Tokyo is such an iconic, fascinating city that I think many people in this world would love to visit at least once in their life time.

Some of the many legit concerns I received from my readers regarding traveling to Tokyo are:

1. I don’t speak any Japanese, I’m gonna get so lost everywhere.
2. I have a really tight schedule and the Japanese are too punctual for my own good. I’m worried about missing my train, bus, boats…
3. I am traveling with very young, energetic kids and I am intimidated by the complicated train system. I have to push a stroller and I panic when my baby cries in a crowded train!
4. I am traveling with my family/parents/in-laws and after walking for 5 minutes they complain about knee pain. My MIL also needs to go to the washroom every 2 hours.
5. It’s my first time so I want to see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Sky Tree, Sensoji temple, Meiji shrine, the Imperial Palace… and I only have ONE day in Tokyo… and a flight to catch later.
6. I want to buy 10kg worth of fresh groceries and I don’t want to carry them with me up and down the stairs through 3 different train rides and I just don’t want to deal with looking at the train map or GPS arghhhh.

(Ok. That last one is me. Haha.)

People who are hesitating to visit Tokyo because of the above troubles, I have some good news for you today! 😀

Introducing…

Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi!

Omg I’m really so loving the fact that Tokyo is getting more and more foreign-tourist-friendly, leading up to Tokyo Olympics 2020. I’m so excited!

What is Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi?

Yes, it is a chartered taxi just for you (and your travel companions). Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi will pick you up and drop you off where you want while touring Tokyo’s famous sights with guided explanation from the driver.

In another word, Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi is your door-to-door personal chauffeur. The gentleman in the photo is Yoshi, my personal chauffeur of the day!

Wow, that’s gonna break my bank!! You must be thinking right now. Well, I don’t blame you. All of us have heard that taxis in Tokyo are really, really expensive. But is it really so? We will find out soon!

What are the benefits of using a taxi for sightseeing in Tokyo?

Oh my god I probably need 10 blog posts for this, but let me summarize it for you.

1. Door-to-door service

Nope. You don’t have to wake up early to catch the bus or train or anything else anymore. Just let your chauffeur know what time and where to pick you up. Even right in front of your hotel’s door!

I told my driver to meet me in front of Meiji Jingumae outside Tommy Hilfiger as I will be waiting for another guest to join me and it’s also just minutes’ walk away from my accommodation.

The car was waiting right there for me even when I arrived 15 minutes early!! Of course for dropping off at the end of the day, you can request the driver to send you back to your hotel or any other destination you may like.

2.You can share the ride with your friends and family and split the cost!

Here’s my guest -RinRin!! She was my companion of the day, and we were going to Hakone together for the first time!

Chartering a taxi is of course a luxurious way to travel, but if you have a group of friends, it may be even more worth it than taking the public transport! Think about the effort you save planning a route and the time you save waiting for the next transport and looking at maps!

The usual taxis are sedan type, but  you can also request up to a 9-seaters! So now it means you can split the cost with 8 other travellers! I think it’s really perfect especially for Malaysian/Singaporean because we have the culture of annual family trips (sometimes in-laws and yee ma ku che also come along right? Haha). You also don’t have to worry about your grandma’s knees anymore!

3. Relax allllllll the way

Since you won’t be fixated on the timetable for the next train and busy looking up the GPS, you can leave it all to your driver and just… relaxxxxxxxxx.

Yes, you can eat, chat, listen to music, or talk to your driver about all things in the world too if you like! I was having my breakfast (egg sandwich from combini, yums!) and RinRin was doing her make up. These are very precious perks especially for people who don’t like wasting any time!

4. Moving in ultimate comfort

This is super useful if you are the paranoid type of traveller who needs to bring everything with you; a mommy traveling with baby and stroller and a million big medium small bags; someone who lugs along heavy luggages and wants to see all of Tokyo before catching a flight back; a photography enthusiastic who carries 3 different big medium small cameras and tripod and stabilizers; or a shopaholic who just… shops too much.

Because now, you can bring everything with you and just leave them in the car. No muscle pain and feeling like your back is breaking at the end of the day. Can traveling sound more luxurious than this?? 😀

Also! Depending on the car type, you also get to charge your phone AND pocket wifi so you will never miss out any social media opportunities. (Bring along your cables just in case!)

This is a bonus – you can wear heels!!! Unless you are going to climb a mountain, you can finally wear that pair of gorgeous kicks and not worried about your legs breaking as you will do very little walking since you have a taxi to bring you everywhere now.

