Ultimate Japan Adventure: Exploring Fukuoka, Kyoto, Gunma, and Tokyo!

ABBEY:

Mistakes to Avoid and Tips in Navigating 

At last we set our feet to the Land of the Rising Sun. It is not without its navigation challenges as you explore but fret not. The technology, through internet and apps, will help you towards an enjoyable vacation.

We had Google Maps and Japan Travel Apps installed in our phone and we also got the pocket wifi for the duration of our trip. The apps are helpful specially with the train timings. They even show the platform where you supposed to wait for your train.

Our Japan Rail Pass is with the Green Car but you still have to book a seat reservation. 

We opted to book the either ends of the coach to place our luggages and still have extra legroom. 

Always check if reservation is required in trains else you take the local train which takes more travel time. 

We ask hotel staff for directions to confirm where we’re going.

Signs in Japan are written in their language along with English, and sometimes Korean and Chinese.

Favorite Food 

Hard to say which one is my favorite but their pork bone broth ramen, omakase and rice balls stood out. 

This is the first time I got a coffee in can which served hot. Perfect for cold weather. 

Favorite Accommodation

Takaragawa Onsen Ousenkaku is the place I liked the most. It was an onsen alongside a river and mountains. Hot and cold in one place. Our accommodation includes breakfast and dinner as well as shuttle to and from the train station. Worry free and total relaxation. 

Favorite Train Ride 

All our train rides are unique but what I enjoyed the most are the ones in Shinkansen (bullet train). We booked for the Green Car and it was awesome; fast, spacious, clean, and quiet. And best thing is you can eat inside the train.

Best Experience

Overall the Japan stay is best experience. We got to know a little bit more about the country; their infrastructure, culture, and food.

Ultimate Japan Adventure Exploring Fukuoka, Kyoto, Gunma, and Tokyo - Laregst Onsen in Japan Itinerary

Ultimate Japan Adventure Exploring Fukuoka, Kyoto, Gunma, and Tokyo - Tallest Gundam in Japan Itinerary 

 

WILL: 

How to Enter Japan without Missing Connecting Flight 

We had a connecting flight from Tokyo to Hakata and we missed our flight. Our flight ETA in Narita Japan is 2:35, and our more than 3 hours layover is not enough to transfer from Narita to Haneda. Why? There’s a long wait in the immigration that time and a heaby traffic everywhere. The 1 hour bus travel to became more than 2. Luckily ANA re-booked our ticket to yhe next flight without questions asked. Literally no questions. Haha. From there, I fell in love with ANA. So what is the lesson? Since Narita and Haneda is pretty far from each other you need to alot a 2 hours travel time by bus/train, 2 hours to clear immigration and 1hour for the automated check-in. More ore less 6 hours is pretty safe for a transfer. 

Favorite Accommodation 

Who beats to our Takaragawa Onsen Stay? We experienced the old and traditional side of Japan. But I know not everyone do not like ro stay in suburbs so my next suggestion is look for Montan Hostel. We stayed at montan Hakata. The staffs are lively and helpful, the room is huge, clean and most specially it is affordable! Indeed a value for your money! You won’t regret staying in this hostel. Wink-wink. 

Favorite Food 

Although we had a fun experience dining in Takaragawa’s dishes, omakase at Sushi Tokyo Ten and the most expensive coffee we had in LV Cafe what I really enjoyed is eating food from the groceries. Haha! It feels so local. The unforgettable rice balls, bentos, chips and LOVE chocolate. The best part is, it is veryyy cheap! I love the food and booze in Tokyo Bay Cruise Symphony. If they say booze it is indeed booze. Undilutedand unoverwhelmed with ice! A MUST when you visit the capital of Japan. Ohh, before I forgot, the Hojicha Tea of Starbucks Japan is a thing not to forget in your travel. 

Favourite Train Ride 

Do you know that our train ride total cost is JPY240,044 and we bought the Japan Rail Pass for only SGD791.30(Klook). We saved SGD1,476.27! We really do maximised our Japan Rain Pass. Haha! My favourite train ride is from Hakata to Osaka, Sakura 550. The views outside is majestic and you’ll wonder how Japan sticks to its culture and agriculture while being one of the advanced and developed countries in Asia. This idea truly baffling and amazed me at the same time. 

