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Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System Is Changing In 2026 – Here’s Everything Tourists Need To Know

Wei Yin — Fri, 29 May 2026 01:51:44 +0000

Japan’s new tax-free shopping system

If your Japan itinerary involves stocking up on J-beauty products and shopping at Daiso, here’s a heads-up: Japan’s tax-free shopping system is changing in November 2026.

Before you panic, no, this isn’t another tax hike. After tourist tax changes like Kyoto’s higher accommodation tax that rolled out in March 2026 and an increased departure tax coming in July 2026, this update is more of a system revamp than an attack on your wallet. Still, shopaholics will want to take note – here’s everything you need to know before your next Japan haul.

What’s changing?

Image credit: ¡Vamos! via Google Maps

Currently, tourists in Japan can enjoy tax-free shopping at designated stores with a minimum spend of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14), simply by presenting their passports. However, once the changes kick in on 1st November 2026, you’ll have to pay the full tax-inclusive price at checkout, then claim the tax refund at the airport before flying home.

So if you’re planning a massive shopping spree, you may want to exchange a little more cash or top up your e-wallet in advance.

How does the new tax-free shopping system work?

This step-by-step guide will help you make sense of the new process without the confusion.

1. Shop as usual & show your passport

When shopping at eligible tax-free stores in Japan, spend at least ¥5,000 (~S$40.14), then present your passport at checkout to indicate that you’re purchasing as a tourist.

2. Pay the full price upfront

Image credit: Cullen Cedric via Unsplash

Unlike the current system, you’ll no longer get the tax discount instantly. Instead, you’ll pay the full tax-inclusive price, while a digital record of your purchase is automatically submitted to Japan’s customs system.

3. Leave Japan within 90 days

Narita International Airport.
Image credit: Kazuk Hiros via Google Maps

You’ll also need to depart Japan within 90 days of purchase to remain eligible for the tax refund. Also, don’t be too quick to throw away your receipts – keep them, bring your purchased goods to the airport, and factor in buffer time before your flight for refund processing.

Take note that your purchases need to physically leave Japan with you to qualify. If you’re mailing your shopping haul back home, those items won’t be eligible for tax refunds – this is a rule that has been in effect since 1st April 2025.

4. Declare your purchases at the airport

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Before departure, you’ll need to declare your tax-free purchases. Depending on the airport, this may be done at a customs counter or at a self-service kiosk. You may also be asked to show the actual items you bought.

5. Get your refund

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Your tax refund will be processed once you’ve completed the necessary steps. Refund methods may vary, but could include cash, credit card refunds, or bank transfers.

What are the benefits of this new system?

While having to pay first and claim later sounds troublesome, Japan’s new tax-free shopping system comes with a few benefits.

No more sealed bags or special packaging

Image credit: 康妮洪 via Facebook

Right now, items like cosmetics, medicine, and food are categorised as “consumables”, which come with stricter rules, including special sealed packaging and purchase limits.

But with the new system, the consumables product category will be removed, and these purchases will instead be treated like regular goods. This means there’s no need to pray that the sealed bags from Don Quijote don’t rip while you try to reorganise your suitcase.

No more spending cap on tax-free purchases

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Another major change is the removal of the ¥500,000/day (~S$4,008.50) spending cap, which previously applied to consumables. For big spenders or anyone eyeing luxury goods, this means you can shop tax-free without worrying about hitting a limit. However, very high-value items priced at ¥1,000,000 (~S$8,017) or more will still require additional details like serial number registration for customs tracking.

Overall, scrapping purchase caps is beneficial for travellers planning luxury buys or hauling home enough Japanese souvenir snacks to satisfy their entire office and extended family.

Overview of Japan’s current vs new tax-free shopping system

Feature	Current system (Before 1st Nov 2026)	New system (From 1st Nov 2026)
Tax payment	10% Consumption Tax removed at checkout	Pay the full tax-inclusive price upfront
Refund timing	Instant tax-free price at point of purchase	Refund processed at the airport
Eligibility	Passport shown at checkout	Passport still required + purchase automatically recorded in customs system
Packaging requirements	Consumables are often sealed in transparent tax-free bags	No special sealed packaging required
Minimum spending & purchase caps	General goods: minimum spending of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14) Consumables: ¥5,000-¥500,000/day (~S$40.14-S$4,008.50)	Minimum spending of ¥5,000 (~S$40.14) stays ¥500,000/day (~S$4,008.50) cap removed
Refund methods	Not applicable (already discounted)	Cash, credit card refund, or bank transfer (subject to changes)

One more thing to know before your upcoming Japan trip

The exact process for Japan’s new tax-free shopping system may vary depending on the airport, so we recommend keeping an eye out for official announcements from the government and your departure airport before flying.

Also, although the information above is accurate at the time of writing, things may still change as November 2026 draws closer. We’ll update this article should new info be released, but it’s also a good idea to do one last check before your trip to ensure your shopping spree goes as smoothly as possible.

More Japan guides:

Cover image adapted from: 康妮洪 via Facebook, Kazuk Hiros via Google Maps

The post Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping System Is Changing In 2026 – Here’s Everything Tourists Need To Know appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

This Airport In Japan Is The World’s First “Pokémon” Airport, With Themed Decor, Food & Merch

Khoo Yong Hao — Mon, 18 May 2026 07:22:20 +0000

Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport in Japan

Pokémon fans, if you’ve not managed to snag tickets to the newly opened PokéPark Kanto theme park on your upcoming trip to Japan, here’s an alternative to consider. Best part? It’s completely FOC to enter, and depending on your itinerary, you might already be making a stop there.

The Noto Satoyama Airport in Wajima, Ishikawa prefecture, is set to reopen as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport this July. It’ll be the first in the world to bear the Pokémon name, and along with its new name comes a slew of Pokémon-themed inclusions to look forward to; here’s all you need to know about it.

Why is the Noto Satoyama Airport being renamed?

Image credit: Kyodo

Just last week, it was announced that the Noto Satoyama Airport in Wajima city will be temporarily reopened as the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport from 7th July 2026, all the way till the end of September 2029.

The reason for the name change is to boost tourism to the region following the devastating 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake. The revamp also aims to uplift residents – in particular, children – affected by the major disaster, which ultimately resulted in 732 fatalities, 2 missing, and left over 1,400 injured.

What to expect at the new Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport?

As its new name suggests, the Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport will sport a slew of Pokémon-themed additions that are sure to delight fans and travellers alike.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

For starters, Pokémon-inspired decor will be sprinkled throughout the airport. For example, a huge inflatable of Pikachu perched atop an airplane being hung in the airport’s central atrium, which will also feature artwork of all the 111 flying-type Pokémon released to date.

The first floor of the arrival lobby will feature an artwork titled “Bright Future”.
Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

Other decor that fans can spot includes pillars outside the airport decorated with the franchise’s iconic critters, as well as playful information signage that depicts characters in airport settings. The airport’s observation deck on the 3rd floor has also been infiltrated by an adorable army of Pikachus, who’ll accompany visitors as they watch planes take off in the distance.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

For those looking for a bite before they fly off themselves, swing by Restaurant Annon, also located on the airport’s 3rd floor. It’ll be serving Pokémon-themed food, and although prices haven’t been announced, you can expect to munch on pancakes emblazoned with Pokémon characters and slurp on refreshing drinks.

Image credit: Noto Satoyama Airport

Over on the 2nd floor, the Serendipity gift shop will be stocking exclusive Pokémon merch as well. Again, prices are still up in the air, but from what we’ve gleaned, they’ll be selling T-shirts, keychains, and even stuff that’d be handy during your travels, such as luggage tags and belts.

Image adapted from: Noto Satoyama Airport

Straying away from the airport for a bit, a Noto Sightseeing Bus service is currently in the works, too. Details are yet to be firmed up, but the bus will depart from the airport and make stops at various Pokémon-themed spots in Noto, such as a Pokémon Footbath in Nanao city and a Sylveon With Love monument in Suzu city.

How to get to Noto Satoyama Airport?

Flying into Noto is not exactly the most convenient, as the Noto Airport currently does not serve international flights. For reference, the Noto peninsula is located in the Ishikawa prefecture, North-West of Tokyo, while Wajima city is situated on the Northern tip of the peninsula, making it pretty far from Tokyo.

Image credit ANA

The only way to get to Noto Airport by air is to fly in from Tokyo via Haneda Airport, operated twice daily by ANA. Flights from Tokyo to Noto take around 55 minutes, and these are scheduled to take off at 8.55am and 3.30pm. According to the ANA website, a one-way, Economy class flight from Tokyo to Noto costs around ¥10,185, or ~S$82.05.

Explore Noto Satoyama Airport’s upcoming Pokémon offerings

If you’ve already been to tourist hotspots in Japan like Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, consider visiting lesser-known regions such as Noto for a change. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll come across, from stunning natural landscapes to thoughtful attractions such as the new Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport.

Book a flight to Noto with ANA

Noto Airport (Noto-Satoyama Airport) (NTQ)

For more Japan-related reads:

Cover image adapted from: Noto Satoyama Airport

The post This Airport In Japan Is The World’s First “Pokémon” Airport, With Themed Decor, Food & Merch appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

20 Free Things To Do In Tokyo That Prove Holidays In Japan Don’t Have To Be Expensive

Lim Bi Hui — Wed, 13 May 2026 07:00:46 +0000

Things to do in Tokyo for free

A record-breaking 726,200 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) – a 5.1% increase from the year before. What’s not to love about the food, culture, onsen, skiing, and everything in between?

If you’re like me, and always visit via Tokyo, then you’re in luck, because this guide’s got you covered on a whole bunch of free things to do in Tokyo amidst all the indulging.

The current exchange rate is ¥100 = S$0.81 as of 7th May 2026.

How to get around Tokyo

The fastest and most effective way to get around Tokyo is via the subway system. For access to both bus and train systems, you can get Suica or PASMO cards that have no price difference. Train fares vary based on distance but these typically range from ¥180-¥330 (~S$1.45-S$2.66). These are the standard prices for bus tickets, using the cards:

¥206 (~S$1.66)/adult

¥103 (~S$0.83)/child below 12 years old

You can purchase these cards, physically at station ticket machines or counters. You’d simply have to deposit ¥500 which you can get back if you return the card before leaving Japan. Do note that a ¥250 handling fee will be deducted from the remaining balance on your card, should there be any.

Or, you can avoid the hassle of depositing funds and you can pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay. For iPhones, you’d simply have to add Suica or PASMO to your wallet app. For Androids, add Suica or PASMO under “E-Money” in your Google Pay app. Do note, iPhones 8 and up as well as Japanese-compatible Android devices are required to use these features effectively.

Taxis are also another option to travel around Tokyo, however, they’re generally more expensive and take more time. But, if you’re having a late night, feel free to use cab-hailing apps, like, GO Taxi App (App Store | Google Play) or Uber (App Store | Google Play).

1. INTERMEDIATHEQUE

Hidden natural history museum near Tokyo Station

Image credit: @alvisdeyn via Instagram

Now, Tokyo Station may look like a quaint colonial mansion on the outside, but anyone who’s been there will know that the area is actually a maze of train platforms, shopping malls, and restaurants. Hidden amidst all the melange of activities is INTERMEDIATHEQUE, a natural history museum that not many tourists know to look out for.

Image credit: @renca via Instagram

If you’ve busted all your budget on Disneyland and ramen, swing by this free-entry museum where you can find age-old artefacts and taxidermy of animals like birds, without paying a single yen. There are also skeletons of a killer whale, giraffe, and sea lion, which all together serves some serious Night at the Museum vibes.

Intermediatheque

Admission Fee

Free

2. Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s garden

Dreamy waterfall garden

Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram

While it’s not uncommon for gardens in Japan to charge admission fees, Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s garden is free for all to enter. You don’t have to book a stay at the S$270+/night hotel in order to enjoy this scenic 10-acre-large facility, with more than 400 years of history behind it.

Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram

This quaint enclave amidst the hubbub of Tokyo is filled with carp ponds, a stone garden, and a bright red Taiko bridge for all your IG needs. And, if you think Singapore’s Yunnan Garden is cool, wait till you see this hotel’s 6m-high gushing waterfall, surrounded by Japanese stone lanterns and resting huts.

There are 58 sakura trees here so you’ll be able to go on a romantic stroll amidst pretty pink leaves if you time your visit right. Those who fall in love with the garden can also book a stay at Hotel New Otani Tokyo to enjoy gazing at it through your window.

Book a room at Hotel New Otani Tokyo.

Address: 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578, Japan
Opening hours: 6am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +81 3-3265-1111

3. Origami Kaikan

Watch skilled artisans paint washi paper

Image credit: @misakky510 via Instagram

Art and craft videos can be super satisfying to watch, and to get that therapeutic experience IRL, visit Origami Kaikan, where you’ll get to watch a Japanese artisan paint handmade washi (Japanese paper).

This is made entirely out of paper.
Image credit: @randoheruu via Instagram

The star of the show though, has to be their impressive gallery that displays origami masterpieces such as one of a maiko (Japanese apprentice geisha), framed by 1,000 orizuru (folded cranes).

Image credit: @burcunimetdumlu via Instagram

Origami Kaikan

Admission Fee

Free

4. Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo

Art installations & interactive displays

Image credit: Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo

Travellers on a budget would likely give luxury stores a pass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t check out Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, which you’ll find on the top floor of the LV building in Omotesando.

‘You made me leave home…’ by contemporary Indian artist Rina Banerjee.
Image credit: @hypeart via Instagram

Designed by Japanese architect Jun Aoki, the glass box is an exhibition space for contemporary artworks that the French culture and art organisation Fondation Louis Vuitton curates as part of its Hors-les-murs programme. The exhibitions are updated seasonally, so check out the Espace website for details on current shows.

Espace Louis Vuitton

Admission Fee

Free

5. Toyosu Fish Market

World’s largest fish market

Image credit: @2lyg2g via Instagram

Toyosu Fish Market is the upgraded version of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. It’s twice as large, allowing it to keep the title of “World’s Largest Fish Market” firmly in its grasp, and only 2km away from its previous location.

Image credit: @jimmydashner via Instagram

Early risers – or night owls – can pick up a visitor’s pass to enter the building and catch the iconic tuna auctions at about 5.30am. The best way to experience an auction would be to hear and observe it up close from a special deck on the lower floor and to do so, you’ll have to join a lottery to be one of the 100 guests picked daily.

Don’t worry if you don’t get picked, as you can still watch from a gallery on a higher level. You might not be able to hear the auction, but at least there’s a friendly “Language Co-talk Volunteer” who’ll explain everything going on to you in English.

Toyosu Market

Admission Fee

Free

6. Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Tama Plant Tour

Witness the fascinating manufacturing process of Coca-Cola

Image credit: @croissant_3212 via Instagram

If you’re the type that needs to drink a bottle of Coke almost every day, you need to sign yourself up for a Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Tama Plant Tour. The tour will allow you to witness the manufacturing process where all the magic happens, and you’ll also get to check out different versions of Japanese Coca Cola bottles throughout the years.

Image credit: @berryzcret via Instagram

Tours are held from Mondays to Fridays at 10am,1pm, and 3pm and are approximately 60 minutes long. Do note that these tours are conducted in Japanese, but English guidebooks are available.

Image credit: Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan

You’ll need to make a reservation for this tour; slots are released 30 days before your desired date via their website.

Make a booking for the Coca-Cola Japan Tama Plant Tour.