5. Worry-free itinerary

Lots of things can go wrong even if you are an experienced traveler, especially if you are using the public transport.

Am I at the right platform for the train? Are we getting off the right station? Do I have enough time for transits? Can we make it on time for all the itinerary?!?

It could get really overwhelming. Trust me. Been there done that. Countless of times. Haha.

With a taxi, the only worry you have is probably road traffic. Even so, you are still going to make it to your final destinations instead of wasting time waiting for the next train or bus or think of an alternative solution if you missed the one you are supposed to take.

6. English Speaking Personal Guide

This is one of the most important points. All Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi Drivers are certified drivers by the Tokyo Hire-Taxi Association and have completed a set of trainings. They are not just taxi drivers. They are highly qualified drivers who have obtained 3 official certifications: Tokyo City Guide Examination, Universal Driver Training, and Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi Certification Training.

Your driver will accompany you to give you a guided tour through all your sightseeing spots, unless the venue does not allow this. (Please note that you will have to cover all the admission tickets to attractions, and your driver’s too if you’d like him to be with you.)

All drivers can confidently provide guidance about the attractions of Tokyo. Our driver Yoshi (only 26 years old, he is so young!) was so well-versed with Hakone he could even tell us the history of each sightseeing spots and could gave us many useful recommendations. I was very impressed. And of course, he speaks perfect English and guided us only in English.

He’s also very friendly and helpful, it really made our trip very pleasant. For those who are worried about communication and language, your driver will always be happy to help you out to make sure you have the best of your journey.

7. Freedom to customize your course

You can of course plan your own itinerary and determine a schedule at your own comfort, but there are also some model courses you can use as reference!

I have picked Model Course 9 – Spa Time: Rejuvenate yourself in famous onsen waters just a short ride from Tokyo but I did slight modification to it (yes! You are totally allowed to make last minute changes or add in other locations).

Here’s our itinerary:

09:00 – Depart from original location

10:40 – POLA Museum of Art

12:00 – Hakone Shrine

12:30 – Lunch at Terrazza Ashinoko

13:30 – Hakone Sekisho

14:30 – Naraya Cafe

15:30 – Return to Tokyo

17:00 – End of tour

Let’s go!!

It was such a beautiful day we could see Mt Fuji so closely and clear! 😀

POLA Museum of Art

Our first stop.

Our first stop was Pola Museum of art. Hakone is famous for all its art museums, and I haven’t been to this one before. It is a museum blended in the nature in Hakone featuring paintings of impressionists such as Monet, Renoir and Gogh.

RinRin was quite a fan of art and she was really excited to see some of the renowned paintings in real life.

By Alfred Sisley.

Autumn coming to winter.

It’s really a very refreshing short stop, recommend to talk a walk in the serenity of Hakone woods.

Hakone Shrine

My favorite power spot.

I’m here again! I can’t even remember how many times I’ve touched this tree. But this time is just to come back and give thanks and pray for family happiness and safety. 🙂

The main shrine is currently under renovation. This is the newly renovated  Kuzuryu Shrine, said to give really good luck in terms of business and wealth.

This is out of the driver’s job scope but… hey if you need someone to help you with a photo or two, I’m sure your driver will be so happy to help you out!

This is the photo Yoshi took. Amazing!! This is an extremely popular photo-taking spot so do expect a mini queue. 🙂

 Ashinoko Terrace

I’d really recommend this cozy little restaurant for lunch if you visit Hakone Shrine! It’s just a very short drive away.

Enjoy the view of Hakone mountains and the entire lake!

It’s a newly opened pizzaria serving really good food with ingredients sourced locally. Love their pasta!!

I had the Shirasu & Negi Fettuccine (1,300 yen), it was really good!

Hakone Sekisho (箱根関所)

Next stop, we are on our way to Hakone Sekisho.

Hakone Sekisho was a gateway, installed during the Edo period to observe people traveling on the Tokaido road (sort of like the immigration & custom of olden days!) and was a place of trial for travelers for some 250 years. This gateway passage has been faithfully restored to how it was.

Spotted a pirate ship!

Immigration of Edo.

We are in jail!

Actually it’s not too bad. Just really cold without heater haha.

There’s also a tax free shop if you’re looking for some local souvenirs!

My favorite in the store is this series of “Himitsubako” – Trick box. It’s like magic+puzzle box. Check them out it’s really super cool!

