Step Into Pavilion KL’s Tokyo Street to Try ‘Ice Cream Noodles’, Try on a Yukata, Watch a Kendo Demo, and More

If you’re a fan of everything Japanese and the kawaii culture, you’ve probably visited Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s award-winning cultural precinct, Tokyo Street. This year, it celebrates its 13th anniversary with a bang with various activities, events, and rewards. Also, read about the must-visit stalls and restaurants, including a stringy Japanese ice cream stall and the best okonomiyaki in town!

Maneki Neko ‘Lucky Cat’ mania

If you’ve visited any Japanese restaurant, you’ve probably spotted a maneki neko, the ‘lucky cat’. This popular Japanese figurine is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and fortune, and you’ll find it everywhere for Tokyo Street’s 13th anniversary.

Visitors can explore maneki neko-themed decorations and take selfies with a six-foot-tall statue. The showcase also features a variety of mini maneki neko designs. There is also a ‘Maneki Neko Matsuri’ art exhibition by Malaysian artist Chun Yu, showcasing playful forms of the lucky cat. The area is adorned with colourful maneki neko-printed lanterns, floor stickers, flags, and figurines.

Best stores & restaurants

If you haven’t visited Tokyo Street and are wondering what there is to see there, here’s our pick of the best five stalls and restaurants, which sit alongside photobooths, trinket shops, jewellery stores, and yummy restaurants.

Koun Na Neko

If you need a bit of luck in your life, here’s where to go: it’s solely dedicated to the maneki neko. Tastefully handcrafted lucky cats are available here as trinkets and charms, making perfect housewarming gifts.

Haru To Natsu

If you’ve wondered what Japan smells like but have never been there, this is the next best thing. This store has everything to make your home smell amazing: house fragrances, aromatherapy candles, and scented diffusers.

Okonomiyaki by Tokyo Don

You might’ve tasted okonomiyaki before in Malaysia, but this is probably one of the best spots to go (it used to be located in Lot 10). Resident teppan specialist and chef Takeshi Wada prepares each okonomiyaki with care, and it is served alongside yakiniku, yakisoba, teppan set meals, and multi-course meals.

Bubu Kōbō’s

You’ve probably seen these curious-looking ice creams on TikTok but haven’t tasted them (unless you’ve been to Japan). This place serves up the Japanese mont blanc dessert, which looks like noodles in ice cream form. With four flavours to choose from, Bubu Kōbō combines a base of sponge cake or meringue, topped with layers of crisps, flakes, and puree of your choice to create the decadent dish. Yum! We personally tried out the Kuri flavour and loved how nutty it tasted.

Matcha Hero Kyoto

Matcha Hero Kyoto is your one-stop shop to satisfy all your matcha needs. Taste the richness of Japanese green tea ice cream and drinks made from Marukyu Koyamaen green tea to further immerse yourself in the celebration of Tokyo Street’s 13th anniversary. From freshly made teas and carefully crafted ice creams, it’s the perfect spot to get your dose of matcha.

Kuma Yukata

True fans of Japan all own a kimono and yukata, right? You can also dress up for a special occasion with their special garments for men, women, and children. You can also take pictures at Studio 808’s photo booth. Say ‘konnichiwa’!

Sushi Zanmai

A quick stroll through Tokyo Street is sure to leave you hungry with the delicious aromas from the various restaurants in the precinct. With favourites such as Sushi Zanmai which has hundreds of Japanese dishes to choose from. We got to try some of their delicious August specials including the Spider Crab roll, Chicken Katsu Teppan rice, as well as the must haves such as the tuna and salmon sashimi.

Shopping rewards

It pays to shop, sometimes! When you’re done shopping, head to the Tokyo Street concierge counter on Level 6 to pick up fantastic rewards.

Shoppers who spend a minimum of RM130 at Tokyo Street stores in a single receipt will be eligible to take a spin on the maneki neko gachapon machine and receive a special gift. Limited to one redemption per customer every day
Shoppers who spend RM200 at Tokyo Street or RM300 at all specialty stores in a single receipt will receive a cute maneki neko coaster. The redemption is limited to one per day.
Participate in the ‘Spend & Win’ lucky draw, where 13 winners will be selected to receive a Casio watch or a Japanese-inspired scented candle. Spend a minimum of RM130 on a single receipt at Tokyo Street, upload your receipt to the Pavilion KL mobile application or visit the Tokyo Street concierge counter on Level 6.

For more information on Tokyo Street’s 13th anniversary events and promotions, shoppers can visit here and shoppers can also check real-time updates on Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account.

Featured Image Credit: https://www.instagram.com/garybrown24/