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Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Mipig - Pigs can be cute too!
With many animal cafes in Japan, we decide on visiting a pig cafe because we are really curious about how the interaction with pigs is like since it is not easy to get a chance to get up close to pet pigs.
The experience proves to be eye-opening, where I realise that pigs are so cute and smart.
First thing first, the pigs are actually pretty clean, with the older ones potty trained, and there is no strong smell at the place. Of course, there is a slight smell of animals, but I can still manage it. So I, being a clean freak, can actually feel quite okay at here.
One thing to note is that the pigs love to flock to warm laps and just rest or sleep there. So when we go into the cute enclosure and then sit down, and voila, pigs all rush to sleep on our laps, with some squeezing in between their friends to get a warm spot. Yes, I have about seven pigs on my lap and I see some falling asleep right on my lap!
It feels pretty heartwarming to have the pigs coming over like that. Though need to note is that we are one of the first few patrons to go in at the designated time slot, so we are the few people the pigs can flock. When more patrons come in, then each person has one or two pigs on the lap.
Beside looking cute due to their round, fat figures and round snouts, the pigs actually have personalities, some more feisty, some more gentle and some more clueless. They bond with each other and tend to stick with their favourite pig companions. They also love to huddle together, seeking for warmth and companionship.
By the way, there is complimentary chocolate coated donut for each patron, but it's more for filling the stomach rather than anything else.
I really enjoy the experience, where I can understand these cute creatures a little bit more.
Though it is also important to be realistic that the interaction with pigs will not be the same as with dogs since dogs are bred for thousands of years to behave like man's best friend. The pigs here already pleasantly surprise me by rushing up onto my lap, showing a certain level of friendliness and trust, which I think is amazing.
I hope all of them will continue to be happy and healthy!
Thoughts: Interaction with Pigs is quite an Amazing Experience
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−15−4 Barbizon76 1階
BONTEMPS - A Cool, Relaxing Respite from the Crowd
Harajuku is so crowded. This place defines the cool, the unconventional, the fashionista, the daring and the subcultures. There are lots of shops selling apparels and accessories. And so many people flock to here in search of unique clothing and accessories, or just immerse in the vibe.
As mentioned in other post, I don’t really shop, but I still manage to find and buy a couple of apparel that I find great to give as gifts. After this, I can’t wait to get away from the crowd to just rest and relax.
And I find the perfect spot to do just that. It’s BONTEMPS. Located at a side road from the main busy street, this place is relatively more peaceful yet still carries that distinctive Harajuku vice. I need this place so much after a round of jostling with the massive crowd.
And the service is very helpful and friendly, so we feel totally at ease here.
The place has an awesome ambience for chilling due to the cool Muji setting and a nice selection of drinks and desserts available.
I opt for the Shine Muscat Soda and it is refreshingly good. The donuts look good too, but I feel kind of bloated at that time, so I make do with a drink only. Next time when I come here, I will definitely try the donuts.
Thoughts: Lovely Place that is worth a visit to Relax, Chill, Enjoy some drinks, food and get away from the crowd
Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 1 Chome−9−30 FLEG原宿 1階
Shibuya Nishimura Fruit Parlor Dogenzaka Shop
While I’m not shopping for anything in particular, the poster of Shine Muscat Soft Cream outside Shibuya Nishimura tempts me into the store. And since I have never try soft serve ice-cream of such flavour, I step in to try.
This store is stacked with premium Japanese fruits of all types and pretty cookies gift sets, and features beautiful, delicious looking fruit parfaits. I’m so tempted to try them all. But since I’m in a hurry actually, I just try the soft serve ice-cream.
The Shine Muscat Soft Cream here is so unique in taste, in a very good way, and is full of sweet floral aroma typical of Shine Muscat. I totally love it!
Thoughts: Fruit Paradise!
Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho, 22−2 １F
Shops and Streets of Shibuya
Shibuya is a shopping paradise for the unique, quaint, artisan, rare items. I like the unique indie vibe here where smalls shops rule the place along side the chain giants. I only intended to walk a bit just to see what the famous Shibuya is like, but I end up buying quite a number of stuff because of the uniqueness or great price of the items sold there. It is very crowded though.
Hachiko Statue
As a dog lover, I naturally want to get a glimpse of the famous Hachiko Statue and so Hachiko Square is the first place I head to when I arrive at Shibuya station. And I happen to see a political rally in progress. There is a long queue waiting to take picture with the statue. Not my kind of thing to queue to take picture with a statue. So I just stand nearby, trying to take the photo, without anyone beside it. Anyway, I take a nice photo of the statue, during the spilt second someone moves away from the statue, and then go on my way.
Monday, December 1, 2025
Beef Cutlet AONA Seibu Shinjuku Station Store
I’m actually in Shinjuku to just feel the vibe and not actually actively looking for any specific restaurant to dine in. Little did I know that I can uncover a gem here, in the form of Beef Cutlet AONA, the best gyukatsu with the best price.
Made with premium wagyu beef, gyukatsu, which is deep fried beef cutlet coated with breadcrumbs, is so good that it is worth multiple special visits. Not to mention the price is incredibly awesome too!
The gyukatsu here is the best for a good reason. The beautifully marbled meat is tender, juicy and amazingly tastes buttery when grilled a bit on the stove. The crispy deep fried exterior highlights the tenderness and juiciness of the meat.
And the gyukatsu is evenly cut to ensure awesome texture, even grilling and good mouthfeel from biting into it. I realise what huge difference an evenly cut gyukatsu makes in the texture and doneness after comparison with another Gyukatsu restaurant, a famous one, where the gyukatsu is unevenly cut. Yes, I prefer AONA’s gyukatsu.
The pepper oil goes so well with the meat, it is pungent and spicy, introducing the excitement to the taste. I actually go, “Wow!” at first bite with this sauce. After trying gyukatsu with different sauces, I say this is definitely the best sauce to pair with.
The dashi sauce is mild and nice, surprisingly going pretty well with the gyukatsu. For stronger taste, the katsu sauce is a good choice, since it is savoury, balanced by the refreshing spiciness of grated wasabi.
Recommend to get 霜降和牛かつセットset menu since the beef tastes the most buttery and is the most tender among the options.
Thoughts: Incredibly Delicious Gyukatsu, the Best!
Japan, 160-0021 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Kabukicho, 1 Chome-24-3, 新居ビル 1F
Metal Concert by Psychic Fes at Shinjuku
I thought my Fourth day of Japan Trip will relatively easy and uneventful since I will be just hanging around Shinjuku and taking some photos of the place as I’m not looking to buy anything nor down for queuing to get my lunch at one of the popular restaurants.
And chancing upon an open metal concert turns out to be one of the highlights of the day and makes this day an absolutely exciting one.
The performing band, Psychic Fes, really put their all into playing smashing hits full of growls and grunts, hyping up the crowd and interacting with their fans. It’s moving to see the fans rocking passionately to the music.
The lead vocals has such powerful voice and a commanding presence. It is so fun and funny to see him repeatedly falling into the crowd’s arms to do crowd surfing. At one point, he is hanging onto his dear life koala-hugging a fan so that he will not drop onto the floor. I have such a blast watching the concert 🤟
Shops and Streets of Shinjuku
East Shinjuku has a certain charm and uniqueness despite being filled with primarily high-rise buildings. While this place doesn’t have the old world charm, it features a different “Dawn of the new World” vibe. The buildings are dated but well-maintained, with huge signboards, quaint restaurants populating their first floors, exuding a different kind of charm.
Queues are a regular sights here, due to the young crowds queuing for meals at restaurants, concerts or specialty snacks.
Kabuki-cho, the seedier side of Shinjuku, with lots of huge advertisements, features a chaotic, dazzling, decadent charm.
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