When Holiday Goddess illustrator Anna Johnson wants to take her children for afternoon tea, she goes to the huge bookshop (and stationery shop) Kinokuniya.
It’s part of Little Japan at The Galeries at 500 George Street, next to Town Hall Station for trains and opposite the Queen Victoria Building. This is the best place in Australia to find Tokyo style, culture and sensational food in one place.
Sydney’s Best Bookshop and Japanese Tea
Once you’ve finished a pot of tea and a favourite Japanese sponge cake at the front of the shop, you can browse Sydney’s biggest selection of books.
Kinokuniya Sydney, holds over 300,000 titles in English, Japanese and Chinese. The notebook, diary, wrapping paper, pens, pencils and gift bag section has hard-to-find Japanese brands. And the cappuccino comes with a heart.
MUJI
The Sydney flagship of Japanese minimalism, from slippers, to toothbrushes, to classic coats. No logo, no brand, much recycling.
There are over 1000 shops all over the world. If you sit down for a green tea at Narita Airport, Terminal Three, you will be relaxing on Muji oak furniture.
Muji suits all budgets. There are small notebooks (but better designed than most, small notebooks) or investment suitcases. Some people furnish their entire apartment and fill their wardrobe only with Muji.
Shop online before you go (to help your choices – Muji Sydney is a huge store) or pick up later. They usually have online discount vouchers too.
It’s all part of Little Japan.
Sushi Hotaro
This is a luxury sushi train in Little Japan, Sydney. Go earlier for lunch (around 12.00pm) to avoid the crowds. It is always packed and there is often a queue. You can still pick up fresh sushi after lunch, too. You cannot book – it’s walk-in only.
Become a member for discounts; Sushi Hotaro is next to Muji on Level 1, The Galeries.
Basic sushi is $5 with more for gold and silver plates.
Fresh Oyster, Tuna Sashimi, Tasmanian Sea Urchin With Squid, Kingfish Sashimi, Seared Scallops, Crab with Wasabi Mayonnaise and Salmon Roe are irresistible.
Ramen Heaven
If you would prefer ramen, Ichi-Ban Boshi next to Kinokunyia, on the top level of The Galeries, is open from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
It’s fully licensed. Try the Pork Broth Ramen. There are only 30 portions made every day, though, so be quick.
They also make their own gyoza. There is usually a queue so try dining earlier. The food is so popular they also have a fast takeway version – Ichi-Ban Boshi Express – downstairs. It is open from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
