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Touring Springtime Japan at Gardens by the Bay Singapore

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All in a day’s work! We completed our Touring Springtime Japan event on 19 March 2023, Sunday at Gardens by the Bay Singapore!

It was an overwhelming success with crowds coming in from all walks of life! Everyone truly enjoyed our line up of Japanese cultural activity and food sampling of Japanese snacks from across 6 different regions of Japan! Many also learned about the various regions and prefectures and other food and culture that Japan has to offer. It was indeed an exhilarating fun-filled afternoon!

The event took place at the beautiful Flower Field Hall within the Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay Singapore, with traditional Japanese decorations and springtime ambiance to create an immersive experience. Here’s what happened:

  • Mochi Pounding (12:00 PM & 2:45 PM) : Visitors participated in the traditional Japanese art of mochi pounding. Our expert mochi makers demonstrated the process of pounding rice into a sticky, delicious mochi cake. We offered hands-on experience at pounding the rice with a wooden mallet, under the guidance of our skilled instructors.

  • Japanese Food Sampling (All day): Visitors tasted a wide range of delicious Japanese snacks famous from six different regions of Japan! Everyone was spoilt for choice from Japanese rice balls, or Onigiri in different flavours, to other scrumptious confectionery and snacks from throughout Japan!

  • Deep dive into the six key regions of Japan (All day): Throughout the day, people have the chance to learn about Japan’s six key regions, each with their own unique prefectures, culture, traditions and food. Fascinating insights into the history, geography and customs of each region will be provided at each booth giving you a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural diversity.

Jointly organised by the Embassy of Japan, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), The Japan Food Product Overseas Promotion Centre (JFOODO), Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), and The Japan Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, Singapore (J.CLAIR Singapore), this event promised to be enriching, enjoyable and insightful. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned Japanophile, you’re sure to come away with new insights, an appreciation for all that Japan has to offer.

 

 

More about the 6 KEY REGIONS of JAPAN

Japan is divided into six major regions, each with its unique history, culture, cuisine, and natural landscapes. Here’s an overview of each region:

 

Hokkaido & Tohoku:The northernmost region of Japan, Hokkaido is known for its beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, forests, and lakes. It’s also famous for its seafood, dairy products, and winter sports. The Tohoku region encompasses the northern part of Honshu, Japan’s main island. It’s home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Hiraizumi and the Shirakami-Sanchi mountain range. Tohoku is also known for its traditional festivals, hot springs, and delicious cuisine, including grilled fish and soba noodles.

Kanto:The Kanto region is where Tokyo, Japan’s capital city, is located. It’s a bustling urban area with a rich history and culture, including landmarks such as the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Tower, and Senso-ji temple. Kanto is also famous for its traditional crafts, such as Edo Kiriko glassware and Tokyo textiles.

Chubu: The Chubu region is located in the central part of Honshu and is known for its stunning natural beauty, including the Japanese Alps and the scenic coastline of the Noto Peninsula. It’s also home to several historic cities, such as Kyoto and Nara, and is famous for its high-quality seafood and sake.

Kinki :The Kinki / Kansai region, located in western Honshu, is home to several ancient capitals of Japan, including Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. It’s known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, and crafts, such as ceramics and textiles. Kansai is also famous for its delicious food, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and sushi.

Chugoku & Shikoku: The Chugoku region is located in western Honshu and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and the Itsukushima Shrine. It’s also famous for its delicious seafood, such as oysters and fugu, and traditional crafts, like pottery and lacquerware. Shikoku is the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, located southwest of the main island of Honshu. It consists of four prefectures: Kagawa, Ehime, Tokushima, and Kochi. Shikoku is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine which includes local specialties such as Sanuki udon noodles from Kagawa, Tai-meshi (sea bream rice) from Ehime, and Katsuo no Tataki (bonito fish) from Kochi.

Kyushu & Okinawa: The southernmost region of Japan, Kyushu, is known for its subtropical climate, hot springs, and volcanoes. It’s home to several historic cities, such as Fukuoka and Nagasaki, and is famous for its unique cuisine, such as tonkotsu ramen and mentaiko. Kyushu is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing. Okinawa is a group of islands located southwest of mainland Japan, known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and unique culture. The main island of Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands and is home to the prefectural capital, Naha. Okinawa has a rich history and culture that is distinct from mainland Japan, influenced by the Ryukyu Kingdom that once ruled the region. The island is famous for its traditional arts, such as pottery and textiles, as well as its unique cuisine, which includes dishes like goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry) and Okinawa soba (noodles in a rich broth).