Address: 1 Chome-2-9 Nobidome, Higashikurume, Tokyo 203-0041, Japan
Contact: +81 050-3139-8489 | Coca Cola Japan Tama Plant website

7. Gundam figure at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza

Transforming life-sized Gundam figure

Image credit: @jigza via Instagram

Gundam fanatics check this out – there’s a majestic 19.7m-tall Unicorn Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series standing proudly in front of Divercity Tokyo Plaza.

Image credit: @herbyjai via Instagram

Simply seeing the Gundam in its normal mode is no big deal. The real show starts when the gigantic figure transforms into Destroy mode – its antenna expands, and you can see it come to life as it starts to glow and move for 5 minutes.

Showtimes: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & every 30 minutes from 7pm-9.30pm, Daily

8. Imperial Palace’s East Garden

Enjoy a flower-viewing picnic

Image credit: @travelwizards via Instagram

The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is a must-visit, especially in spring and autumn, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views – either a sea of cherry blossoms or fiery fall foliage.

While some areas of the palace are only accessible with a paid ticket, you can visit the East Garden FOC for a walk or hanami, AKA cherry blossom viewing, picnic.

Image credit: Justgola

You can also have a volunteer guide who will bring you around and tell you about the palace’s history while you admire the seasonal flora and fauna.

The park is open from 9am on Tuesday to Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday. If a national holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, the garden will be closed the next day.

Closing times vary throughout the year, and the garden might sometimes be closed for Imperial Court functions, so you’ll want to check the Higashigyoen website for the latest calendar.

Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Contact: +81 3-3213-2050 | Higashigyoen website

9. Suginami Animation Museum

Dive into the history of anime

Image credit: @justvcreative via Instagram

Japan is the birthplace of anime, and you’ll know how big of a thing it is there when you see anime characters plastered all over train stations and giant billboards. It’s such an iconic part of the country’s culture that there’s a Suginami Animation Museum in Ogikubo.

Stretch of wall filled with doodles by famous artists
Image credit: @udadagram via Instagram

Here, you’ll find exhibits of familiar anime like Doraemon and Studio Ghibli’s Totoro, as well as more obscure ones. Besides that, there are super-rare preserved original sketches of your favourite characters, as well as the actual tools used by the artists.

Image credit: @pyat_napo via Instagram

If you understand Japanese, you can even join a workshop about anime production, or listen to a talk given by professional animators. Otherwise, you can pick up an English audio tour, or browse at your own leisure.

Suginami Animation Museum

Admission Fee

Free

10. Arashio-beya Sumo Stable

Observe sumo wrestlers practise

Image credit: @psicopatricko via Instagram

Japan is the only country where sumo wrestling is performed professionally, and there are grand tournaments which are still widely attended today, even by international tourists.

Image credit: @citra393 via Instagram

While tournament tickets can be hard to secure, and ringside sets can cost a pretty penny, you can watch sumo wrestlers practise for free at Arashio-beya Sumo Stable. You can observe the sumo wrestlers training from outside the stable, typically between 7.30am-9am on practice days – check their training calendar ahead of your visit so you can see if they’ll be in action.

Don’t be shy if you’d like a picture with them because they’re very friendly – just be respectful of their space and sport, wait till practice is over, and ask politely.

Address: 2 Chome-47-2 Nihonbashihamacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0007, Japan

11. Yokojukken-gawa Shinsui Park

Take a scenic boat ride

Image credit: @su2un0r1 via Instagram

Head over to Yokojukken-gawa Shinsui Park for a relaxing boat ride along the river in a wasen – or traditional Japanese boat. You’d expect this to be a paid attraction, but here, there’s a “Wasen Tomo no Kai” volunteer group that offers 10-minute rides to visitors completely free of charge.

Image credit: @parkful via Instagram

If you have kids, bring them to the small water play area above the river, where they can cool off and play during the warmer seasons.

Image credit: @katsuchann3910 via Instagram

With floating platforms to obstacle courses and a rope bridge spanning from one end of the river to the other, this free attraction in Tokyo is perfect for some fun in the sun.

Check out the free boat ride schedule on their website.

Address: 1 Chome-1 Minamisuna, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0076, Japan
Schedule: Available on website

12. Nakamise-dori

Stroll down Japan’s oldest shopping street

Image credit: @dorissimod via Instagram

Enter the giant Thunder Gate in Asakusa and you will be welcomed by a 250m shopping street called Nakamise-dori. From traditional Japanese handicrafts like folding fans and wooden dolls to handmade yukatas, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home.

Image credit: @hirahx via Instagram

Of course, a shopping street can’t do without street food. Check out all the authentic Asakusa snacks like age-manju (fried bun with sweet bean paste filling) or ningyo-yaki (small snack cakes) if you have stomach space to spare.

Image credit: @ls.mt_ via Instagram

If you continue walking down the street, you’ll wind up at the entrance to Senso-ji. It’s an ancient temple that dates back more than 1,300 years – the oldest in Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for those praying for good luck and happiness. Entry to the temple is also free.

13. Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum

Learn about Kewpie’s history & sample mayonnaise

View this post on Instagram

If you love Kewpie mayo as we do, then you’ll want to put Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum on your Tokyo hit list. While it’s no longer operating as a real factory, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favourite condiment is produced. As part of the tour, you’ll also get some samples of other Kewpie products to take home with you!

Do make a reservation 1 month before your intended tour date – there are English language tours available, but you’ll have to check the calendar for the latest available slots.

Address: 2-5-7 Sengawacho, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
Contact: Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum website

14. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

View Mt Fuji from the 45th floor

Image credit: @madameyap14 via Instagram

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is the tallest free observatory tower in Japan, and it stands at a staggering height of 243m. Ascend to the 45th floor at the very top of the South tower and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city – free of charge.

If the sky is clear and you’re there early in the morning when the sun is shining brightly, you might just be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji shyly peeking out in the far distance.

Image credit: @haileyip8 via Instagram

But if you can’t make it for an early morning visit, don’t be disappointed because this metropolitan city also offers spectacular night views.

Note that the South Observatory is closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, with daily hours from 9.30am-9.30pm; the North Observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, with similar opening hours except on days that the South Observatory is closed. On those days, the North Observatory is only open from 9.30am-5pm.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Admission Fee

Free

15. TOKYO Night & Light

Guinness World Record holder for largest projection mapping display

The Synergy show.
Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram

Once you get back down to ground level after taking in the views, make sure to check out Tokyo Night & Light, also at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This show, recurring every 30 minutes from 5.30pm-9.30pm, combines the use of light and music to display visuals that’ll have your jaw on the floor. Check the Tokyo Night & Light website for the latest timetable, because the earlier shows only take place during the months when the sun sets earlier.

Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram

P.S.: They hold the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display in the world!

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Admission Fee

Free

16. Harajuku

Be inspired by quirky fashion

Image credit: @tokyofashion via Instagram

Take a short walk around Harajuku and you’ll notice that there are tons of people – mainly youngsters – decked out in bold outfits and colourful hair. It’s quite an unusual sight you won’t easily find elsewhere in Japan.

This shopping district is basically a giant runway where people express themselves through fashion. Many of the fashion styles you might spot here like gyaru, goth, and lolita originated as a form of rebellious expression – a refusal to conform with Japan’s strict conventions.

Image credit: @dazai_des via Instagram

While you’re there, go window shopping and browse through the myriad of stores selling a quirky variety of Japanese street fashion.

Head off the main thoroughfare to explore Ura-Harajuku, the former back streets of the ‘hood, which these days have taken on a life of their own too.

Address: Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan

17. Edogawa City Shizen Zoo

Pet cute animals at a free zoo in Tokyo

Image adapted from: @sundaysoundtrack, @grskus_tk via Instagram

Compared to regular zoos in Japan, Edogawa City Shizen Zoo is relatively small, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. It still houses a good variety of animals, and since entry is free, we can’t really complain.

From giant anteaters to Japanese squirrels, Humboldt penguins, Ogre prairie dogs and even Madagascar tortoises, you’ll definitely be able to spend an easy afternoon here if the weather is fine.

Image credit: @dra_dralin via Instagram

You can even get up close to some of their 4-legged residents in the petting zone.

Address: 3 Chome-2-1 Kitakasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-0081, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-3680-0777 | Edogawa City Shizen Zoo website

18. The Giant Ghibli Clock

Designed by filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki

Image credit: Shang-Wei Kuo (KSW) via Google Maps

Yes, you read that right. The same filmmaker who directed all our fav classics, like Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, designed the Giant Ghibli Clock at Nittele Tower.

This massive clock is about 3 storeys high, decked in copper and steel with incredible detail, like cannons, statues of blacksmiths, and a boiling teapot. You’ll also find that at scheduled times each day, the clock “comes to life” with a tiny show that’ll have you wanting to upgrade your clock back home ASAP. Though, it’d be hard to compete with the cool music features that also come with the Ghibli Clock.

As of March 2026, the showtimes are as follows:

Mon-Fri: 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm
Sat-Sun: 10am, 12pm, 1pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm

Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan

19. Rainbow Sewerage Museum

Interactive exhibitions & activities

Image credit: Tokyo Sewerage Museum

Let’s be real, at one point in our lives, we’ve all been curious about where our waste – to put it delicately – goes. At the Rainbow Sewerage Museum, you’ll learn about all the important processes behind sewerage work, water cleaning, and the importance of water in the environment.

You and the kiddos can enter life-sized sewer pipes and play with pumping stations while gaining some newfound knowledge about this cool system.

Address: 2 Chome-3-5 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-5564-2458 | Rainbow Sewerage Museum website

20. Harry Potter-themed train station

Bringing Hogwarts to Akasaka Station for free

Image credit: @michaeldavisong via Instagram

Don’t worry, Potterheads, we’ve got a freebie for you to geek out over too. Head to Akasaka Station for a homage to your fav magical franchise, Harry Potter, with banners of Hogwarts houses adorning the walls and a massive Time Turner sculpture too.

Make sure to take your pics and cast your spells, while you’re catching a train from this station. But, just remember, it’s leviOsa, not levioSA, lest you embarrass the wizarding community in front of the muggles.

Akasaka Station

Bonus: JAL Sky Museum

Kids tour the Japan Airlines hangar for free

Image credit: スーさん via Google Maps

Even if it’s not time for you to leave Japan yet, make a trip down to Haneda Airport. Apart from arrival and departure halls, it’s home to the JAL Sky Museum, which recently reopened on 1st November 2025 after a 4-year-long renovation.

You’ll want to join the reservations-only tour that takes you to the actual hangar of Japan Airlines. Catch a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action, including engineers going about their day-to-day maintenance work.

Image credit: HERO TAKE via Google Maps

During your visit, you can also enter a mockup of an aeroplane cockpit, or try sitting on one of the atas JAL Sky Suite and JAL Sky Premium seats.

Yes, kids under 12 get to join the tour for free, but adults have to pay ¥1,000 (~S$8.06) each. You must make an online reservation before you swing by. Slots are released 1 month ahead of time, and only 30-70 visitors are allowed per session – so be sure to plan early.

Make a reservation online.

Days available: Daily
Sessions: 9.30am, 10.45am, 1.30pm*, 2.45pm & 4.30pm* (*not available daily)

JAL Sky Museum

Admission Fee

Free entry

Experience these free things to do in Tokyo

For all who’ve yet to visit Japan, this culturally rich country needs to be on your travel bucket list. Scratch the misconception that you have to splurge to have a whale of a time here. As long as you dig a little, you’ll find that there are a ton of fun things you can do there without forking out a single dollar, even in Tokyo.

Check out our other articles on Tokyo:

Image adapted from: @su2un0r1, @alvisdeyn & @naomi_kakiuchi via Instagram, スーさん via Google Maps
Originally published on 20th July 2019. Last updated by Michelle P on 8th May 2026.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.

The post 20 Free Things To Do In Tokyo That Prove Holidays In Japan Don’t Have To Be Expensive appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

17 Fun & Free Things To Do In Seoul That Prove You Can Still Have Fun On A Budget

Rachel Yohannan — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:00:47 +0000

Things to do in Seoul for free

It’s no secret that Singaporeans are obsessed with Korea; whether it’s Korean makeup, fashion, skincare, aesthetic treatments, food, or pop culture – you name it, we love it. We don’t all have unlimited budgets, though, so to help you balance your holiday finances, we’ve gotchu covered with free things to do in Seoul so you can have a good time and not have to bust out your emergency monies.

1. Visit Starfield Library & its towering shelves of books

Image credit: @jo_traveladventure via Instagram

If you’ve been on #KoreaTok long enough, you would have seen this towering bookcase not once, not twice, but multiple times on your FYP before. And it’s not hard to understand why. This IG-worthy photo spot is the Starfield Library at COEX Mall where over 70,000 books have been lined up neatly on their ceiling-to-floor shelves.

Image credit: @nathasyahumayra via Instagram

This is an actual public library for locals, so expect most books to be in Korean. That doesn’t mean English speakers can’t pick up new knowledge here. There is a small section of English titles and magazines, as well as e-books available on iPads.

Even if you’re not here to read, the library does host occasional performances and workshops, so you can check their website before planning a trip down. Otherwise, take time to recharge – both your social and smartphone batteries – by snagging a spot at the many tables and chairs that come with power outlets that are free to use.

P.S.: Consider making a day trip to the 2nd Starfield Library in Suwon, which opened in 2024 – it’s even bigger than this one.

Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, B1 COEX Mall, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +82 2 6002-3031 | Starfield Library website

Getting there: Approx. 3-min walk from Bongeunsa Station

2. Have a picnic by Yeouido Hangang Park

Image credit: @ggul_dream via Instagram

Tune into any K-drama set in Seoul and we bet there’s at least one scene at the Han River, which then cuts through most of the city.

There are a number of parks you can visit along the river, but the one that pops up most often is Yeouido Hangang Park. This particular stretch has been featured in at least 30 Korean dramas such as Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol and The Secret Life of My Secretary.

Image adapted from: Korea By Me

The park has lush greenery most of the year, but if you drop by in late March to mid-April, there’s a high chance the park will be filled with pastel pink cherry blossoms. And that’s not the only IG-worthy photospot around; walk around and you’ll also see lighted tunnels to pose under.

Image credit: @ferry.kanok via Instagram

If you ask locals the best way to enjoy the river view, a picnic will rank high up on the list. But there’s no need to pack a basket before you go. There are plenty of convenience stores like E-Mart 24 or 7-Eleven around where you can get instant noodles and even soju or makgeoli.

Image credit: Eland Cruise

The other best way to view the Han River is via Eland Cruise. The ferry starts from the terminal at Yeouido Hangang Park and brings you on a 40-minute voyage along the river. Tickets start from KRW15,000 (~S$12.99) for a day tour.

Yeouido Hangang Park

Getting there: Approx. 3-min walk from Yeouinaru Station

3. Visit the National Palace Museum of Korea for historical artefacts

If all you know about Korean history is from watching historical dramas such as The Last Empress, then school yourself in facts, not fiction, at the National Palace Museum of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Royal throne of King Taejo, the founder of Joseon Dynasty.
Image adapted from: National Palace Museum of Korea

This museum holds over 40,000 artefacts from the Joseon Dynasty, an era that ran from 1392 to 1897. You’ll be able to sneak a peek at royal life, as the artefacts are displayed just as how they were used by various kings, queens, and their royal court.

Image credit: @gyeongbokgung_palace_official via Instagram

The museum is attached to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where the Joseon Dynasty ruled their kingdom. It’s been thoroughly preserved and restored, so you’ll be able to see the palace in its full glory. This place has a rich history and you can join a free guided tour to learn more about South Korea’s dynasty past. The English tours run thrice daily from Wednesday-Monday.

