HazelDiary

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

Maetomo Japanese cuisine Kaiseki & Sushi located at Level 1 of Sheraton Towers Hotel is helmed by Chef Maetomo that offers traditional recipes of washoku a contemporary twist and brings out the delicate flavours of each seasonal ingredient to create a tantalizing umami experience for all in luxe and private setting. They are a total of 4 private room with the theme of four seasons. Read More

Rêve nestled located along Kreta Ayer Road is a French-Japanese fine-dining restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Kawano Masahiko. The elegant fine dining space balances traditional Japanese ingredients with French cuisine with a 7 course lunch menu at S$158.00++ and a 9 course dinner menu at S$218.00++. Read More