HazelDiary

If you’re a fan of juicy, flavour-packed Japanese hamburg steaks, there’s a delicious new spot at Resorts World Sentosa worth visiting. Introducing Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, the latest addition to Weave. You can spot them just behind the newly opened Pierre Hermé boutique.

Read more: [SG EATS] Niku Niku Oh!! Kome – Japanese Hamburg Steak Spot Opens at Weave, Resorts World Sentosa

Hailing from Japan, Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is brought to you by Monogatari Corporation—one of the country’s leading F&B giants with a global footprint of over 40 outlets. The Singapore opening marks the brand’s exciting local debut, launched in partnership with the renowned Putien Group.

The star of the show here is the Japanese-style hamburg steak and it’s not your average burger patty. These are thick, juicy, hand-shaped beef patties made from a blend of wet-aged ribeye and brisket, ground fresh daily for maximum flavour and tenderness.

Each one is grilled on a hot teppan and served still sizzling on your own personal hotplate. You get to watch the chefs in action as they cook it teppanyaki-style, right in front of you. There are three main types of hamburg steaks to choose from:

• Original – Juicy and flavourful on its own, even without sauce.

• Cheese – Topped with melted cheddar and freshly grated Grana Padano. Rich but not too cloying.

• Avocado Tartar (Seasonal) – With avocado slices, tartar, and teriyaki sauce for a refreshing twist.

Interested to try all? Go for the Assorted Hamburg Steak Set (S$22.80) – it includes one of each! Prices start at S$16.80 for the basic set, which includes:

• Two original patties
• Pasteurized egg
• Unlimited servings of rice, miso soup, and grilled vegetables

At Niku Niku Oh!! Kome, the rice is treated with just as much care as the beef. They use a blend of Japanese Niji no Kirameki rice and Vietnamese jasmine rice, milled in-house daily to lock in freshness and nutrition. Each grain is polished right before cooking—a small touch that makes a big difference, especially when paired with the rich, juicy hamburg steak. Top it off with your choice of a raw or soft-boiled egg, and you’ve got a simple combo that’s unbelievably satisfying. The rice with the egg? You will not go wrong.

The sauce bar at Niku Niku Oh!! Kome is where things get really fun. With a variety of bold and unique options, you can mix and match to find the perfect combo for your hamburg steak.

Sauce highlights include:

• Onion Sauce – sweet, savoury, and super versatile
• BBQ Sauce – smoky with a nice kick, even better with a dab of mustard
• Aurora Sauce – a creamy tomato-mayo blend that’s light, tangy, and perfect for veggies

Tips for the Sauce Bar

• Taste the steak first – Start with just salt and pepper to enjoy the full flavour of the beef.
• Love spice? – Mix the garlic chili, Korean spicy sauce, and wasabi salt for a fiery kick.
• Use Aurora sauce for veggies – It’s perfect with the grilled broccoli.
• BBQ + mustard – A classic combo if you’re craving burger vibes.

With sizzling steaks served on your personal hotplate, you’re in full control of how you like your meat. Just be careful not to overcook it, since the teppan stays hot for quite a while. For an approachable teppanyaki-style experience at Resorts World Sentosa, Niku Niku Oh!! Kome strikes a great balance between value and flavour. Considering the price point especially at RWS, it’s an easy yes.I wouldn’t be surprised to see queues forming outside soon.

Address: Niku Niku Oh!! Kome
#01-228 Weave, Resorts World Sentosa
26 Sentosa Gateway
Singapore 098138
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00AM to 10:00PM

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Just a short train ride from Osaka or Kyoto, Kobe makes for a perfect day destination. Known for its succulent Kobe beef, scenic harbourside views, and rich blend of Japanese and Western influences. We visited Kobe during our recent trip to Osaka, Japan.

Read more: [JAPAN TRAVELS] A Day Trip to Kobe – What to See, Eat and Do in a Day

Here is how you can make the most of a full day in Kobe:

From Osaka: Take JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka Station to Sannomiya Station ( ~approximately 25 minutes)

From Kyoto: Take JR Special Rapid Service from Kyoto Station ( ~approximately 50 minutes).

