Japan’s Most Instagrammable Food

by Kim-Ling | Mar 6, 2018 | Food, Japan

Japan’s Most Instagrammable Food

If you love food, then Japan is THE destination for you! Think flavoursome ramen, fresh seafood and hearty curries, but beyond the delicious tastes, Japan has some very ‘Insta-worthy’ food. If you want to bring some #foodporn into your feeds, check out some of Japan’s most Instagrammable food below!

3D Latte Art

Where: Reissue Coffee 3D Lattes, Harajuku, Tokyo Thoughts: It’s definitely cute and Insta-worthy, but at the end of the day, it tastes like any regular coffee/hot chocolate. The latte art costs extra on top of the coffee itself, so it’s not cheap!

Matcha Ice-cream

Where: All over Japan Thoughts: So it turns out, we are not fans of matcha (there, we said it). But despite our distaste for this green tea treat, it’s very instagrammable and if you do like the flavour, this ice-cream can be quite refreshing.

Feeling hungry? Why not learn how to make Udon Noodles and read about our Buddha Bellies experience!

Taiyaki

Where: all over Japan Thoughts: I find it amusing that a ‘fish’ was the chosen shape for a sweet snack, but their popularity speaks for themselves. These pancake-like pastries filled with sweet red bean paste, or white sweet potato, which “all the women love” (according to the menu).

Colourful Rainbow Pasta & Extreme Colourful Poison Parfait

Where: Monster Café – Harajuku, Tokyo Thoughts: Rainbow pasta, served on an artist’s palette, what could be more Insta-worthy? To top it off, each blob of ‘paint’ is actually a different flavoured sauce, including blue cheese, cheddar, pesto, cream and tomato. This dish (and cafe) really brings out the inner child, and lets it run rampant.

Colourful Rainbow Pasta, Monster Cafe Tokyo

Extreme Colourful Poison Parfait, Monster Cafe Tokyo

There’s a reason why this parfait is nicknamed the Extreme, with decadent layers of cream, ice-cream, berry sauce, waffle cones, cake, chocolate, and the most exciting part of all…. individually flavoured coloured cream frosting. Not only is this rainbow dessert an Insta-worthy dessert, the sheer delight and surprise at tasting each colour and guessing the flavour brings out the big kid in anyone.

Heading to Tokyo, Japan soon? Check out our Ultimate Itinerary – for Big Kids for epic ideas!

Takoyaki

Where: These are popular in the Osaka region, but you can find them throughout Japan. Thoughts: I’m not a fan of the rubberiness of octopus in general, so it wasn’t my thing. But, if you do like octopus, these guys are a popular bite-sized streetfood snack.

Animal Donuts

Where: Florista Donuts Thoughts: These donuts are almost too cute to eat… Almost… Unlike donuts we are used to back home, these are quite dense, but equally as delicious. You can get cats, pigs and dogs, and the ears are little pieces of almond!

Wagashi

Where: Tea Houses and specialty dessert places such as Toraya Cafe. Thoughts: Wagashi is a traditional Japanese sweet, made from sweet bean paste. There are many types of wagashi, but my favourites are the ones that are similar to marzipan and are beautifully constructed to look like works of art. A popular tradition is to create and decorate the wagashi to reflect the Japanese seasons. These are typically served in Japanese tea houses, along with carefully prepared tea.

Zaku Zaku’s Croquant Chou

Where: Zaku Zaku have three stores in Tokyo: Harajuku, Kamata and Tobo Ikebukuro Thoughts: It’s essentially a long, crunchy cream puff, and it’s delicious. These are so popular that there are often long lines of customers queuing outside the door, but the staff are pretty fast, so the wait to get your hands on one of these delicious pastries isn’t long (but eating them is even faster!).

Mr Donut

Where: These stores are found all over Asia, but have really flourished in Japan, being one of the favourite fast-food chains in the country. Thoughts: If you like donuts, you’ll like these. They are light and fluffy, and the perfect on-the go treat. But their biggest selling factor that makes them instagrammable, is the cute ‘bubble-shape’. Hold these up against a neon Japanese street, and you’ve got yourself an Instagram #foodporn pic!

Anything ‘Hello Kitty’

Where: Everywhere in Japan

Thoughts: Hello Kitty is a national icon, and you can find all kinds of foods and drinks dedicated to the popular character. The food may not taste any better than others, but there’s no doubt it’s cute, memorable and Instagrammable!