Naraya Cafe

If you don’t have time for an overnight stay in onsen ryokan, enjoying ashi yu (onsen footbath) at a unique cozy cafe might be something you’d like to put on your list in Hakone!

Naraya is a cafe with a gorgeous view of the mountains, it’s especially beautiful during autumn.

Almost everything is made of different kinds of woods.

Cute little display.

This is a shared space for foot bath! It’s free of charge and you can enjoy it as long as you order something from the cafe 🙂

A soak in natural hot spring! Ahhhh feels sooo good! Remember not to wear stocking when you come here!

If the foot bath is full, you can also head down to the basement to sit next to the fireplace to warm yourself up in cold winter time.

Play area for kids.

It’s like a book cafe!

A mini “loft”.

Our hot matcha, soft cream and Monaca (bean paste filled wafer).

Fill your own bean paste!

Heading back to Tokyo

It’s a little sad but it’s time to say goodbye to Hakone! I had another meeting in Tokyo after this so we gotta head back, but if you are looking for extensions, that’s also of course possible! 🙂

That’s all for our day trip to Hakone!

On the journey back RinRin also took a little nap haha.

Arrived back at Harajuku before RinRin and I went on to enjoy the night illumination at Omotesando.

Bye bye! Thank you so much for your hospitality, Yoshi!

What are the rates like?

The fees depends on the chartered hours, but here are some samples for your reference!

This is my course for example:

6-8 hour course for 30,000-40,000 yen!

It’s costly if you travel alone, but imagine going with a group of friends of 4, you will each pay only 10,000 per person!! TO HAKONE! That’s really not too bad considering if you buy the public transport tickets individually. Also, I was told that some taxi companies can provide 6 or 7 seaters at no additional charge even (what is this awesomeness, Japan??!), so imagine splitting the cost with even more people, making it super affordable!!

To be honestly I’d most definitely recommend using this service for Hakone day visit. Many readers have asked me before what’s the best transport to travel to Hakone, and I was not sure because all I know is that it is not easy. It involves trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways and boats to access from one place to another among all the popular attractions in Hakone.

Another reason I couldn’t really give any advice is because almost every time we rented a car and self-drive. But it’s tiring of course. So I think Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi is definitely your best bet when it comes to Hakone!

How to book Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi

There are actually not one but many taxi companies providing this service. So you will choose from a list of companies below:

*click to see webpage*

Reservation is needed for the service and there are different ways to make a reservation depending on the taxi companies. You can either call in, write an email or use their application forms.

You can go to Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi’s website for more info!

I definitely think it is one way to enrich your travel experience in Tokyo for better comfort, smoother journey and most of all, lots of attractions covered!

Happy sightseeing in Tokyo, my favorite city in this world!!! I’ll be sharing another model course using Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi in Tokyo on my next blog post. ^^

Thanks for reading this blog post, it is supported by Tokyo Metropolitan Government to encourage the usage of taxi for better sightseeing experiences for all travellers!

My previous posts on Okayama:

1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
2. Affordable shopping
3. Kojima
4. Kojima Jeans Street

Ok before I start the post you’ll have to bear with my many portrait shots. I mean I couldn’t remember the last time I had so many to choose from that I didn’t immediately delete. I’m at this stage where it’s almost too awkward to have my photos taken alone.

Hiruzen Kogen

Haha long time no pose.

Hiruzen Kogen is located in Maniwa (真庭 ) city, Okayama prefecture. Maniwa is home to a great number of natural island and riverside hot springs. Hiruzen Kogen is one of its natural attraction, famous for mountain climbing in summer time and alpine sports in winter.

But in autumn?

Enjoy the stunning autumn scene!

Look at how different it looks between summer time and autumn! A complete opposite of hues. I am at KImendai Observation Deck, a rest area located halfway along the Hiruzen Daisen Skyline with a vast view of stunning fall colors of the mountains.

There are many things you can do in Hiruzen Highland, including horseback riding, milking at Hiruzen Jerseyland, river trekking and more!

Shirakaba No Oka Restaurant 白樺の丘

This is more than just a lunch place. You can make your own soba for lunch here!

If you have a couple of hours to spare, this is quite a fun experience. You can make soba noodle here from scratch, and I was really surprised at how simple it was – just mix water with half soba flour and half wheat flour and knead.

I wonder if we could make this at home!

