki sweet red bean paste.

5. Yakisoba

Make sure you get your hands on some of this lip-smacking goodness! Yakisoba, a classic Japanese dish, is a type of fried buckwheat soba noodles that’s boiled before stir-frying with pork slices and topped with sweet sauce. Similar to the red pickled ginger served in sushi restaurants, they act like a palette cleanser.

6. Kakigori

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Kakigori is Japan’s version of Bingsoo. The shaved flavoured ice dessert is great for cooling down especially during the summer heat. Original flavours include strawberry and pineapple.

7. Tomorokoshi

Basically a sweet, falvourful corn on the cob that is brushed with miso, butter and soya sauce before it is grilled to a golden shade of perfection, this is a must eat especially for corn lovers!

8. Jaga Bata

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Despite the simplicity of the dish, Jaga Bata is a comfort food of many! Predominantly a baked potato served with a knob of butter, this is not something that requires tons of seasoning to taste heavenly.

9. Yakitori

Another skewered item, Yakitori is a bite-sized food seasoned with tare sauce or salt before it’s grilled over charcoal fire. Other than the typical meat or vegetable variation of this street snack, you can expect usual parts of animals like Gyutan (beef tongue) and reba (chicken liver) as well.

10. Dango

Somewhat like mochi, dango is a sweet, sticky dumpling best paired with authentic Japanese green tea. Grilled then coated with a syrup that’s a mixture of soy sauce, sugar and mirin, you can eat this sack all year round, although it comes in a few variations during certain seasons.

When in the land of the rising sun, these are the ten street food you should feast on!

Other activities recommended by KKday that you’ll enjoy:

>> Universal Studios Japan (e-ticket)
>> Yakatabune Summer Dinner
>> Tokyo SKYTREE Tembo Deck Admission Ticket

6 Strangest Themed Restaurants in Japan

Photo Credits: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g600101/photo/interior/

Themed restaurants is not a new concept in Japan but they have been steadily gaining popularity in the recent years. With the increasing competition, themes are no longer limited to just decorations — these eateries even provide entertainment to engage guests during dinner. If you’re ready to experience Japan differently, KKday brings you the best 6 themed restaurants in this peculiar country!

1. Robot Restaurant

In Robot Restaurant, located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, you can dine while enjoying an extraordinary performance that costed nearly billions to perfect. The Japanese robot dance show, incorporating traditional elements with drum performance, is guaranteed to blow you away.

You can find more information about the Tokyo Robot Cabaret show at the robot restaurant here!

2. Ninja Restaurant

Photo Credits: http://ninja-kyoto.co.jp/about/gallery.php

Based on the warring states during troubled times in the twentieth century, you can expect an unprecedented visual experience with a fusion of acrobatics, dance and projection effect performances. While you take delight in the delicious meals served, there’ll be a super ninja running to every table for a special performance. What’s that secret performance? You have to come here to check it out yourself!

Photo Credits: http://ninja-kyoto.co.jp/

You can find out more about the Ninja entertainment show with dinner here!

3. Prison Restaurant

Upon entering the restaurant, a clerk dressed in an officer’s uniform will “arrest” you and “escort” you to your cell where they provide prisoner food to you in test tubes, beakers, and syringes. As part of a “special food diet”, they even present your food looking like eyes or other body parts! There’s a show staged once every night as well.

Photo Credit: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g078504/photo/?p=3

4. Alice in Wonderland

Photo Credits: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g600101/photo/interior/

If you are a huge fan of Alice in the Wonderland, we highly recommended you to dine in this restaurant. The entire interior of the restaurant, even to its doors, is done with the concept of Alice in Wonderland in mind. Not just decors but the staff are dressed according to the theme as well!

Photo Credits: http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g600101/photo/

5. Owl cafe

Photo Credits: http://gigazine.net/news/20130701-owl-cafe/

Just like any cat or dog cafes in Singapore, you can interact with the owls in this cafe! However, the interaction time is limited to an hour. There are a variety of owls in the store and you’ll realise that the owls are actually up for sale!