Anything from Janice Wong’s Dessert Bar

Where: Janice Wong Dessert Bar, Shinjuku Station, Tokyo

Thoughts: Janice Wong is a famous pastry chef from Singapore who creates pieces of edible art, so when we came across her restaurant dedicated to desserts, we had to visit! You can purchase individual desserts, or treat yourself to a dessert degustation (but be warned – not for those on a budget!). The menu changes with the season, but you can be guaranteed that whatever you order will be immaculately presented and perfect for Instagram! Some dishes were maybe a little too experimental for our taste (asparagus in a dessert didn’t quite work for us), but everything looked beautiful and the experience was memorable!

Asparagus Garden at Janice Wong Dessert Bar, Tokyo

Are you following @travel_ling on Instagram?

What are some other Instagrammabe foods have you seen on your travels? Comment below!

Want more travel inspiration?

10 Reasons to Visit Malaysia

by Kim-Ling | Jul 27, 2017 | Malaysia | 20 Comments

Imagine rich cultural traditions, amazing food, and picturesque beaches. Thinking of Spain, France or Thailand? Think Malaysia! It’s a rich melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures in a modern country with that special something that only South-East Asia can...

Street Art in Penang

by Kim-Ling | Jun 26, 2016 | Malaysia | 18 Comments

If you love street art and street food, Penang is the destination for you. This little island off the coast of Malaysia has a plethora of amazing street art and delicious food for the foodie and art lover alike. In fact, I spent a whole weekend navigating my way...

Malaysian Cooking at LaZat & Kari Ayam Recipe

by Kim-Ling | May 6, 2016 | Food, Malaysia | 22 Comments

It’s no secret that we are foodies. We love to cook food almost as much as we love to eat it. Tasting dishes around the world is one of the things we prioritise when we travel. From learning how to cook croquetas in Spain, to finding new dishes I’m inspired to learn...

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The Ultimate Tokyo Itinerary – For Big Kids!

by Kim-Ling | Jan 11, 2018 | Japan

The Ultimate Tokyo Itinerary – For Big Kids!

You think you know Tokyo, but you haven’t truly experienced the exuberance of Tokyo until you fight a sumo, eat rainbow spaghetti, watch robots dance, make your own udon noodles and go-kart through the streets in an adult-sized Mario onesie…. Tokyo is seriously a big kid’s playground, and if you want to experience the fun side of Tokyo and delight your inner child, check out our ULTIMATE Tokyo itinerary for ‘big kids’ below.

Day 1

Cook (and eat!) delicious food

Japan is foodie heaven, so why not learn how to make some of the culinary delights from a local? Ayuko at Buddha Bellies Cooking School is a trained sushi instructor, Sake sommelier and professional cook. She shares her passion for food in small, intimate classes, where you will learn to make a range of delicious Japanese food, from udon noodles, to teriyaki and more. The best part though? Eating the food at the end and being pleasantly surprised by how great you can cook Japanese food.

For an in-depth take on the class AND a delicious recipe, check out our Buddha Bellies post.

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Visit Harajuku

Tokyo is known for some of its crazy fashion and characters, and Harajuku is the heart of it all. If you want to buy some funky items (and spend up big), this is the place for it. Here you will also find eclectic ‘op shops’ (thrift stores) and unique stores. The atmosphere is buzzing and if you really want to get amongst the thick of it, try navigating your way down Takeshita Street!

If all the crowds and characters get a little too much for you, take a short stroll up to Meiji Shrine, where the loudness of Harajuku will feel like another world away. Wander through the tranquil forest-like gardens and temples, purify yourself at the cleansing stations, make a prayer and, if you are lucky, witness a traditional Japanese wedding.

Eat rainbow monster food

After feeling anew, head back to the main part of Harajuku and visit Monster Cafe. This colourful cafe can only be described by imagining a cafe being taken over by psychedelic muppet-monsters and harajuku girls. The booths are like something from Alice in Wonderland and all the food looks like it’s made out of rainbow playdough. Rest assured it isn’t and the food isn’t half bad. Of course, it’s no Michelin meal, but it is fun to taste each coloured cream ‘blob’ on the plate or ice-cream and realise each colour is a different bold flavour. Monster Cafe also have performances at night and at unspecified times during the day, so if you want to see some of the quirky performances, time your visit well (and perhaps book in advance if you want to see a show).

