Get a one-stop Japan-like experience at Japan Rail Cafe

SINGAPORE — Even as many are heading over to the Land of the Rising Sun for their year-end holidays, those who can’t make the trip can get a taste of Japan right here on our sunny shores.

Thanks to East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Japan lovers can hang out at a new travel-themed cafe called Japan Rail Cafe at Tanjong Pagar Centre that promises to provide a one-stop Japan-like experience.

It’s not just food we’re talking about, although it offers quite a range: There will be up to 30 dishes in their menu, ranging from from burger sets to rice bowls, that will change every month.

“Singaporeans usually travel to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka only, so I wanted to promote different attractions. Every month, we will change (the menu) to feature a different region, so you can get a deeper understanding of each one,” shared Makoto Yamataka, general manager of Japan Rail Cafe, Singapore.

For example, in December, the cafe will feature items or ingredients from the northeast region of Tohoku, said Yamataka, who added that the cafe is tying down the monthly concept to their menu, retail corner and programmes.

Some signature dishes on their menu this month include the Ultimate A.B.C Burger, made with avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese on a wagyu beef patty; and The Kaisen Avocado Don, a seafood avocado rice bowl featuring salmon sashimi, scallops and avocado.

But the cafe isn’t just about food, it also acts as a pit stop of sorts if you are heading to Japan. That’s because, in line with its name, the Japan Rail Cafe sells rail passes from five Japan Railway companies — JR East, JR Kyushu, JR West, JR Shikoku and JR Hokkaido — so you don’t have to worry about getting them when you land over there.

Over at the retail corner, various food products brought in from Oishii Japan, and merchandise from the JR East retail stores, will be featured. There will also be programmes held to promote the monthly featured region. In this case, you can attend a Tohoku “cultural experience” on Dec 10 or engage in an interactive live session with Aomori Apple Factory on Dec 11.

According to Yamataka, the cafe also wants patrons to share their photos or recollections of their Japan experiences on a scrapbooking board and Tohuku Photo Train community board found at the cafe.

“I believe Singaporeans also have many stories to share with us about your memories in Japan,” Yamataka said.

Japan Rail Cafe is located at #01-20/21 Tanjong Pagar Centre, 5 Wallich Street. In December, the cafe will operate from noon to 2pm only. The retail corner and JR pass booth will open from 11am to 8pm.