Tips: Purchase your Kansai Railway pass here.

Take the Shin-Kobe Ropeway up the hill to reach the Nunobiki Herb Garden. Enjoy the panoramic views of Kobe City, seasonal flowers and herbal foot baths. Perfect spot for a relaxing stroll amidst nature. We didn’t pre-purchase our tickets and had to join the queue to buy them on the spot. There are actually two separate lines—one for those with pre-purchased tickets and another for walk-in purchases. It’s advisable to pre-purchase to skip the longer queue. Or you can choose to hike all the way up.

Alternatively, you can pre-purchased the ticket with cheaper rate via the link here.

Entry ticket is required : 1,800 YEN ( Round-trip ropeway + Garden admission)

No visit to Kobe is complete without tasting the world-famous Kobe Beef. Head to Steakland Kobe near Sannomiya Station for an affordable yet authentic teppanyaki experience. Being the first timer who visited Kobe, Steakland Kobe is apparently the entry level for the visit. There are also many other nice kobe beef restaurants to choose from.

Established in 1873, this long-standing shop has earned quite a reputation. They offer a wide variety of items, but I opted for their korokke — it was freshly fried, hot, and incredibly crispy. The filling, made of mashed potatoes, ground beef, and onions, was smooth and flavorful. It’s easy to see why this historic shop remains so popular!

After lunch, head to the Kobe waterfront and take a leisurely walk around Meriken Park. Snap photos with the BE KOBE sign and admire the contemporary design of Kobe Maritime Museum and the iconic Port Tower. You can also purchase the entry ticket to Port Tower to be at the very top view of the city.

Location: 10 minutes walk from Samnomiya Station

Head back toward the city to visit one of Kobe’s oldest Shinto shrines. Ikuta Shrine is a peaceful spiritual spot nestled in the heart of the city and is dedicated to the deity of love and relationships. Or you can opt for a day tour service to explore Port of Kobe, Kitano Ijinkan-Gai, & Mt. Rokko within the same day.

Location: 1 Chome-2-1 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward
Admission: Free

Round off your day with a stroll through Nankinmachi. Kobe’s vibrant Chinatown. Expect street food galore from pipping hot nikuman (pork buns) to xiao long bao, and other delicious bites. It is the perfect place to snack, shop for souvenirs and soak in a lively atmosphere.

Wrap up your Kobe day trip and catch the JR train back to your base city. If you have extra time, enjoy a sunset view from the train or grab a coffee near the station before heading back.

Kobe is more than just premium beef. It is a charming city with a unique cultural blend, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you are into history, food or just a relaxing stroll by the sea. Kobe has something for every traveler.

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Located on Level 2 of Amara Hotel, Sapoto is the latest yakitori omakase restaurant to join the vibrant dining scene in Tanjong Pagar. Helmed by the former head chef of the renowned Shirokane Tori-Tama and brought to you by the same folks behind Sushi Yujo and Shinrai, Sapoto promises a modern Japanese grill experience without burning a hole in your pocket.

Read more: [SG EATS] Affordable Sapoto Japanese Yakitori Omakase From S$48++ at Amara Hotel, Tanjong Pagar

Step into the softly illuminated space and you’ll be welcomed by an intimate counter-style dining setup. Diners can enjoy watching chefs in action. At the helm is Chef Shyong, a seasoned yakitori specialist with over 10 years of experience, alongside Chef Desmond Fong, who adds a contemporary twist to the traditional fare.

Sapoto offers well-priced omakase menus with lunch starting from S$48++ and dinner from S$98++. I went for the S$148++ dinner omakase, which showcased a delightful balance of premium ingredients and expertly grilled skewers.

Sashimi Trio
The meal kicked off with Akami, Tai and Otoro – fresh cuts that whetted the appetite.