Day 2

Fight a sumo (or watch a match)

Sumo wrestling is a national treasure of Japan and a sporting tradition that is still going strong after many centuries. Sumo wrestling tournaments only occur in the odd months of the year, so if you are not visiting during the matches, you can do something even more memorable, fight a sumo yourself! The Asakusa Sumo Experience is a great way to learn the intricacies of sumo wrestling and even attempt to take on one of the masters. And, once finished challenging the sumo wrestlers, you can tuck into a well-earned hearty sumo wrestler lunch.

Want to see and read more about fighting a sumo wrestler (and at the very least, laugh at our attempts)? Check out our post!

Visit temples

If you aren’t too exhausted from your morning match, take a leisurely wander through the streets of Asakusa towards Sensō-ji Temple. Sensoji is Tokyo’s oldest temple, dating back to 628, and one of Tokyo’s most photogenic. The charming alleys around the temple are also worth strolling through and stopping to try snacks along the way.

Watch a psychedelic Robot Show

A visit to Tokyo is not complete with a night filled with neon lights, pyrotechnics and…. dancing robots. Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku highlights the craziness of Japan that we all have heard about and loved. It’s pretty over-the-top and a little cheesy, but you will have a hard time trying not to smile or laugh at the amazing electronic cabaret show before your eyes.

For dinner, you are spoilt for choice, with ramen bars and my favourite chain: Co-Co Curry. You can easily find some good meals for under ¥1500.

To see a short video on Robot Restaurant and get links to discounted tickets, check out our Robot Restaurant Review.

Robot Restaurant is a must-see in Tokyo!

Day 3

Hakone Day Trip and Hot Springs fun

If the hustle and bustle of Tokyo gets a little too much, then a relaxing day trip to Hakone will set you right. Only 2 hours from Tokyo, Hakone is home to some relaxing onsens (hot springs) and amazing views of Mount Fuji. You can take a boat ride out on Lake Ashi, visit the Hakone Shrine and unwind in one of the hot spring resorts. If you are after an onsen with a quirky twist, Yunessun Kowakien onsen park is a great place to visit. You can rotate between unique baths filled with wine, sake, coffee and more, enjoy some fun outdoor baths and slides or, for the traditionalist, relax in the traditional outdoor (read: naked) onsens. There is a restaurant at the attached hotel, but we found a really lovely soba restaurant beforehand by wandering from the train station through the town and over the bridge and stumbling upon Hatsuhana Soba Honten. Note: Japan have a pretty strict ‘no visible tattoos’ policy in a lot of onsens and it also applies to this onsen park.

Check out our post to find out how to get to Hakone and read about the unique Yunessun Kowakien onsen.

Check out the busiest street in Tokyo & Whiskey Alley

To fit two extremes in the one day, serene to hectic, head out for a fresh sushi dinner at Sushi Zanmai in Shibuya, cross the busiest street in Tokyo and finish with a night cap in Nonbei Alley – An ambient alley filled with tiny whiskey bars that can hold 5 people at a time (but that doesn’t stop the locals from squeezing more in for a raucous night out).

Day 4

Hoon through the streets Mario-style

Let the big kid really let loose and spend your fourth day in Tokyo by go-karting through the streets, MarioKart style. MariCar offer 2 and 3 hour accompanied laps of Tokyo, dressed as your favourite cartoon character. This is the coolest way to see Tokyo and will leave you amazed that this is legal. It also turns you into the attraction, with many pedestrians stopping to take quick photos of you as you wait at the traffic lights.

Check out our video and post of MariCar here!

Shopping for interests

After a cheap lunch in one of the train station eateries, it’s time to flex your bank account. If you love cooking, make your way to Kitchen Street to pick up all the tools and utensils you need to create a Japanese feast at a bargain price. The important thing to note however, is that all the stores only accept cash, and the atms are few and far between (best bet is a 7eleven). If you prefer shopping for electronics, Akihabara or even Shinjuku have plenty to offer (we liked the electronic department stores) and if you want fashion, you can’t miss Harajuku, Shibuya and Ginza.

If you prefer more sightseeing, this is the perfect opportunity to visit the Imperial Palace and grounds. Conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, the site has beautiful gardens, remains of the Edo castle and the Imperial Palace itself. For the history buffs, you can take organised tours to visit parts of the Imperial Palace.

And to top off the ultimate Tokyo itinerary, spend your last night enjoying the incredible neon views from one of the rooftop bars.

