Little Japan

 |  June 29, 2018

Chiang Mai maybe some 4,000 kms away from Japan, but that in no way means you can’t get your Nippon fix right here. Be it food, shopping or tea, this city has it all.

Matsukiyo

Pre-ordering and shipping health and beauty products from Japan into Thailand is no longer necessary. Matsumoto Kiyoshi, a well-known drugstore that sells a variety of health and beauty products from Japan has now opened their first branch in Northern Thailand. More than 2,000 imported health products from Japan, including more than 20 private and exclusive brands, litter the shelves of Matsukiyo. As most of the products are in Japanese, there are a lot of testers for you to try out before buying and the store aims to provide only the finest health and beauty products that support a healthier lifestyle.

Open 10am – 10pm
Floor B1, MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
Facebook: matsukiyoth

Wabi Cha

Thanks to the owner’s deep passion for Japanese culture, people in Chiang Mai now have access to some of the legendary Japanese desserts thought to only be available in Japan itself. Each cake or dessert has its own unique origin story, most of which have been made following recipes passed down the generations. Rikyo matcha mochi, for example, comes from a sweet house in Osaka that has been making this sweet for over 180 years using this one and only recipe. Wabi Cha also stocks a cream roll from a 140 years old sweet house from Kyoto that just might change your perspective on this seemingly simple treat. For tea lovers, take a sip of their Gyokuro tea that could only be found once a year. Every single item in Wabi Cha is imported from the best sweet houses of Japan. If you travel to Japan, it would be hard to taste them all, so save yourself a flight and head into Hai Ya to get the next best thing.

Open 10am – 8pm
7/3 Ragang Road Soi 3, T. Hai Ya
Facebook: wabichateahouse
081 582 0886

Sakamotoya

This cozy café is the perfect place for midday chill out. Order yourself a bowl of Japanese shaved ice that is served with the classic Japanese red bean paste. that. The balance of homemade savoury bean, sweet sauce and milk ice is perfect to replenish your essential needs after a day in the hot sun. Other toppings include mango, rose jelly and of course, no Japanese café can be without Matcha green tea. For those who prefer the classic ice cream over shaved ice, then pick a scoop of freshly made vanilla, Matcha, mint and fruit flavoured ice cream. And, after all the frozen treats are consumed, if you still need to cool down, why not order a refreshing drink and a cake to finish off your day of indulgence.

Open 10am – 7pm (Closed Sundays)
Prapokklao Road, Phrah Sing Road
Facebook: sakamotoyath
088 269 0236