Do note that the museum is closed on the last Monday of every month, as well as New Year’s Day, Seollal, and Chuseok.

While you’re here, did you know that you can enter Gyeongbokgung Palace for free on the last Wednesday of each month? Otherwise, watching the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony won’t cost you anything either. This takes place at 10am and 2pm daily, except on Tuesdays.

Getting there: Approx. 1-min walk from Gyeongbokgung Station

4. Appreciate art at Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Image credit: @ployarisa & @peteclue via Instagram

A hub for the arts, Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the place to be if you enjoy getting arty farty. While a lot of the exhibitions require tickets for you to enter, there are a couple of free ones from time to time. Even if you don’t go in, this futuristic-looking building is worth visiting for appreciation of its sheer beauty.

Tons of IG-worthy photo spots.
Image credit: @eatpraylove511 via Instagram

Address: 281 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Dongdaemun Station

5. Be part of Noryangjin Fish Market’s bustling activity

Image credit: @danlogvin via Instagram

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market is the Seoul version of Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo – think seafood just caught off the coast of Korea for sale to restaurants and locals alike. But unlike its Japanese counterpart that closes at noon, Noryangjin is open 24/7. This means you don’t have to wake up at dawn just to check out the fresh marine gems here.

Image credit: @danlogvin via Instagram

Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin 1-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 24 hours, Daily

Getting there: Approx. 2-min walk from Noryangjin Station

6. Transport yourself to olden-day Seoul at Bukchon Hanok Village

Image credit: @markyu.photography via Instagram

While you’re patiently waiting for time machines to be built, transport yourself back in time to old Seoul with a visit to Bukchon Hanok Village. Once inhabited by aristocrats of the Joseon Dynasty, this rustic village is located between Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeok Palace, and Jongmyo Royal Shrine – check those out too if time permits.

Image credit: @thisisanastasiia via Instagram

Traditional tiled roofs set against the modern skyscrapers right outside the village offer an interesting juxtaposition, showing how Seoul has transformed over the past few centuries.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Getting there: Approx. 10-min walk from Anguk Station

7. Marvel at light installations at Cheonggyecheon Stream at night

Image credit: @glokool_korea via Instagram

No fireworks? No sweat. End off a romantic evening stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream on a high note with its spectacular light installation, where you’ll be mesmerised by sights such as an illuminated waterfall and a “rainbow bridge”.

Though man-made, Cheonggyecheon Stream is nonetheless a refreshing place, and you can get right up to the water’s edge thanks to the steps leading down to it.

It’s also a great place to catch sunsets.
Image credit: @cheonggyecheon_official via Instagram

Address: Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Getting there: Approx 5-min walk from Sinseol-dong Station

8. Guided foot tours of Seoul’s attractions

Extending their kind hospitality to tourists, a group of locals have been providing free walking tours of Seoul attractions since 2013. Each tour lasts an average of 2 hours, where you’ll enjoy viewing the city from a local’s perspective. You can sign up for one via the Seoul Free Walking Tour Facebook page.

9. Hike up the peaks of the highest mountain in Seoul

The view from Baegundae Peak, Bukhan Mountain’s highest peak.
Image credit: @morkoshka via Instagram

Feeling your jeans get tighter after countless bowls of bibimbap? Sweat it out with a hike at Bukhan Mountain aka Bukhansan, Seoul’s highest mountain. It has 3 peaks of varying heights, so pick your path based on how much you’d like to challenge yourself.

It’s definitely not going to be a walk in the park but there are some paved areas, railings, and staircases to aid you along the way.

Be prepared to spend your whole day here – scaling just 1 peak would take you from 5-7 hours depending on your walking pace and whether you take any rests. We highly recommend bringing some snacks along in case you suddenly get hangry halfway. Once you’ve conquered this peak, try out these other mountain climbing spots in our guide to hiking in Korea.

Take note of the entry hours: 4am-5pm from March to November, and 4am-4pm from December to February.

Bukhansan National Park

Getting there: Take bus 704 going towards Bukhansanseong Fortress from Gupabal Station and alight at the entrance to the park, or find the entrance to the beginner trail on Bukhansan Ui Station on the Ui Light Rail, which connects from Suyu Station on Line 4.

10. Check out kitschy crafted goods at Hongdae Free Market

Image credit: Younique Lifestyle of Korea

No used goods here – unlike the usual flea markets touting secondhand items, Hongdae Free Market is one full of kitschy stalls featuring handcrafted items by street artists and independent labels. If you haven’t already picked up souvenirs, head down on Saturdays when the market is open to get something unique for friends and family.

Note: Hongdae Free Market is only open 1pm-6pm on Saturdays in March to November. On Sundays at the same time during those months, you’ll also find a Hope Market there.

Address: 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: Sat 1pm-6pm (Closed Sundays to Fridays)

Getting there: Approx. 10-min walk from Hongik University Station

11. Be wowed by multicoloured lights at the Han River’s Banpo Bridge

Image credit: Korea Tourism Organization India via Facebook

Betcha haven’t seen a fountain spouting out of a bridge before, much less one illuminated with rainbow lights, albeit only lit up from April to October. There are a couple of bridges along the Han River, but Banpo Bridge is arguably the most popular – no guessing why. Bring your girl here and surprise her with this magical sight – or maybe even a proposal?

Address: Banpo 2-dong, Seoul, South Korea

Getting there: Approx. 8-min walk from Seobinggo Station

12. Have a photoshoot at Common Ground

Image credit: @lovefb731 via Instagram

Move over, Wheeler’s Yard – Common Ground has all the brilliant blue #OOTD backdrops anyone could hope for. And it’s high on the hipster quotient too – this cluster of stacked container blocks houses a hodgepodge of quirky cafes, permanent, and pop-up fashion stores, as well as a street market in the open area.

Address: 200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 11am–10pm, Daily

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Konkuk University Station

13. Visit concept stores dedicated to K-pop stars like NCT, Blackpink & BTS

Fangirling or fanboying has never been easier in Seoul. There are a number of museums and cafes run by artist agencies for fans to visit and geek out with fellow K-pop lovers.

Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store

Image credit: @arassijjang via Instagram

Those who count SM Entertainment artists like EXO, NCT, and Red Velvet as their faves will want to make a pit stop at the Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store. Here’s where you can get your hands on coveted merch like CDs, lightsticks, and T-shirts.

The place also has larger-than-life art installations done in collaboration with the artists themselves. You’ll go trigger-happy taking snaps for the ‘Gram.

Address: 83-21 Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm, Daily
Contact: Kwangya@Seoul Concept Store Instagram

Getting there: Approx. 5-min walk from Seoul Forest Station

the SameE

Image credit: Philosophizing via Google Maps

And as for fans of YG Entertainment’s Blackpink, iKON, and BigBang, you’ll want to add the SameE to your itinerary. It’s where you’ll be able to buy exclusive merch, LP’s, and more from YG Entertainment artists. Pick from the Insadong or Myeongdong stores, both of which opened in 2024.

theSameE Insa

Address: 6-3, Heewoojeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10.30am-8pm, Daily
Contact: +82 6954-2891 | the SameE Insa Instagram

theSameE Myeongdong

Address: 4F, 60 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 10.30am-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: +82 2 318 5102 | the SameE Myeongdong Instagram

14. Rock out to live indie music at Hongdae

Image credit: @rockstar_sjy via Instagram

There’s more to Korean music than the world gives credit for – if K-pop and its synchronised dancing isn’t your thang, head to Hongdae, home to rows of cafes and bars hosting live music gigs. From funk to jazz and even heavy metal, there are indie bands and singers of all genres taking the stage.

So grab a soju, and enjoy your night rockin’ out – sans exorbitant ticket fees and the pushing and shoving from crazy fangirls.

15. Get lost in Seongsu-dong, Seoul’s hippest neighbourhood

Image credit: @_smn_tt via Instagram

Once a modest shoe-manufacturing district, Seongsu-dong has transformed into a creative hub often compared to Brooklyn, and is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in the capital these days.

It’s a pop-up paradise where almost every street corner has some form of warehouse or industrial unit transformed into a temporary fashion store. For K-beauty fans, Amore Seongsu offers free product testing and samples, and Olive Young N Seongsu – the largest Olive Young in Korea – is a few blocks away.

The damage your wallet might sustain here can be pretty intense, but window shopping is free, right?

Getting there: Seongsu Station, Line 2, Exit 3

16. Hang out at Seoul Forest

Image credit: @justinhanguk via Instagram

Not too far away from Seongsu-dong is Seoul Forest Park, another free-to-enter park which is a sight to behold whatever the season. Come in spring, and the paths are lined with cherry blossom trees; autumn sees the park drenched in reds and golds.

There are 5 themed sections in the park, including an Eco Forest with a deer enclosure, a seasonal butterfly garden, a ginkgo tree trail, and lakeside walking paths that bring you to the Han River.

While you’re at the deer enclosure, grab some deer food from the vending machine for just ₩1,000 (~S$0.86). The park is open 24 hours, though specific facilities like the butterfly garden run from 10am–5pm (May–October) and are closed Mondays.

Address: 273 Ttukseom-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

Getting there: Approx. 2-min walk from Seoul Forest Station, Suin-Bundang Line, Exit 4, or approx. 10-min walk from Ttukseom Station, Line 2

17. Catch free cultural events & street performances all year round

Image credit: @korea.in.focus via Instagram

Here’s one last pro tip before you head off on your trip: check out the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official events calendar for all the free performances, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals that have been lined up.

We’re talking cherry blossom festivals in March and April, the Seoul Outdoor Library at Seoul Plaza, Seoul International Fireworks Festival, Hangang River Light Show, and so on.

While Gwanghwamun Square has a roster of free performances that you can catch, you could also head to Hongdae, near Hongik University Station, on Friday and Saturday evenings. This is where you’ll find dance cover crews performing full idol choreography – no tickets or scalping necessary.

Alternatively, Insadong on Sundays is an absolute must, with its car-free streets and buskers taking the district to a new level of cool. Keep an eye out for the street art and alleyway murals here too.

Visit South Korea on a budget with these free things to do in Seoul

Travelling on a budget needn’t be painful. There are plenty of free and fun things to do in Seoul if you look for them. With cheap flights to Korea, and hotels to suit every budget, you can save your dime for the things that you really want.

For more content:

Cover image adapted from: @markyu.photography via Instagram, @jo_traveladventure via Instagram, @korea.in.focus via Instagram, Korea Tourism Organization India via Facebook

Original article published on 5th December 2016. Last updated by Michelle P on 30th April 2026.
Promotions and offers mentioned in this article may no longer be valid.

The post 17 Fun & Free Things To Do In Seoul That Prove You Can Still Have Fun On A Budget appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

8 Places To View Cherry Blossoms In Shanghai, From A Pink Ferris Wheel To Pretty Lakeside Blooms

Wei Yin — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:09:03 +0000

Cherry blossoms in Shanghai

If it feels like everyone you know is suddenly booking flights to China, you’re not imagining things. There’s even that whole “very Chinese time in my life” trend taking over TikTok, with people half-jokingly leaning into everything from Chinese wellness hacks to bingeing microdramas. Cities like Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu have also become go-to short-haul escapes for Singaporeans.

Back home, we already have mala everywhere, Chinese chain restaurants in our malls, and even a 24-hour mega spa in Jurong that looks like one of those crazy spas in China. So here’s one more reason to go to the source: cherry blossom season.

We’re starting with the best spots to view cherry blossoms in Shanghai, one of the most popular cities in China, to help you plan your itinerary.

When is cherry blossom season in Shanghai?

Image credit: @竹籽籽籽 via RED

While cherry blossom season in China generally runs from mid-February to early May, in Shanghai, the sweet spot is usually mid-March to mid-April.

Peak bloom tends to fall between late March and early April – that’s when the trees are at their fluffiest, and you won’t even have to edit your photos.

That said, bloom timings can shift each year slightly depending on the weather. Warmer winters can make the blossoms show up earlier, while random cold snaps might push things back. If you’re planning your trip purely for the sakura, we recommend keeping an eye on park announcements or local updates closer to your travel dates.

What are some tips for viewing cherry blossoms?

Some even bring ladders and props, so head down early if you don’t want people and inanimate objects photobombing your pics.
Image adapted from: @So & @偷一头猪 via RED

Blossom spots can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive right when the park opens for fewer photobombers and way better shots for the ‘Gram. Weekends also tend to be packed with both locals and tourists. If your schedule allows, slot your sakura hunt on a weekday morning and thank yourself later.

Remember to check the weather forecast before heading down – clear blue skies make the pink pop in photos. Rain and strong winds, on the other hand, can knock petals off early and shorten the peak window.

And as tempting as it is to shake the trees for a cinematic video with petals falling, don’t. The season is already short enough – please leave the blossoms intact so everyone gets to enjoy them.

Finally, some parks are huge, and you’ll easily clock 10,000 steps chasing the prettiest blooms, so make sure you wear cute but comfortable shoes.

1. Gucun Park (顾村公园)

Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Image adapted from: @Ahon via RED

If you only have time for one major sakura spot, make it Gucun Park (顾村公园). There are over 10,000 cherry blossom trees, making it one of the largest places to catch the blooms in Shanghai, and even in China.

The park also hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which ran from 15th March to 15th April in 2025. Based on that, you can expect the 2026 edition to fall around the same mid-March to mid-April window.

One of the prettiest photo ops here is a pastel pink Ferris wheel right in the park – tickets cost ¥30 (~S$5.51), and you can hop on for a bird’s-eye view of the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Image adapted from: @花都在逃干饭公主 via RED

Admission tickets to the park cost ¥20/adult (~S$3.67), ¥10/student (~S$1.84), ¥16/senior (~S$2.94) aged 60 to 64, and free for seniors 65 and above, persons with disabilities, and children 1.3m and below.

Take note that during festival season, the park is open daily from 6am to 6pm, with ticket sales ending at 4.30pm.

Admission: From ¥10 (~S$1.84)

Gucun Park

2. Key Spring Garden (琴键春园)

See both cherry blossoms & tulips at the same time

Image adapted from: @小肉包妈妈 & @boom哎呦喂喂 via RED

Get the best of both worlds at Key Spring Garden (琴键春园), as tulips will also be blooming alongside cherry blossoms, from mid-March to early May. That means having tulips in the foreground and sakura in the background for unreal photos.

According to users on XiaoHongShu, the tulips usually bloom first, with cherry blossoms starting to appear in late March and peaking in early April. Time it right and you might just catch that overlapping window where both flowers are in full bloom simultaneously.

Admission: Free

Qinjian Chunyuan

3. Chenshan Botanical Garden (辰山植物园)

Walkway lined with cherry blossom trees

Image adapted from: @稀奇酱sheekii via RED

For a pink cherry blossom tunnel moment, head to Chenshan Botanical Garden (辰山植物园) from mid-March to early April. There’s an 800m-long walkway lined with over 100 cherry blossom trees on both sides that’s not only stunning IRL, but equally breathtaking in photos. Enter via Gate 1 for the quickest access to the cherry blossom garden and that iconic stretch.

According to the garden’s official WeChat account, the trees here aren’t super tall, so you won’t need to awkwardly tilt your head just to get a decent shot. They also mentioned skipping the weekends and going on a weekday afternoon if you can, and consider wearing a hat so you stand out against the sea of pink in photos.

Image credit: @白相人嫂嫂猫小姐 via RED

Tickets are priced at ¥60/adult (~S$11.02), ¥30 (~S$5.51) for children aged 6-18 and students, and free for seniors above 65 and children below 6 years old or under 1.3m.