Where to stay in Tokyo

We loved staying in Shinjuku, as it is very central and well connected by the metro. Super Hotel Shinjuku Kabukicho was good value, with daily breakfast and cute amenities offered for free (for female guests). If you want a unique experience, book a night at Book and Bed Capsule Hotel. Japan is famous for capsule hotels, and this one has a unique bookish charm – not for the light sleepers or claustrophobics though! For something a little risqué, but not too naughty, Hotel & Spa An Shinjuku is for adults-only fun. The rooms are fitted out with a fancy bathroom, luxurious toiletries and even your own in-room karaoke! For more choices, check out booking.com

How to get around

A JR Pass is great for travel throughout Japan and covers all JR operated trains (including the bullet train). Alternatively, Tokyo is well connected by the metro and is a ‘walkable’ city.

What to eat

Tokyo has no shortage of places to eat. Our picks are Co-Co Curry House, the crazy little Ramen places (you’ll know them when you see them) and and even convenience stores and train stations have excellent food that is reasonably priced. We’ve also written some delicious suggestions on What to Eat in Japan and even picked out some of the most Insta-worthy foods.

What do you think? Is this the ultimate Tokyo itinerary? What else would you add?

This post contains some affiliate links. Booking via these links won’t cost you any extra, but will help us to keep bringing you fun travel ideas and inspiration!

Want more travel inspiration?

Japan’s Most Instagrammable Food

by Kim-Ling | Mar 6, 2018 | Food, Japan | 10 Comments

If you love food, then Japan is THE destination for you! Think flavoursome ramen, fresh seafood and hearty curries, but beyond the delicious tastes, Japan has some very 'Insta-worthy' food. If you want to bring some #foodporn into your feeds, check out some of Japan's...

The Ultimate Tokyo Itinerary – For Big Kids!

by Kim-Ling | Jan 11, 2018 | Japan | 29 Comments

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun – Big kid fun outside Tokyo

by Guy | Dec 9, 2017 | Japan, Travel | 14 Comments

Imagine bathing in a pool of sake, having buckets of it flung into your face while young people scream in glee around you. You might be tempted to think this is some sort of foam party with a bunch of university students, but it’s actually one of the many quirky...

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Hakone Kowakien Yunessun – Big kid fun outside Tokyo

by Guy | Dec 9, 2017 | Japan, Travel

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun – Big kid fun outside Tokyo

Imagine bathing in a pool of sake, having buckets of it flung into your face while young people scream in glee around you.

You might be tempted to think this is some sort of foam party with a bunch of university students, but it’s actually one of the many quirky things that you will experience at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a short trip outside of Tokyo.

In the sake pool at Hakone Kawakien Yunessun!

Why visit Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

If you’re unfamiliar with Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, let me paint you a picture: it’s an aquatic playground (read water slides and outdoor hot springs), including pools filled with green tea, coffee, red wine, sake, etc. Yep, you read that right.

The town of Hakone is a famous tourist spot due to its natural hot springs. The Kowakien Yunessun (which includes the aquatic centre and nearby hotel) is located on a natural hot spring just outside of Hakone, and also has an amazing onsen, or traditional Japanese bath house that you can visit. But be warned, the onsen is not for the shy and prudish – onsens traditionally require you to be nude, albeit with a tiny white towel for a degree of modesty (what good is a tiny bit of cloth?).

Which one would you try?

Hakone and the Kowakien Yunessun make for a great day trip from Tokyo and show you a little more of the traditional side of Japanese culture than you might find in Shinjuku or other suburbs of Tokyo.

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How to get to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

There are various options to get to Hakone from Tokyo. For more information on your transport options to Hakone, check out this guide. We were based in Shinjuku during our trip to Japan, but these instructions will work from most stations in Tokyo with just a few amendments.

Our fearless leader explaining MariCar rules

These waters slides look pretty tranquil, but we both worked up a fair amount of steam coming down!

Step 1 – Using our Japan rail pass, we took a JR fast train from Shinagawa to Odawara (free with the JR pass!) and then purchased a separate pass for the Odakyo Railway line to Hakone (a couple of hundred Yen from memory).

Step 2 – Congratulations, you’ve made it to Hakone! Finally, after stopping for a quick couple of (hundred) sushi rolls, we jumped on a bus winding its way up into the mountains to get to the Yunessun (the bus will stop right outside). All up, it’s about 2 hours of travel time, which is really just enough time to thoroughly check Facebook and post some of the previous days photos to Instagram… 🙂

Looking for more things to do in Tokyo? Read about how you can Fight a Sumo here or drive through the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart!

