Category: Japan

Of all the countries in the world, you’ll only get to see heroic samurais, beautiful Geishas, Kabuki theaters, or Zen philosophers in the Land of the Rising Sun – Japan. It’s a place where there’s always striking art, tranquil gardens, and, of course, a fascinating culture where everything implies and signifies, and less is considered more. For these reasons, Japan may be on every traveler’s bucket list. Aside from the culture and sights, the food is to die for. The Japanese people love to bond over food, and you might even meet someone who’ll give you the rundown on the best ramen in Tokyo.  

When you meet some friendly Japanese, and there are plenty of them, keep the connection by sending them something from your homeland. That’s why you need to learn how to write addresses in Japanese. Writing them in the correct format will ensure that your friend will receive whatever you send, whether a postcard or a box of goodies.

Those are Japanese traditions and so many more that distinguish Japan from other countries. As a result, some non-Japanese individuals worldwide have chosen to incorporate those traditions into their life. Others have chosen to learn Japanese online to visit the country and experience its distinctiveness for themselves. While other opted to hire a Japanese english translation service for fast and effective learning and adaptation of their native language.

With that in mind, are you planning a trip to Japan but are concerned about the language barrier? You don’t have to, though! It is pretty simple to learn a few and useful Japanese words before your trip. For easy reference, here’s a list of the most frequently used Japanese phrases, so you won’t have to surf online for titbits.

Hello: Konnichiwa  こんにちは

You presumably already know how to say ‘hello’ in Japanese, but if not, this is one of the simplest terms to learn before visiting Japan! 

‘Konnichiwa’ can be used to say hello or to greet someone. This phrase can be used in both formal and informal settings. You can say it when you meet an old acquaintance or begin a session with your students. Although ‘Konnichiwa’ is technically only used in the daytime, there are alternative terms for good morning and good night:

• Good morning: Ohayou Gozaimasu おはようございます
• Good evening: Konbanwa こんばんは

Excuse Me: Sumimasen すみません 

There are two instances where you can use the phrase ‘Sumimasen.’ Firstly, if you want to get someone’s attention, you can use it. For example, if you’re asking a stranger for directions, just say ‘Sumimasen’ before throwing your question.

The second instance where you can use the phrase is when you want to apologize. If you accidentally bumped into someone, you can say ‘Sumimasen.’

Uttering this phrase in the right situation will show respect for the Japanese people and their ways. Incidentally, you might notice that they show uncommon respect to the elderly, persons in authority, and strangers. 

Thank You: Arigatou Gozaimasu ありがとうございます 

If a stranger just offered you recommendations or you want to thank a waitress, you can simply say ‘Arigatou Gozaimasu,’ which translates to ‘Thank you.’ You may want to keep this in mind because people in Japan’s service industry are always kind and deserving of a thank you. It’s essential to note that this phrase is used formally, but adding the word ‘Domo’ before it makes it sound a little casual.

I’m Sorry: Gomen Nasai ごめんなさい 

While ‘Surimasen’ is already a phrase that means you’re apologizing in Japanese, ‘Gomen Nasai’ is another phrase you can say when you badly want to apologize for something. People in Japan often use this while bowing to show their sincerest apologies. So, when you spilled a hot coffee on someone or stepped over their toe, you’ll know what to say.

Excuse Me, Do You Speak English?: Sumimasen, Ei-go Wakarimasu ka? すみません、英語分かりますか？ 

Since you’re not a native Japanese speaker, you’ll have to rely on your English-speaking skills to converse with Japanese people. So, for you to know if someone speaks in English, you can say ‘Sumimasen, Ei-go Wakarimasu ka?’  

Moreover, ‘Ei-go’ is the Japanese term of English. So if you want to ask if they speak another language, you’ll need to use another term.

This phrase will be precious since you don’t want to get lost in translation. You might not know this, but a third of the Japanese population can speak and understand English.  

I Don’t Understand: Wakarimasen わかりません

When you’re in the middle of touring the beautiful country of Japan, there’ll surely be a time where you’re confused with what someone is saying. Therefore, saying ‘Wakarimasen’ will be handy so they’ll know you don’t speak their language.

Yes: Hai はい

When someone’s telling you something, and you agree with it, you may say ‘Hai.’ It simply means yes. But if you don’t agree or want to say no to someone, ‘iie’ or いいえ is the proper response.   

Moreover, ‘Hai’ can also mean you understand what someone is saying. 