It’s slightly pricier than other parks, but you’re paying for the full botanical garden experience, which means plenty of other blooms to check out beyond just cherry blossoms.

Admission: From ¥30 (~S$5.51)

Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden

4. Gongqing Forest Park (共青森林公园)

Cherry blossoms complemented by views of the lake

Image adapted from: @Ye & @你看我像熊吗 via RED

As the 2nd largest park in Shanghai, Gongqing Forest Park (共青森林公园) is home to over 300,000 trees across more than 200 species – so yes, you’ll be admiring more than just sakura here.

Plan your visit between end March and early April for the best views of cherry blossom trees. But what makes this spot extra dreamy are the lakes and little bridges scattered around the park. When petals start falling, you’ll see them floating across the water, creating an almost snowy effect on the lake’s surface.

Consider packing some snacks and just chill on one of the benches. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy cherry blossom season isn’t rushing for photos, but slowing down and soaking in the scenery.

Admission: Free

Gongqing Forest Park

5. Jing’an Sculpture Park (静安雕塑公园)

Sculptures & cherry blossoms in one place

Image adapted from: @Ry.雨飞 via RED

Right in the heart of the city is Jing’an Sculpture Park (静安雕塑公园), which features contemporary sculptures by artists from around the world, so your cherry blossom pics come with a side of culture.

Come mid to end March, and you’ll see the whole space transform into a soft pink scene as the cherry blossoms start blooming. While it’s not the biggest sakura spot in Shanghai – there are around 70 cherry blossom trees here – what it lacks in numbers, it makes up for in aesthetic backdrops.

If you’re planning to visit, users on XiaoHongShu recommend entering via Gate 1 as it gets you to the best photo spots faster.

Admission: Free

Jing’an Sculpture Park

6. Fuxing Park (复兴公园)

Known for its French-style landscaping

Image adapted from: @S的小隔间 & @T.V.Zoe劉大哭 via RED

Shanghai may be a fast-paced city of skyscrapers and mega malls, but at Fuxing Park (复兴公园), it slows down. Built in 1909, it’s Shanghai’s oldest European-style park, known for its French-style landscaping.

It does have its fair share of cherry blossom trees to admire here, though not in the same massive numbers as the bigger parks. Still, the pink-white blooms against European garden backdrops give off romantic vibes – plan your visit for end March, when the blossoms are usually at their prettiest.

The park is located in the French Concession, and just a short stroll from Nanchang Road, where you’ll find rows of cafes and boutiques to check out after sakura fix.

Admission: Free

Fuxing Park

7. Century Park (世纪公园)

Largest park in Shanghai for a less crowded sakura spot

Image adapted from: @Monroe’s Backyards via RED

The largest park in Shanghai, Century Park (世纪公园), is an alternative to the crowded spots like Gucun Park and Chenshan Botanical Garden. But of course, visit during off-peak hours for the best experience.

Image adapted from: @Monroe’s Backyards via RED

Cherry blossoms here typically peak from mid-March to early April. One XiaoHongShu user even shared a map highlighting the spots within the park to catch different spring flowers in 2025. It should be pretty similar this year – just look out for “樱花” (cherry blossoms in Chinese) on the map and make your way there.

Admission: Free

Century Park

8. Lu Xun Park (鲁迅公园)

Popular cherry blossom viewing spot among both locals & tourists

Image adapted from: @AnXin via RED

Fun fact: Lu Xun Park (鲁迅公园) is named after the renowned Chinese writer Lu Xun, who spent the last years of his life living nearby.

For the chio-est blooms, visit between end March and early April. XiaoHongShu users recommend entering via the North Gate, since it’s closest to the main highlight – the cherry blossom pond.

After you’ve snapped your pics, take a short walk to Sichuan North Road and grab a cherry blossom ice cream from one of the shops along the way.

Admission: Free

Lu Xun Park

Bonus: Day trip to Wuxi

Famed for its cherry blossoms

Image adapted from: @趣蜂南京旅游攻略 & @梅辞南山 via RED

If you’re willing to venture a little further out, consider a day trip to Wuxi – just 30 to 40 minutes from Shanghai by high-speed train. The city is especially famous for its cherry blossoms, drawing both tourists and locals who make the trip down just to catch the blooms IRL.

One of the most popular spots is Turtle Head Island (鼋头渚), known for its postcard-worthy views. Prime viewing areas include the Changchun Bridge and Shangying Pavilion, where you’ll get sweeping shots of cherry blossoms.

Plan your visit between mid-March and early April, when the blossoms are generally at their fullest.

Add these cherry blossom spots to your Shanghai itinerary

We’ve already done the legwork for you with this roundup of cherry blossom spots. Pair it with our 4D3N Shanghai itinerary for inspo, and all that’s left to do is book one of those cheap flights from Singapore to China.

More things to do in China:

Cover image adapted from: @花都在逃干饭公主, @AnXin & @趣蜂南京旅游攻略 via RED

The post 8 Places To View Cherry Blossoms In Shanghai, From A Pink Ferris Wheel To Pretty Lakeside Blooms appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

You Can Collect A Free Transit Card On Your Next Trip To Korea & Enjoy Extra Shopping Discounts

Wei Yin — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 06:09:51 +0000

Lotte Tourist Membership Card

One thing almost every tourist does when they land in Korea is to buy a T-money card. It’s your golden ticket to getting around – tap in for buses and trains, then use the same card to pay at convenience stores when you’re grabbing a late-night banana milk.

Now here’s the hack: instead of purchasing a T-money card, sign up for the free Lotte Tourist Membership Card, which also works as a transit card. This offer is exclusively for foreigners, and on top of sorting out your transport, it also gives you extra shopping discounts.

What is the Lotte Tourist Membership Card?

Image credit: Lotte Department Store

Think of it as a 2-in-1 travel essential. It works like your usual T-money card for public transportation, but also lets you enjoy shopping perks across Lotte Department Store and its affiliates.

According to news reports, cardholders can get 5% off at Lotte Department Store’s main branch, 10% off at Lotte Duty Free and 7-Eleven, and 7% off at Lotte Mart. Do note that membership perks may change from time to time, so it’s best to check the latest terms and participating outlets before you shop.

The cards are clearly in demand as well – more than 25,000 cards were issued within just 2 months of launch, so if Korea is on your upcoming travel list, this is one freebie not to miss.

When & where to go to collect the card?

Image credit: @gloriaecoli via Instagram

Head down to the main branch of Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong from now till 30th June 2026.

There are 2 collection points within the store:

Tax Refund Lounge next to Gucci on 1F
Foreign Customer Service Desk next to Lotteria on B1

How to collect the free membership card?

Since the Lotte Tourist Membership Card is only available to foreigners, you’ll need to present your passport at the counter, then complete a customer consent form and email verification.

Once that’s done, you’ll receive the card on the spot.

What can you do with your Lotte Tourist Membership Card?

Use it to pay for public transportation

Image credit: Kunsup S via Google Maps

As we mentioned earlier, it functions just like a T-money card, which means you can tap in and out of subway stations and use it on public buses.

While the free card doesn’t come with any stored value, it’s easy to load credits at convenience stores and subway station top-up machines.

For reference, a regular T-money card typically costs around KRW2,500 to KRW5,000, depending on the design, just for the card itself. So by getting this for free, you’re saving ~S$2.19 to ~S$4.38.

Use it to pay for purchases at convenience stores

The CU Hongdae Sangsang branch has an instant noodle “library”.
Image credit: 古月居士 via Google Maps

Your Lotte Tourist Membership Card can also double up as a payment card at convenience store chains, such as CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and Emart24. And when you’ve run out of credits, just top up your card at one of these stores.

Enjoy 5% off at the Lotte Department Store Myeongdong branch

Image credit: Ozzy via Google Maps

Beyond affiliate discounts, cardholders can also enjoy 5% off purchases above KRW100,000 (~S$87.64) at the Lotte Department Store main branch in Myeongdong.

There are a few things to note:

The perk must be used within 30 days of card registration
Each cardholder can only get the 5% discount 3 times
You’ll need to show your card during payment

Also, selected products and brands at the Myeongdong outlet are excluded, so ask before purchasing.

Collect your free Lotte Tourist Membership Card

Image credit: Lotte Department Store

BTW, the design of the card features iconic Korean landmarks in a holographic finish against a black background, making it look extra classy for something you didn’t even pay for. So don’t forget to collect yours – it’ll also serve as a little keepsake from your trip.

LOTTE Department Store Main Store

More things to do in Korea:

Cover image adapted from: Lotte Department Store, anstoned 920 via Google Maps

The post You Can Collect A Free Transit Card On Your Next Trip To Korea & Enjoy Extra Shopping Discounts appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

10 Best Japan Souvenir Snacks Worth Bringing Back To SG To Pamper Your Family & Friends With

Khoo Yong Hao — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 07:52:07 +0000

Best souvenir snacks to buy in Japan

For some, shopping’s a quintessential part of every holiday to Japan. With the SGD to JPY exchange rates hitting record highs in recent times, now’s the best time to go on a shopping spree in between your Mount Fuji day trips and obligatory konbini runs to Lawson and FamilyMart.

But, you can’t forget about the folks left stranded back in Singapore. You’ve already teased them with snippets of cherry blossom season on Instagram, so it’s only right to dabao a couple of Japanese souvenir snacks AKA omiyage to quell their jealousy. From fan-favourites like Shiroi Koibito cookies to lesser-known regional specialties, here are some to keep an eye out for.

Breakdown of souvenir snacks in Japan

Souvenir snack	What is it	Price	Best place to buy
Ishiya Shiroi Koibito	Langue de chat cookies sandwiching a white chocolate filling	From ¥777/ box of 9, ~S$6.35	Hokkaido
Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwich	Butter cookie with white chocolate, butter & rum‑soaked raisin filling	From ¥580/box of 4, ~S$4.74	Hokkaido
Tokyo Banana	Banana-shaped sponge cake with banana custard filling	From ¥691/box of 4, ~S$5.65	Tokyo
Butter Butler	Small French cake with an intense butter flavour	From ¥1,080/box of 4, ~S$8.83	Tokyo
Yatsuhashi	Comes in a baked, crisp cookie form & a raw version made from folded sheets of glutinous rice flour with a core of paste	From ¥950/pack of 48, ~S$7.77	Kyoto
Momiji Manju	Maple leaf-shaped cakes with sweet filling	From ¥778/box of 6, ~S$6.36	Hiroshima
Hakata Torimon	Milk-flavoured bun with white bean paste filling	From ¥500/box of 4, ~S$4.09	Fukuoka
Ichiroku Tart	Swiss roll-like cake with yuzu-infused filling	From ¥1,058/roll, ~S$8.65	Ehime
Uiro	Chewy, steamed sweet made from glutinous rice flour mixed with sugar	From ¥519/box of 5, ~S$4.24	Nagoya
Hagi no Tsuki	Moon-shaped cake with custard filling	From ¥1,000/box of 8, ~S$8.18	Sendai

1. Ishiya Shiroi Koibito

Iconic cookies from Hokkaido known throughout the country

Probably the most recognisable of Japanese souvenir snacks, Shiroi Koibito (from ¥777/ box of 9, ~S$6.35) cookies were originally Hokkaido-exclusives when they hit the market in 1976. But, due to its meteoric rise in popularity amongst sweet tooths, the iconic snack has since journeyed eastwards and has become widely available.

You can also opt to buy tins of 36 and 54 cookies that contain milk chocolate variants.
Image credit: GOOD LUCK TRIP

The souvenir snack staple, which consists of 2 thin, buttery langue de chat cookies sandwiching a white chocolate filling, is made from premium dairy products that Hokkaido is known for. Today, it can be bought at most airports, train stations, and omiyage stores all across Japan, so you really don’t have to look hard at all to find a box to bring back.

2. Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwich

Butter sandwich filled with creamy white chocolate & raisins

The butter sandwich’s regal packaging mimics the design used by a historical butter label in Hokkaido, which also inspired its name.
Image credit: Rokkatei

Staying in the wintery wonderland that is Hokkaido, another treat that might be a bit more difficult to find elsewhere in Japan are Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwiches (from ¥580/box of 4, ~S$4.74). These sport a striking, retro-style packaging, and a bite into the sandwich’s creamy butter, white chocolate, and rum-soaked raisin filling is nothing short of heavenly.

Unfortunately, Hokkaido’s Rokkatei Marusei Butter Sandwiches aren’t as widespread as its Shiroi Koibito cookies, so be sure to purchase them if you’re visiting the prefecture. I missed out on these as I thought I could find them on my connecting flight at Haneda Airport, but alas, they weren’t sold there.

3. Tokyo Banana

Pillowy sponge texture hiding a sweet banana custard core

Image credit: Tokyo Banana – SG 東京ばな奈ワールド via Facebook

You can’t say you’ve been to Tokyo without having stuffed a box or 2 of Tokyo Banana (from ¥691/box of 4, ~S$5.65) into your check-in baggage on your flight back. It’s the best-selling omiyage in all of Japan, and for good reason. Like its name suggests, it’s a light and fluffy sponge cake shaped like a mini banana that conceals sweet inner banana custard within.

The attention to detail is immaculate; they’ve faithfully slapped on Pikachu’s lightning bolt-shaped tail on the back of their cakes.
Image credit: Nintendo

If their adorably dainty cakes aren’t enough to win both your heart and palate over, they’ve also gone on to do collabs with popular Japanese IPs to come up with treats that look too cute to gobble up. These include tie-ins with Pokémon, Doraemon, and Chiikawa. Also, if you’re flying out of Tokyo, be sure to keep an eye out for the Haneda Airport-exclusive honey-flavoured Tokyo Banana.

4. Butter Butler

Intensely rich butter financiers, galettes & millefeuilles

For a treat so sinfully indulgent, look no further than Butter Butler. It’s another Tokyo specialty, but while Tokyo Banana tantalises with its light notes of banana-flavoured sweetness, Butter Butler’s devotion to, well, butter, is intense.

Image credit: Entabe

Crack open a pack of their famous Butter Financiers (from ¥1,080/box of 4, ~S$8.83) for yourself, and you’ll notice at once the enticing aroma of butter mixed with maple syrup wafting through the air. The square-shaped cake is lightly crisp on the outside, yet tender and springy when you bite into one, and trust me when I say that their deep, buttery taste is nothing short of addictive.

Image credit: Shopee Singapore

Butter Butler’s other products are no slouch either. Their melt-in-your-mouth Butter Galette (¥972/box of 9, ~S$7.95) cookies are , while their Butter Millefeuille (¥1,620/box of 5, ~S$13.25)promises a pop of the brand’s trademark flavour in the form of a fermented butter cream filling sandwiched between caramalised pastry.

5. Yatsuhashi

Comes in 2 forms, a bridge-shaped cracker & an unbaked one with tasty filling

When you’re touring the historic city of Kyoto and would like an edible memento to remember it by, you can’t go wrong with Yatsuhashi. Dating back to the 1600s, this Japanese sweet comes in 2 forms – baked and raw. The baked version’s the OG, and is a thin, crisp cookie that’s shaped like a roof tile, and traditionally comes in a cinnamon flavour.

Image credit: Food in Japan

Other than the fact that this crunchy delicacy pairs perfectly with a toasty cup of tea, it also has quite a long shelf life of around 3 months. Should you need brand recommendations for baked yatsuhashi, Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo (from ¥950/pack of 48, ~S$7.77) has been in the game for over 200 years, so you can’t go wrong with them.