Your other transport options include:

Option 2 – Fast route – for those willing to take a faster, more direct route, the Romance Car option could be the one for you. From Shinjuku station, you will catch an express train with a few limited stops to Hakone Yumoto station, which takes only 85 minutes and costs 2080 yen (not covered by JR Rail Pass). Then simply transfer to the Odakyu line and get the bus (i.e. follow step 2 above).

Overlooking the valley in the Yunessun’s famous hot springs

Relax in the hot springs…

Once you have had your fun in the sake, coffee, both red and green tea pools and maxxed out on the waterslides, head up the stairs to the natural hot springs which overlook the valley below. The hot springs have been visited by Japanese for centuries and when we were there, the springs themselves were practically deserted and we pretty much had them to ourselves.

The great thing about Kowakien Yunessun, is that you get to experience both the water park fun and relax in the hot springs, all in the one place. Be sure to also visit the Mori No Yu section of the main building – the traditional (read: naked) onsen which has several baths, pools and springs set in an amazing Japanese garden.

Note: Most Japanese onsens usually have a strict ‘no visible tattoos’ policy, and unfortunately this applies at Yunessun and Mori No Yu.

Conclusion

Hakone surprised us. It wasn’t just the way having a Japanese staff member spray a bucket of coffee water in our faces made us feel (yes, that really happened). No, it was far deeper than that. The Hakone Kawakien Yunessun has that perfect mix of fun and relaxation in both a modern and traditional setting. Enjoy!

Want more travel inspiration?

Japan’s Most Instagrammable Food

by Kim-Ling | Mar 6, 2018 | Food, Japan | 10 Comments

The Ultimate Tokyo Itinerary – For Big Kids!

by Kim-Ling | Jan 11, 2018 | Japan | 29 Comments

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun – Big kid fun outside Tokyo

by Guy | Dec 9, 2017 | Japan, Travel | 14 Comments

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MariCar – The Craziest Way to See Tokyo

by Kim-Ling | Oct 12, 2017 | Japan

MariCar – The Craziest Way to See Tokyo

There was chaos all around me. Colourful characters swerving and speeding through the streets of high-rise buildings and temples. Blinded by the neon lights and deafened by the roaring electronic soundtrack, I gathered all my focus towards pole position. Despite all the chaos and commotion, I remained calm. I was driven by the will to win. The finish line was mine for the taking. As I swerved and drifted around an incoming banana peel, I took a deep breath, aimed and fired a turtle shell at my opponent in front of me, sending him flying up into the air.

MariCar – Tokyo’s crazy real-life Mario Kart

Ok, so that’s not exactly how it went down, but the adrenaline, excitement and craziness of driving a small go-kart through the streets of Tokyo, dressed in a Mario character onesie is nothing short of exhilarating. When I first heard about MariCar I thought it would be a fun and quirky experience to wrap up our amazing trip to Japan. I assumed that there would be some kind of cut-off section of the roads or footpaths where we would have somewhat of a token drive. I was wrong. Apart from the character costumes you can wear, there is nothing fantasy or token about it. You will drive a real, modified-for-road go-kart and you will drive it on the road, with all the rest of the traffic in Tokyo.

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That sounds dangerous?

By our road standards, it probably is. However, MariCar operate in line with the law and they are strict when it comes to Licences (you MUST present a valid International Licence, issued from your country of residence, to participate). Rest assured, we get taken through safety instructions, (which included, “Don’t hit the other cars”, “Don’t beep your horn unnecessarily”, “Follow the road rules like a normal driver” and “Follow my lead”), however it’s still pretty hard to believe this is actually allowed.

Trying to avoid being hit by a merging bus or truck whilst driving 50kms an hour over a bridge really puts your vulnerability into perspective…. and it is brilliant for the adrenaline junkies. Whilst we had no issues, there have been a number of accidents – including go-karts crashing on top of another and others hitting parked cars and police boxes. These incidents have prompted concern from police and the government, even with talks of closing it down (but luckily for us, business is going strong and we got to do it!).

If driving down the streets of Tokyo on a go-kart and dressed as a cartoon character excites you, how about fighting a sumo dressed in a sumo suit? Read about how you can Fight a Sumo here!

Make no mistake, this is NOT Mario Kart

After being taken to court in February 2017 by Nintendo, the owners have been quite adamant that this is not a copy of Mario Kart, but it’s hard not to find the similarities, especially when you see Mario, Luigi, Toad and Yoshi zoom down the street in go-karts. The owners of MariCar actually won the court case and can still operate, despite Nintendo’s attempts to shut them down. They do have a disclaimer on their website (which I found amusing), including the following:

No racing each other on the streets.
Do not throw banana peals or any other garbage on to the streets.
Do not throw red turtle shells or any other objects to each other.