Welcome: Irasshaimase いらっしゃいませ 

‘Irasshaimase’ is a phrase you’d often hear when you enter a restaurant or visit a friend’s home in Japan; this simply means welcome! Likewise, if you want to greet your relatives or someone else when they visit your place, you may say this phrase.

Please: Onegai Shimas おねがいします

When you’re asking someone for something, saying ‘Onegai shimas’ would mean that you’re being polite. For instance, you may use this phrase whenever you’re buying at a store or requesting something from someone.

How Are You?: O genki desu ka? お元気ですか

‘O genki desu ka?’ is a common phrase you’ll hear on any friendly encounter in Japan. Whenever you start a conversation with some Japanese locals, it’ll be an ice-breaker if you ask them how they’re doing first.

Goodbye: Sayonara さようなら

When you say ‘Sayonara,’ it means you know that you might not be meeting with that person again. But when you know you’ll still be seeing the same person again, you can say ‘Ja Matane’ or じゃあまたね, which means ‘see you later.’

I’m Fine: Daijyoubu Desu だいじょうぶです 

Saying ‘Daijyoubu Desu’ is a phrase to be used when you’re declining an offer. For example, if you’re dining in a Japanese restaurant and a waiter offers to pour you a drink, you may politely say no by saying this phrase as it simply means you’re fine.  

I Like You/This/It: Suki Desu すきです

Suki is the Japanese word for ‘like.’ By saying ‘Suki Desu,’ you’re expressing what you like without having to mention the object or person you’re admiring. This term will be handy if you don’t know the Japanese word of something.  

Moreover, there might come a time where you don’t like something. As this might sound offensive or negative to the other person, you can still express yourself more gently – by saying ‘Suki Jyanai Desu.’

Final Thoughts

Those are just thirteen of the most common Japanese phrases that’ll come in handy when you visit the country; there are still more to know! Even so, at least you get to learn the basic phrases you need in Japan as well as how to use them in the proper context. That said, best wishes on your journey to learning Japanese and visiting the country itself!

Located within a five-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station on JR Line and Yokohama Municipal Subway or Bashamichi Station on Minatomirai Line, Far East Village Hotel Yokohama offers easy access to both tourist attractions and business destinations. The hotel encourages its guests to “Live Like a Local.” Each Village Hotel provides guests with a Village Passport which details unique experiences that guests can enjoy within the vicinity of the hotel. This includes information on nearby restaurants, cafés, and attractions that locals often visit.

Commenting on the reason for expansion into Yokohama, Arthur Kiong, Chief Executive Officer of Far East Hospitality Management said, “At Far East Hospitality, we are constantly looking at ways to expand our footprint in the region. As intra-Asia travel is likely to increase in the future, countries such as Japan will be even more in demand. We are excited that we have the opportunity to open our second hotel in Japan within a year and we now have presence in 2 of the most popular cities in Japan. Both of our hotels are synergistic in that they cater to domestic travellers looking to experience a flavour of Singapore even when travelling for a functional reason between Tokyo and Yokohama. This hospitality concept is relevant especially through this season where international travel is still largely on hold. Hence, domestic tourism will be the main staple for some time to come and FEH want to be in the markets such as Japan where the domestic tourism growth is robust.“  

Far East Village Hotel Yokohama – A marriage of Singaporean and Japanese cultures

Singapore and Yokohama are port towns. Hence, the hotel is decked with ornaments such as anchors and nautical lighting fixtures to remind guests of ports and ships. Singapore’s tea-ware and toys, along with a warm wooden lobby and the restaurant, create a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel also plays various music genres based on the days’ time, creating a comfortable and homely environment. Guests will also be able to enjoy Yokohama’s famous confectionery and Singaporean snacks at the lobby, lounge, and breakfast buffet at the restaurant (after September).

Far East Village Hotel Yokohama – Free drinks and snacks at the lounge

At the lobby lounge on the 1st floor, guests can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks all day and night. Wi-fi is available at all areas in the hotel, allowing guests to spend a relaxing time at the lobby and other facilities.

Each floor from the 11th to 14th has a Village Lounge exclusive for guests in higher room categories (Superior Plus, Superior Plus MM21 View, Deluxe Plus). The lounge provides free alcohol for adult guests over 20 years old as well as soft drinks and snacks.