Image credit: Chopstick Chronicles

Meanwhile, raw yatsuhashi is a more modern take on the traditional sweet, having been created in the 1960s. When unbaked, yatsuhashi takes on the form of folded sheets of glutinous rice flour that envelop a core of delicious paste, which come in a variety of flavours. For a taste of the best raw yatsuhashi, have a look at the ones by Otabe (from ¥702/box of 8, ~S$5.74); they’ve got a wide range of flavours such as matcha, cinnamon, and black sesame to name a few.

6. Momiji Manju

Maple leaf-shaped baked cakes from Hiroshima

Image credit: Dive! Hiroshima

Hiroshima is an absolute stunner in autumn, as the prefecture’s renowned maple leaves reach peak vibrancy and blankets all in a sea of reds and oranges. For a taste of fall, there’s no better snack than Momiji Manju. First created in Miyajima, a small island located in Hiroshima Bay, it’s a soft, baked confection in the shape of a maple leaf stuffed with a sweet filling, typically red bean paste.

Of course, they come in a whole host of flavours as well, which include chocolate, cheese, matcha, and yuzu. There are also more exotic variants of Momiji Manju as well, although these are better enjoyed on the spot, such as ice cream-filled ones and even a deep-fried version. As for bringing a couple back for loved ones to try, look out for award-winning Momiji Manjus made by Nishikido (from ¥778/box of 6, ~S$6.36).

7. Hakata Torimon

Milk-flavoured dough stuffed with white bean paste from Fukuoka

Image credit: Food in Japan

Fukuoka’s must-buy omiyage comes in the form of a milk-flavoured bun called Hakata Torimon (from ¥500/box of 4, ~S$4.09). This pillowy, cake-like snack contains a white bean paste within that’s mixed with butter, cream, and a hint of condensed milk, elevating it above your average bean-paste sweets. Fun fact – it’s named after the Torimon dancers and performers who strut their stuff at the annual Hakata Dontaku Festival parade.

This decadent snack must be doing something right, as it has clinched the Monde Selection Gold Award, a well-respected international quality award, for over 20 consecutive years. Moreover, it set a Guinness World Record for the highest sales of a bean-paste-filled snack in a single year, having sold a whopping 64 million units in 2019.

8. Ichiroku Tart

Sponge cake wrapped around a sweet red bean paste infused with yuzu

Image credit: GOOD LUCK TRIP

For fans of oranges, Ehime’s the place to be. The northwestern prefecture is known for being the “citrus capital”, as they produce the freshest citrus fruits, especially mikan mandarins. Naturally, their specialty souvenir snack, Ichiroku Tart (from ¥1,058/roll, ~S$8.65), is similarly flavoured; despite its name, it’s a swiss roll-like cake wrapped around a sweet bean paste that’s enhanced with yuzu.

Each roll is hand-rolled by artisans to create a perfect spiral for a balanced flavour profile in every bite. There are also seasonal versions of the sweet; for example, visit Ehime during the summer, and you’ll be able to snag a box made from Amanatsu Mikan, or summer mandarins, which are said to be a tad more citrussy.

9. Uiro

Steamed rice flour & sugar sweet from Nagoya

Image credit: Visit Nagoya

Uiro is another classic traditional souvenir snack that can be found in Nagoya. It’s a chewy, steamed sweet made from glutinous rice flour mixed with sugar, whose texture somewhat resembles mochi but is not as sticky; think of it as a firm jelly-like snack. Like many traditional sweets, it comes in a variety of light flavours so as to not overpower the taste of rice, such as matcha, yuzu, sakura, and red bean.

Image credit: NIHONMONO

As for famous brands that produce quality uiro, Aoyagi Sohonke is as good as it gets. Founded in the 1880s, they’ve mastered the technique of making these bite-sized goodies. On top of buying a box of 5 pieces of uiro for ¥519 (~S$4.24), consider bundling your purchase with their signature red bean paste-filled Frog Manju buns (¥486/box of 3, ~S$3.97) that are equal parts adorable and tasty.

10. Hagi no Tsuki

Melt-in-your-mouth, custard-filled sponge cake that resembles the moon

Image credit: Japanese Souvenirs – Seesaa

Amongst many vacationers in Sendai, Hagi no Tsuki (from ¥1,000/box of 8, ~S$8.18) is the omiyage of choice to bring home, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a soft sponge cake shaped and coloured like a full moon, and filled with creamy custard that explodes in your mouth, akin to a liu sha bao. Its name is a nod to the hagi bush clover, a plant synonymous with Japanese autumn imagery.

The melt-in-your-mouth softness of the cake, coupled with the mellow and gentle custard cream that’s not cloyingly sweet makes for an excellent combination loved by many. A special antioxidant is also packaged with each cake, which ensures that it stays fluffy for about 2 weeks at room temperature, so you don’t have to rush this one back to your family back in Singapore to enjoy it at its freshest.

Bonus: Kyo-Rayu Furikake

Famous chilli oil furikake from Kyoto

Image credit: Simply Native

We Singaporeans just can’t get enough of all things spicy, so dabao a bag of Kyo-Rayu Furikake (¥600/bag, ~S$4.91) to sprinkle atop your cai fan orders back in the Little Red Dot. Originating from Kyoto, this versatile topping made from roasted sesame seeds, Kujo onions, garlic, and chilli oil will give your meals a savoury, crunchy texture with a mildly spicy kick.

What to know about buying souvenir snacks in Japan

If it’s your first time buying souvenir snacks in Japan, you’ve got to take note of a few things before stuffing your haul into your luggage.

Firstly, a lot of these snacks have a short shelf life, because Japanese manufacturers stray away from using preservatives and additives in their sweets as they prioritise freshness and texture. Some of these snacks can have best before dates as short as 1 to 2 weeks and as such, you should purchase them towards the end of your trip.

Haneda Airport in Tokyo.
Image credit: Japan Guide

Thankfully, it’s not difficult to find a place that sells omiyage in Japan, as they’re practically sold everywhere. In fact, you’ll be tempted to buy a box right as you land in the country, as the various airports in Japan are probably some of the best places to get them. You’ll find that the airports are teeming with gift stores and stands stocked to the brim with omiyage, so make a stop here before heading into the departure halls.

Image credit: Ruya Doble via Facebook

You also don’t have to worry about scouring entire prefectures for the best prices, as omiyage are generally sold at around the same price across the country. Other places that you can buy omiyage at include train stations, department stores’ food basements, local markets, factory outlets and regional specialty stores.

Of course, you can buy omiyage online as well, on platforms like Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, but sussing out the lesser-known ones, especially regional specialties, could prove to be difficult. Online prices will also definitely be higher than what you’d pay in Japan.

Image credit: Adobe Stock

Another plus point of buying them in-person is that you can ask to taste-test the sweets through samples, to avoid purchasing gifts that might not suit you or your recipient’s taste. Also, do remember to bring along your passport when venturing out to purchase omiyage. A lot of stores that sell them provide tax-free shopping, so they’ll need your passport to help you shave a couple of bucks off your purchase.

Bring home these souvenir snacks on your next trip to Japan

We’ve listed at least one souvenir snack from each major region in Japan to keep your eyes peeled for, so make sure you leave some space in your luggage to bring home these regional delicacies. But, you’ll still want to taste-test as many as you can; seeing how many varieties of omiyage there are out there, we’ve probably barely scraped the surface as far as Japanese sweets go.

For more things to do in Japan:

Cover image adapted from: Food in Japan, Dive! Hiroshima, Nintendo, GOOD LUCK TRIP

The post 10 Best Japan Souvenir Snacks Worth Bringing Back To SG To Pamper Your Family & Friends With appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

This Silent Pop-Up Store In Tokyo Lets You Steal Anything You Want, Including Clothes & Even Mattresses

Huiyuan You — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 04:37:11 +0000

“Toh” Tokyo pop-up store

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to become a ninja, a gentleman thief, or perhaps a shoplifter, here’s your chance to try stealing without breaking the law. The catch? You’ll have to make it out within 60 seconds in complete silence, all while being surrounded by over 200 ultra-sensitive microphones.

After 2 wildly successful runs, the 盗 – Toh pop-up store by TBS Radio programme Nou Tou is returning to Akasaka, Tokyo in March 2026. You can expect a new and massive venue filled with everything from cheap snacks to premium goods. So if you’re confident enough to pull off the perfect heist, here’s what you need to know:

What can I expect at the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

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Details for the 2026 “Toh” pop-up are still under wraps – but like previous runs, you can expect it to be held at the Akasaka BLITZ Studio with a brand new theme. As last year’s theme was “Stealable Market”, players had to navigate through a black-market-style setup with 5 different zones: toys, noodles, books, bedding, and general goods.

The 2025 “Toh” pop-up store.
Image credit: @kikikai_noto via Instagram

Among the items were premium mattresses, collaborative apparel, and over 10,000 packets of snacks up for grabs. So yes, expectations are high – keep your eyes peeled because this year’s goodies could be just as wild.

What are the rules of the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

Image credit: @sonouso via X

The rules of this store are deceptively simple: steal up to 3 items without making a sound, and return to the starting point before 60 seconds are up. What makes the success rate of players so low is the fact that you’ll have to evade cans, stands, and other clutter to get your hands on an item, most of which have bells attached to them.

The store accommodates up to 4 people at a time, so you can either play solo or as a group. Just note that if any sound gets picked up by a microphone, the entire group, excluding those who have made it back to the starting point, will be disqualified.

Are there any tips for completing the challenge?

The “Noodles” zone from the 2025 edition.
Image credit: TBS Radio

Past participants have plenty of advice to give – maybe keep them in mind before formulating a game plan.

For example, it’s best to remove your shoes for a quiet tread and to pay close attention to the timer screens at all times. One person even stated that the starting announcement is the best time to run, as it will drown out any noise generated by you.

Image adapted from: @sonouso & @bocchi_kazuaki via X

While most items have bells attached to them with bright green markers, you can look for the few hidden ones that do not. Lastly, large premium items may require more than one person to carry, so we recommend joining with a group of friends in order to coordinate.

How much are tickets to the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store?

Image credit: TBS Radio

While ticket details for the 2026 “Toh” pop-up have yet to be announced, the prices are likely going to be similar to the 2025 run. Last year’s rates were as follows:

1 participant: ¥1,000 (~S$8.11)
2 participants: ¥1,800 (~S$14.59)
3 participants: ¥2,400 (~S$19.46)
4 participants: ¥2,800 (~S$22.70)

A solo participant ticket is already pretty affordable, but playing as a group will earn you extra savings. This year’s tickets will likely be released online with timeslot reservations to reduce queueing, so be prepared to snatch them up when they drop.

Put your skills to the test at the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store

With a 60-second time limit and microphones all around, most players have walked out of the “Toh” Tokyo pop-up store empty-handed. So if you think you’ve got the speed, stealth, and reflexes to steal your money’s worth, this is a challenge worth trying on your next trip to Japan.

Find out more about the “Toh” pop-up store

For more things to do in Tokyo:

Cover image adapted from: @kikikai_noto via Instagram, @bocchi_kazuaki & @sonouso via X

The post This Silent Pop-Up Store In Tokyo Lets You Steal Anything You Want, Including Clothes & Even Mattresses appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

9-Day Winter Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary – Snow-Capped Peaks, Freshest Seafood Bites & Best Souvenirs To Buy

Khoo Yong Hao — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:10:50 +0000

Winter Hokkaido road trip itinerary

When it comes to all-season getaways, Japan just can’t be beat; there’s a reason why families flock there en-masse once the holidays hit. A trip during the week-long March holidays unlocks vistas framed by falling sakura petals during cherry blossom season, while a mid-year vacay down south in the tropics of Okinawa is to die for.

As for winter, there’s no better place to spend days frolicking in the powder snow than Hokkaido. Known for its stunning volcanic peaks, inviting hot springs, and the freshest of seafood, the northernmost Japanese prefecture is especially enchanting once the first snowfall envelops all in a blanket of white.

I can attest to the land’s beauty, having just returned from a road trip of my own in Hokkaido. Should you be planning a wintry escape in the future, here’s my 9D8N Hokkaido itinerary, which saw me conquering frosted highways and scenic mountain passes for slightly over a week of snowy escapades.

Day 1: SG-Tokyo-Hokkaido

10PM

It took 4 months of planning, 2 winterwear shopping hauls, and 5 days of meticulously planned ALs, but the friends’ trip finally made it out of the group chat.

As with any holiday out of sunny Singapore, we started our journey at Changi Airport, by boarding an ANA flight bound for Tokyo at 10.20pm. We planned to spend some time exploring Hokkaido from the bottom up; we’re headed for Hakodate Airport, which meant we had to take a connecting flight from Haneda Airport.

6AM

After a light snooze amongst the clouds, we touched down in Tokyo at 6am, and although we nibbled on airplane refreshments, we were still famished. Our next flight into Hokkaido was about 4 hours away, and so we scoured the airport for sustenance.

A handful of eateries opened at the break of dawn, and Marugame Seimen was one of them. It’s an udon chain where you can slurp up freshly-prepared noodles paired with various tempura dishes of your choice, and with prices starting as low as ¥290 (~S$2.39), our breakfast was decided.

Marugame Seimen Haneda Airport Terminal 2

11AM

The flight from Haneda to Hakodate Airport was short, lasting a little over an hour. After picking up our luggage, we had some time to spare before our appointment with Times Car Rental to collect our ride, so we stretched our legs by seeing what the airport had to offer.

We swung by THE HAKODATE DEPART, a store which sold Hokkaido and Hakodate-exclusive omiyage AKA souvenir snacks, but we decided to purchase them towards the end of our trip so we didn’t have to lug around the huge tax-free shopping bags everywhere. On Level 3 lies an observation deck, complete with an outdoor section with benches for an unobstructed view of planes taking off in the snowfall.

2PM

Collecting our rental car was next on the agenda, and after a short phone call, a Times Rental Car staff drove over in a shuttle bus to ferry us to their store. After sorting out the paperwork and making payment, the staff gave us a rundown on how to operate the car, its features, and the traffic rules and regulations in Japan.

Image credit: Booking.com

Being the kiasu Singaporeans that we were, we took photos of any prior dings and defects that the staff pointed out on the vehicle, and just like that, we were good to go. First things first, checking into our accommodation for the night – an Airbnb called Onasyas B. It’s a simple, modern 1-bedroom stay located just an 8-minute drive from the airport, and with prices starting from S$119/night, we couldn’t really ask for more.

Onasyas-B

5PM

After settling down, we decided to head out to stock up on winter essentials. A 20-minute drive later, and we arrived at the Hakodate Showa Town Plaza, a group of shops which included the likes of UNIQLO, GU, and BOOKOFF. We also hit the Hokuren supermarket here to purchase snacks, drinks, and more importantly, heat packs.

Hakodate Showa Town Plaza

Image credit: Sushi and Shabu Shabu Yuzu An

For dinner, a hot, soupy meal appealed the most to us, and after a quick Google search, we settled on Yuzu An Hakodate. Their shabu shabu and sushi buffet costs ¥3,828/pax (~S$31.61), and we got to feast on free-flow wagyu beef strips cooked in 2 soup bases of our choosing, vegetables, and a huge range of seafood sushi. Orders are placed via a tablet, which conveniently has an English language toggle.

Sushi & Shabu-Shabu Yuzu-An

Day 2: Kanemori Red Brick warehouse & Mount Hakodate

8AM

If you’re one to rise early for morning walks, you’ll be glad to know that the Hakodate coastline is just a 5-minute walk from our Airbnb. A stroll around the quiet neighbourhood was therapeutic, and although we would’ve stayed longer to soak in the sun, the gusting ocean breeze combined with the sub-zero temperatures said otherwise.