Best Experience 

Everything!!! We had a great time! We enjoyed the food, the tranquility, bullet train ride is unforgettable experience. One tip I will give to you! STAY AWAY on tourist flooded sites. If you can’t and want to experience what you’ve seen in your feeds, go there early as 6AM. Japan is the Rising Sun of the east so expect that 5AM the sun is already grazing its rays. Enjoy your Japan Planning. Hope this blog will help you in your itinerary!

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All Nippon Airways 

(W) https://www.ana.co.jp/en/sg/ 

Click here for cheaper flight

Ticket Cost 2-Way for 2pax: S$3,436.80 

 montan HAKATA 

(W) https://go-montan.reservation.jp/ja/s... 

Click here for cheaper hotel deal

2-Night Cost for 2pax: S$200.98

Ibusuki Sunamushi Onsen Natural Sand Bath 

(W) http://sa-raku.sakura.ne.jp/en/ 

10-minute session cost: ¥1300 (including bath towel) 

 Sakurajima Ferry (W) https://www.city.kagoshima.lg.jp/saku... 

Fare: ¥200 for 2-way per pax

Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto 

(W) https://www.agoda.com 

(E) kyoto-yoyaku@hokke.co.jp 

Cost: SGD 185.52

Takaragawa Onsen Osenkaku Inn 

(W) https://www.takaragawa.com/english.html 

Click here for Onsen Resort deal

Cost for 3D2N Stay: S$ 766.74 (Breakfast and Dinner Included)

ibis Styles Tokyo Ginza 

(W) https://all.accor.com/ 

Click here for Onsen Resort deal

Cost of 3Nights: ¥55,147.50 

 Tokyo Bay Cruise Symphony 

 (W) https://www.symphony-cruise.co.jp/en/ 

Click here for Onsen Resort deal

Sunset Cruise Japanese Plan (drink-all-you-can): ¥14,800

Kawaguchiko Ropeway 

(W) https://www.mtfujiropeway.jp/en/ 

Cost: ¥500 / pax per way 

 SPONTINI 

(W) http://spontini.jp/ 

Cost: Double Mozzarella ¥1350 | Pizza Pieno ¥ 1550

Sensoji Temple 

(W) https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html 

 Yasukuni Jinja 

(W) https://www.yasukuni.or.jp/english/ 

 Sushi Tokyo Ten 

 (W) https://sushitokyo-ten.com/ 

 Le Café V Ginza (A) 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7 Chome−6−1, 7F, Japan (H): 11am – 8pm (Mon – Sun)

Easy Pork and Broccoli Stir-Fry Recipe with Soy Sauce and Garlic

Ingredients:

Pork shoulder

Broccoli

Carrots

Soy sauce

Garlic (minced)

Oyster sauce (optional)

Cut the pork shoulder and carrots into strips and the broccoli into florets.

Sauté garlic and add the pork strips. Cook until brown. Put half cup of water and bring to a boil until most of it evaporates and pork is tender. Add the broccoli and carrots. Put in a tablespoon of soy sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

You can replace soy sauce with oyster sauce. Add water for desires thickness of sauce. Serve with rice.

Beef or chicken can be used as well. 

VERDICT:

WILL: Beef prices in Singapore are exorbitant, often exceeding S$7 for a small portion of meat. However, I still crave the savory flavors of ginger and beef. That's when I turned to Abbey for ask him on whether he could substitute pork in a Beef Broccoli recipe. 

Abbey cooked it and I was pleasantly surprised with the tender and juicy pork strips infused with a gingerly soy sauce. Adding colorful broccoli and carrots made this dish not only delectable but also visually appealing. 

This recipe has become a staple in my monthly meal plan

Discover the Best Ready-to-Eat Gourmet Meals and Desserts from Melvados, a Unique Singaporean Brand

ABBEY: Last Christmas we have the reason to eat more ice cream than the usual. Hahaha.