Far East Village Hotel Yokohama – Complimentary breakfast

Far East Village Hotel Yokohama is offering complimentary breakfast for three months until the end of August. As a preventive measure against Covid-19, the hotel is suspending the buffet and providing breakfast boxes instead. After September, the hotel will offer a variety of food options in a buffet style including Japanese, western, Asian as well as Singaporean dishes such as Laksa and Kaya Jam.

For reservations and more information about the hotel, please visit www.villagehotels.asia/Yokohama

The opening of Hilton Nagasaki, which marks Hilton’s first hotel in Nagasaki and its second property in the Kyushu region. Directly connected to the new Dejima Messe Nagasaki Convention Centre, Hilton Nagasaki will provide world-class hospitality, accommodation and facilities to leisure and business travellers alike.

Hilton Nagasaki – Location, Location, Location

Conveniently located to the west of the Nagasaki Station, Hilton Nagasaki’s central location offers easy access to Nagasaki’s most popular sights and landmarks. Some of these include Mount Inasa, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral.

“The opening of Hilton Nagasaki is especially significant as it marks our 500^th hotel in the Asia Pacific. Reaching such a milestone during this uncertain time is a testament to Hilton’s resilience and commitment to setting the benchmark for hospitality in the world’s most sought-after destinations,” said Alan Watts, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Nagasaki has long represented a gateway to Japan, and we are delighted to partner with Gloverhill Inc. to bring the first Hilton hotel to the city as we continue to expand our footprint in key destinations across the region.”

Akiyoshi Matsufuji, president and the representative director of Gloverhill Inc. said, “Nagasaki is undergoing a period of great transformation — one that occurs only every 100 years. This includes the opening of one of the largest convention centres in West Japan, the upcoming launch of the West Kyushu Shinkansen which provides great access to Nagasaki, and the urban redevelopment of the site of the former Nagasaki Prefectural Government Office building. In such a time, we are honoured to manage Hilton Nagasaki and contribute to Nagasaki’s tourism industry. We will work closely with our local partners to offer guests an outstanding experience with hospitality that is truly unique to Nagasaki.”

Hilton Nagasaki – Accommodations & Facilities

The 200-room hotel features expansive guest rooms, including four suites that span up to 97 square meters, all of which offer modern conveniences including Digital Key access and TVs which can be connected to smartphones, making the hotel an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers alike. Guests can also enjoy excellent facilities such as an executive lounge for guests staying on the executive floors, flexible banquet spaces, a wedding chapel, a fitness centre, and a hot bath to relax and unwind at.

Hilton Nagasaki features a modern, contemporary design that draws upon Nagasaki’s rich history and heritage as a trading port city. The cultural inspirations are reflected throughout the hotel’s artwork and design motifs, embracing the city’s local traditional crafts and materials. Surrounded by the sea, the hotel is also designed with a strong maritime influence and evokes a sense of being on a sailing ship, with blue design features woven throughout the hotel to symbolize the sea.

Hilton Nagasaki – Dining Options

The design concept extends to the four dining outlets which include:

Japanese restaurant “Tamatsurumi” serves teppanyaki, tempura and sushi with carefully selected ingredients sourced locally from Nagasaki and other parts of Japan.

Adorning an impressive red entrance, the Chinese restaurant “Fukukairo”, serves modern Chinese cuisine made with local ingredients from the nearby mountains and sea.

At the all-day dining restaurant “De Vaert”, guests can enjoy a buffet with a wide variety of seasonal delicacies and dishes that reflect Nagasaki’s food heritage, including a mix of Japanese, Chinese and Dutch cuisine.

The lounge and bar “Seven Seas” serves afternoon tea and evening cocktails.

Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said “With its strategic location, distinctive design and unique dining concepts coupled with signature Hilton hospitality, I am confident that Hilton Nagasaki will become a key landmark for Nagasaki and redefine the travel experience for guests.”

Hilton Nagasaki – Safety & Awards

Utmost priority is placed on safety and sanitization protocols throughout the guest experience. Hilton has introduced Hilton CleanStay, an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection, which is now present across all Hilton properties around the world.

The hotel is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct brands. Members who book directly on the Hilton website have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where Hilton Honors members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Hilton Nagasaki is located at 4-2 Onouemachi, Nagasaki, 850-0058, Japan. For more information, or to make a reservation, please visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ngsjphi-hilton-nagasaki/  or call +81 95-829-5111.

