Japan Vibes In Malaysia: 10 Places And Experiences For Those Who Miss Japan A Little Too Much

It's been a year since the closure of the international borders that flushed all our travel plans and dreams down the drain. If you're struggling with wanderlust and missing Japan a bit too much, know that you're not in this alone. Ease your wanderlust by planning a weekend outing in search of some Japan vibes without having to leave Malaysia, how does that sound?

From the recent 'sakura' blooms spotted across Malaysia to the opening of a tranquil Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden in Shah Alam and the first Don Don Donki in Malaysia, here are 10 fun places and experiences to add to your weekend checklist.

Regarded as a symbol of renewal and a reminder of the fleetingness of life, cherry blossoms bloom in Japan every spring, attracting people from all over the globe in search of the delicate pink blooms. While the sakura season in Japan remains a far-fetched dream for now, did you know that there's sakura in Malaysia too? Affectionately known by the locals as Sakura Kedah or Sakura Penang, these pink blooms obviously aren't real cherry blossoms, but they definitely do not lose out in beauty.

The pink, white, and purple blooms belong to beautiful Tecoma trees (tabebuia rosea trees), also called "tissue paper trees" by the locals due to the texture and thin petals of the flowers. They bloom during the driest months of the year between February and April, and can be spotted along some streets in Penang (Bayan Lepas, Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu and Kedah (Sungai Petani, Jalan Kuala Kedah, Jalan Langgar). Some Malaysians have also sighted pink blooms in Johor, Terengganu, Melaka, and KL (in Setapak, Kepong, Mont Kiara etc!) as well, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled when heading out!

A slice of Japan heaven has finally stepped foot on Malaysian soil in 2021. For those who've travelled to Japan, Don Don Donki is most definitely not an unfamiliar name. This huge chain store with its iconic, adorable blue penguin mascots has over 160 stores across Japan, all of which are stocked with shelves and shelves of Japanese snacks, fresh food items, groceries, beauty products, and all sorts of merchandise. The first Don Don Donki store in Malaysia finally opened its doors at Lot 10, Bukit Bintang on 19 March, drawing long queues from excited Malaysians who can't wait to hear the Don Don Donki theme song. *cues song*

Head over to the three-storey store divided into many different sections where you can find literally anything you need and crave, from strawberries imported all the way from Japan to fresh sashimi, premium wagyu beef slices, a huge variety of ramen, shelves full of Japanese snacks, skincare items, electronic products, and even cooking appliances. #KlookTip: Head over on a weekday, early in the morning, or later in the evening if you're not willing to spend an hour queuing to get in!

This list would not be complete without mentioning the tranquil Japanese Village nestled in the heart of a lush rainforest in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. Designed and built by a team of Japanese architects and craftsmen, the Japanese Village in Bukit Tinggi is a serene space filled with winding paths, waterfalls, beautiful Zen-inspiring gardens, and even a Japanese Tea House and Japanese-concept spa. Level-up your visit by renting a kimono on-site to take tons of nice photos as you stroll through the village grounds. While you're there, don't forget to also check out Colmar Tropicale for a 'travel' to France as well. Fakecation to two countries in a day - how good does that sound?

While a trip to Japan remains out of the question, this doesn't mean you can't plan a staycation that will give you major Japan vibes. With chic, minimalistic rooms that exude a Japanese-inspired zen charm, Bunk & Bilik is a cosy boutique hotel that will make you feel at home. The private rooms here are thoughtfully-designed with muted tones, elegant decor, and the least amount of frills to ensure a good night's sleep and absolute relaxation.

Pack your favourite book, download a bunch of movies, or simply head over with your loved ones to unplug and recharge over the weekend. Choose from a range of accommodations including dormitory-style bunk beds and family suites that are great for bigger groups. The hotels also house bright, airy, and cosy common areas, provide free-flow refreshments, and a bunch of cool amenities such as self-service laundry and 2/7 free wifi. Book your Bunk & Bilik stay in their Jalan Ipoh or Sri Petaling branch and enjoy an extra 5% off on Klook with code <HOTELS5OFF>!

