The Best of Japan Right Here in Sydney

The land of the rising sun is calling... but if travelling to Japan is not on the cards for you anytime soon, the great news is you can experience the joys and quirks of Japanese culture right here in Sydney. From slurping delicious cuisine, relaxing in hot springs to adorning your home with beautiful Japanese homeware, there is so much of Japan to discover in and around Sydney.

We couldn't put together a list about Japan, without mentioning this epic store. Pulsating with Asian pop music, Daiso is the Japan's favourite dollar store, or as they call it "variety wonderland". Their philosophy is to find surprises and fun — and indeed you'll find things you never knew you needed, like a corn peeler or chair foot covers (so they don't scratch the floor). 

Daiso has over 18,000 lines, ranging from yummy snacks, beauty products, cute stationery, homeware, and so much more. The best bit is it that most things only cost $2.80 — so it's cheaper than chips and pretty good quality too! You'll leave the store with enough coin for some sushi or delicious ramen. 

Sushi Hub goes through about 10 million sheets of nori (seaweed) a year to produce 13.5 million sushi rolls (now that's a lot)! Sushi Hub is probably the best take away sushi place you can find in Sydney. They're consistently good and provide a variety of traditional and wacky sushi creations, all freshly made at a very affordable price. They're expanding so fast, so you can probably find one very close to you. So if you're craving an authentic taste of Japan, put Sushi Hub on the list!

If sophistication and smart is your thing, then you have to try Sokyo. This uber-cool restaurant serves up the best blends of Sydney and Tokyo. Every single creation on the menu is carefully curated, it is literally like art on a plate. And if that's not enough, the restaurant has its very own DJ on the decks, a sake sommelier and delicious cocktails. 

You'll feel like you've been transported to the funky heart of Tokyo!

We've filled up your bellies with the taste of Japan, now let's fill the home!

MUJI's natural and simple design has commanded a cult following not only in Japan, but worldwide. There is everything to love about Muji, and they really do have everything to fill out your home with their high-quality (and endless) stationery, household items and clothing. They pride themselves on unbranded products which are in line with their strong focus on sustainability and of course, simple Japanese design. But be warned, the store is so freakishly neat and tidy, you would believe that Marie Kondo herself will pop out to greet you (which is actually not a bad thing), because for once, you can actually find what you're looking for.

Uniqlo isn't about the latest trends - this is a Japanese brand known for getting the basics right - from versatile tees, crisp cardigans and clean cotton socks. These staples are available month after month, year after year. But basic doesn't mean boring. Uniqlo also collaborates with high fashion labels such as Marimekko, the Finnish design house known for its original bold prints and vibrant colours. This means fashion lovers can really have couture at very affordable prices.

CBD

Kinokuniya is a bookstore on steroids and home to an impressive collection of books with over 300,000 titles in English, Japanese, Chinese, French and German. 

The huge bookstore is on the top level of the Galeries Shopping Centre in Sydney CBD. It's a (big) little sanctuary where you can escape the rigours of life and the hustle of the city. They also have an extensive collection of art and design books, as well as Japanese stationery, collectible toys and merchandise. 

Kinokuniya is not just for book worms but also features an art gallery which exhibits works from creative, and ambitious artists to help them develop their careers. New exhibitions are shown every two weeks. You really can lose yourself in this super impressive bookstore.

Ryokan Gojyuan is an authentic Japanese-style ryokan in Sydney - yes, you read that right!

They provide Japanese cultural experiences such as flower arrangement classes, Japanese calligraphy, and how to fold furoshiki and origami. But what they're most famous for is their Cypress Bath, an essential ritual in Japan. 

The Cypress Bath helps to relax, calm the nerves and promote good circulation. Iso-life has made us all cooped up, so visiting Ryokan Gojyuan is the perfect escape to Japan right here in Sydney. 

It may seem quite random to find an authentic Japanese onsen in the Blue Mountains, but then you realise it is the perfect setting! It almost feels like you're looking out over the foothills of Mount Fuji. People come to this onsen in Katoomba for some serious R&R.

What's awesome about this place is that it uses naturally mineralised water drawn from the underground springs. Then the heated baths are infused with herbal treatments to help soothe those aching muscles. They also have private bathing rooms, massages and spa treatments. 

Day passes start from $80 for three hours access. We recommend booking at least three weeks' in advance as it does get super popular. And if you want to make a weekend out of it, they also have traditional Japanese accommodation on site too! 

While you are there, why not experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains with a Jenolan Caves guided tour!?

The Japanese Gardens are a beautiful gift from Koshigaya, Campbelltown's sister city in Japan. The serene Japanese Gardens are located in the grounds of the Campbelltown Arts Centre and celebrate the sister city relationship between Campbelltown and Koshigaya. 

Inspired by 16th century Japan, the gardens feature a beautiful waterfall, stone pathways, a koi fish pond and teahouse. The garden represents elegance, simplicity and also Japan's Shinto and Zen Buddhism beliefs and region. 

The Gardens also has a café so you can relax and soak in the tranquil gardens with your tea or coffee.

While you're in the area, if you're not afraid of heights, you can start the day by experiencing the Camden Valley sunrise balloon flight which oversees the historic Macarthur region.  

For lovers of beautiful homewares, we could all agree, there is something so special about Japanese tableware. Everything here at Direct from Japan Plates is made and designed in Japan (no cheap knock offs). Despite the minimalist and sleek ceramics, Japanese ceramic is actually very robust and rarely chips from day-to-day use. 

You are bound to find something here that's the perfect canvas for your food no matter what the occasion or budget.

Experiencing Japan doesn't always require a boarding pass. You can explore the rich cultures of Japan right here in Sydney — it will almost feel like you are right in the thick of it. From relaxing bathing rituals to beautiful homewares and Japanese plates as a canvas for delicious Japanese cuisine; Sydney is filled with authentic Japanese experiences.