Photo Credits: http://petru.jp/shop_pet_list/id:161

6. Courtesan seat restaurant show

A night courtesan show combining traditional Japanese dance with modern elements, coupled with professional dancers and drag queens, we ensure that your gaze will be fixated on the stage throughout the entire performance.

In hopes of providing you with the best experience and memories from this restaurant, they provide a wide range of comfortable seatings as well as a large variety of creative cuisines.

>> Oiran-za night show at Roppongi Kaguwa

While travelling in Japan, you have to add these quirky restaurants into your itinerary. Not only does it make your trip interesting and memorable, you get to experience Japan the way it should be — eccentric and bizarre!

3 Best Spots Around the World to Have a Picnic

The Best Places Around The World For A Picnic (Tumblr)

Today, picnic is a way for us to get closer to nature and spend time with our family during good weather but did you know that picnics were strictly royal social activities in Europe during the 18th century? There were even waiters laying elegant tableware during those outdoor dining occasions!

Overtime, people became more creative with their picnics. You can now have a picnic anywhere—by the beach, in the mountains, by the waterfall or even up in a tree! Here we have 3 best and unique spots around the world for you to have an impressive picnic.

1. Outdoor movie + car + snacks = drive-in theatre

If you are a big fan of retro designs, you’ll surely be impressed by this drive-in theatre! In New Jersey 1933, a man named Hollingshead set up a projector in his car and nailed a screen in his backyard, forming the idea of a drive-in theatre.

The concept of drive-in theatre became a big trend from 1950s to 1960s and you could easily find large parking venues with outdoor screens structure together with food vendors that sold snacks, making the drive-in theatres comfy. Not only that, certain drive-in theatres had picnic tables set up as well as a playground and programs for children.

Later, as the popularity of coloured television soared, drive-in theatres became a dying trend and was eventually replaced by flea markets. However, there are still few places with drive-in theatres, especially in New York City. When visiting drive-in theatres, remember to bring along snacks and drinks to relive the good ol’ days!

If you are around NYC, end your trip in a unique manner with a helicopter tour of New York; this earns you endless bragging rights when you return to Singapore!

2. Dine in Bora Bora’s water

Lodges built above water at Bora Bora (Gengish Skan)

Bora Bora is the dream vacation of many Singaporean hearts. The island, surrounded by houses built on water, greets you with beautiful skies every morning and twinkling stars every night. If you get sick of the sun, you can even jump into the sea for some fun!

Dining on water ensures a unique experience (Boraboraislandguide)

Picnics here are special – local boat tours will take visitors to an island called Moto for picnics in the sea. Whether you are there as a couple or family, the experience of sitting in the sea, enjoying beautiful views and traditional dishes, fresh local fruits, vegetables and some wine is definitely one you can never forget!

3. Have your lunch under cherry blossoms

One of the top things to do in Japan during the cherry blossom season is to have a picnic. Both Japanese and tourists alike gather under the cherry blossom trees yearly to eat and enjoy the beautiful sight. Bring your family here during the end of March to the start of May, the best timing of the year, to witness the cherry blossom!

Dining Under Cherry Blossoms in Japan (Joolie)

Nights with cherry blossoms, known as Yozakura, are special as well. During this time, locals will hang paper lanterns on the trees and set up tables outside to have romantic dinners in their kimonos under the blossom trees.

If you’re travelling to Japan as a family, there are many other activities you may consider to have am enjoyable time as a family!

>> Tokyo Disneyland
>> Universal Studios Japan
>> Sagano Torokko Scenic Railway

Mt. Fuji is Japan’s Most Represented Natural Landscape and We Know Why!