The Central Japan Region is a year-round destination that offers an abundance of nature and delicious food every season. Plan your next winter holiday in Central Japan by using the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass to enjoy five days of unlimited rides on designated JR local and limited express train, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and buses within the Central Region. You can check some of their highlight spots here https://bit.ly/3bbq9Yy Here is a sample itinerary that can help you get the most value out of your Takayama-Hokuriku Pass:

Day 1

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel　

Directly connected with the JR Nagoya station, this 4-star hotel’s service exceeded expectation, with everyone being very customer oriented, comfortable and modern hotel room and maybe the best breakfast station I have ever tried. Local dishes from Kishimen, Miso Katsu or the rare find Roasted Ham of the pork from Mikawa, Aichi Prefecture are freshly made and served directly.

Nagoya-meshi (Kishimen)　

Tasting various cuisines in different areas of Japan is one of the most anticipated activities of any tourist visiting the country. That’s why after dropping our things at the hotel, we immediately went to try one of Nagoya’s specialty cuisines – kishimen. Kishimen is a noodle dish known for its hirauchi (flattened) noodles made from wheat flour, water, and salt. However, don’t be fooled as not all flattened noodle dishes are considered kishimen. By Japanese standards, only noodles with a width wider than 4.5mm and thickness of less than 2.0mm can be called kishimen. For those who are not a fan of miso, kishimen can also be enjoyed with pasta sauce, hot soup, or cooled, just like regular udon.

Nagoya TV Tower and Hisaya Odori Park 

From Nagoya Station, we took a 10-minute subway ride to see the Nagoya TV Tower, which is only a few minutes’ walk from Oasis 21. The tower was originally built to mark the reconstruction of the city after the second world war and to promote tourism and TV broadcasting in Nagoya at the time. In 2005, it was recognized as one of Japan’s tangible cultural property, a recognition given to tangible cultural products that possess high historic, artistic, and academic value to Japan.

After being renovated, from the end of September 2020 the vast area near Nagoya TV Tower, Hisaya Odori Park, has become the most fashionable and artistic spot in Nagoya City. There are plenty things to do within 4 areas, one can do café tour with popular name such as ESPRESSO D WORKS, FabCafe to Korean famous café de Paris, do some shopping or just enjoy the greenery with the Nagoya TV Tower on the background.

Café Gentiane (Piyorin)

Can be found in JR Nagoya Station, Cafe Gentiane is home of the adorable and delicious chick shaped Piyorin cake with pudding inside. Each of the cake is handmade using Nagoya Cochin eggs under the skillful hands of the artisans. At this store, one can choose to try immediately at their café or bring back home to enjoy. One cake is at around ¥380.

This is the valentine version with chocolate filling, don’t you think that pink heart is too cute?

Shopping (Uniqlo, Bic Camera)

Located on the 9^th and 10^th floor of the JR Gate Tower is Bic Camera. Bic Camera has a wide selection of electronics, game software, and even alcoholic beverages available for purchase. If in the mood for shopping for clothes, just go up one floor to get to Uniqlo, and its slightly cheaper-priced sister company, GU, to start rocking that Japanese-style fashion!

*Note: Leave your luggage at hotel and pick them up before moving to Takayama

Hodakaso Yamano Hotel 山のホテル

For the night, we stayed at the Yamano Hotel, a ryokan in the middle of the mountainous area. The highlight of the night is their outdoor bath located outside of the hotel. Take a cable car and go to the ground, there is a wide hot spring bath in the wood where you can enjoy nature. You shouldn’t miss the dinner with Hida beef too!

Day 2

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Shinhotaka Ropeway is the only double-decker ropeway in Japan. If you go to Central Japan in winter, you sure don’t want to miss out on viewing the magnificent Japanese Alps Mountain Range. At the rooftop observatory deck located in the upper station (Nishihotakaguchi Station) at an altitude of around 2,156 meters, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys covered by the white snow.

There is also a bakery located on the 2nd floor of Shirakabadaira Station where you can eat crispy croissant and enjoy a cup of hot drink.

Takayama Ramen 

Then we back to Takayama for lunch and move on with our trip. We tried the Takayama ramen or locally known as “Chuka Soba”. The soba has base broth made with bones, vegetables, and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) is enriched with soy sauce and miso. Both the soba and base broth are handmade with different style representing each restaurant. I had a bowl of char siu toppings while my friend had another with raw eggs.