The morning munchies hit hard afterwards; we visited Komeda’s Coffee, a popular coffeehouse chain in Japan, and wolfed down a hearty pork cutlet sandwich (¥1,020, ~S$8.42) accompanied by iced coffee (¥660, ~S$5.45) and milk tea (¥580, ~S$4.79) for a pick-me-up. The drinks also came with buttered slices of bread of their own, so there was plenty to go around.

Komeda’s Coffee Hakodate Bay Area

10AM

The Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse is a must-visit if you’re in Hakodate, and that was where we set our sights after breakfast. It’s not a singular building per se, but a cluster of commercial warehouses that first opened in 1887 to serve the port town of Hakodate. Today, it stands as a retail complex that houses many shops selling handmade goods such as delicate glass crafts, ceramic wares, and ocean-inspired jewellery just to name a few.

Nearby, a small shrine in the wharf bobbles above the gentle waves behind a torii gate, at which you can write prayers and wishes upon wooden plaques and secure them to a railing for ¥500 (~S4.13).

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse – Bay Hakodate

2PM

We ducked into a curious establishment called Yamazaki Clothing Store for lunch. Make no mistake; although you can’t shop for new threads here, they serve up yummy bowls of shio ramen from ¥1,200 (~S$9.91).

The staff went the extra mile to bust out a locality map and marked out places of interest for us to visit.

The wheat for the noodles, kelp used for the broth, and the roasted pork used for their dishes are all sourced directly from Hokkaido. We also appreciated the cosy ambience, as well as the friendly staff who weren’t afraid to chat up a storm to give recommendations on where to go next.

ヤマザキ洋服店(函館塩ラーメン)

3PM

Mount Hakodate as observed from the streets below.

Unfortunately for us, the rain threw a wrench in our plans. We weren’t able to make the drive up to the Mount Hakodate Observatory due to road closures because of bad weather. Although we were able to catch a glimpse of its towering stature from street level, the view from above, overlooking the rest of Hakodate, would’ve been even more majestic.

Image credit: Travel Hakodate

If you manage to ascend the mountain, it’s recommended that you reach the observatory around 4.15pm to catch the setting sun. For a more dynamic scene, you can also hitch a ride on the Mt. Hakodate Ropeway (¥1,800, ~S$14.84/adult). It’s a 3-minute cable car ride to and from the observatory; time it right, and you’ll be able to catch the city lights flick on when dusk falls.

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

Day 3: Lake Toya

10AM

We began our journey northwards; the massive Lake Toya was next up on our itinerary, and reaching it entailed a 2.5-hour drive, mostly done using one of the island’s many highways. The route we embarked on also brought us along the shores of Uchiura Bay, but the views during the drive on the winding mountainside roads were what proved to be the most awe-striking.

Picture this: a spotlessly white expanse of snow stretching as far as the eye can see, with roads flanked by dormant trees whose brittle branches swayed in the howling wind. Not all was lifeless though; the forests still stirred with wildlife that we had to actively keep an eye out for. We spotted the occasional family of deer prancing off to the side, and had to halt in our tracks for a curious fox intrigued by the rumble of our car’s engine.

1PM

Their freshly-made pizzas were notably small, so order extras to share.
Image adapted from: Tabelog

After the lengthy drive, we arrived at Lake Toya at around noon, but we couldn’t drop off our luggage at our log cabin accommodation just yet as they only accepted check-ins after 3pm. To kill some time, we grabbed lunch at a humble Italian restaurant called Lagorto, and had our fill of pastas (from ¥1,150, ~S$9.48) and pizzas (from ¥1,050, ~S$8.66) made from Hokkaido-grown produce.

Lagorto

The post-lunch food coma hits like a truck, so a stroll by Lake Toya was in order. Born from a huge eruption 110,000 years ago, it’s a volcanic caldera lake that stretches over 10km at its widest. For comparison, Jurong Lake is the largest of its kind in Singapore, and it only has a surface area of 0.7km², compared to Lake Toya’s 70.7km².

Unfortunately, Nakajima Island, the island that sits in the middle of the lake, is not open for tourists to visit during the winter. Likewise, other activities such as exploring the lake using swan-shaped paddle boats are not allowed during the harsh weather, but we did get to see an adorable paddling of ducks idling above the water.

3.30PM

The check-in and dining area.
Image credit: Kitutuki Canadian Club

We checked into the Kitutuki Canadian Club (¥52,800, ~S$435.34/night) shortly after our jaunt at Lake Toya. It’s a log cabin-styled stay that sports a Canadian indigenous theme. This was by far the most costly accommodation for our trip, but we thought it was alright to shell out a little extra for a postcard-worthy panorama of Lake Toya.

Image credit: Expedia

By the time we checked in, Lake Toya and its island were almost completely covered by fog and the dark of night, so the views had to wait. Our cosy log cabin was well-equipped to catch the sunrise though; it had a balcony overlooking the lake, and even a bathtub with a window that peers over the trees for a picturesque morning soak.

Canadian Club Kitutuki

Day 4: Noboribetsu & Jigokudani Hell Valley

6.30AM

We paid good money to wake up to the birds chirping across Lake Toya, so you bet we set our alarms and woke up early. Although visibility wasn’t superb, the sunrise was still a spectacle, as golden streaks penetrated the foggy veil, shimmering and reflecting brilliantly off the deep blue lake surface.

Our stay also came with a serving of traditional Japanese breakfast, which consisted of rice, seasonal vegetables, grilled salmon, tamagoyaki, miso soup, and a plate of fruits.

There’s also a balcony in the dining area, with arguably a better view of Lake Toya. Once we chowed down on breakfast, we stepped out to capture one last moment with the lake and all its grandeur.

9AM

We then set off for the Jigokudani Hell Valley in Noboribetsu which was roughly an hour’s drive away from Lake Toya. There are a couple of “hell valleys” throughout Japan, and although Noboribetsu’s don’t play host to the onsen-soaking snow monkeys found in Nagano, it was still a sight to behold.

Image credit: Hokkaido Travel

Right from the get-go, you’ll catch a whiff of sulfur emanating from the ground. The eggy odour might be overbearing at first, but give it a while and you’ll acclimatise in no time. There’ll be a wooden boardwalk to follow which will bring you right to the heart of the valley, with plumes of steam wafting amongst the undulating terrain and sulphur-infused rivers that run yellow.

Image credit: Noboribetsu International Tourism and Convention Association

There were certain paths that were closed due to the wintry conditions, so our short visit took around 60 minutes on foot. Undoubtedly, you can’t leave without a stop at the various hot springs. You’ll pass by the Oyunuma River as you traverse the valley, and it serves as a popular foot bath where you can rest your weary soles or wade about in 40°C waters.

If you prefer a full-body soak, look no further than the Noboribetsu Onsen, arguably one of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring resorts. We gave them a miss though, as we were content with the foot bath, but many have sung praises about the hot springs here.

Image credit: Takimotokan

There are quite a number of types of onsens here, each supplying spring water infused with various minerals such as sulphur, salt, and iron that are said to treat certain ailments and rejuvenate the skin. Most of the establishments also have an outdoor bath, where you can enjoy the tranquil scenery as you kick back in the pleasantly warm waters.

12PM

Finally, it was time for us to make our way to Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo. After a 1 hour 40 minute drive, we arrived at our lodging for the next few days, Premier Hotel -CABIN- Sapporo.

Image credit: Booking.com

Prices here start at S$114/night, which is quite the steal considering how close it is to the city centre; you even get access to the hotel’s onsen, in case you didn’t take a dip at Noboribetsu. Parking’s also free here, in the form of a nifty mechanical carpark.

Premier Hotel Cabin Sapporo

5PM

While Tokyo’s Dotonbori has the Glico man, Susukino has an icon of its own too; the Nikka “King of Blenders” sign.
Image credit: u/TeddySze via Reddit

After resting up for a bit and an obligatory konbini run, we headed out to roam the nearby Susukino shopping street at night. Even though it was snowing quite heavily, the streets were still teeming with tourists stopping by to snap a pic of the bustling city. For refuge from the snow, we patted ourselves down at the MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten store.

Image credit: MEGAドン・キホーテ札幌狸小路本店 via Google Maps

Like its name suggests, it’s a huge, 8-storey Donki department store that sells pretty much everything you’d ever need and then some. If you’re planning to do some shopping here, bring along your passport to enjoy a 10% tax-free discount on your purchases when you rack up a minimum spend of ¥5,000 (~S$41.19).

MEGA Don Quijote Sapporo Tanukikoji Honten

For even more protection from the elements, we had a look-see around the Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, which is a 1km-long stretch of sheltered walkways that houses over 200 shops. The pedestrian-only shopping street is one of the oldest of its kind in Hokkaido, and you’ll find pharmacies, restaurants, bars, hobby shops, and even a maid cafe all clustered right here.

One establishment that stood out to us was a Singapore-themed izakaya called Kura Kura, whose strikingly yellow signboard promised, verbatim, Kopi, Beer, and Makan. Although the satay (¥1,683/6 sticks, ~S$13.86) left much to be desired, their selection of beers (from ¥770, ~S$6.34) collected from various parts of the world such as Sri Lankan Lion Stout, Delirium from Belgium, and of course, Singapore’s Tiger Beer, were delightful.

In between sips, we spotted quintessentially Singaporean artefacts such as Merlion statuettes, 4D and TOTO stubs, No Durians Allowed signs, and even the bowls they used mirrored those used in coffee shops back home. We spoke to the owner who’s apparently born and bred Japanese; turns out, he’s just a huge fan of our culture, to the point that he makes frequent trips to the Little Red Dot solely for leisure.

KURA-KURA (クラクラ)

Day 5: Sapporo Curb Market, Hill of the Buddha & Shiroi Koibito Park

9AM

We were in the mood for Hokkaido’s famed seafood on day 5. We considered patronising the hotspot that is Nijo Market but we didn’t feel like contending with the potential crowd, seeing that it’s so close to the city centre.

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

Thanks to our rental car, we were able to make the 20-minute drive to the less-populated Sapporo Curb Market. There are about 80 stalls to visit here, all pretty much selling the same thing – the most delectable of seafood. Think meaty king crabs, salmon roe that explode with flavour in the mouth, and scallops with shells the size of your hand.

We sat at a roadside stall called Nemuro Sugiyama Fisheries and feasted on seafood bowls (¥2,070, ~S$17.04) filled with raw fresh seafood, along with shellfish like oysters (¥800, ~S$6.34) and scallops grilled with butter (¥870, ~S$7.17).

Nemuro Sugiyama Fisheries Co., Ltd.

11.30AM

After we were stuffed full with seafood, we took a 40-minute drive to the Makomanai Takino Cemetery, where a slew of peculiarly familiar structures awaited. Entrance is free, but to no one’s surprise, we had to deal with heavy snowfall. Still, we managed to catch a glimpse of the steely group of over 30 Moai statues that the cemetery is known for.

You’re not seeing things – these are replicas of the ones found on Easter Island. These were built in the 1980s to honour the spirits of the ancestors buried in the cemetery, and the tallest of the bunch stands at an impressive 9.5m tall, bringing about an air of respect and serenity.

Image adapted from: @andy_cny via Instagram

A few minutes’ walk away lies another recreation of a famous landmark, this time from England. It’s a replica of Stonehenge; although it’s not built to scale, it’s still worth spending a few minutes here taking in the monolithic structures’ aura of spirituality.

Makomanai Takino Cemetery

We took a little breather at the cemetery’s visitor centre, and after shaking off the shivering cold, we had lunch at the aptly named Restaurant Moai. Apart from a few Moai statue-themed items, their milk ice cream cones (¥450, ~S$3.71) were also selling like hotcakes, but we went for their roast beef bowls (¥1,600, ~S$13.18) that came topped off with a golden, runny egg yolk.

Restaurant Moai

We saved the best for last, because there’s one more attraction to visit within the cemetery, the Hill of the Buddha.

Tickets cost ¥500 (~S$4.12), and it’s one of the highlights of our entire trip. True to its name, it’s a giant statue of the Buddha that sits right in the middle of a mound with its top carved out, and to call it grand is an understatement. After making a complete round around the statue to observe it from every angle, draw a fortune slip to see if it’s your lucky day, or write down your wishes on wooden placards in hopes of them coming true.

Hill of the Buddha

5PM

The meats were wonderfully seasoned; prepare them rare for an extra layer of flavour.

We took it easy for the rest of the day till dinner, and we only had eyes for one thing: Genghis Khan BBQ. Much like Hokkaido’s miso ramen and soup curry, it’s one of the island’s specialty dishes that you can’t quite get anywhere else, and we managed to find a joint in Sapporo city that wasn’t fully packed called Jingisukan Juttetsu.

If you didn’t know, Genghis Khan BBQ is essentially a barbecue dish that features grilled mutton or lamb with various vegetables on the side, and although it sounds simple, it tastes heavenly, and works wonders in combating the effects of cold weather. Our BBQ sets didn’t come cheap, costing us ¥5,800 (~S$47.77) each, but as meat lovers, we couldn’t really complain.

Sapporo Genghis Khan Juttetsu

Day 6: Sapporo Suwa Shrine, Pokemon Center & Shiro Koibito Park

10AM

A Japan trip wouldn’t be complete without a shrine visit, so we paid a visit to the Sapporo Suwa Shrine on a bright snowy morning. As with any Japanese shrine, you can make your prayers here, first by tossing a coin in the offering box. Then, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice, join your hands as you offer your prayers, and finish by bowing once.

See if you can spot the wooden figurines peppered around the shrine of the shima enaga. Nicknamed the “snow fairy”, it’s a small, fluffy white bird that’s found exclusively in Hokkaido, and is somewhat of a mascot for the island. As a memento, you can purchase a unique shima enaga-themed omamori from the shrine’s on-site shop for ¥2,500 (~S$20.60).

Suwa Shrine

12PM

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

We then drove over to the DAIMARU Sapporo shopping mall for some retail therapy. Shoppaholics are sure to have a field day here; it’s filled to the brim with high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Saint Laurent, plus there’s a duty-free corner to save a pretty penny on big money purchases. However, we made a beeline for the Pokémon Center SAPPORO shop instead.

Daimaru Sapporo

Image credit: Sapporo Language School

Just like the one in Jewel Changi Airport, it’s a haven for Pokémon fans, with merch of almost every character available; mind you, there’s over 1,000 of the little critters at this point. In particular, you might want to pick up plushies of Vulpix and its Alolan counterpart, as they’re the official Pokémon ambassadors of Hokkaido. You can also shop for trading card game products here, but keep in mind that the store imposes purchase limits on products like booster packs.

Pokémon Center Sapporo

4PM

Image credit: Visit Sapporo

Hokkaido’s well-known for its wide variety of yummy souvenir snacks, and one of them is Shiroi Koibito, a snack that consists of white or milk chocolate sandwiched between butter cookies. It used to be a Hokkaido-exclusive back in the day, but due to its popularity, it has become widely available all over Japan.

Image credit: 北海道中央バス定期観光バス

You can visit the birthplace of these tasty confections in Sapporo at the Shiroi Koibito Park. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city centre which our car made light work of, but still saw a steady stream of tourists visiting even when day turned to night. We headed indoors to visit the factory portion of the park first after purchasing tickets which cost ¥800 (~S$6.57), and come with a complimentary bar of chocolate.

Here, you’ll be able to see the factory workers in action through a glass window. There’s also an interactive show you can sit in for, where you’ll learn about the history of chocolate-making and how various discoveries made by chocolatiers around the world literally shaped the very confectioneries we eat as a sweet treat.

