[Travel/ Food Guide] Itinerary to Kansai and Central Japan 2026

Following our trip to Kansai in late 2024, we've recently made another trip to Japan, specifically on Kansai and Central Japan. For those who would like to benchmark our flight and prices, we flew via Xiamen Airlines from Penang to Xiamen then Osaka... RM1,400 per pax for both return flights. We then rented a car from Kansai Airport and hit the road. The whole journey from Kansai Airport to Nagoya, to Toyama (via Takayama and Shirakawa-Go) then Takaoka, Tsuruga, Lake Biwa and finally Uji and Kobe before flying back from Kansai Airport. The 10-day road trip marked 1,500 KM in total and it was not an easy drive from Nagoya to Toyama. But it was definitely fun to explore Central Japan the way we like. 

1) [Gifu-Shirakawa] Shirakawa-Go 白川郷

Entrance Fee: Free Entrance

Address: Ogimachi, Shirakawa Village, Gifu, 501-5602, Japan.

Business Hours: 8 am to 5 pm. Opens Daily.

Mono Haus @ Sungai Ara, Penang.

Mono Haus is a new café nestled in the quiet neighborhood of Sungai Ara. The space is bright, spacious, and cozy — perfect for casual hangouts or coffee sessions. The menu features a range of familiar café fare, from hearty mains to desserts and coffee, all at reasonable prices. While the food still has some room for improvement, the coffee and desserts make it a pleasant spot to unwind. 

Chinese New Year Reunion Promotion @ Iconic Marjorie Hotel Penang.

Iconic Marjorie Penang welcomes the Year of the Horse with a Chinese New Year 2026 celebration that blends festive tradition with contemporary elegance. The hotel is adorned with auspicious décor inspired by the Horse’s energy and grace, creating a vibrant yet refined setting for reunions, shared moments and new beginnings. The overall atmosphere reflects optimism and momentum, making it a fitting place to gather and usher in the Lunar New Year.

Chinese New Year 8-Course Menu (RM2,888+)

• Prosperity Fresh Fruits Yee Sang, Fresh Salmon and Hokkigai Scallop with Salmon Skin 鱼贝同辉捞喜气
• Double Boiled Village Chicken, Fish Maw and Dried Scallop with Chinese Ginseng 海宝山珍浴凤凰
• Combination of Roasted Sesame Chicken and Pi Pa Duck 瑞禽双贺福满年
• Steamed Pearl Grouper Fish in Hong Kong Style 鱼跃马腾满堂春
• Braised Flower Mushroom, Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Sea Moss with Garden Greens 海味绿叶发千家
• Steamed Lobster Meat, Glass Noodle with Fresh Scallop 龙皇披纱赐玉贝
• Prosperity Golden Seafood Fried Rice with Prawn Meat 金光泛满喜遐迩
• Double Boiled Bird's Nest with Coconut Water 椰林百果燕弄春
• Teo Chew Yam Paste with Gingko Nut 潮州白果芋泥

Edaramen @ Moon Hotel, Jalan Perlis, Georgetown, Penang.

Edaramen is a new ramen specialist located within Moon Hotel along Jalan Perlis, with its entrance conveniently placed next to the hotel lobby. The menu is compact, offering only three types of ramen — each crafted with care and precision. The restaurant is pork-free and features limited seating, making it more suitable for small groups or solo diners. Though simple in concept, Edaramen is worth checking out for those seeking a focused, comforting ramen experience in town. 

The Clubhouse @ Raja Uda, Butterworth, Penang.

Tucked next to a pickleball court, The Club House Penang offers a cozy ambiance that pairs well with its diverse Western-style menu and a thoughtful selection of pastries and cakes. The space is inviting and comfortable, making it an ideal spot to linger a little longer than your average café. While the menu spans many favourites—think well-executed classics and dessert options—the pricing skews slightly higher than budget eateries. On the upside, parking is ample, which adds to its convenience. 

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 @ Sunway Carnival Mall, Penang.

Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine 湘香湖南菜 at Sunway Carnival Mall is a reliable go-to for hearty Hunan dishes with bold, spicy notes. Service is attentive and efficient, though the restaurant can get quite packed during peak hours, especially on weekends. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable for a mall setting, and the complimentary snacks and soft-serve ice cream for diners are a thoughtful bonus. A comfortable place to enjoy Hunan flavours without too much fuss. 

Many Thanks to Xiang Xiang Hunan Cuisine for hosting us. 

Leong Keat Restaurant 亮吉小食店 @ Fortune Court, Farlim, Penang.

Tucked in the quieter setting of the Farlim Business Centre (a short walk from Sunshine Farlim), Leong Keat Restaurant is a hidden gem that has gained loyal support from the neighbourhood’s residents. The restaurant offers no-fuss Chinese fare with generous portions and reasonable prices. Unlike many small eateries, it is fully air-conditioned and spacious enough to accommodate larger groups — making it a comfortable pick for family dinners or gatherings. If you’re in the Farlim area and want a reliable, casual spot with good value, Leong Keat is worth checking out. 