Roll it really really thin, the thinner the better for soba.

And then cut it into even strips. Obviously with my skill, some are likely to turn into waist belts.

Tadaaaaa. #CheesieMade soba noodle lol. I feel like it’s more like panmee!!😂

The staff will then bring it back to kitchen to cook, so you can have yourself comfortably seated for your hand-made lunch 😛

My “panmee”, of course they won’t serve you just that, but a whole lot of other stuff. “Okawa” -steamed sticky rice and other small dishes. #CheesieMade soba was really really good! 😀

You can also make ice cream with just these few things (and salt and ice that’s not seen in this photo). Amazing right? It just requires a good 20 minutes of rolling back and forth haha.

Hiruzen Winery

While you are in Hiruzen, stop by Hiruzen Winery if you are a wine person. And it actually uses wild crimson glory vine grapes right here from Hiruzen for their wine! Talk about supporting the local! Made in Japan wine ^^

There’s a cozy space as a cafe where you can enjoy cheese together with wine and have a relaxing time up in the highland.

You also get to test all kinds of wines, liquor and sparkling for free or for a small fee of 200 yen. By the way when you see the kanji word “有料” (Yuuryou), and if you happen to be Cantonese, please remember that it is not the opposite of 冇料 as in 冇料到 lolol. Before you get excited that these labelled wine are super qualified like 有啲料到, 有料 simply means that it is not free, or chargeable. The opposite is 無料, which doesn’t sound very nice cuz it feels like 没有内涵 liddis haha. When you see this word you should be happy because that means “free of charge”.

Hai. You are welcome.

Yeap. This super special Liquid Jewel is 有料.

Please try their soft serve!!!!! It’s made of wild grape that’s used to make the wine, and I love it so much!!

I was warned that it’s very sour. I love my sour stuff so it was one of the best soft serves I’ve had. And I don’t even like soft serves!

Yubara Onsen Village

I was really looking forward to writing this part of the post as I think it’s the highlight of my Okayama experience!

I’m not sure why this place is not more popularly known (granted, Japan has waaaaay too many great onsen), because, look at that stunning view!

Again I’m so thankful to feel extra lucky – Japan always welcomes me with its best seasonal surprises. It was one of the most beautiful autumn scenes for me at Yubara Onsen.

Traditional ryokan lined up along the hot spring river. Yes, the river *IS* a hot spring!! It comes bubbling from below the ground, making this a unique outdoor mixed bath with an amazing view. More on that later.

Yubara International Tourist Hotel – Kikunoyu 湯原国際観光ホテル菊の湯

Is the hotel we put a night at, located just a few minutes’ walk from the outdoor hot spring.

Mommy radar lol. My eyes were caught by this cute play area for little kids. An adorably bassinet too! You can have a family trip here!

I know, I know, I empathise with those who are too shy to get into public bath or have tattooes. Mark this ryokan down! It has a Kashikiriburo – Private bath. And that’s not all, it is Gensen Kakenagashi – which means that the spring is 100% free-flow hotspring water directly from the original source.

Did you know? There are many types of onsen, the one in the city especially are not “pure” onsen, as they are very often mixed with water for temperature control, is circulated, filtered or has anything added to it at all. And it is said that there are only less than 5% of the thousands of springs in Japan that are Gensen Kakenagashi! I have been to a few and the most memorable for me was the one (and the first!) I visited in Sendai.

There’s actually a Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen Association in Japan, this i show much Japanese people love hotsprings.

Beautiful yukata for you to choose from! I think it is free of charge, a ryokan staff will even come to your room to help you put it on so that it looks nice and you can take lots of nice photos inside or outside the ryokan! ^^

Yukata is one of the best OOTDs!! I doubt anyone can look bad in it 😀

This is my tatami-style room. Seeing how cozy it is, I am for sure going to have futon in my future Japan house if I ever have one!!

Hotel dinner is kaiseki style as usual, really good food (and a little too much!)

Do keep in mind that kaiseki ryori always comes with rice at the end, despite all these food you see!!!

So please let the staff know that you want less rice or no rice if you think you can’t finish it. Once it is served to you it cannot be served to anyone else, so let them know in advance.

