The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps
Other than Ginza, Shibuya and Harajuku (Nature or Shopping), Shinjuku is the other famous district of Tokyo. So, what to do at Shinjuku? Tonnes! Firstly, we stayed in Shinjuku We were contemplating where to base ourselves in Tokyo — Shibuya or Shinjuku? Many advice pointed us to stay in Shinjuku because …
For food lovers hunting for good food around Tokyo, I’m writing a series of the food we tried (or almost tried) around Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku. Look out for our honest reviews. :P First it was “What to Eat in Ginza“, then “What to Eat in Harajuku and …
For food lovers hunting for good food around Tokyo, I’m writing a series of the food we tried (or almost tried) around Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku. Look out for our honest reviews. :P First it was “What to Eat in Ginza“, then “What to Eat in Harajuku and Shibuya?“, and now what to eat in Shinjuku?
Fuunji (風雲児) is 2-mins walk from our airbnb at Shinjuku and approx 10-mins walk from Shinjuku station. The owner of the airbnb highly recommended us to try the Ramen or Tsukemen here. It’s not the usual tonkotsu (pork) broth I’m familiar with but chicken and fish broth. Anyway, the owner suggested we go for early lunch or early dinner to avoid the snaking long queue. However, by the time we reached our airbnb and walked over to Fuunji, it was their peak hour.
We couldn’t believe our blessings when we finally found the shop hidden in a small road.There were probably only 5 to 7 people lining in front of the shop. Is that considered long for the owner? Hoho. As we were about to join the short queue, we whipped our heads to the other direction and saw another 7 to 9 people extending the queue on the other side of the road. We should have known better after our queuing experience at Garaku Curry (Sapporo). The short queue was too good to be true!
Anyway, we decided good food was worth the wait and thus we joined the queue in the cold. We were so excited when we were near the entrance, but lo and behold! When the door was opened for a few patrons to exit, we saw another long line inside the shop! See photo below.
Once we were in the shop, there was a vending machine for us to choose our dishes and make payment. Talk about good hygiene and productivity! Anyway, there are a few options on the machine, as seen in the photo below. Dipping noodle refers to Tsukemen, while the ‘special’ edition means the dish comes with an egg and more meat.
Tsukemen is cold noodle served with its sauce on a separate dish. You then dip the noodle in the sauce before eating. Apparently Tsukemen is their signature, but we didn’t know then and so both of us ordered Ramen instead. :( You can’t blame us, because there also weren’t many people eating Tsukemen. It could be because it was winter/spring while we were there and Tsukemen is more for consumption during hot, summer days.
When they collect the vending machine ticket from you, tell them your desired noodle portion: Namimori is small (~200gm), chuumori is regular or medium (~300gm), omori is large (~400gm). The price is the same regardless of size, but order what you can eat—don’t waste food!
We ordered Special Ramen that cost ¥950 (S$12.00) each because we like ajitama (flavoured egg) and of course we had to try it from a Japan’s ramen shop! Even though I’m more used to tonkotsu based ramen, I found the broth surprisingly delicious. As mentioned, the broth is of chicken and fish.
My hubby and most people like the chewy noodles, but I prefer those softer noodles we have in Singapore. The chewy noodles felt like it was half-cook, like when I didn’t cook my instant noodles long enough.
Anyway, I couldn’t finish my bowl and my hubby had to help me with some. It was quite embarrassing to leave much leftover when the chef is just in front of you! It’s like saying the food is not nice, but I was simply too full.
Oh it’s really fascinating to observe the kitchen at work. They each have their own assigned role in a very organised work flow. Together, they function efficiently like a clockwork. The main chef seemed to be in a choreographed dance as he pulled the noodles high up, swirled it around and down into the bowl.
Tip: If you prefer a milder fishy aftertaste, opt for ramen instead of tsukumen.
If you are sick of ramen but still want some hot soup noodles for the cold weather, Shin Udon (慎) is the place to visit. About 10 minutes walk from Shinjuku station, it’s very near to the equally popular Fuunji ramen restaurant. This restaurant is thus also near to our airbnb at Shinjuku and highly recommended by the owner. To avoid the insane crowd, try to go during early lunch or early dinner.
The buckwheat udon is made to order and cooked into either a cold or a hot dish — cold zaru udon served dry, and warm kake udon served in a hot broth. The udon dish is topped with ingredients such as tempura, beef, egg and seaweed. Order from the mildly translated pictorial menu and catch the chefs in action while you sit at the cramp counter space. Budget about ¥1,300 (S$16.40) per person.
Happy chewing on the thick cut udon and enjoy the simple but umami dish!
I’ll be sharing more dining options around Shinjuku in Part 2! Also, more on the places to hang out in Shinjuku in my subsequent posts!