We got a couple of pints from Melvados: Salty Caramel and Almond and Triple Chocolate. It is on the pricey side this we  got this indulgence in a holiday season.

The ice cream is soft and easy to scoop right from the freezer. No fight between your spoon and the frozen delight. They are creamy and smooth and really taste good. Not your ordinary ice cream. You can taste its premiumness.

WILL: Melvados, a Singaporean brand that has been in operation for almost a decade, offers ready-to-eat gourmet meals and desserts at a wholesale price, making it a sought-after "Made in Singapore" item. With over 90% of the food supply sourced from outside the country, Melvados is a unique find in the market. The brand is also associated with a parent company that supplies products to 5-star restaurants and airlines.

As an SEO expert, I am impressed by the taste of Melvados' Salted Caramel and Triple Chocolate ice cream. These premium desserts are delicious, creamy, and comparable to international brands.

If you're looking for a unique gift idea, consider Melvados as a festive treat for your loved ones. Not only are the products made with passion, but they also offer a unique Singaporean experience that's sure to delight anyone.

***

Melvados 

(W) https://melvados.com

(T) 6339 4953

From Japan Embassy Visa Approval to Unforgettable Adventures: Our Epic Japan Itinerary

Our journey and visa application process have captivated many, leaving them yearning to know more about our adventures and activities. Excited to explore Japan? Let us be your guide! Read on to discover our itinerary and like us, embark on your dream trip to Japan! 

Click the photo to get a pdf copy

Ready? 

If you have question, you can send us an email or just pm us in our facebook page! Happy Planning for your Japan Travel. 

How To Apply For Japan Single-Entry Visa In Singapore

ABBEY: Our next destination is Japan so we checked the required documents and have them ready before our embassy appointment. We also booked our flights and hotels. But as soon as we check the appointment system, all slots are full (for Visa(Tourism)). 

We called their hotline but that move made is all the more nervous as we were not given any option but to wait for an opening or move our flight. What we did is send them a mail. Lo and behold they replied and gave us a link (under Visa(All other visa applications and services)) to book a slot. 

On the day of appointment, I got my queue number and wait for it to be called. The consul reviewed our documents and referred us for Multiple-Entry Visa instead of Single and got a feedback that I’m well prepared. Of course. I also got a comment that the place where we are about to stay looks nice. 

I was asked to come back after five days. We got approved for multiple entry and visa is free. The time for document review and visa releasing is shorter than me waiting for my queue number for twenty minutes. The service is fast and efficient as long as you come with complete documentation and in order.

How To Apply For Japan Single-Entry Visa In Singapore
Avoid OUR MISTAKES when Applying for a JAPAN VISA!

WILL: Do you think that Japanese Embassy has a straight forward required documents for your visa application? Well YES! They do have but Abbey witnessed that a huge number of applicants were lacking of 1 or 2 papers to submit to Japanese Consul. 

This is the link for the Documents required for visa application according to travel purpose. We followed Temporary Visit for Sight-seeing For Single Entry and this is the list and we highlighted it in RED the documents that mostly of the applicants were lacking: 

   1. A valid passport (Original)

   2. Visa application form (Original)

   3. Colored 4.5x4.5cm photo glued to the application form (Original)

   4. Front and Back identity card issued by Singapore Government (Photocopy) for Non-Citizens of Singapore 

   5. A clear print out of the SGWorkPass Mobile App which displays the latest pass information including the pass status, date of pass expiry/issue/renew/cancellation, occupation and name of employer (scanned within 5 days from application date)

   6. Certificate of Employment (Original) 

   7. Latest year notice of issued by IRAS Singapore

   8. Personal Savings accounts showing the holder's name current balance and latest 1 month's banking transactions.

   9. Letter of Sponsorship from sponsor

   10. Photocopy of document to prove relationship such as Marriage/Birth certificate

   11. Sponsor’s Income Tax Notice of assessment

   12. Sponsor’s passport (biodata page) and ID card (Photocopy)

   13. Flight Booking

   14. Schedule of stay (Daily activities)

All of the above should be printed in an A4 size paper. 