So what’s MariCar actually like?

All joking aside, MariCar is super fun. When we rocked up to the storefront in Akihabara, we were handed forms to sign and directed to pick a character onesie from the huge selection. The store was abuzz with excited millennials, ready to race. Lockers are provided and if you want to hire go-pros and accessories, there is the option for that also. Once dressed, we were divided into small groups and went through the safety spiel with our fearless leader, before we headed to our go-karts.

Dress as your favourite hero with MariCar

A few practice revs, blinker tests and beeps later, and we were ready to hit the road… literally! It is quite surreal driving on the road in a small 50cc go-kart. You are lower to the ground and there is not much between you and the cars around you. Thankfully, drivers in Japan are sensible, so we didn’t have much to worry about. We followed the signals of our leader to slow down, speed up and drive in single or double file. The go-karts tend to embellish every bump and vibration on the road, so it was a nice relief to have a short pit stop at Odaiba and take the obligatory selfie and enjoy the wonderful views of the Rainbow Bridge and the Statue of Liberty replica.

But, a man (or woman) has got to ride, so back on the road we went! These babies are small, but still pack a punch. We almost hit 60kms/hr at some stages and really felt the adrenaline rush. In a city of 13 million people, we quickly became the attraction for tourists and locals alike, with many people waving at us from passing buses and even stopping in the middle of crossings to take photos of us. Every time we stopped at the lights, Guy and I would laugh in amusement at how crazy this actually was (and wonder how it could be legal!). All in all, it was an exhilarating experience and one we would definitely do again next time we are in Japan!

Dress as your favourite character with MariCar Japan!

What more crazy things to see in Tokyo, Japan? Why not check out Robot Restaurant!?!

The deets

Where: Maricar operate from a few sites in Tokyo and Osaka. You can find details of their stores on their website.

When: MariCar offer a number of 2-hour and 3-hour laps around the city throughout the day and evening. Check their Facebook page for up-to-date times and to make a booking.

Cost: Prices start from ¥8,000

Important!

If this sounds like something you MUST do when in Japan, make sure you have your International Drivers’ Licence organised. They won’t let you participate if you don’t have one (and you have to organise it before you go to Japan).

Dressing up as characters with MariCar Japan

What do you think? Crazy, or a MUST-DO in Japan? But more importantly, what character would you dress up as?

Let us know in the comments below!

Want more travel inspiration?

Japan’s Most Instagrammable Food

by Kim-Ling | Mar 6, 2018 | Food, Japan | 10 Comments

The Ultimate Tokyo Itinerary – For Big Kids!

by Kim-Ling | Jan 11, 2018 | Japan | 29 Comments

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun – Big kid fun outside Tokyo

by Guy | Dec 9, 2017 | Japan, Travel | 14 Comments

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How to travel light for two weeks in a carry-on [Packing tips and Cabin Zero backpack review]

by Guy | Aug 18, 2017 | Japan, Reviews, Travel

How to travel light for two weeks in a carry-on [Packing tips and Cabin Zero backpack review]

I hate wandering through beautiful European streets, Asia’s packed markets or the concrete jungles of America while dragging around overloaded suitcases.

So on a recent trip to Japan we attempted to go for two weeks in just a carry-on with what we now believe is the BEST travel backpack. And it WORKED.

How to pack for a trip (and how most people actually do)

When space is limited and comfort is at a premium, a strategy is a must. No emotion here, just cold hard prioritisation. This is what I found helpful.

Break down what you need into categories:

- - Underwear and socks
  - Daily outfits (preferably using jeans/pants/skirt as a base with rotating shirts, etc)
  - Sleeping gear (where possible save space, sleep in the nude, though not recommended for hostel dorm stays)
  - Swimming gear
  - Coats and cold-weather gear (wear these on the plane where possible)
  - Toiletries
  - Shoes (as few as you need for the activities you need to do)

Rule number 1 – Folding is out, rolling is in.

Rolling your clothes reduces the overall footprint of the stack of clothes and when every millimetre counts, this can really pay dividends. This works particularly well for t-shirts, shorts, dresses but not so much for thick denim jeans, continue to lay these ones flat.