Let us all not waste precious rice! It’s a habit and a promise I’m trying to keep to myself, after a trip to Yamagata and witnessed all the golden, beautiful rice fields, thinking to myself exactly how much of all these farmer’s hardwork goes to waste. Of course we also try not to waste any other food, but I understand each individual has food preference so not everyone can eat everything. But for rice we can at least do something about wastage control! 🙂

Sunayu 砂湯

Sunayu is the name of the outdoor natural hotspring in Yubara onsen. And since it is outdoor, it means that it is it is open 24/7, throughout the year!

This is it!!! It’s overlooking a dam by the river You may think… where is the onsen?? Yeap, the river *is* the onsen. Part of the river is surrounded by rocks making it a “bath”.

Do take note that Sunayu is a public mixed bath, meaning that both males and females can use the same hotspring. And for this reason, females are allowed to wear a bathroom which you can rent from your hotels. In our hotel we rented it for 500 yen each.

There’s a little changing space next to the spring for female and male respectively.

There’s no door – just a curtain so it’s really cold. Be very fast with changing!!! Also, we have mistaken the rack for shoes/geta. It’s actually to store your belongings (don’t bring anything valuable if you are worried, as there’s no locker), so please do leave your shoes at the entrance. Paiseh.😅

There’s also a sign that reminds male visitors to cover their lower body with a towel/swim pants cuz the local ojisan like to walk around naked lol.

We woke up 5am just to visit this onsen (as we still gotta go back for breakfast and leave by 8am!). I was surprised that even at 5 there were quite a few visitors at the spring already! Mostly ojisan haha.

So here’s how it looks!

Honestly I won’t recommend photos here for obvious reason, we actually got permission for photoshoot purposes as long as we don’t get any other guests in sight. But the ojisan won’t stop walking around naked so there were quite many pictures photobombed with naked humans. Such as the man at the back. It was ok until…

He stood up.😅 I had to stamp him off the photo.

So yea, I understand that many visitors would love to take some photos especially after traveling all the way here. I mean, LOOK AT THOSE MAPLE FOLIAGE!!!

So I suggest to go REALLY EARLY. Like really really early haha. Or just wait until no one is around before you snap photos. 🙂

I have experienced quite a few natural outdoor hot springs (such as Nyuto Onsen in Akita prefecture. That’s also a must-go! I’m still waiting to blog about it!!), but none as open as this. 開放感が半端ない！

Really like TV commercial haha.

Sailormoon version.

Went back to have our hearty breakfast. I asked for less rice.

Ok lai. Sensei Cheesie teach you simple Japanese

“Raisu Sukuname” – less rice.
“Raisu chotto” – just a little ricr
“NO Raisu” (with both your arms forming an X shape in front of you) – No rice

Simple right? HAHAHA

That’s all for this time around. Ending it with a super pretty photo of Yubara Onsen in autumn!

See you in my next post!

Hello! Today Junya turns 4 years 7 months, and Sakura turns 2 years 8 months.

It’s a long holiday!

Junya had a 3-week break from school so we spent quite a bit of time together. Took a one-week trip to Bali and spent our new year there!

For Junya

Read Junya’s 1st month , 2nd month , 3rd month , 4th month , 5th month , 6th month , 7th month,  8th month, 9th month , 10th month , 11th month , 12th month , 13th month , 14th month , 15th month , 16th month , 17th month , 18th months , 19th month , 20th month ,21st month , 22nd month , 23rd month , 24th month , 25th month , 26th month , 27th month , 28th month , 29th month , 30th month , 31st month , 32nd month , 33rd month , 34th month , 35th month , 36th month , 37th month , 38th month , 39th month , 40th month , 41st month , 42nd month , 43rd month , 44th month , 45th month , 46th month , 47th month , 48 months , 49th month , 50th month , 51st month , 52nd month , 53rd month and 54th month here.

Hair

Ok so.

His hair grew really really long, so long that it’s totally blocking his eyesight and it seems annoying (gets into soup/stew and pizze sauce when he bends over to eat) so nowadays he mostly had his hair tied up. And I’m really envious of his natural wave that seems so… effortless. I have to spend 30 minutes on curler to achieve that lol. There’s no particular reason for me to have his hair kept long, I just thought that if he was to try a long hair style it’s probably now, since it would be better to have neat, short hair once he enters elementary school. It’d be really nice if he looks back at this photo 20 years later and be like thanks, mom.

Also, all the cool surfer boys in California and Gold Coast have loooong hair lol.

Swim Swim

Speaking of surfers.

He doesn’t like the sea because he said “wave is scary”. Well, looks like no surfing for him! Pool surf is his limit for now.