Chutoro Carpaccio
Beautifully plated and topped with caviar. The chutoro was buttery and indulgent.

Tsukune with Egg Yolk
A classic mix of pork and chicken. Perfect when dipped into the rich egg yolk.

Bonjiri (Chicken Tail)
Loving the tender, smoky, and full of flavour.

Grilled Innard / Chicken Skin Alternative
I opt for the grilled innard. I had the Chicken heart yakitori that has a slightly chewy, firm texture with a rich, meaty flavour. It is not overly gamey.

Uni Truffle Brioche
A mini brioche bursting with umami richness – the creamy uni stood out beautifully.

Trio of Grilled Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Shoulder with yuzu pepper – zesty and tender
• Chicken Thigh with Leek – classic and juicy
• Chicken Neck – flavour-packed with a satisfying chew

Grilled Vegetables
King Oyster Mushroom and Japanese Broccolini – smoky and a welcome contrast to the meats.

Torched Scallop with Grilled Seaweed
The sashimi-grade scallop, lightly torched and wrapped in freshly grilled nori, was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The combination was simply divine, with a perfect balance of delicate flavours and textures.

Tontoro (Pork Jowl)
One of my favourites of the night – juicy and layered with a wasabi pickle kick.

Tebasaki (Mid Wing)
Crispy skin and tender meat.A yakitori staple done well.

Sapoto Ramen
A small bowl of creamy ramen broth to round off the savoury dishes.

Dessert – Japanese Melon
A refreshing end to the omakase experience.

Sapoto offers a top-notch yakitori omakase experience that is both affordable and diverse. If you’re looking for a value-for-money omakase in a cozy atmosphere, Sapoto is worth a visit without breaking the bank.

Address: Sapoto
165 Tanjong Pagar Road,
#02-26, Amara Hotel,
Singapore 088539
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 6:00PM to 10:30PM
(Closed on Mondays)
Website: https://www.sapoto.sg/

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Mark your calendars! Expo 2025 Osaka, a once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange, will be held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka, Japan. Running from 13 April to 13 October 2025, the World Expo will gather countries, organizations, and companies from around the world under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Read more: [JAPAN TRAVELS] Expo 2025 Osaka: How to Book and What to Expect?

If you’re planning to attend, here’s everything you need to know about how to book your tickets and what to expect!

All admission tickets for Expo 2025 are issued as e-tickets and can be conveniently purchased through the official ticket sales website using a smartphone or computer. Upon purchase, a QR code will be provided for scanning at the entrance.

For those in Japan, printed ticket vouchers are also available at convenience stores, though these must be exchanged for e-tickets prior to entry.

After securing your ticket, you’ll need to select a specific date and time for your visit through the official website, as part of a crowd management system designed to enhance the overall experience.

Given the high expected turnout, it is recommended to book your tickets early to secure your preferred visit dates.

Booking Steps:

1. Purchase Your Ticket
   • Tickets can be purchased through the official website or Klook ( Pre-purchase is available now)
   • After purchase, you’ll receive a PDF file and a 10-digit Ticket ID via email.
2. Register Your Ticket ID
   • Create an account and log in to the official ticketing website.
   • Register your EXPO ID and Ticket ID to access the reservation system.
3. Make Reservations
   • Participation Date Reservation:
     • Opens 6 months prior to your intended visit date.
   • Pavilion Reservations:
     • Opens 3 months prior to your visit date.
     • You can amend up to 3 times, so plan wisely!

TIPS: Pavilion access includes three types of reservation windows:

① First Lottery – Available 2 months before your visit.

② Second Lottery – Opens 7 days prior.

③ Vacation Reservation – Available 3 days before on a first-come, first-served basis.

By Train:

• Hop on the Osaka Metro Chūō Line and alight at Yumeshima Station.
• It’s a short walk from the station to the expo grounds.

By Bus:

Shuttle buses are available from the airport and selected stations to the Expo site. You can conveniently pre-purchase your bus tickets through https://app.kansai-maas.jp/, where you’ll also find the bus timetable to help you plan your journey in advance.

