Japan’s borders are finally reopening fully to tourists on October 11 and what better way to celebrate than to book a trip to the city of Tokyo?
From 11 – 14 October 22, Jetstar will be running a sale offering fares to Tokyo from S$261 all-inclusive one way. This is incredibly cheap considering fares to Japan have gone through the roof. The only catch is you have to transit via Manila to enjoy this promo fare — not too bad if you are travelling alone.
The travel period is from 1 Feb to 15 March 2023, just in time for you to catch the cherry blossom season in mid-March.
Missing the Land of the Rising Sun? Here on the sunny island of Singapore, you will find a mini Japanese paradise at Cheers! From 2 to 29 March 2021, Cheers is hosting a Japan Fair, bringing you exciting items from Japan, from anime-themed coffee to adorable tea bag holders, ramen to Kit Kat and ice cream! With more than 160 Cheers outlets across Singapore, most operating 24/7, you can satisfy your Japanese hankerings anytime, anywhere!
This Japan Fair brings you treats from Japan you can get your hands on:
Georgia Coffee Mobile Suit Gundam Collection: Talk about the perfect mashup — to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam, Georgia Coffee has teamed up with animation studio Sunrise Inc to launch limited-edition merchandise and coffee-can collectibles! Each coffee can comes with a Gundam sketch, which bears the name of the pilot. Also, relish the unforgettable richness and aroma of the perk-me-up: Georgia’s Emerald Mountain Blend, enhanced with slightly sweetened milk. An offshoot of Coca Cola Company, Georgia Coffee is the world’s first ready-to-drink coffee brand first launched in Japan in 1975. Today, it is the world’s No. 1 ready-to-drink coffee brand.
Ichiran Hakata-style Thin Noodles: Missing Japan and the taste of its famous Ichiran ramen? Here is your chance to enjoy a delicious bowl of Ichiran ramen right in the comfort of your home. “Ichiran (一蘭)” is a popular Fukuoka-based ramen chain offering Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen with pork bone broth soup, with many branches in and outside of Japan. The noodles are Hakata-style thin straight noodles, which are produced by experienced noodle artisans using special, rare wheat flour. These noodles have a pleasant chewy, slippery texture and the soup broth is characterized by its outstandingly rich umami taste, created through a process of trial and error. The secret of the success of Ichiran’s ramen lies in the secret red powder which is a mix of various kinds of spices in addition to Ichimi Togarashi, resulting in an exquisite taste balance.
KitKat KOI Matcha: Made from the rich, high-quality matcha of Uji, Kyoto and with twice the Uji matcha than previous editions! In the product name, koi means ‘strong-flavoured’, if you love intense flavors, you definitely won’t want to miss this latest Japan-exclusive offering.
Life Japanese Green Tea: A healthier choice of Green Tea made in Japan with no sugar added. Drinking green tea has been shown by studies to be beneficial to health because of the goodness in green tea catechins. Grab a bottle and enjoy its light yet refreshing taste!
Other than the above-mentioned products, Cheers also carries a wide selection of treats and snacks that will whisk you away to the heart of Japan. Quell hunger pangs with delicious Ajitsuke Tamago, Teriyaki Chicken Wrap and Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich!
Exclusive Tinos World Plushies to Collect
And from Japan to a fictional world of animals — Tinos World has teamed up with Cheers and FairPrice Xpress to create an exclusive line of plushies. There is a total of six plushies to collect: Tino the Curious, Bruce the Naughty One, Buddy the Relaxed One, Vicky the Brave One, Topsy the Shy One and Scott the Inventor.
Collect all 6 dinosaurs today! Simply spend S$5 in a single receipt and receive 1 Tinos sticker. To redeem 1 plushie, collect 1 Tinos Sticker and top up S$9.90, or collect 2 Tinos Stickers and top up S$7.90.
Cheers’ Tinos World campaign will run from 12 March to 3 May 2021.
The winter holidays are approaching soon and the travel bug is here to bite us again. While many of us scramble to drop by Japan during the Spring time to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom, those of us with children who are still schooling can opt to visit Japan in winter instead.
TIP: Merge your purchases together for a $50 discount for Japan attractions.
Promo codes for travellers to Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea are also available below.