Mt. Fuji is essentially synonymous with Japan. For Japanese, Mt. Fuji is a sacred symbol. Besides being associated with a myth, the Asama Shrine is the deification of worship to Mt. Fuji. Ever since 22 June 2013, when Mt. Fuji was signed as a world heritage, endless streams of tourists from all over the world flock down to take a deeper look at Mt. Fuji and explore its unique charm.

Sightseeing around Mt. Fuji

The most well-known tourist attraction is the “Fuji Five Lakes“. The Fuji Five Lakes consists of Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko.

Another must-see tourist attraction is the suicide forest, Aokigahara. Aokigahara forest is very dense, hence it is easy to get lost in the forest. You’d think in this age of technology, it’s impossible to get lost but there’s the thing – GPS, mobile phones and even compasses will not work due to the lava containing magnetite! It’s a good way to force yourself to put down your phone and forget your troubles. However, you must be careful when travelling through Aokigahara and not stray from the tour.

While sightseeing around Mt. Fuji, don’t forget to visit the “Narusawa Ice Cave” and the “Fugaku air hole“. These two natural landscapes were created during the eruption of Mt. Fuji. When visiting these two natural landscapes, you must be extremely careful as the ground is slippery.

For more information about these places, check out their official websites:

>> “Fuji Five Lakes” Tourism Association
>> “Narusawa Ice Cave” and “Fugaku Air Hole” official website

Mount Fuji Mountain Climbing

Seeing how Japanese love mountaineering, how could you not ascend Mt. Fuji when you’re there?

There four ascending trails – Yellow Yoshida Trail, Red Subashiri Trail, Green Gotemba Trail and Blue Fujinomiya trail – on Mt. Fuji are distinguished by colour and begin near the 5th station. The climbing season is normally around July 1 to September 10.

For more information on mountaineering Mt. Fuji, you can check out their official website.

You can’t say you’ve been to Japan without visiting Mt. Fuji! After satisfying your wanderlust, here are some other places you can go or things you can experience in Japan:

>> Tokyo Disneyland
>> Universal Studios Japan
>> Kimono experience in Kyoto

10 Must Buy Tidbits in Tokyo!

From snacks to chocolate, we love everything Japanese. Tokyo, a confectionery heaven in Japan, has a wide variety of snacks in every convenient store — we’d understand if you are overwhelmed and lost about which tidbits to bring home for your family and friends. Let KKday share with you the 10 tidbits you must buy in Tokyo!

#10 Assorted Flavoured Kit-Kat

Wasabi and Strawberry Cheesecake Flavoured Kit-Kat (Isriya Paireepairit)

By default, you must never leave Japan without getting yourself a stash of Kit-Kat! With the wide variety and assorted flavours of Kit-Kat Japan offers, you’ll be spoilt for choice. If you are feeling adventurous, get the Wasabi or Apple Vinegar Kit-Kat!

▶︎ Where to buy: Kit-Kat Chocolatory in Ikebukuro, regular supermarkets

#9 Royce Nama Chocolate

Royce Nama Chocolate (Royce Chocolate Taiwan)

Chocoholics should have already heard of Royce. Founded in Sapporo in 1983, the top favourites are their best selling Nama Chocolate and the well-loved Chocolate Coated Potato Chips. Both of which are must buys!

▶︎ Where to buy: Narita or Haneda Airport

#8 Cookies from Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory

Cookies from Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory (Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory)

Made with ingredients from Japan and around the world, Tokyo Milk Cheese Factory has plenty of cookies to choose from, such as the Salt & Camembert. The combination of unexpected flavours and nostalgia makes these cookies stand out from their competitors.

▶︎ Where to buy: Tokyo Sky Tree, Haneda Airport Terminal 1, 2

#7 Tokyo Nicorin

Shaped to resemble the symbol of Tokyo Station, Tokyo Nicorin are little sweet cakes filled with four different flavoured bean paste – matcha red bean, red bean, green tea and sweet potato. You cannot miss this local favourite of many.