Do you have other recommendations of what to eat in Shinjuku? Tell us below or on our Facebook Page or Instagram. Moreover, bookmark this page > Overview Itinerary: Hokkaido and Tokyo (Winter/Spring 2016).
From Harajuku (part 1, part 2), we walked through Cat Street to Shibuya. It was a long and tiring walk! But after we reached the end of Cat Street, it just didn’t make sense for us to walk back the street to take the train. It …
Hello all! I’m selling a great package of AYA Niseko and skiing at Niseko (Hokkaido, Japan). Valid for stay in February and March 2017. Note: Only one package available. Image Credit: Hotels.com Package includes: 3 nights stay in a 3-bedroom condo (3 bedrooms and 2 …
Harajuku Tokyo (原宿) lies between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. If you’re all excited about the shopping in Harajuku, you’re at the right place! Other than joining the young crowd at Takeshita Dori and the mature one in Omotesando Hills, there are many other options for you: Cat Street, LaForet, Tokyu Plaza, and other interesting shops as Oriental Bazaar, Porter Bag and Line Friends.
If shopping is not your thing or you can’t stand the crowd, you might find respite at Meiji Jingu (one of Tokyo’s major shrines), Yoyogi Park or Ota Memorial Museum of Art (where beautiful ukiyo-e paintings are exhibited). >> Read about these three places in Harajuku Tokyo (Part 1). After all the walking, replenish yourself with delicious food in Harajuku! Find out what you can eat at ‘What to Eat in Harajuku and Shibuya Tokyo?‘.
If you think Singapore is crowded, wait till you hit Harajuku on a Sunday! The streets are packed to the brim with people. After you have walked around Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park or Ota Memorial Museum of Art, you can start your Harajuku “shopping” journey from Takeshita Dori. This is where you get to witness Japan’s teenage scene and eccentric fashion
Even though we have heard about the loud fashion at Harajuku, we were still shocked at what greeted us: the man in ritualistic make up and costume, the man from ancient past, and the apple head. Excited to witness such fashion, I find it a pity that there were far fewer around than expected.
Takeshita Street is about 400m long and lined with fashion boutiques, purikura (Japanese photo booth) shops, cafes and food stalls to target the teenage crowd. The shops tend to open from 11:00am to 8:00pm.
Directions: If you are coming from Meiji Jingu’s South shrine gate (main gate), walk towards the direction of JR Harajuku Station. Then, cross the street in front of the station, turn left and walk on. Takeshita street will be on your right side.
Along Takeshita street, you will find Daiso’s biggest shop in central Tokyo spanning across three floors. I assume all Singaporeans are familiar with Daiso, the discount chain store. If you love to shop at Daiso Singapore, be sure to come here and grab goodies for ¥105 (S$1.30) per item, much cheaper than the S$2 in Singapore! It opens from 10:00am to 9:00pm daily.
Love Calbee potato chips? Be sure to pop by Calbee+ (Calbee Plus) for potato chips fried on the spot in front of you. You can choose the cut of the chips and the toppings you want on them.
Fresh and crisp out from the deep fryer, our order was drizzled with Royce Chocolate sauce for ¥250 (S$3.20). Other Calbee toppings include Salt & Butter, Double Cheese and Maple Syrup & Cream Cheese.
More about our experience with Calbee+ in “What to Eat in Harajuku and Shibuya Tokyo?”.
Most of Harajuku’s crêperies are located on Takeshita Street. The classic sweet crepes of fruit and airy whipped cream are more popular than savoury wraps of egg, tuna, pork cutlets, hot dogs, etc. Prices start from ¥350 (S$4.40).
Based on online research, we were about to queue at the supposedly famous Marion Crepes when we saw a longer queue forming at Angel’s Heart that’s right opposite. So being Singaporeans, we trust the long queue syndrome as an indication of good food. Moreover, the pinkish shopfront attracted me! (P.s. if you don’t know I wrote a novella years ago called ‘Love, Pinkie’!)
We ordered a crepe of berries and ice cream for ¥440 (S$5.50). Interested in trying too? More about it in “What to Eat in Harajuku and Shibuya Tokyo?”.
p.s. There’s a toilet near to Angel’s Heart and Marion Crepes. Be warned it’s unlike normal Japanese toilets, it’s dirty.
Walking along Takeshita street, we noticed gigantic candy flosses among groups of young girls. Looking up, we saw more coming down from the 2nd floor of Totti Candy Factory! More about it in “What to Eat in Harajuku and Shibuya Tokyo?”.
Directions: For Porter bag fans, continue to walk straight as you exit Takeshita Dori. You’ll arrive at Head Porter Tokyo soon enough.
Directions: If you’re not a Porter fan, instead of walking straight, turn right at the end of Takeshita Street at the intersection with Meiji Dori. Keep walking and Line Friends Store will be on your left.
