Kanesh PillaiIs the Japanese in you begging to experience a taste of its culture? It doesn’t get any better when you don’t have the time to just fly off to this remarkable country. Fret not, my friend. I’ve got you covered. If you can’t at least travel to the Land of the Rising Sun, there are places right here in Singapore that’ll definitely satisfy your craving. Here are the “Little Japans” of Singapore that you must check out!
1. It’s time for Anime and J-pop at C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia)
Image credit: C3AFASG 2018
Experience the best of Japanese pop culture in C3AFA (Anime Festival Asia), which will be taking place from 30 Nov to 2 Dec 2018 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature anime showcases, industry guests, professional cosplayers, and the grand I Love Anisong concert, hosting popular Japanese rock bands such as SPYAIR.
Image credit: C3AFASG2018
Boasting over 100,000 attendees last year, C3AFA has grown into the most iconic J-pop festival in Singapore today. With their trendy and hot content in store for you, this is something you just can’t miss if you’re an avid fan of Japanese pop culture.
Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Suntec City, 039593
Contact: [email protected]
2. Feel the zen at this Japanese garden
Image credit: travel oriented
Fancy a cute date spot with your significant other? Then, this tranquil garden might just be the place for you to have a nice sushi picnic. The arched bridges, vibrant colours, and lush greenery might just trick you (or your friends on Instagram) into thinking that you’re in Japan. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot monitor lizards lurking at the pond areas!
Image credit: Zervas
Address: 1 Chinese Garden Rd, Singapore 619795
Contact: 6560 0056
3. Meow your worries away at Cat Cafe Neko No Niwa
Image credit: Debbs.
Japan and cats. It’s the best of both worlds in one cafe, folks! Owning the title of being Singapore’s first cat cafe, the concept of having these lovely animals in a dining setting was inspired by Japan, which has countless cafes that feature pedigree cats. However, with a little tweak, the owners of Neko No Niwa only adopt their cats instead of buying them. A good cause isn’t it?
Address: 54A Boat Quay Level 2, 049843
Contact: 6536 5319
4. Get your game on with the Albirex Niigata Football Club
Image credit: Alibrex Niigata FC Singapore
In case you’re unaware, Japan has been the king of Singapore football for the past three years. Emerging as champions of the Singapore Premier League by a huge, huge margin for many seasons now, Albirex Niigata, a Japanese football club in Singapore has been one of the most entertaining football teams to watch in Singapore. Star-studded with Japanese players, watching an Albirex Niigata match is something you don’t want to miss if you want to experience Japanese football at its prime.
Address: 21 Jurong East Street 31, 609517 (Jurong East Stadium)
Contact: 6897 0278
5. Splurge at Liang Court
Image credit: ngotoh
A vintage shopping mall that is very dear to Singaporeans, Liang Court has a Japanese touch as seen in most of its stores. The mall features classic Japanese go-tos such as bookstores (Kinokuniya), restaurants, and supermarkets (MEIDI-YA). Situated at Clarke Quay, it’s also very convenient for you to get to this Japanese shopping paradise as it’s located right in the heart of town.
Image credit: inSing
Address: 177 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179030
Contact: 6338 6933
6. Never stop munching at Daimon Food Alley
Image credit: weekender
Jurong Point Shopping Centre has the Daimon Food Alley, which mimics an authentic food street in Japan. It brings together the very best of Japanese cuisine in one fine alley that is adorned with charming decor. The place will surely give you a wholesome Japanese experience in just a small, convenient area.
Image credit: Men-Ichi
Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, Singapore 648886
Contact: 6792 5662
7. Attend the Singapore Japanese Film Festival
Image credit: japanesefilmfest
Many believe that film is a great way to connect with people from different cultures. The various styles of storytelling differ from country to country and that diversity intrigues open-minded film lovers.
Well, if you happen to be a film lover and a Japanese fanboy or fangirl, the Singapore Japanese Film Festival is a fantastic way for you to appreciate Japanese movies as their films would be screened at the National Museum of Singapore every year! Earlier in March, the festival was graced by the presence of Japanese Film Director, Yaguchi Shinobu, who shared valuable filmmaking knowledge with his fans. Do check out next year’s event, too!
The next instalment of the Japanese Film Festival in Singapore will take place in January 2019.
Contact: http://www.japanesefilmfest.org/about/contact/
There you have it: Some places where you can get a taste of true-blue Japanese culture right at your doorstep!
Also read: 15 Best Hawker Food Dishes in Singapore and Where to Find Them