QiXi 柒憙黑铜卤肉饭 @ Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang.

QiXi 柒憙黑铜卤肉饭 is a new addition to town, specialising in Taiwanese Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan). The interior is simple yet carries a distinct Taiwanese charm, with a bright and spacious setup that feels casual and welcoming. The only drawback is the lack of air-conditioning, which might be uncomfortable for those sensitive to heat. The menu is small but focused, featuring familiar Taiwanese comfort dishes — all reasonably priced with portions that match the value. A decent spot to satisfy your craving for a hearty bowl of authentic braised pork rice. 

Gilda @ Lorong Soo Hong, Georgetown, Penang.

Tucked into a refurbished warehouse on Soo Hong Lane, Gilda presents itself as an airy, modern dining destination in George Town. The warehouse-like space allows bright natural light to flood the space, creating a welcoming yet cozy spot for diners to explore their specially concocted flavor-combo. It is definitely a solid pick if you’re looking to step beyond casual bites and into a thoughtful dining experience in Penang. 

San Xi Lou 三希楼 @ Gurney Paragon Mall, Penang.

The renowned Hong Kong restaurant San Xi Lou has made its Malaysian debut at Gurney Paragon Mall, introducing a refined mix of Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Established in Hong Kong since 2007, the restaurant is famed for its bold flavours and elegant presentation. The Penang outlet on Level 6 offers a good selection of both Cantonese and Sichuan delights as well as a selection of dim sum — making it a noteworthy new spot for elevated Chinese dining in Penang. 

Dai You Bin Dim Sum 大优宾点心茶楼 @ Sungai Petani, Kedah.

Tucked away in a serene neighborhood, Dai You Bin has withstood the test of time and is often regarded as one of the best dim sum restaurants in Sungai Petani. The brand has been around for quite a number of years, drawing large crowds with its air-conditioned comfort and extensive selection of homemade dim sum crafted by in-house chefs. From timeless classics to creative variations, the dishes come in generous portions at reasonable prices, making it a worthy spot for dim sum lovers in the area. 

Obama's Bún Chả Vietnamese Restaurant @ Mount Erskine, Penang.

Obama Bun Cha is a welcome new addition to the Mount Erskine / Tanjung Tokong area, offering a Vietnamese menu centred around Bun Cha. True to its name, Bun Cha is the star — grilled pork, fresh herbs, vermicelli, and dipping sauce — and they also serve Pho and Vietnamese spring rolls. The menu is small, but that works in its favor: everything feels intentional, cooked to order, and homey. One thing to note: the wait can be long (45 min wait for us on our visit). Prices are reasonable, especially given the freshness and care in each dish. If you’re after a cozy Vietnamese fix in the area, this can be a decent option. 

Lau Ee Home Kitchen @ Hye Keat Estate, Air Hitam, Penang.

Hidden at one end of Hye Keat Estate, Lau Ee Home Kitchen is a humble family-run private kitchen with over 30 years of history. The place feels like dining at a relative’s home — warm, intimate, and exclusive — but with restaurant-calibre execution. It serves Teo Chew dishes with a touch of Thai influence, and many of the recipes are made completely from scratch. It’s best known for its signature Shark’s Fin dishes and has even attracted quite a number of celebrity diners over the years. The setup is simple but comfortable, with about 9–10 tables that can fit up to 80 guests. The menu is small, focusing on long-time classics that regulars keep coming back for. 1-day advance reservation is recommended, especially for larger groups. 

Many Thanks to Lau Ee Home Kitchen for hosting us. 

Rembar @ Beach Street, Georgetown, Penang.

Rembar is a vibrant new restaurant in Georgetown, specializing in modern Southeast Asian flavours. Nestled along Beach Street, it offers a small but carefully curated menu featuring creative dishes with bold taste profiles — think pomelo-duck salad, rendang-spiced open toast, otah, and more. The cocktail list is also standout, with well-crafted drinks that pair nicely with the food. Expect the place to be extremely busy on weekends, often without space for walk-ins, so reservations are highly recommended. Prices are on the higher side, but portion sizes and the quality of ingredients help justify it. 

Mee Tarik Shepherd 牧羊人新疆餐厅 @ Sungai Nibong, Penang.

Manned by Chinese Muslims, Mee Tarik Shepherd is a Muslim-friendly eatery in Sungai Nibong that specializes in Xinjiang cuisine. The air-conditioned restaurant serves up classics like hand-pulled Mee Tarik, lamb pilaf, stir-fried dishes, and barbecue skewers. A good option for those looking to try something different beyond the usual local fare, with a comfortable setting to enjoy it in.