How To Have A Japan Fakecation In Singapore Featuring Sakura Trees, Cats In Kimonos & Onsen Experiences

We’re all pretty bummed out about cancelling our travel plans, especially when many of planned to head to Tokyo for the big 2020 Olympic games. But! All is not lost! Whatever Japan has, we have too! We say fake it till you make it and immerse yourself in these Japan-like experiences. 

Torii gates, kimonos, sakura and even sake, Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay checks off all you need for an authentic Japanese Cherry Blossom experience. While you won’t be able to enjoy the cool Spring weather, the air-conditioning over at the Flower Dome is pretty strong. 

Dates:  Fri, 6 Mar 2020 - Sun, 29 Mar 2020 Location: Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome Opening hours:  9:00am - 9:00pm

One thing Japan is famous for is there many cat cafes! The friendly felines at Neko no Niwa are so well-groomed and well-behaved that they just might tempt you into bringing one home. If you’re in luck, the cats might even be dressed in Kimonos.

Did we also mention that all the cats here are rescued cats? 

Location: 54A Boat Quay Level 2 S(049843) Opening hours: Wed to Mon 11am – 10pm, closed on Tues

Photo credit: @adventurefaktory

If you had plans to visit the Universal Studios Japan theme park, lucky for you, we’ve got a Universal Studios Singapore theme park right here in sunny Singapore! While it might not have the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or the Minion Park, we’ve got thrilling rides to keep your adrenaline pumping all day. 

Ride junkies, don’t miss out on the Battlestar Galactica coasters and the Mummy Returns ride! 

Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269 Opening hours: 10:00-17:00

The magical teamLAB borderless exhibits in Tokyo have been making rounds on Instagram and we bet it was included in your Tokyo itinerary as well. While you might not be able to witness the beautiful floating lanterns, you will get to surround yourself with over 170,000 LED bulbs in the Crystal Universe over at ArtScience Museum: Future World and that makes for a pretty good photo we must say. 

Plus, if you visit before 29 March 2020, you’ll also want to visit the Disney: Magic of Animation exhibit where you can see how sketches turned into your favourite Disney movies. 

Location: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974 Opening hours: 10:00am-7:00pm, daily

There’s nothing quite like the Don Don Donki jingle to have you really feeling like you’re in Japan. Stuff your face with Japanese produce and binge-watch Studio Ghibli on Netlfix for the ultimate Japanese experience. 

Soak your worries away in the hot waters of the Ikeda Spa, an award-winning authentic Japanese Spa. Using real hinoki in their onsen, the combination of the essential oils and the wood has a calming effect on your body. 

Pair yours with a 60-minute massage to soothe out those aching muscles and joints! 

Location: 787 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 269762 Opening hours: 1:30pm-10:30pm, daily

No trip to Japan is complete without a visit to the Pokemon Center, the homeland of all things Pokemon. Luckily, Singapore is home to the first store and only store outside of Japan. With their huge array of merchandise, Pokemon fans will feel like a kid in the candy store all over again. 

Location: 78 Airport Blvd, #04 - 201 & 202, Singapore 819666 Opening hours: Daily 10am to 10pm

Walkthrough the stunning 20-metre long passageway of KOMA and you’ll feel like you’ve just taken a stroll down the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. Featuring a menu of sushi, robata and izakaya-style dining, we say go for the Sashimi Platter and the melt in your mouth Snow Aged Niigata Wagyu Beef.

P.S. They’re also known for celebrity sightings so keep your eyes peeled, even Gordon Ramsey has paid this restaurant a visit.  

Location: The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Avenue, #B1-67, Singapore 018972 Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday : 5PM - 12AM; Friday – Saturday: 5PM - 2AM

Not known to many, Jewel Changi airport has a mini Bamboo Forest! While it might not be as lush as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, it will make do for now. The pebbled ground and stone pavements along with towering Bamboo trees will radiate zen vibes all around. 

Location: 78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666 Opening hours: 24 hours

It’s not a visit to Japan without Japanese food! Whether you’re craving for an omakase meal, shabu-shabu or even Teppanyaki, the one thing Singapore has plenty of is Japanese food. Our top picks include the Grilled Unagi bowls at Unagiya Ichinoji and the Kaisen dons at Kei Kaisendon!