There are documents that has a downloadable format/samples in Japanese website, those were application form, schedule of stay, and letter of sponsorship. It is very straightforward all you need is to fill it up. Below are the screenshots of what we had given to the consul. 

How To Apply For Japan Single-Entry Visa In Singapore - Sponsorhip Letter

How To Apply For Japan Single-Entry Visa In Singapore - Daily Activities Sample

Please, please! Double check your documents. Consuls won’t accept your application if it is incomplete and the nearest printing store in Orchard is 15mins away from Japanese Embassy. 

If you have question, you can send us an email or just pm us in our facebook page! Happy Planning for your Japan Travel. 

***

Embassy of Japan in Singapore

(W) https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html

(H) 8:30AM to 4:00PM 

(A) 16 Nassim Road Singapore 258390

(T)(+65) 6235-8855

Counter Seating Kaunta Seki at Mitsuba Japanese Cheap Buffet - The Central Clarke Quay

ABBEY: As Christmas is nearing, me, Wilma and Chat planned our buffet Christmas dinner at Mitsuba.

And we got the best seat in the house; a bar seat (in front of the chef). We didn’t waste a minute and we immediately ordered via iPad all the Chef’s Choice items like Sashimi Moriawase (the swordfish is so tender), Sake Mentai Aburi, Ikura Sushi, Spider Temaki, and Wagyu Bifu Maki. My repeat orders are roast pork belly (yaki buta), ebi tempura, smoked duck (oh the layer of fat melts in your mouth), and Meltique Bifu (beef slice with garlic and salt). They also have ice cream; chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and lychee flavors.

There are hundreds of choices so be sure to keep the orders coming but in moderation. I can say that we’ll definitely be back to this restaurant.

Counter Seating Kaunta Seki at Mitsuba Japanese Cheap Buffet - The Central Clarke Quay

WILL: Mitsuba is one of the renowned sushi buffet here in Singapore. If you’ll check the online reviews and the long queue outside their restaurant, you’ll be curious and persuaded to check and book a table with them. And I am one of the proud victim of my own curiosity. Haha. I purposely indicated that we want to be sitting in front of the chefs, and we were granted with our request. What is the pero of that? You can see them do their masterpieces and your order is super fast that they will just hand it out to you. No to a long waiting time. 

So how was it? I have told to Abbey, that is is a bank for the buck! The price of $56.90++ is totally worth it. We’ll be saving our 2 dinner trips in a sushi conveyor belts to eat here in Mitsuba. What you should not skip (sashimis are given) Spider and Unaki Temaki, Dobinmushi, the crunchy and melt in your mouth Yaki Buta, Ika Geso and Salmon Skin. 

Will surely coming back here and of course still requesting Mitsuba for counter seating. See you there!

***

Mitsuba Japanese Restaurant

(W) https://www.mitsuba.com.sg/

(H) Mon-Sun: 11:30am-2:30pm (Last Order: 1:50pm), 6-10pm (Last Order: 9:20pm)

(A) 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #03-88 Clarke Quay Central, Singapore (T) 6227 0388

HUBER’S BUTCHERY THE BISTRO: CHEAP WITH A QUALITY STEAK IN SINGAPORE

ABBEY: Another restaurant to satisfy your steak cravings but not break the bank. I got medium-well hanger steak with sides of potato tartiflette (premium version of potato with cheese), corn and chimichurri sauce. 

My beef is tender and juicy; no tough part. And the corn kernels almost fall off the cob. As for the potato, it is blanketed by melted gruyere cheese. Adjacent to the restaurant is their butchery. Pick your choices of meat and take them home.

HUBER’S BUTCHERY THE BISTRO: CHEAP WITH A QUALITY STEAK IN SINGAPORE

WILL: Steak is one of the intimidating foods to eat. There are rules on how to cook the meat itself and etiquettes to follow while eating in a steakhouse. Well, that breaks your comfort zone if you are always prompted to dine in a fast food chain. Right? But here comes Huber’s Bistro located few steps away from Singapore Botanic Gardens. 

