Experience Japan in a day - without leaving Victoria

I lived in Japan for 4 and a half years - 18 months in Saitama (a satellite of Tokyo - think Geelong!) and 3 years in suburban Tokyo.  It was a great experience and one I often miss.  I get ridiculously excited when I come across places that remind me of Japan locally.  I've put some of these experiences together to devise a Melbourne day trip.  This day trip would be great for anyone who would like to get an initial taste of Japan or for Japan-philes looking for a mini-fix.  Just think - japan without the flight, money changing, language difficulties or early morning commuter crushes!

Click on the links below for more information, including location.

Breakfast?

Head to Ajisen at Melbourne Central for a hearty start to the day.

Now it is time to shop!  

100 Yen Stores

My favourite 100 yen store is in Abbotsford.  Get lost in Daiso - everything is $2.80.  Cosmetics, homeware, stationary, snacks and more.  I love the onsen bath salts, origami paper, tea cups and all the containers.

A bit more central is my second favourite 100 yen store - Tokuya - right near Target on Bourke Street.  This one is smaller, but is still great to look in.

Both Daiso and Tokuya are on Facebook - you can find out about their seasonal products.  I've heard that sometimes the shelves look a bit empty - between shipments - but I haven't experienced this.

Home wares

Made in Japan is a great place for buying omiyage (trip souvenirs for your friends), a little something for your home or window shopping.  Beautiful crockery, textiles and chopsticks to be ground here.

Lunch!

The South Melbourne Market is just around the corner from Made in Japan.  On Cecil Street, between Coventry and York Streets, you'll find a casual hole in the wall for a quick (and budget!) bite to eat.  The okonomiyaki and gyoza are recommended!!

Relax...


Time to jump in the car and head to the Peninsular Hot Springs.  It's a 90 minute drive to bliss, so if that is too far, try the more centrally located Japanese Bathhouse in Collingwood.  Cleanse and relax your cares away "Japanese-style".

Collingwood

Peninsular

Dinner and....


If you have chosen the Peninsular resort, you may be happy to head home for a quiet meal.  Back in the city, I have a few favourite places for dinner that won't break the budget.  (If I felt like spending more, I'd head to Maedaya in Bridge Road, Richmond.  The owner knows his izakaya-style food and sake.  Book ahead!)

For a fun, quick bite try: Sushi Burger in Exhibition Street.  The buns are made of sushi rice, plus you can have gyoza, noodles and sushi.

Izakaya Chuji feels authentic - it is one of the oldest izakayas in Melbourne. Try it for the atmosphere - I have had better food in other places.

There's heaps of izakayas in Melbourne now - choose your own adventure!  This article talks about the Izakaya invasion in Melbourne.

Slightly out of the way, but worth mentioning: North of the city in Niddrie is Tookaiya.  Another casual eatery - try the banquet if you are hungry!

If you are ready for more, it is time for karaoke!  I'd recommend the Chi Lounge in Little Bourke Street.  I think it is a great deal too- there's a minimum spend of $25 / person for the room hire between 6 - 10 pm.  That means you can buy a bottle of wine (approx $25) to keep you singing for the night.  You can also buy food here too.  The rooms are comfortable and there's a great range of songs.

  You could even get some purikura done on Swanston Street on your way home.

So there you have it - Japan in a day! I hope it recharges your batteries and adds a genki spring to your step.  How about you- any Japanese experiences in Melbourne you can share?