The Shiroi Koibito rolled cake (¥1,300, ~S$10.57) & I GÂTEAU-PLAIN (¥1,200, ~S$9.85) Drink Sets; these come with a strawberry sorbet & Shiroi Koibito soft serve respectively.

There’s also a small quiz rally with questions about Shiroi Koibito to complete as you tour the factory; fill it up with all the correct answers to redeem a free packet of the famed biscuits. Towards the end, enjoy a bite at the Chocolate Lounge OXFORD, an on-site cafe where we indulged in a slew of Shiroi Koibito-infused desserts.

Image credit: Shiroi Koibito Park

Of course, you’ll also want to pop by the Shop PICADILLY gift shop to buy Shiroi Koibito goodies to bring back. Products we recommend splurging on include the 36-pack of Shiroi Koibito biscuits (¥3,456, ~S$28.36) which come nicely packaged in a beautifully-decorated metal tin, as well as plushies (from ¥770, ~S$6.32) of the chocolate brand’s purple cat mascots, Purumi and Ramaru.

Once we were done filling up and checking out our shopping baskets, we were greeted with a spectacle stepping outdoors. The night was illuminated by the lights of the park, and coupled with the light snow, was a sight to behold. The lights turn on from 4.30pm onwards, and the park is open till 7pm for all to snap pics at.

Some of the prettiest photo spots that really bring out the park’s European architecture and vibe include a bridge-like walkway, a heart-shaped wreath of lights, and a life-sized red bus reminiscent of the ones on the streets of London.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Day 7: Tomamu Ski Resort & Ice Village

8AM

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

On day 7, we traded in the bustling city atmosphere for one that was more off the grid. We took a 2.5 hour drive further inland to the Tomamu Ski Resort. However, although it was peak season for winter sports, we gave activities like skiing and snowboarding a miss this time round, as a stay at the main resort, coupled with costs like equipment rentals and ski lift passes, were a tad out of our budget.

Image credit: Booking.com

Instead, we chose to spend a night at GLAMPING STAY TOMAMU (from S$294/night), a glamping-style accommodation, as we thought it would be quite the novel experience to “camp” out in the winter wilderness. We opted for a stay in one of their dome-shaped tents, which surprisingly kept us sufficiently warm during our stay and had a wide, arching window, great for views of the wintry outdoors.

GLAMPING STAY TOMAMU

Recommended tickets at S$359.96

S$359.96

12PM

We didn’t spend the rest of the day holed up in our rooms after checking in – we booked an ice-fishing (¥5,500, ~S$45.14) experience beforehand, organised by Tomamu Ski Resort. You don’t have to be staying with them in order to book any of the winter activities that they have listed on their Hoshino Resorts Tomamu website, which also includes snowmobile riding, curling, and forest hikes.

Transport to and from the resort’s private pond was also arranged for us, and the fishing itself was enjoyable, even for newbies like us with zero experience. The little tents they sat us in even came with a portable heater, and after being taught how to rig our baits and how to use the rods by our guide, we were left to our own devices.

I would say we did pretty well considering our experience, or lack thereof, with fishing, let alone in frigid conditions.

After our time was up, our guide led us into an indoor resting area and fried up our catch for us to munch on. He even gave us a cup of fried fish that were originally frozen to compare with our freshly caught ones; the difference was stark upon first bite, as the fresh fish were noticeably more meaty.

5PM

For dinner, we had another one of Hokkaido’s must-trys: soup curry. It’s a thin, curry-like broth that’s not as thick as your typical serving of Japanese curry, and is usually served alongside chunks of vegetables as well as meat. Conveniently, there was a SOUP CURRY GARAKU outlet nearby, which is a chain that specialises in whipping up bowls of piping-hot goodness.

As we were feeling especially ravenous, we each went for Meat Festival Garaku Special Soup Curry (¥3,200, ~S$26.26), which contained a generous amount of meats like chicken leg, thick-cut bacon, and braised pork drenched in a savoury, umami-rich soup curry broth. You can also customise your spice levels and amount of rice served along with your dishes.

Soup Curry Garaku

6PM

Another picture-perfect attraction can be found at Tomamu Ski Resort, the Ice Village. Admission costs just ¥600 (~S$4.92), and you’ll be privy to scenes that were seemingly ripped straight from Disney’s Frozen.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

For starters, on the path towards the village, you’ll come across an Ice Chapel that’s only open at the peak of winter. Everything within it, from the altar, cross, and pews, is made from solid ice, and it’s also available for booking for actual wedding ceremonies too.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

We came across the Ice Village further up ahead, as dreamy blue floodlights lit up the path ahead. There’s an ice skating rink that has ice skate rentals if you’d like to try your hand at gliding across the ice, as well as ice slides which elicited squeals of excitement from children and adults alike.

Put on your gloves to grasp the ice cups, as they’re extra slippery.

After walking around for a bit, we stopped by the Ice Bar for a quick tipple. The bar counter and chairs were all sculpted from ice, and the drinks here start from ¥1,500 (~S$12.31). Their menu boasts both alcoholic and non-alcoholic concoctions and interestingly, drinks come served in hollowed-out blocks of ice that double as cups.

Image credit: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

Other attractions here include an Ice Post Office, where you can drop postcards (250, ~S$2.05) in a mailbox crafted from ice to mail anywhere in the world. If you’re extra hungry, grab a bite at the Ice Restaurant which has dishes like chilled Ice Ramen and hot cheese fondue. You can also roast marshmallows (¥500, ~S$4.10) at the fire pits outside, as well as find out how chilly it is at the giant Ice Temperature Tower.

Ice Village

Day 8: Otaru & Sankaku Market

10AM

The morning crowd at Sankaku Market.

Otaru has to be an automatic inclusion within any Hokkaido itinerary, and so we drove about 50 minutes up to the quaint port town from Sapporo city. But first, breakfast. Being located so close to the Sea of Japan, the town’s seafood is top-notch, and we just had to have a taste for ourselves at the nearby Sankaku Market.

We ordered seafood rice bowls to share amongst ourselves at a stall called Ajidokoro Takeda, and the dishes that won our palettes had to be this towering unagi and tamagoyaki rice bowl (¥3,800, ~S$31.19) and the biggest grilled scallops (¥800, ~S$6.57) we’d ever seen.

Ajidokoro Takeda（kaisen)

12PM

If you’re one to enjoy shopping for souvenirs, Otaru has got it all. Its streets are lined with small shops selling all sorts of interesting trinkets and baubles, and one type that we were looking out for was music boxes.

We stepped into Music Box Laboratory Kaimeiro, and were greeted with the delicate plucking of the wonderful handheld devices. There were literally hundreds of music boxes to wind up to have a listen to yourself, and their range of songs was mighty impressive – from K-pop, to anime OSTs, to English titles, to Disney classics.

We first picked out our songs; I chose the iconic Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence for myself and Merry-Go–Round of Life for my Studio Ghibli-loving girlfriend. Then, we got to choose a box to house the mechanism that would play our desired songs. In total, each music box cost me ¥3,900 (~S$32.01).

Musicbox Laboratory Kaimeiro

Another store that captivated us was Taishogarasu Uchu, which dealt in masterfully-crafted glassware, with thought-provoking pieces stretching into the hundreds of thousands of yen. Down the road, we headed into Yuzen Chopsticks to shop for gifts that we could more realistically take home with us. Pairs of intricately-designed chopsticks lined their shelves, and gift sets that came with a sturdy, wooden box cost around ¥3,000 (~S$24.62).

Taishogarasu Uchu

Yuzen Chopsticks

The LeTAO Main Store in Otaru.
Image credit: Hokkaido A4JP

If you can’t get enough of souvenir snacks after being won over by Shiroi Koibito biscuits, you can most definitely buy a stockpile of them at Otaru. Some that I just knew I had to buy after tasting samples were LeTAO’s milk-flavoured Otaru Rue Ironai Fromage cookies, and Rokkatei’s Marusei Butter Sandwich sweets.

LeTAO Main Store

Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store

As you roam the streets of Otaru, listen closely, and you might catch the melodic chiming of the town’s famous steam-powered clock. You’ll also want to catch the canal lights as they turn on once it gets dark, giving the waterways major Venetian vibes.

6PM

Remember, no drinking and driving.

We spent the whole day trudging in the snow in Otaru, so you can bet we were properly hungry come nighttime. We chose to dine at Torikizoku back in Sapporo, a popular yakitori chain that’s known across Japan for its affordable skewers and alcoholic drinks, all costing ¥390 (~S$3.20) each.

We called ahead of time to reserve our seats, and thankfully we did, as their Susukino outlet was packed with corporate folks looking to destress with meaty bar bites and post-work drinks. As for us, we knocked back glasses of refreshing Lemon Sours in various flavours, while feasting on skewers of grilled meatballs, chicken skin, neck, and breasts, beef strips, pork belly, and mochi.

Torikizoku Susukino

Day 9: Chitose

10.30AM

Alas, after a good 8 days in the cold, it was time to return to the furnace that is Singapore. We used most of the morning of our last day to catch up on some sleep and to figure out how to securely stuff as much of our Hokkaido haul as possible into our check-in luggage. We then hopped into our car and drove to Chitose city, which was about 45-minutes away.

The worst news you can get when preparing to return home from any vacation.
Image credit: Khoo Yong Hao

Our domestic flight from New Chitose Airport to Haneda Airport was scheduled at 9.25pm, and as such, we had the entire day ahead of us to do some last-minute shopping – or so we thought. A blinding snowstorm was forecast to engulf the island later that evening, and sure enough, we got an email from ANA at 12pm sharp informing us that our flights would be cancelled.

12PM

We headed straight to the airport, first to return our rental car which went smoothly, and to see if we could get seated on an earlier flight. Thankfully, there were seats for a Tokyo-bound flight that was taking off at 2.20pm, and after getting our boarding passes, we quickly made our way to the boarding gates.

Sky Shop Osagawara in New Chitose Airport.
Image credit: New Chitose Airport

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to explore New Chitose Airport as we were rushing off to catch our flight. It’s arguably one of the best places to shop for Hokkaido-exclusive souvenirs as there were quite a number of shops selling them by the boxes – all tax-free of course – such as Sky Shop Osagawara and SnowShop.

Image credit: New Chitose Airport

If you didn’t visit Sapporo’s Pokémon Centre, there’s a smaller one here too if you’d like to rip open some packs before your flight. Back at home, Jewel Changi Airport’s Gundam Base received much fanfare when it was announced to open this February, and you can find Hokkaido’s flagship outlet on level 4 of New Chitose Airport

Image credit: ハローキティハッピーフライトvia Google Maps

But even if you’re not planning on doing any shopping at the airport, you can hit up its other amenities should you have some time on your hands. There’s a theatre also on level 4 where you can catch the latest blockbusters at, as well as the aviation-themed Hello Kitty Happy Flight (¥800, ~S$6.57) play area on level 3 for the little ones to run amok in.

Image credit: Japan Travel by NAVITIME

There’s even an onsen (from ¥1,300, ~S$10.67) within the airport for both pre and post-flight soaks that’s open for 23 hours daily. They also provide Thai aroma treatment and massage services here, to soothe any knots caused by sitting in economy for hours on end.

As for us, we didn’t have the luxury of time to truly appreciate New Chitose Airport and all its conveniences, and before we knew it, we were touching down at Haneda Airport after an hour in the air. Nonetheless, we were grateful we didn’t have to spend an additional night stranded in Hokkaido, and safely landed back on Singapore soil at around 7am the next morning.

New Chitose Airport

How to get to Hokkaido from Singapore?

Hakodate Airport.
Image credit: HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Getting from Singapore to Hokkaido during winter isn’t difficult at all, if the weather permits that is. Firstly, there are a couple of airports you can land at, such as Hakodate Airport on the Southern end, the centrally-located Asahikawa Airport, the Kushiro Airport near the Eastern coast, and the island’s biggest and busiest airport, New Chitose Airport.

Image credit: ANA

However, you’ll have to take a connecting flight to reach these airports, most often done domestically from Haneda or Narita Airport in Tokyo. Airlines that fly this route include SIA, ANA, and JAL. You can also opt to take connecting flights from other airports outside of Japan too; Cathay Pacific has layovers in Hong Kong, and Scoot, in Taiwan.

Round-trip flights from Singapore to Hokkaido that include stops cost S$800 on average during the peak of winter season in January, but if you book your tickets early, we’ve seen prices dip to S$605 on low-cost carriers like Scoot. With layovers, you’re looking at a travel time of around 10 hours to 14 hours, depending on where in Hokkaido you decide to land.

New Chitose Airport.
Image credit: Hokkaido Guide

Alternatively, you can choose to fly in directly to Sapporo city’s New Chitose Airport, albeit at much steeper airfares. To our knowledge, only SIA and ANA fly straight from Singapore to Sapporo, and the 7 hour 15 minute-long flight will typically set you back around S$1,320, and that is if you book your flights way ahead of time.

However, you’ll want to mentally steel yourself for flight delays and even cancellations when travelling to Hokkaido during the winter. Due to heavy snowfall, they’re not uncommon at all; in fact, my return flight was cancelled on my recent visit.

What to pack when visiting Hokkaido in the winter?

As someone who has never seen real snow, let alone travelled to a winter destination, packing for Hokkaido was a real doozy, as the daily averages were well below freezing. If you’re also not well-versed in braving the biting cold, here are some winter-specific items I would bring along in hindsight, so you won’t be left unprepared for the weather.

Item	Where to buy	Notes
UNIQLO HEATTECH inner wear	UNIQLO	– Buy both the top and bottoms, go for the Extra Warm version – Consider buying in Japan as it’s about 30% cheaper there after factoring in tax-free discounts
Scarf & hat	Winterwear stores, UNIQLO	– If buying from UNIQLO, consider buying in Japan for lower prices
Heat pack	Convenience stores & supermarkets in Japan	– Look up “magma heat pack” on Google, that’s the one you want to look for in Japan; very hot to the touch after leaving in your pocket for a few minutes – Can buy the stick-on ones to stick on your innerwear on your back and on your feet to stay even warmer – Tried the ones from Daiso Singapore, but they weren’t nearly as warm
Waterproof, non-slip shoes	Winterwear stores	– You’ll be walking on snow/ice a lot, so water is bound to seep into your shoes if they aren’t waterproof – Walking around with cold and wet toes is no fun – Ice is super slippery so having non-slip shoes is essential, especially for children/older folks
Lip balm & moisturiser	Pharmacies	– Helps keep lips and face moisturised in the cold and dry weather
Face mask	Pharmacies	– Protects face from the strong winds
Sunglasses	Eyewear stores	– Protects eyes from the light that reflects off the snow & ice – Especially helpful for drivers

Check out our list of winter apparel shops in Singapore to easily get your items, and the best down jackets that will keep you warm and toasty.

What to know about renting a car in Hokkaido?

Renting a car is not a must when touring Hokkaido; there are public buses and trains you can hop on to get around the island. But, we decided to explore the snow-cloaked landscape with a set of wheels of our own, as we thought the convenience was well worth it. Here are a couple of pros and cons of renting a car for your Hokkaido holiday:

Pros:

More private travelling experience as compared to taking public transport
Can transport luggage and shopping bags conveniently
Access to more remote locations that may be difficult to reach using only public transport
Can stop for beautiful sights at observatories and rest stops along the way, especially in mountainous and coastal areas

Cons:

Driving in icy conditions could be scary especially for inexperienced drivers
Extra things to factor into travel budget, like car rental costs, petrol, insurance, parking fees, snow tyres
Having to look for parking can be troublesome

Image credit: Times CAR RENTAL

There are quite a few car rental companies you can choose from when renting a car in Hokkaido, but we settled on Times Car Rental as they had reasonable rates, and they had locations near the airports we were stopping by. We made a booking with them about 3 months in advance, and had no trouble navigating through their website which was properly translated in English.