But he really loves the pool. His recent achievement is diving under the pool to pick up rocks.

Compared to other talented young swimmers of course it’s not a big deal but considering he was once a toddler who cries when his feet touches the pool water and that I used to be so envious of all the angmoh kids who just naturally love water so so much like a fish and I tried to reverse his resistance to water and spent monthsssssss to get him to finally put on his goggles – this is a BIG milestone.

No matter what I think boys should be active in at least in one type of sports so I’m really hoping that he can maintain his interest. Then next only do soccer or baseball haha. Captain Tsubasa!!

JunJun Says

1.Mama watching TV and the kids playing alongside.

Junya: Mama look I show you magic.
Mama: Ok.
Junya: This is a car color machine. I put the silver car inside and turn turn turn then it becomes purple! *pulls out car and squeals excitedly* (see above pic)
Mama: … *puzzled* It’s still silver.
Junya: No Mama, *serious* just pretend only. Pretend it’s purple.
Mama: Oh. I thought magic fail.

2. At the breakfast table.

Junya: Mama I have morning mare.
Mama: What is that?
Junya: Because it’s morning time so it’s not nightmare it is morningmare.
Mama: Oh I see. What kind of morningmare did you have?
Junya: Today I woke up and I thought I was cutting the broccoli.
Mama: Oh oh. And then?
Junya: The end.

3.At lunch table. Junya picks up a piece of garlic from stir-fry vegetable and eats it.

Mama: Junya why do you like garlic? (Cuz I actually thought it’s quite rare for a young kid to like it)
Junya: Because it taste a little bit like garlic (?). Soft, and then there’s a hole, and then I bite it it’s crumby (?) and then it’s nice so I like it.
Mama: Thanks for your food review.

4. Junya comes back from school and walks through the door.

Junya: Hmmmm smells like daikon soup!

It *is* daikon soup. I thought he’s really quite observant.

For Sakura

Read Sakura’s 1st month, 2nd month , 3rd month , 4th month , 5th month , 6th month , 7th month , 8th month , 9th month , 10th month , 11th month , 12th month , 13th month , 14th month , 15th month , 16th month , 17th month , 18th month , 19th month , 20th month , 21st month , 22nd month , 23rd month , 24th month , 25th month , 26th month , 27th month , 28th month , 29th month , 30th month and 31st month here.

Hair

For the first time in her life she gets to tie a pair of really tiny pig tails, and her hair at the front grew enough to be called fringe finally.

While niinii is keeping his hair long, I am planning to cut her hair short cuz I think it suits her better and she’d look cuter in short hair. ^^

Also, she is growing quite chubby!! She’s still really, REALLY small-sized (she’s barely 10KG, seriously where did all the onigiri and pizza go?!?) but I don’t remember Junya being this fleshy at 2.5. He lost all his baby fat by 1 :(. Sakura is also eating more than Junya.

Swim Swim

I’m fortunate because… sibling rivalry.

I once saw a variety show in Japan that testified a theory that most Olympic athletes are the youngest child in the family. The logic is that younger siblings tend to pick up sports at a younger age which their elder siblings are playing, and that they also get to practice sooner and earlier than their elder siblings and have their elder siblings as the opponent who are already better than them and hence spark the kiasuness which drives them to want to be better than their big brother or sister.

To some extent it makes sense. Well Sakura picks up physical activities faster than Junya (scooter/swimming, but totally super behind Junya when it comes to brain stuff like puzzles and books). She swims without any fear unlike Junya (scared cold la scared water into eye la scared deep la), and she is soooo chilled about it. Just give her a pair of arm floats and she can chill in the pool for an hour. She has never ever complained that the water is cold, in fact she squeals in delight when it’s cold lol.

Anyway boys should excel in sports but for girls it’d be nice if they do too. But if not it’s ok too. She can learn taiko hehe. With me. She’d be the coolest girl!

Skipping naps

She’s such a good napper and can sleep early even after a long nap. But recently she’s growing out of her only nap in day time and I’m in dilemma. Sometimes this is what happens at dinner about 5-6pm. T_T. To wake her up for shower or not??? Brush teeth or not? It’d be sweet heaven if she sleeps through though!

Mama’s girl

They always say Mommy’s Boy, Daddy’s Girl, right?