Takayama Sanmachi Suji District (Sanmachi Traditional Buildings Preservation Area)

In the afternoon, we go for a walk around the Sanmachi Suji District. Located near the Miyagawa River, the old town of preserved and restored remnants remained from the Edo period lets you soak in a historic atmosphere surrounding by numbers of historical buildings. Add up to your stroll with a piece of Hida Beef Nigiri or Hida beef skewers.

Hida beef

While in the Central Japan region, you should also try their famous Hida beef. Hida beef refers to the Kuroge Wagyu breed of cattle raised in Gifu Prefecture known for its high quality, with beautiful marbling, colour, texture and taste. It is said to be one of the best beef brands in Japan so it is definitely a must try delicacy.

“But I can’t afford such a high-class beef”

Oh, but you can! Although kuroge wagyu is considered to be a high-class beef, it is also a popular ingredient in many “B-class” Japanese gourmet cuisines. In Takayama, you can have a Hida beef croquette for as low as 250 yen! Hida beef can be enjoyed in a steamed bun, broiled skewer, or as a sushi.

Shirakawa-go 

From Takayama Station, we took the Nohi bus direct to Shirakawa-go Village, which is probably the most popular destination in the Central Japan region. This route is the most preferred access mode to Shirakawa-go and is usually sold out, especially in the winter, so it’s better to reserve your tickets beforehand. Tickets can be exchanged at Nohi Bus Center right next to Takayama Station.

A must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawa-go is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri villages, whose roofs are constructed at a steep angle to protect houses from heavy snow during the winter. While mostly known for the snow-covered houses during winter, Shirakawa-go offers wonderful views in every season so make sure to visit this place during different times of the year to feel each season’s unique charm.

A five-minute shuttle ride for 200 yen (one-way) or a 25-minute walk up the mountain will lead you to an observation deck overlooking the whole area. This is the place where many famous Instagramer got their breathtaking photo of the village.

*Note: You can put your luggage at the coin lockers or luggage room near Shirakawago Bus Terminal.. They are located at the back of the room or come to ask the staffs for that.

Takaoka City 

After enjoying Shirakawago, we took the World Heritage Bus to move to another city in the trip, Takaoka City. This is the hometown of Fujiko F. Fujio, father of Doraemon, so one can find various places related to the characters.

Doraemon Tram

We took the Doraemon Tram to go eat dinner at a famous local sushi restaurant. Do you want to take a ride with your childhood friends?

Toyama Sushi (Dinner) 

Toyama is located near the sea and is therefore abundant with fresh seafood products. Don’t miss to enjoy the freshest ingredients that landed directly from the sea at one of the restaurants located on Toyama Bay. The place we ate was iki-zushi氷見寿司, well known within locals. One of the must-try dishes is the white shrimp (Shiro-ebi). They are sweeter and much smaller than the normal one. I had a piece of white shrimp nigiri and white shrimp tempura.

Day 3

Shogawa Gorge, Toyama

In the morning, we took a bus from Takaoka Station going to Shogawa Gorge for a relaxing boat cruise. For just 2,800 yen, you can enjoy the spectacular view of Shogawa Gorge by riding a sightseeing boat that operates on the Shogawa Gorge between Komaki Dam and Omaki Onsen.

The soothing one-hour cruise along the Shogawa gorge offers varying but equally breathtaking views all throughout the year. In winter, you can see the mountain covered in snow while flowers in full bloom adorn them in spring. The summer season highlights the mountains’ lush greenery and in autumn, you get the best seat in enjoying Japan’s autumn leaves.

Zuiryuji Temple 

After finishing the sightseeing boat, we went back to visit the Zuiryuji Temple in Takaoka city and have lunch. It has been designated as a National Treasure and is a must-see attraction during a visit to this pleasant town in the Central region of Japan. The main gate, main hall, and Dharma hall stand in a line, and the temple buildings are laid out symmetrically left and right, interconnected by roofed passageways in a beautiful and powerful sight.

We ate lunch at Yasuragi-an where they served seasonal dishes. The dishes for February using fresh vegetables and seafood.

Doraemon Postbox Takaoka Station

After seeing the Temple we took the bus heading back to Takaoka Station to go to our next destination. We were welcomed by a slightly familiar cat. This giant copper made Doraemon postbox is considered one of the icons of Takaoka City, which happens to be the birthplace of the manga artist that brought Doraemon to life. Located on the first floor of the Takaoka Station building, letters and postcards dropped in this postbox is stamped with a commemorative Doraemon postmark. Why not send yourself and your friends a postcard to commemorate your visit to Doraemon’s birth town??