The Bistro's aura is friendly and accommodating. Not too casual but not too fancy either. It is like a diner ambiance that staffs are willing to go beyond to serve you and know you better. So how’s the steak? It is flavourful and definitely not came from a frozen meat. It is tender, milky and juicy! The price? Starts at $24! It is like you are buying a raw meat of 200grams. 

They have their own butchery that might explain their affordable pricing for the steaks. Ha! This is our favourite place for steaks right now! Visit them whenever you are Singapore Botanic Gardens

***

HUBER’S BUTCHERY THE BISTRO

(W) https://www.hubers.com.sg

(H) Monday: Closed on all Mondays / Tuesday – Friday: 11.00am to 10.00pm / Saturday, Sunday & public holidays: 9.30am to 10.00pm 

(A) 22 Dempsey Road Singapore 249679

(T) 6737 1488 

VIETNAM🇻🇳 HOI AN THE SAFEST PLACE IN VIETNAM | HOI AN TRUSTED BY LOCALS HOTEL, SPA, TAILOR & FOOD

ABBEY: 

Shining Riverside Hotel and Spa

The staff picked us up from Da Nang. At Hoi An, we only stayed at Shining Riverside Hotel and Spa for 4D3N. Our room is one of the largest with bathtub and some kind of sala. It is overlooking the hotel’s pool, rice paddies and a waterway connecting to Thu Bon River. Breakfast can be buffet or ala carte depending on the volume of guests. We had our fill of fried rice and pho. The spa is under renovation so they recommended us which spa we can try. Vi, Ai and Thuan ensured our stay is great and we have memorable experience.

Rice Paddy Cafe

It’s our plan to get a taste of different Vietnamese coffees and our hotel recommended us this cafe at Paddy Boutique House. The place is along the highway but across rice paddies hence the name. We tried their egg coffee. Unlike the other egg coffees, their egg is separated with the coffee. To eat it, you scoop the egg and dip the spoon in the coffee and into your mouth. You can sweeten the coffee with condensed milk. That is how you get your caffeine fixed. 

Ylang-Ylang

We went for long walks during our stay at Hoi An to feel the vibe and observe the culture. Definitely muscle aches will be the aftermath. So we went (meaning they picked us up from the hotel and vice versa) to Ylang Ylang Spa. It was almost closing time but they still accommodated us. We were given tea and foot bath and led us to our room. The masseuse hit all the correct spots specially in back and foot. I think I slept after they cracked my back. Next thing I know I was refreshed but still want to get more sleep. One more cup of tea and off to our hotel.

Ban Mi 

For our Banh Mi the experience we had it from Banh Mi Queen and Banh Mi Phuong. Both have melts-in-your-mouth barbecue pork, fresh herbs and pate tucked in charcoal-grilled, crunchy baguette. The Banh Mi Queen sandwich has an intimidating chili sauce but I can handle the heat. With sandwich this delicious we can finish three each in one sitting. I hope they can make Banh Mi in a whole baguette. Haha.

Memories of Hoi An

This attraction is already in our list going to Vietnam and our hotel recommended it also. You will be picked up, by boat, at Hoi An Ancient Town. And you will cross the colorful Moon Bridge to get to the island. Once there, you will be greeted by fountain, lights and mini shows for you to enjoy. Our ticket included our dinner which is Vietnamese chicken rice and crispy pancake.

The highlight of the evening is Hoi An Memories Show. The audience will be in a grandstand and the performers will be in an outdoor platform. The lighting and staging techniques are great and they really showcased an engaging story of Hoi An beginnings. Better to be in high seats to get a good view. What a show to cap the night.

Tuong Taylor Suit

Going to Vietnam is my chance to have a bespoke suit. Question is which shop would you get it? We looked for reviews and our choice is Tuong Taylor. Once we got eye contact with Liza and Lara we were hooked. Haha. They offer the services but not that pushy to the point that you feel you’re being scammed. They do it with finesse and have the yes attitude. You will be guided from the color, texture, measurements, until the final fitting and delivery of the suits within 48 hours. We got 3 suits for less than USD 800. I can say that I really look great with them. Pogi!