Sakura is 100% mama. In a way it makes things a lot easier, and it makes it seem like she is soooooo much easier a child than Junya because:

1.She will never run around or make noise (if Junya is not around to play with her) when we go out BECAUSE all she wants do is to stick to me like a koala, which means that I can bring her out even for meetings and she will just sit there (usually expressionless) until I finish my stuff. She just want to be next to me (like physically stuck to me).

2. She is not as “stubborn” as Junya – in the sense that she softens down, or compromises very easily, either with coaxing or threatening. (Haha yeap I was once the parent who swore not to use threats on my child. Nah. Forget it.) So I can be stern with her and she will immediately back down because she is so afraid to lose me or my affection. I’ll just have to nonchalantly tell her “ok if you don’t wanna wear your shoes then it’s fine. You stay home and I’ll go out with niinii. You can wait for me to come back?” and she’ll 扁嘴 and put her shoes on lol.

I remember Junya her age… omg T_T. I had such a though time because empty threats will NEVER work on him, in fact it will just mean I’m cooking a pot of hot shit to pour it on myself because when I say the exact same thing “Ok if you don’t wanna wear shoes then it’s fine.You stay home and I’ll go out with Sakura. Wait for me to come back.” and he’ll literally JUST WAIT THERE (and cry, sometimes). Die also don’t want to wear shoes. Die liao lo, how??? Obviously there’s no way I can leave him alone at home, and there’s also no way I could make him believe that I’d really keep my words. So basically I just becomes this powerless liar who cannot stick to her words fml. I spent hours and hours fighting with his relentlessness feeling like a complete failure.

When Sakura does something she’s not supposed to and I make her promise not to do it again she will immediately nod eagerly and say “yes yes” and stick out her pinky for promise without even me asking. If it’s Junya, he would look like me like I have 冤枉 him and his whole family while trying to hold back tears, “no, I won’t promise you. I will (do an even worse version of what I just did).” Or just say “I don’t want to play with mama anymore. I don’t want hug and I don’t want to go to school and I don’t want to eat my dinner.” walao summore can dig out all the irrelevant stuff damn passive aggressive ok.

Sigh.

*looks at the sky and throws hands in the air*

So yea I won’t deny it, that Sakura is waaaaaay easier then Junya at this stage of life.

She is also very very 空気を読む（can read the air). If she observes that I’m grumpy (sometimes I didn’t even realize it), or that I’m about to explode and can sense that she is about to kena scolding, she would come close to me, make me look at her while she looks at me doe-eyed and gives me a smile and a hug. And sometimes even a kiss!!! Basically to cease my angst for her own good. Waaaa confirm my fire extinguished ok! So end up no scolding, I just talk to her nicely and she would promise me the sky and the moon. Drama over.

She’s smart at this. I can’t count how many times little things she did had saved me (and herself) a bad day.

I’m also not sure if it’s a boy/man thing, they are sooooo KY (Kuuki Yomenai 空気読めない – cannot read the air) and numb. When Junya sensed that something disastrous is brewing and can smell an impending explosion, he just… shuts off. Or worse – continue doing something that ticks me off.  It makes me so mad omg. Are all men like this? -_-

For Mama

Last month I totally said that I wanted to be away from the kids.

But once I really spend some real time with them without work, without being glued to my phone most of the time, I think I liked it again. I guess as cheesy as it sounds, it’s about balance. I know, I also screamed There’s no such thing as balance! F*** balance!!!!  at one point, but I also guess this is what parenthood is – full of contradictions and irony. We all just have to live with it.

I think the problem is me.

It’s so crazy because when I’m in a bad mood, things they do are less adorable. I’m just like LEAVE ME ALONE I NEED TO REVISE A DRAFT URGENTLY BEFORE THE CLIENT EXPLODES. I have no love to spare.

Once I stop obsessing about work and social media, everything they do are adorable and I find myself a kinder person. I blame social media.

I spent a week just being lazy, ordering only room service, not having to cook. (But the price to pay is a two-week upset stomach lol. Now I’m not sure worth it or not.)

Picking and collecting frangipani.

Romance a bit with my baby.

Just stare at the sky and stars and moon and fantasize about our dreamy future…

Well that’d go into an IG caption perfectly.

Real life : got bitten by mosquitoes like f*** and sweated like pigs.

All these nice photos you see are solely for likes on IG only la (which not many of you entertained you guys are totally assholes, only save my posts for your own reference but no give likes – I KNOW WHO YOU ARE! Just kidding.). The last few days in the villa I was practically in my pyjama the whole day, no make up lol.