Before you dismiss this suggestion, here are 5 places in Japan that you can visit, and still have tons of fun, in the wintry December.
For a family of 4, split your purchases to get the best bargain. For every $300 spent on Changi Recommends’ attractions, day tours or on transportation, you get to save $50!
No matter if you are traveling with a little one, your significant other, or with your friends, Disneyland is a destination that is not to be missed when in Japan. Catch Disneyland’s hot favourite thrill rides Space Mountain and Splash Mountain, or stop by the “It’s a small world” attraction if you prefer something mild, but equally magical.
Where the world’s one and only DisneySea resides, revisit your childhood at the happiest place on earth at Tokyo DisneySea. Expect to get wet and wild at many of the underwater-themed rides, such as the Indiana Jones Adventure: Temple of the Crystal Skull. Mermaid lovers are also in for a treat as there is a Mermaid Lagoon zone where you can find all things related to The Little Mermaid.
Challenge the limit of your child’s imagination at Legoland Japan, where they can see their favourite Lego toys, in a size that’s larger than life. With over 10,000 Lego models made with a whopping 17 million Lego bricks, and over 40 rides, shows and attractions to look out for, gear yourself up for a day of fun and games.
Catch Hello Kitty, My Melody, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, and other beloved Sanrio characters as they come to life at Sanrio Puroland. As most attractions are indoors, a visit to Sanrio Puroland could be a good way to escape the cold during winter. Seize the chance to finally step inside these characters’ homes!
When travelling to Japan in winter, watch out for the snow monkeys taking a casual dip in the hot spring, especially when you visit the Jigokudani Yaenkoen, in the Nagano Prefecture.
Until 31st October, spend a minimum of $300 on Changi Recommends to get $50 off Japan-specific attractions, day tours and transport. Simply input “GTJP50” to qualify for this discount!
This promotion is only limited to first 500 redemptions, and these tickets are valid for travels by 28 February 2018.
For the promo codes in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong:
Good news. Jetstar will be launching non-stop flight to Okinawa, Japan with flights commencing from November 17. Currently, travelers would need to fly to Manila, Hong Kong or Taipei before transiting at Osaka.
From 1 – 3 Aug, Jetstar will run a 72-hour flash sale to Okinawa for just $66 all-inclusive one-way. This is a fantastic deal considering the usual fares will cost $400-$500 on a non-direct route.
The sale will runs from 1 Aug, 10am to 3 Aug, 10am.
Book your tickets here now. (Note: The fares will only be released at 10am, 1 Aug)
Flight commences 17 November 2017, subject to regulatory approval. Sale fares are one way economy Starter fares, with 7kg carry-on baggage only. Selected travel periods and limited seat availability apply, see jetstar.com for details. Sale starts 1 August (10:00AM) and ends 3 August 2017 (10:00AM), unless sold out prior. Sale may be extended. A Booking and Service Fee of $5-$10 per passenger, per flight will apply for bookings completed online, based on payment method selected. The Booking and Service Fee will be waived for all bookings paid using Jetstar Vouchers. Other conditions apply, including Jetstar’s Condition of Carriage.
Okinawa’s largest city and its transportation hub, Naha is the gateway to paradise
Naha is the sister city of Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, and you could be forgiven for confusing the two. Not only do they share similar climates and geographies, but Naha is also home to several US military bases and the majority of the US forces stationed in Japan, which means that English is heard around town nearly as often as Japanese. Visitors are treated to an interesting mix of Japanese, American and the local Ryukyu culture when it comes to food. Try taco rice or Spam musubi if you’re feeling adventurous. Several stretches of sand are readily accessible via public transportation, including Manza, Moon and Zampa Beaches, and on rainy days there’s local art and history to discover at the Okinawa Prefectural Museum.
Things to do
Gone fishin’
Nearly every tourist in Naha takes a trip up the coast to Churaumi Aquarium opens in new window, which is considered the best in Japan. It’s home to one of the largest tanks in the world, big enough to hold whale sharks, manta rays and schools of their aquatic friends. In addition to the usual aquarium exhibits, there’s a hands-on tank and an outdoor arena for dolphin and sea lion shows.
