While it seems like we won’t be travelling to Japan for leisure anytime soon, it does not mean we can’t pretend. In Singapore, there are multiple things to visit and do to get a Japanese experience, while not actually hopping on a plane there. Here are a few of the places where you can experience some of Japan right here in Singapore.
Sembawang Hot Springs
While Singapore does not have any volcanic activity for a natural hot spring bath, we do have natural hot springs due to underground water coming into contact with hot rock masses. One of Singapore’s natural hot springs is in Sembawang. While the other hot springs around Singapore remain private, this is the only one that is publicly accessible.
Enjoy some time at this hot spring while enjoying the views of flora and fauna surrounding the area. These flora and fauna were also commonly seen in the 60s and 90s around Singapore.
While it may not be the same experience you get while actually in Japan, visiting the Hot Spring Park should definitely be on your to do list. While at the park, there are multiple other activities which are available, including a foot bath pool, floral walk, and even an egg cooking station (eggs not included).
Address: Along Gambas Avenue
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-7pm
Cat Cafe Neko no Niwa
Of course, we can’t not include a cat cafe in a Japanese article, right? Visit Singapore’s very first cat cafe, Cat Cafe Neko no Niwa, and have some tea while playing with cute cats. This cat cafe was inspired by these cat cafes around Japan. These cats that you see at this particular cafe are all adopted by Sam and Sue.
An hour at this cafe has a rate of $12 for the first hour and $5 for the next 30 minutes. They also offer special prices if you decide to stay for 3-hours or a whole day. This cafe is one unique in Singapore and a must visit if you want to experience some Japan in Singapore.
Address: 54A Boat Quay, Level 2, Singapore 049843
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 11am-9pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Contact: 6536 5319
Japanese Garden
Imagine yourself in Japan at the Japanese Garden, located in Jurong East. This island is connected to the Chinese Garden, and collectively known as the Jurong Gardens. Throughout this garden, look out for gardening techniques that were once used in Japan during the Muromachi period (1392-1568) and the Momoyama period (1568-1613). This garden is also filled with stone lanterns and arched bridges, giving of a traditional Japanese garden vibe.
While you are here, be sure to check out the traditional house where you will be able to sit and rest. Behind this house, you will also find one of the ten sundial structures that were installed all around Singapore in 2007 in support of Singapore Science Centre’s movement to increase interest in science among Singaporeans.
This Japanese garden is one not to be missed if you long for being in Japan!
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Rd, Singapore 619795
Japanese Cemetery Park
This cemetery park is one of the largest Japanese cemetery in Southeast Asia, consisting of 910 tombstones containing the remains of the Japanese community in Singapore. In 1987, this park was gazetted as a memorial park by the Singapore government.
While it may sound pretty morbid to visit a cemetery park, this park is a quiet and peaceful garden, popular among residents in Serangoon as a place to relax and enjoy the nature around.
This park is also known for its Japanese-inspired architecture and a long archway filled with bougainvillea — making it a highly photographed area when these flowers are in full bloom.
Address: 22 Chuan Hoe Ave, Singapore 549854
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 8am-6pm
Contact: 6468 0066
Meidi-ya
Visit Meidi-ya for some fresh and authentic Japanese ingredients. Similar to Don Don Donki and Sakuraya, Meidi-ya offers a variety of fresh, sushi-grade fish as well as other Japanese ingredients, meals and snacks. This is definitely a one stop shop for all things Japanese related.
This recently opened flagship store in Millenia Walk is a 2 storey outlet, including a bakery, food hall and even a bar! Visit their store and be in awe of the unique products they offer. Their products are imported directly from japan, which include fruit jam, tofu, and melon — just don’t poke any holes in them while picking one!
Address: 9 Marina Boulevard, #02-26 to 36, Millenia Walk, Singapore 039596
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-10pm
Contact: 6339 1111
Cow Play Cow Moo
With numerous outlets scattered in Singapore, Cow Play Cow Moo has grown noticeably popular due to their Japanese-themed arcade. The arcade carries popular Sega games and some crane-machine classics that provide gamers with opportunities of winning an anime figurine. Additionally, the arcade is decked with neon lights and funky music to make you feel like you're walking along the streets of Tokyo.
Address: Multiple outlets
Opening hours: Daily from 12:30pm to 12:30am
Wonderfic Comics
“The manga is better than the anime” is something many otaku would have said. Manga refers to Japanese comic books and the way it is read is from right to left. Some may find it hard to follow as it gets confusing on which parts should be read first but after a while, you get used to it. The best part of manga is their intricate and detailed plot that leaves readers absolutely eager to find out more.
Fortunately, in Singapore it is generally quite easy and accessible for otaku to find their favourite manga. It's even sold in Kinokuniya. However, if you're looking for a more niche shop that specialises in this, head down to Wonderific Comics! From old-school comics to the latest series, this place has it all!
Address: Holland Road Shopping Centre 211 Holland Ave, #03-24, Singapore 278967
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
Contact: 9005 0731
What to Eat
If you want to experience Japan, you certainly can’t miss out on its food. Here are some places in Singapore where you can find some authentic Japanese food.
Misato
Misato is a quaint Japanese restaurant located in The Centrepoint offering authentic Japanese cuisine, using authentic ingredients imported from Japan. Their interior is clean and intricately decorated with the Japanese charm — simple, yet classy. While here, try their Ebi Donburi. This dish is topped with big and juicy tiger prawns, a variety of fish roe and egg. Their prawns are lightly battered and crispy on the outside, yet juicy on the inside. Their dishes are plated meticulously and are pleasing to the eye, making you want to dig in immediately.
Address: 176 Orchard Road #01-33E The Centrepoint
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10pm
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Contact: 6235 2822
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Tatsu
Located in Chijmes, Tatsu is a traditional Japanese restaurant with the aim of bringing authentic Japanese dining to Singapore. Their restaurant currently serves both sushi and teppanyaki concepts. Their sushi bar serves up fresh sashimi and sushi alongside seasonal creations by their Chefs. They pride themselves on serving quality dishes, with their fish being air-flown in from Japan 4 times a week. While their teppanyaki bar is the only Japanese teppanyaki that has a 24 seater long counter. Watch as your chefs cook up a performance right in front of you while they prepare your meal.
Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-08 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 12pm-2:30pm, 6pm-10:30pm
Contact: 6332 5868
Tamashii Robataya
At Tamashii Robataya, Chef-owners Patrick Tan and Max See dedicate themselves to serving their customers with heart and soul. Their dishes are inspired by old recipes as well as their frequent travels to Japan. They use fresh Japanese ingredients that are showcased to you for selection. Watch as your food is grilled and prepared for you right in front of you. Their food is served on the Samoji, a rice paddle, to pay homage to fishermen from North-Eastern Japan who served their fish on wooden oars.
Try their A5 Miyazaki Gyu Sando, mouthwatering wagyu sandwiched between soft white bread. While simple, this dish is decadent as the wagyu is juicy and delicate, melting in your mouth at each bite.
Address: 12 N Canal Rd, #02-01 The Offshore building, Singapore 048825
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30am-2pm, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Closed on Sundays
Contact: 6222 0316
