‘Village’ Filled With Delights

Shirokiya Gourmet Plaza’s Wagyu Katsu ($38)

After being developed as a “theme park village” modeled after Monzen-machi, a town built adjacent to shrines and temples with the Guardian Spirits Sanctuary at its center, Shirokiya Japan Village Walk has truly become a hub for food, beverages and culture.

The establishment, which resembles a small city complete with lanterns and adornments, embodies the concept of “omotenashi no kokoro,” the Japanese philosophy of hospitality. Japan Village Walk is designed to instill a feeling of nostalgia and excitement for guests of all ages from around the world.

Situated on the ground level of bustling Ala Moana Center, Shirokiya Japan Village Walk is the only commercial property of its kind in Hawaii, and offers a diverse experience for kamaaina and visitors alike.

Ren Shinmoto of Kazan Cafe with a Kazan Siphon.

The 65,000 square-foot Village Walk features upwards of 50 stores including a Beer Garden with five service counters offering multiple beer selections as well as a Yataimura collection of 32 food kiosks serving up everything from bentos and sushi to ramen and tempura.

At Shirokiya Gourmet Plaza, diners may select from multiple items including Japan Unaju ($48), one of the restaurant’s signature items that features perfectly cooked unagi (eel) with a rich sauce served atop a bed of rice and accompanied by miso soup as part of the meal set.

Will Paul dipping skewers of fruit into the Strawberry Chocolate fountain at Vintage Cave Choco Magic Corner.

Wagyu Katsu ($38) is another popular option at the plaza, as the succulent steak is seared and cooked with a golden brown katsu exterior, and served as a set with miso soup. Seafood Paella ($28) is an iconic rice dish that, thanks to its meticulous preparation and plating, is nearly as visually stunning as it is tasty with a combination of shrimp, clams, mussels and bell peppers.

Shirokiya Gourmet Plaza’s Japan Unaju ($48)

As a special inside scoop for Dining Out readers, the aforementioned three entrees are discounted to half off the regular price through Nov. 30, so be sure to head to Shirokiya Japan Village Walk to take advantage of the stellar savings.

Ginza Hageten is one of the latest eateries to join the Village Walk array after opening on Nov. 23. The restaurant originally started in 1928 in Tokyo, and customers can look forward to the multiple tempura selections available including Ten Don ($14.50). The bowl includes shrimp, vegetable and egg tempura, and can be served with miso soup as part of a set.

Shirokiya Gourmet Plaza’s Seafood Paella ($28)

For kids and those diners who remain young at heart, make sure to stop by Vintage Cave Choco Magic Corner. For just $1.99 apiece, guests may select their favorite fruit skewer — including honeydew melon, cantaloupe and watermelon — and dip the fruit in either a Banana Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Belgian Chocolate, White Chocolate or Strawberry Chocolate fountain to create a customized treat.

Sweet ‘Dream Rewards’

As part of an ongoing promotion at Shirokiya Japan Village Walk, customers can earn “Dream Reward Coupons” with each $10 purchase at any verified shop. Guests receive this coupon that can be redeemed for a complimentary draft beer, one Shirokiya token for Gachapon machines (Japanese toy capsule machines) or a small coffee or tea from Kazan Cafe, which specializes in siphon brewed coffee. In addition, guests are also entered to win a larger reward — each week five winners will receive 10 reward coupons, every first of the month three winners will be awarded 100 reward coupons, and two winners will receive the annual prize of 1,000 reward coupons on Jan. 1.