Hoi AN Vietnam Rice Paddy Cafe

Hoi An Vietnam Shining Riverside Hotel and Spa

Hoi An Vitenam Memories of Hoi An

VIETNAM🇻🇳 HOI AN THE SAFEST PLACE IN VIETNAM | HOI AN TRUSTED BY LOCALS HOTEL, SPA, TAILOR & FOOD

WILL:

Shining Riverside Hoi An Boutique and Spa

Finding a place to stay in Hoi An is pretty tricky. Why? There’s a lot of options here. Yet we preferred to stay pretty far from the Old Town area to avoid the evening public noise. We want a totally relaxed vacation and we achieved it. Our hotel room has a huge floor area, a veranda overlooking greenery fields, living area, dresser, king size bed and bathtub. It is a 20-min walk from the Old Town and only S$3.00 if you decide to hail a grab car. Their location is perfect to feel the Hoi An community area. My husband and I were blessed to choose this hotel, the staffs will take into account what you prefer in your meal, they will suggest tours that you might like and they will make you feel that they have known you for a long time. This is a 5-star hotel service and experience. Totally recommended for you to stay. In Shining Riverside Hoi An Boutique and Spa.

Rice Paddy Cafe 

I equipped myself for a coffee tasting and Rice Paddy Cafe was well recommended by the manager of Shining. We were glad that we asked because this is one of the best coffee I have ever tried. At first sip, it made me realized that I am slurping one of my favourite Indonesian dessert.. The Ondeh Ondeh. The cafe ambiance laid back, of course, overlooking the rice paddy. In this kind of situation, you will ask and rethink your priorities in life. Enjoying life in its simplicity. Sitting down, people watching with your favourite cup of coffee. 

Ylang-Ylang 

I am quite particular on massages. It is always deep tissue massage for me and the Ylang-Ylang masseur hit those tensed muscles. I am questioning myself, “How do they know that part of my body needs a massage?”. The masseur keep on kneading every part of tissue until the pain is gone. Amazing skill. Another thing they have done amazingly is the stretching. As what my husband’s comment “Para kaming tinutuping damit”. Haha. They have free hotel pick-up and drop off. S$20 is a steal! Another recommendation from our good hotel! It was booked last minute and we totally love it when they still accepted our schedule. 

Ban Mi 

Hoi An has the best banh mis and we have tried the top 3. Banh Mi Phurong, Phi Banh Mi and Banh Mi Queen. The winner for me is Phi Banh Mi. It is packed with ingredients, flavour is bursting one by one and half of it is enough for a lunch. Banh Mi Queen has the best chili and Banh Mi Phurong has this light comforting taste but be warned you can finish three banh mis if you ordered this. Haha. 

Memories of Hoi An 

One of the ways to learn more about history and culture of a certain place is to visit their museums or watch a cultural show and the Hoi An Impression Theme Park got it both for you. The park was built replicating the Old Town and the Memories of Hoi An magnificently told the history of Vietnam’s peaceful meeting place. This is the only cultural show that I have a watched which made me feel so loved. Aaaawww. You will leave the show with light heart and smile on your face. This is one of the MUST to see in Vietnam! 

Tuong Tailor 

Abbey is dreamming to have a tailored suit for himself. Without a shock, that is expensive here in Singapore and we were delighted that Hoi An is one of the place to get your suit tailored just for you. Another recommendation from our hotel (Shining Riverside Hoi An Boutique and Spa), we went to Tuong Suit and immediately greeted by Lisa and Lara. We asked if they can do a certain design, if we can go for an earlier fitting schedule, of course we haggled! They only have one answer “EASY”. All our requests were swiftly granted. It is a walk in the park transaction. Imagine! We got three suits and a silk top for a price of one here in Singapore!

***

Shining Riverside Hoi An Boutique and Spa

(W) https://shiningriversidehoian.com/

(T) 0235 3921 999

Tuong Tailor

(W) https://www.tuongtailor.com/

(T) +8405103-863-573

Hoi An Memories

(W) https://hoianmemoriesland.com/

(T) 1900 63 66 00 - 0904 636 600