This one's a fairly new addition to the list! The Selangor-Japan Friendship Garden is a brand-new Japanese-inspired garden located in Shah Alam. It spans a size of 3 football fields and was built to commemorate the friendship and diplomatic ties between Selangor and Japan. The garden is made up of 5 scenic zones and is open to public daily with free admission.

Stroll along well-manicured paths, lush trees, zen ponds, and Japanese-inspired torii gateways dotted across the garden. There are plenty of benches and even picnic tables here where you can rest your legs at and relax when you get tired from walking. Time for a family day out to Shah Alam, maybe?

Ramen lovers are likely to know about the popular Menya Shi-Shi Do, a humble restaurant in Jaya One that serves up bowls of hearty noodles packed with flavour and punch. After serving hungry patrons for years, the folks behind Menya Shi-Shi Do have finally opened the doors to a new outlet in Gasket Alley, PJ.

Much different from their humble first restaurant in Jaya One, Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do exudes a completely different vibe. Meticulously designed and decorated, you'll feel as if you're stepping into an authentic izakaya (informal Japanese bar) in Japan here. Ramen Bar Shi Shi Do offers a pretty extensive menu with not just good old ramen but also Japanese hot pot, yakitori, rice bowls, oden, gyoza, and more. Time for a hangout with friends over a satisfying meal!

Missing the hot springs in Japan? Did you know that you can also experience it in KL? Located in 163 Retail Park, Mont Kiara, Urban Retreat Onsen Spa will allow you to live your Japanese onsen dream while international travel remain a far-fetched dream. This Japanese-inspired spa exudes a calming, warm, and inviting vibe, and offers spa, massage, and traditional body therapy services for those in search of relaxation and pampering.

The star of Urban Retreat is their Japanese onsen spa experience which will allow you to soak in single-person onsen bathtubs (imported all the way from Japan!) in private rooms. Close your eyes and feel your stress and worries melt away upon stepping into the hot bath.

An alternative to the onsen spa at Urban Retreat, there's another hidden gem in Klang Valley where you can experience a different version of onsen. Located in Phileo Damansara, Ki To Wellness is a wellness centre that offers a unique Yunohana Hokutolite Onsen Stone Therapy, a dry onsen experience featuring dense crystal minerals extracted from the hot springs in Tamagawa Onsen, Japan.

Lie in a capsule-like bed that will cover you from neck to toe, and wait for your body to respond to the gentle, persistent heat and energy. The onsen treatment offers a wide-range of benefits including detoxification, deep relaxation, rejuvenation of skin, and pain alleviation! Time to plan a self-care day here, maybe?

Up for some thrifting fun? Malaysians who love thrifting should have heard of 2nd Street. With 5 outlets across Klang Valley, 2nd Street is a Japanese-founded company (with over 650 stores in Japan) that imports high-quality secondhand clothing all the way from Japan to Malaysia. Be patient as you browse through the store and you may come across hidden gems here such as secondhand branded bags, trendy outfits, nice shoes, and more with hugely-discounted pricetags.

If you're missing the quaint and dimly-lit sushi bars in Japan, how about treating yourself and your loved ones to an omakase meal? The Japanese phrase omakase, commonly used when ordering sushi in Japanese restaurants means "I'll leave it up to you". Omakase dining is often regarded as a must-try experience in Japan due to the surprise element and often exquisite meal put together with only the freshest, most premium ingredients.

While it was hard to find an authentic omakase experience in Malaysia a few years back, it has become increasingly popular in Malaysia in recent years. For those looking to try it out, make a reservation at the Hanare Japanese Restaurant - you can also enjoy an additional 10% off with discounted cash vouchers on Klook! The seafood used in the dishes are handpicked and flown in from the famous Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, and crafted into unique, high-quality dishes by professional chefs with years of experience under their belts.