Hit the road
Kokusaidori, literally “international road”, is a major thoroughfare and a great place for shopping, people watching and dining. Check the covered arcades branching off from the street for bargain-priced souvenirs and habu-sake, a local liquor with a pickled pit viper inside. Yunagi is said to dish some of the best Okinawan food in town and Blue Seal Lick Bit offers a place to cool off with a serving or two of the local ice cream.
Kingly perch
Shuri was the capital of Okinawa’s native Ryukyu Kingdom and Shuri Castle opens in new windowon the east side of town is a reconstruction of the home of their kings. From its hilltop perch, the castle offers eye-catching views of the city and the ocean beyond, and well as well-curated information on the history of the Ryukyu and a wealth of related artefacts.
Leaf it all behind
If you feel the need to escape Naha’s bustling crowds of shoppers and throngs of sunbathers, Fukushu-en Park opens in new windowmakes for a nice getaway that’s still within easy reach of the downtown area. The traditional Chinese garden, built in 1992 in honour of sister city Fuzhou, China, is free to enter and offers lots of shady nooks, soothing waterfalls and paved paths to stroll.
State of the art
The Okinawa Prefectural Museum opens in new windowdelivers a double-whammy of art and history. The history exhibits cover the prefecture’s unique history and culture, including the folklore and crafts of the native Ryukyu, while the art exhibits focus on homegrown creators of contemporary art. There are outdoor displays of traditional architecture and native flora and a hands-on exhibit where kids can play and learn at the same time.
When to go
Naha is quite warm year-round, with temperatures rarely reaching the low teens, even in winter. However, clouds and rain can make it a bit too chilly for swimming in the winter months. Summer sees daytime temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius.
April to June is the rainy season in Naha, though this tends to bring scattered showers more than sustained downpours. Avoid the Golden Week crowds at the end of April and typhoon season in September.
Some notable festivals in Naha are the 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade in early August and the Naha Great Tug-of-War, registered as the world’s largest tug-of-war event, in October.
Amazingly dense cities, mountainous national parks, and historically-rich shrines are some of the things that encapsulates Japan. It is one of the sought-after spots that globetrotter Singaporeans target when they have time to spare. Tourists are drawn by the array of food and the unique culture, but it has so much more to offer!
With the relaxed visa policies (i.e., Singapore citizens don’t require a visa to enter the country for temporary visits) and increased flights between Singapore and East Asian countries, here are some tips to keep in mind when discovering to Japan.
1. CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
One of the most impressive things about Japan is its value for cleanliness. Even the relatively cheap hostels are well-maintained and are equipped with high-tech toilets. So, do not be afraid to be adventurous when it comes to trying alternative options such as the famous capsule hotels with a starting rate of about S$35 per night. Some dormitory beds at guesthouses are advertised as low as S$19 per night.
As a friendly reminder, please read the online reviews before booking.
2. TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASON
No matter what season you are booked for, you will always find something interesting in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is best to book during off-peak season to save more money.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
People typically flock between March to May because they want to see the witness the beauty of the Sakura (or Cherry Blossoms). During this peak season, one can expect higher rates for accommodations and air fares. Avoid the Christmastime and the Obon season (around mid-August) too!
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
As I was peacefully scrolling through my Instagram stories, I saw a picture that my longtime friend posted. She just boarded the Shinkansen or Japan’s high-speed bullet train. Fueled by my curiosity, I made her share about her transportation experiences. She told me about the expensive cab ride that she took from Shimbashi to Funabashi (i.e., a distance of 24km). It costed 10,000 JPY or 121 SGD. That is ridiculous!
Cabs in Japan are generally expensive. This is partly due to their efficient and punctual public transportation system. Opt for taking the train or bus. Or better yet, you may explore the wonderful place by foot.
4. MAXIMIZE YOUR DINING BUDGET
There are two ways to save on Japanese food: you can either splurge during lunchtime or shop at the supermarket before closing time. Let us start with the latter. If you have access to the kitchen, you can cook on your own. Head to the supermarket at least 30 minutes before closing time to find amazing deals. The same idea applies for food courts and convenience stores.
Superb quality of food can be savored in almost every area in Japan. It is best to splurge during lunchtime as many restaurants give lunch discounts, especially on the weekdays.
Image Credits: pixabay.com
May these tips help you stretch your dollar while having an unforgettable trip! 🙂