▶︎ Where to buy: Ground floor of Central Station

#6 R.L Waffle Cake

R.L Waffles is a soft waffle cake sandwiching cream. Made with Japanese in mind, the hand-sized waffles come in flavours like orange, chestnut, strawberry and so on. If you are indecisive or want to try all the flavours, get a box of ten!

▶︎ Where to buy: Tokyo Station (for the full-list of stores click here)

#5 Gomatamago Sesame Egg

Gomatamgo literally means “black sesame egg” and it is a cake shaped like an egg with a generous amount of sesame in the centre and an outer layer of white chocolate. It is best to enjoy this Japanese Western fusion snack with a cup of tea!

▶︎ Where to buy: Daimaru Department Store, Tokyo Railway Station (click here for more)

#4 Hiyoko Manjuu

“Hiyoko” means little chicks in Japanese; this tidbit is made from flour and has a sweet white bean paste filling. You can choose to get this top selling souvenir from Fukuoka in a small or large box. Expect special seasonal flavours on certain months too!

▶︎ Where to buy: Daimaru Department Store, Tokyo Railway Station (click here for more)

#3 Tokyo An-Pudding

This box of eight individually packaged Tokyo An-Pudding is topped with Hokkaido red beans instead of the usual caramel. The pudding has a dense yet creamy texture that tastes even better chilled. This snack is perfect for quick pick-me-up!

▶︎ Where to buy: Daimaru Department Store

#2 Tokyo Honey Sugar Yoku Moku

Voted as the most popular souvenir in 2014, Tokyo Honey Sugar is a part-waffle, part-cookie sweet treat you cannot miss out on! Infused with honey, the crunchy honeycomb-shaped snack has a subtle honey flavour. You can your hands on a box of six at ¥594 (~SGD $7.30).

▶︎ Where to buy: Near Shinkansen South transit ticket gate

#1 Tokyo Banana

One of the most popular souvenirs, Tokyo Banana is a sponge cake filled with banana custard cream in the centre. There are a few different patterns and prints to choose from like floral and leopard prints, and they even come in caramel flavour. Give them all a try, you will love it!

▶︎ Where to buy: Tokyo Skytree, Daimaru Department Store, Hanada Airport Terminal 1, 2

There you go! That’s our recommendation for the 10 must buy tidbits in Tokyo! Hopefully, we narrowed down your options for you. While you’re there, here are top 10 street food you must try in Japan.

>> Find your best travel experiences on KKday!

Everything You Need to Know About Sending a Postcard from Japan

Sending postcards from Japan to your loved ones is simple with KKday‘s guide. On top of the regular postcards, you can find limited edition Gotochi postcards all over Japan! Both design and postage costs differ from the usual ones. If you like to keep track of your travels in the form of postcards, don’t miss out on this!

Speaking of postcards, do drop by KITTE (keet-tay), which means “postage stamp” in Japanese. Located in front of Tokyo Train Station, the shopping mall incorporates elements of the 1933 Tokyo Central Post Office building. A favourite spot among the locals, the six storey high mall, houses hundreds of restaurants and boutiques, as well as a roof-top garden.

Every set of themed postcard differs, and comes with a short description of the iconic building/designation together with its date of launch on the back. All prefectures carry their own specific prefecture postcard which can’t be bought elsewhere.

The cost of sending a postcard from Japan to Singapore is approximately 70yen (SGD 0.85). You can purchase a stamp at the post office or get one at Lawson, 7-11, FamilyMart or any convenience stores.

Do note that irregular shaped postcards require a 120yen stamp. You can also send your postcard in an envelope at an additional cost of 50yen to prevent any bends or damages.

Postcards are not only affordable, it makes a great souvenir especially if you are travelling on a low budget. What better way to keep track of your travels and spend all your spare change on?

For more exciting activities in Tokyo:
>> bit.ly/KKdayinJapan