Rule number 2 – Using all available space

You would probably be surprised by how much extra you can fit inside you’re the little nooks and crannies when packing a bag. A tip we always use is to stuff socks, belts, etc into shoes within your bag. Also look to use the space in between your rolls – there will generally be decent space both above and below where the rolls will meet for you to stuff smaller items.

Rule number 3 – Bundle like items together

Taking shirts for example, they are all generally the same size, mostly the same shape, etc. So it makes sense to lay them out together, roll them up and pack them as one rather than rolling a mixture of jeans, skirts, shirts, and jackets. This will also make it easier when you need to get straight to something as you will know exactly where in which roll to find them.

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Choosing the right backpack for travel

How do you choose the best backpack for travel? Here are a few thoughts on the issue:

- Durability – If you’re going half way around the world, then you’ll want to make sure that the bag you trust with your belongings is tough enough to take the hits on the road. Ideally, I look for large zippers, strong handles and straps (look at the stitching for this), and materials that won’t mark too easily.
- Style – Because we are the millennial generation, ok?
- Space – Must be able to fit enough stuff but still be able to get through most airline carry-on size checks (more on this below)
- Wearability – Personally, I prefer to carry my bags on my back as it leaves my hand free and I hate, HATE carrying suitcases up or down staircases. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps are a must and I like travel backpacks that allow for some air to get to the small of your back as well.

When we got our hands on two of Cabin Zero’s most stylish travel bags, we decided to put them to test. We compared the Urban 42L and the Classic 44L styles during two weeks, 5 hotels, 4 flights, numerous trains and a bus trip through Japan.

THESE BAGS ARE THE BEST TRAVEL BACKPACKS THAT WE HAVE FOUND!

I used the Urban and Kim-Ling took the Classic for our trip. First up, they are beautiful but in very different ways.

See our quick-look comparison between the Urban and Classic below!

The Urban 42L

For me, the Urban was the perfect mix of stylish, harwearing, waterproof (it was absolutely fine in the rain) and really easy to carry around with both a small side handle, slign shoulder strap AND traditional back straps. I was able to fit all of my clothers for 2 weeks in Japan in the Urban, AS WELL AS my laptop bag with laptop and GoPros x 2. I can’t rate it highly enough and you wouldn’t look out of place strolling down the coolest avenues of the world, including Las Ramblas in Barcelona, Broadway in New York or Shinjuku in Tokyo.

The Classic 44L

For Kim-ling, she LOVED the Classic. Not only because it was super lightweight, but because it came in a range of bright colours, including her favourite – purple. We wore it all around Tokyo, on and off trains, etc and it worked perfectly. Easy to wear, nicely distributing the weight across the shoulders and with a really useful front pocket to store some of the essentials. The beauty of the Classic is that it is has many useful pockets and the interior compartment setup is a little better suited to travel in our opinion.

If you want to check out more of Japan, be sure to check out things to do before your trip to Japan or how to fight a sumo.

The key question that we had when they first arrived was: Will the CabinZero fit in carry on? My first impression was no, it just looked like a pretty big backpack and I have to admit, I had my doubts.

But the answer is yes, yes it will! We’ve done some digging, and from our own experience and that of other bloggers and travellers, the Classic 44L will fit into carry on with even the most obnoxious of airlines (you know who I’m talking about). We personally used it on ANA, Qantas and Jetstar without any problems whatsoever.

What is it like to travel for two weeks in a carry on?

To be honest, I loved it. I had just what I needed and literally nothing more. It made getting around Tokyo subway stations that much easier and quicker, particularly when running for trains (this happened often) or getting lost for an hour (only once).

It’s also great to have the peace of mind that IF you happen to misplace your Cabin Zero bag, they all have their unique Okoban identifier code that makes it easier to track down (provided you create an account and register your bag).

Conclusion

For us and our style of travel, these bags just worked so well and allowed us to travel through Tokyo, Kyoto and Okinawa for two weeks living out of just a carry on bag. The Urban is now my go to travel bag for anything longer than a few days, while Kim-Ling has used the Classic for everything from weekend trips to longer holidays.

If you’re looking for a versatile, roomy and stylish travel bag, we highly recommend the CabinZero Urban or Classic. Enjoy!

What are your best travel packing tips? Could you travel for up to two weeks with just a carry on?

Please leave a comment below!

A huge thanks to the guys at Cabin Zero for providing us with the Urban and Classic bags for our review. All views remain our own, of course.

This post contains some affiliate links. Booking via these links won’t cost you any extra, but will help us continue to bring you the best in travel content, so thank you in advance!

