December 2025

■Introduction

Singapore, just like in Japan, many residents enjoy their leisure time on weekends. Taking a break from busy daily life and spending quality time with family and friends is a common trait among busy Singaporeans. However, in the city-state of Singapore, where skyscrapers dominate the skyline, the ways people spend their leisure time also reflect the country’s unique character. This report introduces how Singaporeans typically spend their free time.

■Shopping at Local Malls

Singapore is well-known as a shopping paradise, and many of the city’s major MRT stations are connected to large shopping malls. Each mall has its own character: Marina Bay Sands and ION Orchard are popular with tourists for their luxury brand stores; Somerset, in the bustling city center, attracts younger crowds with trendy cafés; and malls frequented by residents typically house supermarkets, pharmacies, and fashion outlets, reflecting how closely these malls are integrated into everyday life.

■Day trips to Johor Bahru (Malaysia)

Johor Bahru, located at the southern tip of Malaysia just across the border from Singapore, has become a popular weekend getaway. Easily accessible by car, bus, or train, it attracts Singaporeans with its lower cost of living compared to Singapore. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and theme parks at more affordable prices. While many Singaporeans make day trips, it is officially an international journey, so a passport is required for immigration clearance. Interestingly, several people also commute from Johor Bahru to Singapore for work, offering a glimpse into Singapore’s role as a global city.

■Short trips to resorts in Neighbouring countries

Due to Singapore’s small size and urban landscape, many residents prefer traveling to destinations where they can enjoy nature. The Indonesian resort islands of Bintan and Batam are popular weekend getaways, reachable by ferry in about an hour from Singapore. On Bintan Island, visitors can enjoy resort stays, water activities, and firefly-watching tours, while Batam Island offers nature-rich resorts where many opt to play golf.

■Conclusion

Understanding the lifestyle of Singaporeans can provide insights into effective ways to promote products and destinations locally. To support Hokkaido promotion in Singapore, we will continue to gather information on local trends and consumer behavior.

▲A shopping mall (Great World City) which locals frequent. Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza has an outlet at this mall

▲A resort hotel on Bintan Island, located less than an hour by ferry from Singapore

■Introduction

In our previous on-site reports, we have highlighted the popularity of Hokkaido travel and cuisine in Singapore. But even just walking around the city, you can unexpectedly come across the name “Hokkaido.” This time, we would like to introduce how “Hokkaido” is closely connected to everyday life in Singapore.

■”Hokkaido” seen in Singapore Restaurants

Singapore has a vibrant dining scene, with a wide variety of restaurants lining the streets. Looking through local restaurant menus, you’ll often find dishes featuring the word “Hokkaido,” such as Hokkaido Butter, Hokkaido Scallops, Hokkaido Rice, and Hokkaido Corn. There is even a Japanese restaurant named HOKKAIDO-YA, showing just how well-known the name “Hokkaido” has become in Singapore.

▲　Japanese Restaurant「HOKKAIDO-YA」

■”Hokkaido” seen in Singapore Cafés

In Singapore, the traditional coffee KOPI, made with sugar and condensed milk, is well-known, but modern cafés serving drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are also very popular. The Hokkaido-born café chain Barista Coffee has opened branches in Singapore, attracting customers with its stylish spaces where you can enjoy both coffee and desserts. Upon entering the café, a large map of Hokkaido greets visitors, and the menu highlights the use of HOKKAIDO BIEI JERSEY MILK. Even in faraway Singapore, you can experience a genuine taste of Hokkaido.

▲　Hokkaido Map inside the café

■”Hokkaido” seen in Travel Catelogs

Hokkaido is a popular travel destination among Singaporeans, who have a strong interest in travel. Major local travel agencies prominently feature Hokkaido trips in their catalogs. Attractions such as Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu, the Canal in Otaru, and Odori Park in Sapporo are often highlighted as key points of interest.

▲　Singapore local travel agent’s travel catelog

■Conclusion

“Hokkaido” enjoys high recognition in Singapore, with its brand well-established in both food and tourism. Even while shopping at local supermarkets, you might find yourself thinking, “Hokkaido products are even here!” Our office will continue to seize various opportunities to share the charm of Hokkaido with more Singaporeans and actively promote its appeal.