Japan is probably one of the top travel destinations for many Malaysians. With an exquisite culinary scene, gorgeous views, and historical landmarks — there’s plenty to get excited about! Well, if you’ve always wanted to visit this extraordinary country, but a look at your bank account only brings you back to reality, then fret not! We’ve compiled a list of amazing places right here in Malaysia that closely resembles the land of the rising sun!
So, put off your plans for the weekend, gather your friends, and start planning your Japanese road trip right here in Malaysia.
1. Capture envy-inducing #sakuraseason shots
A: Melaka
Source: Semabok Inn
Source: Semabok Inn
Location: Bukit Baru & Tiang Dua, Melaka.
B: Johor
Source: Fung Lee-Jean
Source: vincentcls
Best spots: Kluang & Benut.
C: Alor Setar
Source: ieyra.com
Location: Taman Jubli Emas Suka Menanti, Alor Setar.
The sakura season in Japan is unarguably the most beautiful time to visit the country. Seriously, just looking at all those beautiful IG-worthy photographs is enough to excite our wanderlust already. Well, thankfully we can experience our very own ‘Sakura season’ right here in Malaysia too!
What you should know:
- Malaysia has plenty of Tecoma trees of the Tabebuia Rosea or Tabebuia Riparia species which closely resemble the cherry blossom trees in Japan.
- The flower petals vary from bright pink to white which blankets the ground.
- The blooming season in Malaysia is between the months of March and April and reaches its peak in the middle of March.
- You may even catch the flowers bloom later in the year too when the weather gets hot and dry which catalyses the blooming.
Best drink for the occasion: The Oyoshi Green Tea + Sakura Strawberry — an amalgamation of sweet, sour, and fruity flavours in one delicious drink — to elevate the experience further.
![[TEST] Forget Flying to Tokyo, These Places Right Here in Malaysia Will Make You Think You're in Japan! - WORLD OF BUZZ 1](https://worldofbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/test-forget-flying-to-tokyo-these-places-right-here-in-malaysia-will-make-you-think-youre-in-japan-world-of-buzz-2.jpg)
Source: Oyoshi Malaysia
2. Go on a day trip to the Bukit Tinggi Japanese Village
Source: gindu_dalimunte
Source: Zereshaa_
Source: pasehahroslan
Situated among a lush rainforest, the Japanese Village is another must-see attraction if you’re in Bukit Tinggi.
What to expect:
- The entire village was actually designed and built by a team of Japanese architects and craftsmen.
- Rent a kimono and capture IG-worthy photos as you tour the village’s grounds complete with Ishi-doros (Japanese stone lanterns).
- Get a massage in a Japanese-concept spa and learn the art of tea making in a traditional tea ceremony.
- The entrance fee is priced at RM16 (at the time of writing) which includes entry into Colmar Tropicale, the Botanical Gardens, and the Rabbit Farm, all located within the area.
Location: KM48, Persimpangan Bertingkat Lebuhraya Karak, Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang, 28750.
Best drink for the occasion: If being out and about has made you thirsty then try the Oyoshi Honey Lemon Green Tea to refresh your senses 😉
![[TEST] Forget Flying to Tokyo, These Places Right Here in Malaysia Will Make You Think You're in Japan! - WORLD OF BUZZ 4](https://worldofbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/test-forget-flying-to-tokyo-these-places-right-here-in-malaysia-will-make-you-think-youre-in-japan-world-of-buzz-5.jpg)
Source: Oyoshi Malaysia
3. Kogetsu Japanese Restaurant for an authentic Japanese dining experience
Source: timeoutkl
Source: The Saujana Hotel
- Kogetsu means “reflection of the moon on the water” in Japanese.
- The restaurant is designed in the style of a traditional Japanese ‘ryokan’ (a Japanese inn) and is built on stilts offering gorgeous lake and garden views.
- Many visitors chimed about the Tepanyaki which is cooked to perfection by skilful chefs.
- The restaurant is helmed by Chef Taketoshi Minami from Kyoto possessing over 20 years of experience.
- An ala-carte buffet on weekends where your food is cooked fresh.
Best drink for the occasion: The Oyoshi Lychee Green tea to match all those delicious sushi!
![[TEST] Forget Flying to Tokyo, These Places Right Here in Malaysia Will Make You Think You're in Japan! - WORLD OF BUZZ 3](https://worldofbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/test-forget-flying-to-tokyo-these-places-right-here-in-malaysia-will-make-you-think-youre-in-japan-world-of-buzz-4.jpg)
Source: Oyoshi Malaysia
4. Tokyo Street at Pavilion for shopaholics & foodies
Source: rohaniwakuda
Source: Juanleonel
Tokyo is well known for its bustling city streets, filled with surprises and excitement at every corner. Well, if you’re too broke to travel to Japan, then Tokyo Street at Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur comes pretty close!
What to expect:
- Unique Japanese-themed stores selling various Japanese items.
- Wandering through the street will make you feel like you’re in a mini Tokyo!
- There are even loads of Japanese restaurants such as Ichi Zen and Tokyo Teppan, just to name a few.
- Items sold there are affordable and of good quality too!
Location: Level 6, Pavillion KL, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How amazing are these places?!
Our beloved country never fails to disappoint when it comes to unique sights to see and experience. Of course, travelling to Japan is something we should all include in our bucket list if we can afford it, but just knowing these places exist right here in Malaysia is a great alternative in our opinion!
Well, if you have an affinity for Japan and you’re looking for an authentic experience, you could give the Oyoshi Japanese Green Tea a try too!
What’s great about Oyoshi is that it’s brewed with 100% organic green tea leaves, offering an aromatic and distinctive flavour.
![[TEST] Forget Flying to Tokyo, These Places Right Here in Malaysia Will Make You Think You're in Japan! - WORLD OF BUZZ](https://worldofbuzz.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/test-forget-flying-to-tokyo-these-places-right-here-in-malaysia-will-make-you-think-youre-in-japan-world-of-buzz.jpg)
Source: OyoshiMalaysia
And if you haven’t yet had the chance to try it for yourself, then there’s no better time than now by visiting the Oyoshi booth at the upcoming 2019 Japan Expo Malaysia from the 26th to 28th of July from 10am-10pm. They’re also one of the main sponsors of the event wei!
Here’s what you can expect:
- A FREE caricature drawing of yourself PLUS a chance to win a Nintendo Switch and other Oyoshi merchandise when you purchase two bottles of Oyoshi.
- Every purchase of two bottles entitles you to 1 free spin of a Gachapon machine (capsule vending machines) where visitors will stand a chance to win the attractive prizes.
How exciting?! And if you didn’t know already, the Japan Expo Malaysia is the largest and most exciting Japanese event in Malaysia! Catch Riona Hamamatsu — one of J-Pop’s most exciting rising star — perform LIVE, be captivated by Kendo performances, workshops, and many more!
Check out some highlights from 2018!
Awesome right?! More information on the 2019 Japan Expo Malaysia can be found here.
What do you think of these places in Malaysia? Have you personally discovered any places in Malaysia which resemble other countries? Let’s us know in the comments below!
Have a great weekend, guys!