Handcraft Experience at Nousaku Factory, Takaoka City　

From Takaoka Station, we went back to hotel to take our luggage and then took a taxi to Nousaku Factory for a little cultural immersion. Takaoka City is historically known as a center of metal casting, and this industry still thrives in the city today. Take a look at their cute Doraemon collections! Afterwards, we tried making our very own tin item by joining a workshop at the Nousaku Lab.

Kanazawa Station, Tsuzumi Gate 

After visiting Nousaku Factory, we moved to Shin Takaoka station to catch the Hokuriku Shinkansen toward Kanazawa City. This trip is already covered by the Tourist Pass.

Look at the huge Tsuzumi Gate, designed to symbolize the drums played in Noh Theater, welcoming us at the station here. It is said to be an unofficial symbol of Kanazawa and famous for being a combination of traditional wooden design and contemporary style.

Kagaya 

At Kagaya, we had Ozen set with dishes made by seasonal ingredients unique to the local area. A tray with sushi, miso soup and some other traditional dishes were served.

Hotel Wing International Premium Kanazawa Ekimae

We stayed at the Hotel Wing International Premium near Kanazawa Ekimae. It is a fairly new hotel with stylish design.

Day 4

Kanazawa City 

The fourth day is a day for Kanazawa when we can leisurely enjoy the whole city. Kanazawa is an old castle town, well-known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, magnificent garden and regional handicrafts. Here one can try both some modern experience while enjoy its beauty from the old days.

Kenrokuen Garden 

From our hotel we took a community bus to Kenrokuen Garden. This garden is classified as one of Three Great Gardens of Japan, so I guess the 320 yen feels a little cheap. The spacious grounds used to be the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle and feature a variety of flowering trees of seasonal natural beauty, including the snow-covered landscape with yukitsuri (snow hanging), a method of protecting the branches of the pine trees in the garden to prevent them from breaking due to heavy snow.

Kanazawa Castle, Nezumitamon Gate and Nezumitamon Bridge

Kanazawa Castle used to be seat of the Maeda Clan, a feudal domain ranking second only to the Tokugawa possessions in terms of size and wealth, from 1583 until the end of the Edo Period. Since then, the castle has been extensively rebuilt and renovated due to numerous fire incidents. In July 2020, Nezumitamon Gate and Nezumitamon Bridge on the west side of Kanazawa Castle were restored.

Gyokusen’an Rest House 

Located in the area of Kanazawa Castle Park, this is a tea house with a view of the Gyokusen’inmaru Garden. Sit down and have a cup of tea with wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets.

Omicho Market

For lunch, we had a ten minute walk to reach Omicho Market, one of Kanazawa’s largest fresh food markets. We heard that this market offers local specialties such as snow crab and sweet shrimps during winter season, so we just had to try it! Similar to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market, hundreds of stalls and restaurants selling fresh seafood are lined up so you can choose which ones you want to try!

Higashi Chaya District 

Our last spot in Kanazawa city is no doubt the Higashi Chaya District, said to be one of Kanazawa’s largest geisha districts. Walk around the old Chaya (tea house) in a Kimono and take a photoshoot for your SNS.

Also, this is one of some unique places in Japan where you can try soft cream with gold leaf.

*Note: Leave your luggage at the hotel and get back for them at end of the day. Then, take Thunderbird limited express train heading to Awara Onsen in Fukui Prefecture.

Stay at Awara Onsen Matsuya Sensen

Take a hotel shuttle bus from Awara Onsen to the ryokan.

Awara Hot Spring Footbath

After checking in, we went exploring and checked the FREE public foot bath nearby. Search for “Ashiyu” on Google Maps for this place, located just in front of Awara Yunomachi station. This decent facility offers several foot baths which are different shapes and temperatures. We wanted to try some food selling at the Yataimura Yukemuri Yokocho right in front of the foot bath building but since we still have our dinner waiting at the ryokan, we only took some photos to note down for the next trip.

Day 5

Fukui Station

For our last day, we hoped on the shuttle bus and train on Hokuriku Line to go back to Fukui Station.