Robot Restaurant Review

by Kim-Ling | Jul 24, 2017 | Japan, Reviews

Robot Restaurant Review

If you didn’t think the neon lights of Tokyo could shine any brighter, then you haven’t been to Robot Restaurant. You can see the neon signs, wrapped around the building from a block away. Like a magnet, Robot Restaurant draws all the curious explorers in, with its catchy theme song (that’s right, there’s a theme song and it WILL get stuck in your head!) blaring from the speakers, colourful lights flashing and lighting up the street, oh and the huge fembots proudly displayed at the front.

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What is Robot Restaurant?

If you are in Shinjuku, it’s hard to miss Robot Restaurant. The best way to describe Robot Restaurant is a cabaret show on LSD; 90 minutes (including intervals) of short 5-minute acts filled with dancing, singing, theatrics, laser lights and pyrotechnics.

Singing, dancing and theatrics at Robot Restaurant

Prefer to watch a video of the craziness that is Robot Restaurant? Check out our video on YouTube! Don’t forget to like the video and subscribe to our channel for more travel inspiration!

Opened in 2012, Robot Restaurant was originally created as a fun show for where locals can let down their hair. It didn’t take long to become a popular tourist attraction, and now attracts foreign visitors every night. Apparently the owner spent US$100 million on fit out, which is hard to put into words (nevertheless, money well spent, judging by the sell-out crowds!). The stairwells and “waiting room” are a spectacle in their own right and will intrigue all who enter. I’m talking over-the-top bling with futuristic elements and crazy pyschodelic stairwells that entice the audience to the stage underground. I felt like we had stepped into some crazy world of Willy Wonka, but with robots instead of candy.

The coolest waiting room you'll ever visit - Robot Restaurant

Even the walls are funky at Robot Restaurant, Tokyo

The craziest concert you will ever see

As soon as we booked our tickets to Japan, I knew we HAD to go see Robot Restaurant – and I wasn’t disappointed. Robot Restaurant is unlike any other show we’ve ever seen. It’s all the crazy stuff I love about Japan, wrapped into one colourful and eccentric package. The audience is seated in three tiers on two sides of a narrow room. It’s great, as no matter what row you are in, you will have a great view of the action. The seats are set in twos, joined by a small table, where you can store your drinks, popcorn and bento boxes (all at an extra cost).

Robots and lasers at Robot Restaurant, Japan

The performances range from mini rock concerts to theatrical robot wars. The singers and dancers have so much energy (I want whatever they’re having!) and the costumes are something out of a teenage boy’s manga dream. You can expect to see impressive robotic floats of sharks, dinosaurs, snakes and futuristic unicorns. Pyrotechnics and laser beams light up the space, and there’s even a dance number that I’m sure was inspired by Daft Punk.

It's all fun and games until someone is eaten by a Robot

Want to do other crazy things in Tokyo? Why not Fight a Sumo? Read about it here!

Electric performances at Robot Restaurant, Tokyo

It’s a Restaurant, so what about the food?

To be honest, people don’t generally come here for the food. Considering there are so many amazing foods on offer nearby, we decided to skip the food and just indulged in some show drinks and popcorn instead. I think I spotted one couple with the bento box, but it’s quite hard to truly enjoy the food, when you are distracted by the awesome spectacle going on right in front of you.

Speaking of food, why not try making your own Udon Noodles? Read our recipe here!

The dancers at Robot Restaurant are full of energy

Why go?

Unlike many of the themed cafes and restaurants in Japan, Robot Restaurant stood out as a ‘must-do’ for us. Granted, the tickets aren’t as cheap as many of the entry fees for other themed places, but you get 90-minutes of an exhilarating, well-produced show. It’s over the top, tourisy and a little cheesy at times, but that’s part of its charm! It combines all the craziness you expect from Japan, right in the centre of Tokyo electrifying nightlife.

The details

Robot Restaurant is located in Shinjuku: 1-7-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo,Japan. It’s pretty hard to miss, with the bright neon signage out the front (you will likely hear it before you see it too!).

There are up to four shows per day at 4PM, 5:55pm, 7:50pm and 9:45pm. See the website for up-to-date times. Note that you have to be there 40 minutes before the show to pick up the tickets (and there’s normally a decent line).

Tickets are ¥8,000 per person, however we’ve teamed up with G’Day Japan to offer all of our readers discounted tickets here! We recommend booking in advance, as the shows often sell out.