We rented a Mazda 3 sedan for the entirety of our trip which comfortably sat 3 of us plus all our luggage, and our total cost came out to be ¥123,468 (~S$1,017.99), which we paid when collecting the car. Do note that it was mandatory for us to put on snow tyres due to laws in Hokkaido, and we went with their most premium car insurance add-on for peace of mind, which incurred additional costs.

Don’t forget to ask the staff for an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) Card. It’s essentially a credit card-like cash card that allows you to make fuss-free toll payments when driving on Hokkaido’s highways.

Image credit: Trip.com

We were also given the option to purchase a Hokkaido Expressway Pass which would’ve given us unlimited access to the highways depending on the number of days we bought the pass for. But, after doing the math, it was cheaper for us to pay the highway tolls with an ETC card on a per-use basis, so we did not end up paying extra for the pass.

Image credit: Motorist SG

Also, remember to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Singapore, as you’ll need it to rent a car in Japan. You can apply for a year-long IDP online via the Automobile Association of Singapore website for just S$20. Alternatively, you can head down to any of their 3 offices for more urgent applications; they can process one for you in less than 30 minutes.

The act of driving in Hokkaido is an experience in and of itself, especially for urbanites living in Singapore like ourselves. Picturesque views overlooking distant peaks and ebbing waves are aplenty, but you’ll want to be extra cautious when driving in areas that have iced-over; here are some things to note when you take to the roads in Hokkaido in the winter.

Vehicles in Japan are all right-hand drive, which means you are required to drive on the left side of the road, just like in Singapore.
Do not speed; your vehicle can skid on icy roads even with snow tyres.
Daylight is in short supply in the winter months; it starts turning dark around 3.30pm, and the streets and highways in Hokkaido aren’t as well-lit as in Singapore. Do most of your driving during the day if you’re uncomfortable with driving in low-light conditions.
Wear sunglasses for better visibility during the day; the light reflected off the snow and ice can reduce visibility by quite a bit.
Watch out for wildlife sprinting onto roads in rural areas, like deers and foxes.
Opt for an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicle if possible for better traction in the cold weather.
There is plenty of parking even in the city; consult Google Maps to find the nearest one. If you’re parking overnight, be sure to locate a car park with an “upper limit (最大料金)” sign to avoid overpriced parking fees. The sign indicates that there’ll be a cap on how much you can be charged for parking.

Embark on a Hokkaido road trip the next time winter comes around

I definitely had my reservations coming into this trip, mostly because of sub-zero temperatures I would have to endure and the fear of having to drive over sleet-covered roads. However, these qualms were quickly dispelled after we got to experience firsthand the winter wonderland that is Hokkaido.

For more things to do in Japan:

Photography by Khoo Yong Hao.
Cover image adapted from:

The post 9-Day Winter Hokkaido Road Trip Itinerary – Snow-Capped Peaks, Freshest Seafood Bites & Best Souvenirs To Buy appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

8 Nature Spots In Hong Kong Completely Unlike A Concrete Jungle, With Round-Trip Flights From $270

Dewi Nurjuwita — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 07:10:13 +0000

Nature spots in Hong Kong

We love Hong Kong for its cha chaan tengs, shopping hauls, and neon-lit streets. But other than the food and malls, the city is actually packed with nature spots that feel like you’ve hopped across multiple countries in one trip. You can easily find dramatic coastlines, autumn-coloured forests, stunning trails, and landscapes that look straight out of a dream travel moodboard.

You don’t need to zigzag across continents to get your wanderlust fix. Hong Kong delivers those multi-country vibes in a single destination – and with round-trip flights from around $270*, it’s a surprisingly easy win for travellers who want more bang for their buck.

*Prices are accurate at the time of writing, as per airfare listed on Scoot.

1. High Island Geo Trail

Giving Lord of the Rings vibes

Image credit: @yukanta via Instagram

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting Lord of the Rings filming locations, the High Island Geo Trail might just surprise you. Tucked within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark, this coastal trail delivers dramatic scenery with windswept landscapes that feel wildly un-Hong Kong at first glance.

The hike itself is refreshingly manageable even for casual hikers. It’s about 3.3km, taking roughly 3 hours at an easy pace. Along the way, you’ll find well-placed signboards that break down the geology in bite-sized bits. Expect to be awed by IG-friendly sights like towering cliff faces lined with hexagonal rock columns, sea stacks, and mysterious coastal caves. And here’s a cool fact: these formations date back 140 million years, when a supervolcano eruption shaped much of the area’s rugged terrain.

Image credit: Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark

Most routes start at the East Dam, marked by a blue, anchor-shaped monument. From here, the trail loops along the ocean-facing dam and breakwater, offering sweeping views of the water, concrete dolosse, and the striking Po Pin Chau sea stack that has now been separated from the mainland by erosion. Adventurous souls who are up for a slight climb can check out the optional 1km extension to Biu Tsim Kok, which offers gorgeous 360-degree views over the reservoir.

Don’t rush through the details either. Keep an eye out for the hexagonal rock columns, the lesser-known Fault Breccia Belt, and areas where the rock appears twisted and distorted by ancient geological movement. The trail wraps up near a sea cave, which you can reach via a wooden walkway.

2. Sweet Gum Woods, Tai Lam Country Park

Autumn colours, minus the crowds

Image credit: @tookkykayeemeeyak via Instagram

Sweet Gum Woods offers all the magic of an autumn foliage walk – minus the crowds. Come cooler months, this corner of Tai Lam Country Park transforms into a photographer’s dream, with sweet gum trees turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red.

Located in Tai Tong, the woods sit within Hong Kong’s second-largest country park, established in 1979 and spanning over 5,400 hectares. The main stretch of Sweet Gum Woods runs for about 400m along a gentle uphill path from the park entrance, making it an easy and accessible walk even if you’re not a hardcore hiker.

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Along the way, you’ll spot shaded tables where you can stop for a picnic or simply admire the canopy of fiery leaves overhead. Keep going a little further and you’ll find smaller clusters of sweet gums about 150m down the road.

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

But it’s not all just aesthetics – there’s a history to this trail, too. These paths once linked rural villages; today, they lead visitors to scenic lookouts over Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, also known as Thousand Island Lake. Here, rolling green hills and calm water stretch out in every direction.

When planning a visit to Sweet Gum Woods, timing matters, because the conditions are weather-dependent. The leaves typically peak in winter, and the trees are expected to show their strongest colour change between Christmas and New Year. During the season, a special shuttle runs between Sweet Gum Woods and Tai Tong to make getting there easier.

3. Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market, Tuen Mun

Bustling seaside town energy

Image credit: Irvin Cheung via Google Maps

To fuel up on some fresh nosh before and after conquering your hikes and nature trails, Sam Shing Hui Seafood Market brings you straight into the heart of a lively seaside town. Located along Sam Shing Street by Castle Peak Bay, this well-loved market traces its roots back to a traditional fishing village once home to Tanka boat people and Hakka residents.

Image credit: @stephen.yee via Instagram

It’s now evolved into a bustling local hotspot that’s especially loved by families. Walk around and you’ll find a dozen stalls displaying the day’s fresh catch like giant prawns, crabs, flatfish, and grass shrimps.

Image adapted from: @stephen.yee via Instagram

Here’s the fun part: you can pick your live seafood straight from the tanks here. Then, bring it to nearby restaurants or stalls to be cooked to your liking. Most of the seafood you see here is caught earlier in the day and eaten by evening – it doesn’t get fresher than that.

Plus, many of the stalls offer casual seating with bay views, giving the whole experience a relaxed, coastal-town feel you’d normally associate with seaside destinations.

4. Tung Ping Chau

Unique volcanic geology

Image credit: @carrenkeng via Instagram

Mention “Hong Kong” and the usual skyline and harbour scenes might come to mind. So, Tung Ping Chau is about as unexpected as it gets. Often described as one of Hong Kong’s most remote islands, this quiet outpost sits in Mirs Bay near the mainland border. The bay itself has recently received recognition as an “Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays” by mainland China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), so you know it’s legit.

Your first glimpse of the island’s unusual landscape usually comes at A Ma Wan, just as the ferry approaches the public pier. Instead of the rugged volcanic cliffs seen elsewhere in Hong Kong, the rocks here are finely layered and almost silky in texture – formed from ancient mud and silt deposits laid down millions of years ago. Look closer and you’ll spot white coral fragments scattered across the sand, a reminder of the rich marine life just offshore.

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

As you walk further along the coast, you’ll hit Kang Lau Shek, the island’s easternmost headland. This also happens to be a favourite among geology nerds. Broad, slanted rock slabs stack neatly like pages in a giant book, while 2 tower-like formations rise dramatically by the sea. Look closer and you’ll spot tidal pools alive with fish, crabs, and other marine creatures quietly doing their thing.

After which, check out Lung Lok Shui, characterised by pale, zigzagging seams that slice across flat stone platforms before slipping into the water. A forest-lined detour then brings you to Cham Keng Chau, where centuries of wind and waves have carved a narrow corridor through fractured rock, opening up sea views on both sides.

Tung Ping Chau is best visited with a bit of planning – tides and weather matter, and facilities are minimal – but that’s part of the appeal.

5. Lamma Island

Car-free island with seaside restaurants

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Lamma Island is another one that should be on your radar. This car-free island swaps steep climbs for easy coastal walks and delicious seafood lunches. Plus, it’s super easy to get to – just a 30-minute ferry ride from Central Pier 4.

A popular way to experience the island is via the Lamma Island Family Trail, a leisurely 5km route linking the island’s 2 main villages: Sok Kwu Wan and Yung Shue Wan. It’s suitable for almost anyone, with minimal climbing and well-marked paths, making it a great option if you’re travelling with parents or children.

Image credit: @see_by_lucia via Instagram

Along the way, you’ll pass through peaceful coastal stretches, pockets of old feng shui woods, and viewpoints overlooking busy shipping lanes in the South China Sea. There are also unexpected historical touches, including a World War II cave; as well as quiet temples dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea.

Image adapted from: @terracottalamma via Instagram

Naturally, food is part of the experience. Lamma Island is famous for its open-air seafood restaurants, where you can settle in for lunch with views of fish farms bobbing gently in the bay. For something more atas, refuel at Terracotta, a seaside restaurant serving up Mediterranean-inspired eats. We heard the charcoal-grilled octopus (HKD$230, ~$37.95) is a must, paired with roasted potatoes with a rich tomato and fennel broth.

Those looking for a halal option can visit Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant. It’s actually one of the first seafood restaurants in Hong Kong to get halal certified, and they even provide ferry services from Hong Kong and Kowloon so you can get a breezy ride straight into feasting.

6. Ex‑Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir, Bishop Hill

Century-old Romanesque underground reservoir

Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

You’d never expect to find a place like Ex‑Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir in Hong Kong. It is reminiscent of ancient cisterns in Italy or Turkiye, like the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul. But here’s an important caveat: this isn’t a Roman ruin, but a century-old piece of Hong Kong history.

Completed as early as 1904, the reservoir – formerly known as the Kowloon Tong Service Reservoir – was once part of the old Kowloon Waterworks Gravitation Scheme. Its role was to supply fresh drinking water to residents in Kowloon. While the reservoir was retired in 1970, it was rediscovered during land works in 2020 before being officially recognised as a Grade I historical monument just 1 year later.

Image adapted from: @apeapeape via Instagram

Step inside today and you’ll find a striking Romanesque-style underground chamber, supported by 100 brick pillars, with old water pipes still running overhead. The symmetry, arches, and filtered light make it feel eerily similar to the famous cisterns of the Mediterranean.

The site is now open to visitors without prior appointment during opening hours, with self-service audio guides available via QR codes to help you understand what you’re looking at. Guided tours are also conducted on Saturday mornings, although these require advance booking on the Water Supplies Department’s official website.

Bishop Hill is located in Sham Shui Po, and getting there involves about a 15-minute uphill walk along narrow paths and stairs from Berwick Street. If you’re visiting with parents or elderly family members, it’s worth assessing comfort levels and planning accordingly.

7. Lantau Island South Coast

Clear waters & sunset hikes

Image credit: Lantau Island South Coast

If you think Lantau Island is just about the airport and the Big Buddha, its southern coast will happily prove you wrong. Here, you can expect sweeping beaches, rolling hills, and old-school village energy within Lantau Island South Coast.

Pui O Beach is a good place to start if you’re craving space and quiet, tucked between lush hills and wetlands.

Cheung Sha Beach.
Image credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Another beach is Cheung Sha Beach, located just an 8-minute drive away. It has one of Hong Kong’s longest stretches of white sand. With clear waters and forested hills framing the coast, it’s easy to forget you’re still in Hong Kong. Split into Upper and Lower Cheung Sha, there’s plenty to do here depending on your mood: taking easy strolls along the beach, hanging out at a beachfront cafe, tucking into seafood, or trying out some water sports.

Image credit: @caroline7chen via Instagram

For a completely different perspective, head uphill to Sunset Peak, also called Tai Tung Shan. As the island’s third-highest peak, it’s known for its silvergrass fields that glow at golden hour, especially in autumn and winter. The hike isn’t technical, but it is rewarding. You’ll be 869m above sea level with open views across the southern coastline.

8. Park Nature Hillside Glamping

Moon-landing vibes, minus the astronaut training

Image credit: Klook

For something out of this world, check out Park Nature Hillside Glamping. Tucked away in Ta Kwu Ling near the Heung Yuen Wai/Liantang Port, this hillside escape looks less like a campsite and more like a moon base with room service.

Image credit: Klook

The star of the show is the Ultimate Luxury Starship LX, a futuristic caravan-style stay that genuinely feels like you’ve landed on another planet. Think floor-to-ceiling glass panels with privacy curtains, a comfy bed, and all the comforts you’d expect from a hotel room. Prices start from HKD 3,295 (~S$544.24) for 2 to 4 people, which adds up to about S$136.06/person. And don’t worry, this isn’t the kind of “camping” where you’re secretly suffering.

Star Pods.
Image credit: Park Nature Hillside Glamping

The entire grounds spans about 9,300sqm and includes 18 space RVs, transparent igloos, a bar, a convenience store, and even a balance car track for those who like their nature trips with a side of novelty. If you’re travelling on a tighter budget, there are also Star Pods that start from around HKD 1,400 (~S$231.24), offering the same cosmic energy without the premium price tag.

Why Hong Kong is the ultimate multi-vibe getaway

Hong Kong is far more than just dim sum and shopping malls. It’s a destination where you can chase picturesque landscapes in the morning, wander through romantic foliage by afternoon, and end the day by the sea as if you’re in an island paradise. And you can experience it all without having to empty your bank account on multiple flights.

If you’ve been craving a trip that feels rich in experiences without busting your budget, this is your sign. With round-trip flights from around $270 currently spotted on platforms like Trip.com, Hong Kong is a value-for-money destination for Singaporean travellers – especially if you’re someone who likes more variety.

Find out more ongoing travel deals to Hong Kong

This article was brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
Cover image adapted from: Hong Kong Tourism Board, @caroline7chen via Instagram

The post 8 Nature Spots In Hong Kong Completely Unlike A Concrete Jungle, With Round-Trip Flights From $270 appeared first on TheSmartLocal - Singapore's Leading Travel and Lifestyle Portal.

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