Did you know that Katsuyama City in Fukui Prefecture is Japan’s most prominent dinosaur fossil discovery site? In Fukui Station’s West Exit, you can see a 10-meter model of Fukuititan, one of the dinosaurs found in Fukui. A model of the other dinosaur fossils discovered in Fukui, Fukuiraptor and Fukuisaurus, can also be found in Fukui Station.

Yokokan Garden

This is a Japanese stroll garden located near Fukui Station. If one has some time can have a walk here for a short relaxing time.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum 

If you want to learn more about the Fukui dinosaurs, you can head to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, located almost 1 hour away from Fukui Station. This museum, located in Katsuyama City, is recognized as one of the top dinosaur museums in the world and is the largest of its kind in Japan.

Currently, they only let visitors who already reserved a ticket to get in, in order to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

DINOCAFE

The restaurant inside the museum offers western style food, Japanese style including Dino’s characters desserts that will satisfy the visitors including kids, adults and Dino’s lovers.

About Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass 

If you’re planning to explore Japan’s Central region, this PASS is must-have item. Aside from being convenient, it can also help you save on transportation costs. Plan your trip well and make the most of it for 5 consecutive days.

You can purchase it on the official website of JR Central (link below) before departing at cheaper price than buying in Japan, at about 15,280 JPY (approximately 190 SGD).

For more details about the Pass please check this link: https://bit.ly/3kt3M3N

Tips for the trip:

– Stay at a hotel near the stations so you can leave your luggage there to go sightseeing. Or else, there are various coin lockers available at stations and popular tourist spot (ie, Shirakawago).

– Reserve your seats on bus to and from Shirakawago since the place is exceedingly popular with travelers and locals. Buses are always full.

– Once arrived at Nagoya Station, you can exchange your Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass at the JR counter. Also, Tourist Pass holders will be able to go pass the automatic gate from March 2021.

– Tourist Pass holders can reserve seats on Limited Express train but need to use the non-reserve seats on Shinkansen trains.

For more details about the Pass please visit https://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/

ibis Styles, a design-driven brand within the Accor group, has unveiled the 284-room ibis Styles Nagoya in the Chūbu region of Japan. Conveniently located within walking distance from Nagoya Station, the hotel is a perfect fit for business and leisure travellers seeking a trendy hotel experience with easy accessibility to nearby attractions and business districts.

ibis Styles Nagoya – Inspirations Behind The Design

The design of the hotel draws inspiration from the vibrancy of the adjacent Yanagibashi Central Market, a renowned food market with over 400 shops, restaurants and food stalls where locals flock to gather fresh produce or grab a bite to eat.

“We are delighted to introduce our first ibis Styles hotel in Nagoya. The ibis Styles brand is dedicated to providing a fun hotel experience with modern comforts and unique design to budget-conscious travellers. Apart from being the home of Japan’s automotive industry, Nagoya also boasts a rich history and dynamic culinary scene. The opening of ibis Styles Nagoya is an exciting step for our expansion across Japan’s top destinations,” said Patrick Basset, Chief Operating Officer of Accor, Upper Southeast & Northeast Asia and the Maldives.

ibis Styles Nagoya – Bringing Trendy Hospitality To The Business District  

The compact 18 square-metre Double Room and 20 square-metre Twin Room are stylishly decorated boasting the signature ibis Styles SweetBed for a restful night’s sleep. All rooms feature 49-inch 4K televisions, air purifiers with plasma cluster function, night tables equipped with power outlets and USB connectors, and rain showers. Interconnecting rooms are available for families and groups.

ibis Styles Nagoya – Wine & Dine Options

Dining option includes MARKET St., a café style restaurant offering freshly brewed coffee and all-day dining which combines local and international flavours to offer an array of globally inspired dishes. The design of the restaurant was inspired by the local Yanagibashi Central Market, which has been serving food to local residents and international visitors for over 100 years. The restaurant features a multi-purpose area that can be used as a co-working and meeting space for up to 20 guests.

“ibis Styles Nagoya captures the local spirit of our neighbourhood with a stylish and creative personality. Thanks to our prime location near the train station and local market, we believe this new hotel will become a favourite base among local and international guests to explore the city. We look forward to welcoming travellers looking for an economy-priced hotel with all the modern travel necessities,” said Takehisa Gunji, General Manager of ibis Styles Nagoya.

For more information and reservations, please email hb4f6-re1@accor.com or visit here. ibis Styles Nagoya is located at 4-22-24 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi, 4500002, Nagoya, Japan.