We were so excited to visit the Line Friends Store! We first passed by their pop up store in Taiwan back in 2014. Line Friends was significant to my hubby and me — being the messaging APP during our dating journey.
With cute stickers peppering our conversation, my hubby was slowly projected in Brown, the male bear who is silent and calm. Moreover, hubby looked so much like Brown when he doesn’t smile! Hee. According to Line Wiki, he is a caring and gentle spouse of Cony (true of hubby!). And so I am Cony, Brown’s wife! :)
There are many photo-taking spots in the shop, along with many cute and lovely merchandise I want to fill my house with. But considering the price tag, we didn’t get much. :P
Directions: If you’re not a Line fan, then continue to walk straight along Meiji Dori after you turn right at the end of Takeshita Street. You can make a small detour to Ota Memorial Museum of Art on the right. But if you keep walking straight, you will see Tokyu Plaza and LaForet Harajuku on your left and right.
Enter Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku through a spectacular wall of mirrors. Here you can find American Eagle Outfitters, The Shel’tter Tokyo and Tommy Hilfiger spanning across three floors of the 8-storey Tokyu Plaza of fashion shops and cafes. You can also enjoy Starbucks and a green space at the terrace on 6th floor. Free WiFi available.
LaForet Harajuku is a multi-storey shopping mall comprising of numerous small fashion boutiques. They’re mainly selling to young female patrons. This is also a place with trendsetting influence and a good venue to buy loud and eccentric fashion. Exhibitions and multimedia events are also held at its event space anchored by the Laforet Museum. Free WiFi available at food section.
Directions: After shopping at LaForet or Tokyu Plaza, walk towards Meiji-Jingumae Metro Station, cross the road and turn left. Kiddy Land is about 300m away.
For the young at heart, make your way to Kiddy Land! Step into the land and allow kawaii-ness to explode on you with your favourite characters: Sanrio, Rilakkuma, Disney, Doraemon, etc. The store, including its stairs and escalators, is wholly designed and decorated with these characters.
Shop a wide selection of toys, from character items to the limited to the Japan-exclusive editions! There’s something for everyone here–young and old. Their range is constantly updated with newer products and carries seasonal toys such as Halloween-themed items.
p.s. if you are a Doraemon fan, you might want to stop by Doraemon Museum in Tokyo.
p.s. p.s. if you are are looking for Cat Street’s main entrance, it’s at the road intersection right next to Kiddy Land. Cat Street is a vibrant but less crowded place to buy your clothes in trendy shops and drink coffee in a cafe.
On the same stretch as Kiddy Land, Oriental Bazaar is where you can find typical Japanese souvenirs, such as magnets, t-shirts, samurai related goods, etc. It’s also a good place to get reasonably priced Kimonos as compared to departmental stores. With its exterior mimicking traditional Japanese architecture, it’s hard to miss the shop.
I only wished it doesn’t close that early! It’s such a good stop to get all your souveniers for family and friends. We had to rushed around the 3 floors to grab all we can within the last 15 minutes of closing time. For those buying much, look out for JCB promotions or tourist booklet’s discount coupon.
If you haven’t realised by now, the road you’re on is lined with trees on both sides. It is also known as Omotesando Road, a one-kilometer long avenue that stretches from the entrance of Meiji Jingu (Shrine) to Omotesando metro station.
Along this avenue are many fashion flagship stores of international brands which include Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Zara, Apple, etc. There are also numerous cafes and restaurants found along this stretch. This place generally caters to a older and wealthier crowd than Takeshita Dori.
Across the road from Kiddy Land and Oriental Bazaar, you can find Omotesando Hills, a shopping complex that caters to clientele in their 30s to 40s. This complex doesn’t have many good reviews. However it recently underwent a renovation in 2016 and probably has a better offering mix now.
Hope on to my next post to know more about Cat street and Shibuya: ‘From Harajuku’s Cat Street to Shibuya‘.
Do you have any questions or suggestions for Harajuku? Tell us below or on our Facebook Page or Instagram. Bookmark this page >> Overview Itinerary: Hokkaido and Tokyo (Winter/Spring 2016)
Harajuku Tokyo (原宿) lies between Shinjuku and Shibuya on the Yamanote Line. At Harajuku, you get to witness Japan’s teenage scene and eccentric fashion at Takeshita Dori (Takeshita Street). And you get to shop at stylish Omotesando Hills or the nearby hipster district, Cat Street. There’s more shopping at LaForet …
For food lovers hunting for good food around Tokyo, I’m writing a series of the food we tried (or almost tried) around Ginza, Harajuku, Shibuya and Shinjuku. Look out for our honest reviews. :P First it was “What to Eat in Ginza Tokyo?“. Now, it will be what …