Also, do take note on the venue access for the respective transportation to EXPO.

What to Expect at Expo 2025 Osaka?

Expo 2025 will feature national pavilions from over 150 countries, each showcasing technological advancements and innovative solutions. For instance, the Japan Pavilion will focus on robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energies, while the United States Pavilion will highlight innovations in sustainability, public health, and space exploration. ​

The Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” emphasizes creating a sustainable and inclusive future. Attendees can anticipate interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and discussions on global challenges. The event aims to foster international collaboration and provide insights into the future of various industries

Visitors can anticipate a variety of attractions, including:​

• Innovative Pavilions: Each participating country will present its unique vision for the future, offering immersive experiences and cutting-edge technologies.​
• Cultural Performances: A diverse lineup of performances will highlight global traditions and contemporary arts.​
• Culinary Delights: An opportunity to savor international cuisines, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of the participating nations.​
• Sustainability Initiatives: The Expo will emphasize sustainable practices and showcase eco-friendly innovations aimed at addressing environmental challenges.​

For a comprehensive guide and the latest updates, visit the official Expo 2025 website: ​Expo 2025

• Book early to secure your preferred date and pavilion slots.
• Keep your EXPO ID and Ticket ID handy at all times.
• Stay updated on travel restrictions, weather, and local tips as the date approaches.

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Nishikane by Nobuhiro Nishi stands as a premium Japanese kappo style omakase establishment nestled in Singapore’s bustling Central Business District. Chef Nobu, with a lineage steeped in Japanese culinary traditions spanning over six generations, brings a unique blend of classic techniques and modern flavors to this intimate 16-seater fine-dining venue. Read More

Exploring Nara on a day trip from either Kyoto or Osaka is a must for many travelers, as it offers a wealth of cultural and historical experiences, along with the charming Nara Deer Park. Here’s a concise free and easy itinerary for your one-day Nara adventure: Read More

We were searching for 2D1N stay in Kyoto for our recent trip to Kyoto and finally decided on 22 Pieces. 22 Pieces hotel is in Minami Ward, a neighbourhood in Kyoto, Japan. The hotel is approximately 4 minutes’ walk from Kyoto station.22 Pieces is a 22-room inn that stands quietly in a quiet residential area. A studio-type room with an area of ​​34 to 36 m2 and a kitchen has 3 single beds and 1 sofa bed.
It is available for 2 to 4 people. We booked via here instead of their official website. Read More

Amanohashidate (天橋立) is one of Japan’s three scenic views. Amanohashidate, the meaning is referred to roughly bridge in heaven and is a 3.6-km-long, pine tree covered sand bar. It spans across Miyazu Bay on the Tango Peninsula, northern Kyoto Prefecture. We decided to take a free and easy day trip to northern Kyoto during our recent trip to Kyoto. If you prefer a tour instead, you can consider this pre-purchase day trip tour here. Read More

Soba Takama located within a walking distance from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station was our first meal upon arrival of Osaka, Japan. It was just a few trains stops away from Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station(where we were staying during our Osaka trip) and we decided to go for this before our next itinerary. The restaurant is tucked away in the side streets, and you can easily miss it. If you are planning to visit them, do look out for the wooden shop with a sliding door. Read More

Kissajin officially opened on 10 October 2022 and located right next to Jinhonten ( Omakase sister establishment). The restaurants are also in the esteemed restaurant group of Les Amis Group including Wagyu Jin, Jinjo, Tenjin and Sushi Jin. Helmed by Chef Ryo Yamaguchi alongside Executive Chef Makoto Saito, @Kissajin proffers an experiential menu that is refreshed quarterly to highlight prime seasonal produce.

The restaurant offers one specially curated omakase menu each for lunch and dinner. Priced at S$68.00++ for seven (7) course lunch and S$98.00++ for eight (8) course dinner. Expect to see new menu every quarterly to highlight prime seasonal produce. Read More