Last year during our trip to Tokyo, Japan. We stayed at
Keio Plaza Hotel (
京王プラザホテル（新宿）公式サイト) which was just about
5 minutes walk to
Shinjuku (新宿) Station and shopping districts with department stores such as
Odakyu,
Takashimaya Times Square, Kinokuniya and etc. Although there might not be a lot of sightseeing around Shinjuku area but indeed there are plenty of shopping, cafes and eateries which could satisfied both your sight and appetite.
On the 3rd day of our trip, we were on a more relax itinerary while taking a break from yesterday's
Day Tour (
visiting Mount Fuji and Grape Farm). And before Uncle Hock Cheng's family move on to meet up with their Japanese friends for lunch and sightseeing, we decided to explore the food counters and supermarket located at
basement 2 of
Odakyu Shopping Mall to grab some quick breakfast.
Above is the Shinjuku (新宿) area map which I took from our Hotel lobby. From the map, I had highlight and number some of the places and shopping malls which we explored in "red" for your interest. Most of the places marked could be easily access by the basement walkway which links from Shinjuku Station but for first timer if you are not familiar with the area, perhaps walking on ground level would be a better choice.
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| Mouthwatering Bento Box and Rice Bowl |
We were there around 9.00am and were surprised to find many freshly made bento set, rice bowl, sandwiches, dumplings, croquettes, tonkatsu, noodles, cakes and etc which we do not know what to choose from.
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| Meat and Shrimp Dumplings (siew mai), Steamed Bun with red bean / vegetables |
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| Rice Balls (O-nigiri - お握り) with assorted fillings like tempura, tuna, egg mayo and etc |
This is one of our favourite rolls during our Japan trip. I love these "sticky rice sushi" which is made with glutinous rice and assorted toppings like chestnut, shrimp, azuki bean and etc. You could also find this in Singapore, at the basement food area located in Takashimaya too.
I have weakness when it comes to cake or pastry. So during my trip to Japan, I tried quite a number of their signature cakes from different cafe and bakery shops which leaves me with good memories and impression of their delicate desserts. Above are some cakes which are available from Wittamer at their outlet located at basement 2 of Odakyu.
I always love those typical type of cakes like the above which look clear and elegant. Imagine just pick up a few of each type or a whole loaf together with a pot of freshly brew tea for afternoon snack. I am sure it would be a great passed time to hang around with family or friends.
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| Fresh Sashimi with Mackerel, Shrimp, Yellow tail and etc. |
Fresh cut salmon slice at ¥315 (SG$4.10) each or you could get 4 at ¥1050 (SG$13.80). How I wish I am staying at a service apartment where I could whipped up some dishes using their fresh ingredients.
Fresh fruits seems to be expensive in Japan as compared to their seafood. For example, a box of strawberry shown above was selling at the same price as 4 slices of salmon for ¥1050 (SG$13.80) too. Emmmm guess you either go for fresh fruits or seafood.
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| Assorted plump and juicy grapes plus huge apples and persimmon |
Fresh milk, juice and yogurt drinks were our daily beverages and for me I just simply love their fresh milk which taste so creamy, smooth and fragrant as compared to what we have in Singapore. And my love is those available from "glass bottles".....
After getting our breakfast and beverages we went to the sitting area at 9th floor which is the rooftop playground at Odakyu (Shinjuku). As you could see above, the weather was pretty cooling at around 13 Degree Celsius so it's experience to enjoy breakfast outdoor despite of the sunny morning.
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| Assorted Sushi |
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| Chirashi |
Steamed meat bun at ¥157 (SG$2.00) each which had a similar taste like our local "Da Bao (大包)". And it taste extra flavorsome especially during cold weather which makes us enjoy each and every bites.
Chilling out at the rooftop playground area enjoying our breakfast. While eating the steamed bun, Mum was quite worry that the meat might be beef (as she don't really fancy beef) so she took extra careful look before eating it.
Shinjuku Odakyuhyakkaten
No. 3, 1-chome, Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 〒 160-8001
Telephone: 03-3342-1111
Website:
小田急百貨店 (新宿店)
〒160-8001 東京都新宿区西新宿1丁目1番3号
Opening Hours:-
8.30am - 10.00pm
After about 2 hours shopping around Odakyu department store plus a few shops around it, we went for a quick tea-break at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (クリスピー・クリーム・ドーナツ) which is located at Shinjuku Southern Terrace (refer to the Shinjuku area map above, marked no. 4). All the cousins and us (me and my boy) were eying on their irresistible doughnuts since the first day we arrived in Tokyo while exploring Shinjuku area. Moreover all of us love their doughnuts and we hope they would be available in Singapore soon.
Aunty Grace bought a box of 10 Assorted Doughnuts such as Glazed Chocolate Cake (¥180), Caramel Walnuts (¥200), Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles (¥180), Glazed Cruller (¥180), Glazed Green Tea Cake (¥180), Cookie Vanilla (¥200) and etc.
If you prefer something smaller, you could grab a pack of this Mini Box (ミニミニ ボックス(3個)) which comes in 3 mini doughnuts at ¥380 (SG$5.00). These mini doughnuts also available in box of 10 pieces (¥1,100 - SG$14.50) and 20 pieces (¥2,000 - SG$26.50) too.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
2-2-2 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
In Shinjuku Southern Terrace
Telephone: 03-5333-0560
Website: http://krispykreme.jp/index.html
クリスピー・クリーム・ドーナツ
東京都渋谷区代々木2－2－2
新宿サザンテラス内
Opening hours:
8:00am - 22:30pm
With a quick 45 minutes break at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, we moved on to Takashimaya Times Square, Kinokuniya and Tokyu Hands which offers anything that you want from DIY materials/tools, housewares, stationery, clothing and etc as well as Duty-free products.
I was thrilled when I spotted these Bento Tools at Tokyu Hands, housewares sections. They are really much more cheaper (half the price) than what I ordered from online as well as those sold at Takashimiya (Singapore).
We had early dinner at RAKERU which was very near to our hotel at around 6.30pm to avoid the dinner crowds. I would shared more about this place on another post soon.
:.