I wasn’t even consciously trying to have a social media detox. In fact the thought of scrolling Instagram alone made me nauseous (maybe is Bali Belly syndrome hor) and I really just used my phone for a couple of scheduled postings and swiped out without looking at any other nonsense.

At this rate I think I’ll soon disappear from Instagram. But I’m ok. This blog is mine, and I can write anything I like here without it forcing me to look at some stupid ads or other people flaunting their Insta-worthy life or telling me that I’m not enough and that I better have a more photogenic and entertaining life. But I think I’m okay to just allow myself to be myself for now.

It’s 2019! Here’s a little recount of events of my journey with Cheesiepetit of the entire year of 2018. I spent one whole day scrolling through the photos feeling all nostalgic. They have grown so much in just one year! (Take note of Junya and Sakura’s hair hahaha.) Also, can you believe it? I have over 50,000 photos and videos stored in my phone!!

This post is also about Cheesiepetit’s journey with MamyPoko, without which I wouldn’t have such a smooth-sailing year when it comes to all things diaper related, since we traveled almost every single month!

Here goes!

January

Exactly one year ago, check out how tiny Sakura was! She looks still like a baby especially with that onsie!

Her first molar also erupted on 8 January ^^

Diaper size also upgraded from M to L! ^^

That was the special MamyPoko Tsum Tsum edition for Extra Dry Skin Pants!

February

I remember February to be a really busy month. I was solo-parenting most of the month, basically just spent the whole day cooking 3 meals haha. It was also CNY time!

I also remember Sakura being very emo. Every time I said no to something she wanted but cannot have, she would go hide at a corner and sulk. This is her trying to squeeze between the gap of the cabinet and fridge unsuccessfully.

March

In March we had a two-week family trip to Gold Coast, Australia! That’s me packing for Cheesiepetit. I picked MamyPoko Air Fit pants for the trip as it is really the longest-lasting, comfiest diapers best made for traveling! I managed to fit 2 weeks worth of diapers for both kids into the luggage with no problem as it’s really soft and light!

Love the Gold Coast weather in March. Cooling, but not chilly.

We had lots of sunshines, beach and sea!

April

April is my favorite month of the year. Because cherry-blossom! We were back to Japan for a long holiday, and we caught cherry blossom just in time.

Sakura and everything sakura! Hanami dango, sakura cookies and senbei, sakura mochi. ^^

We also traveled to Tohoku area which was extra cold. Sakura was wearing a really cute onesie from GAP (which was actually a Junya’s hand-me-down) but it was a huge mistake. Guess why?

The buttons. Ahhhhh. Imagine having to change her diaper!!! No more GAP onsies, guys.

This was Nyuto Onsen in Akita prefecture. There was lots of snow!

The kids were all wrapped up in many layers (heat tech, sweater, leggings, down jackets), changing diaper is also a hassle. I remember those days I only changed Sakura’s diaper once because it’s too cold! By the end of the day her diaper would be super heavy, but no leakage thanks to MamyPoko’s super absorbency!

May

We returned to Singapore’s super hot and humid weather from snowy land. Check out that amount of sweat!!! Sakura sweats really, really a lot. Her pillow and the bed sheet will have a big wet patch even when aircon is on and she sleeps topless. I let her wear MamyPoko Extra Dry Skin which absorbs sweat super quick and keep bacteria at bay and we avoided diaper rash.

On 11th, Sakura turns 2 years old!!!

June

On 11th Junya turned 4 years old!!

We were also back to Tokyo for a short trip.

With my favorite sight of Tokyo.

July

July was Bali. When I think about it, we really travel a lot and have to get used to all kinds of sudden climate change and an extensive wardrobe for all weather.

August

August was a tough month because right after Junya recovered from his mysterious fever, Sakura has hers. She was unwell for 4 days and her fever came and go.

Cranky cranky cranky and refused to eat too T___T.

Nori was the only thing she would eat T__T.

After she recovered, it was time for another trip again. I’m making them pack their own travel bags.

Water bottle, snacks, their favorite toys, sunblock, change of diaper.

Off to Bali again!

Hello!

Junya was being very helpful to help his sister change diaper. You see how she just relaxed there haha.

He’s doing a great job! Thank you Junya!

September

In September we were back to Tokyo. The weather had cooled down a little and it was time for sweaters again.

It was quite a challenge to keep them entertained in our tiny apartment as we didn’t bring many toys. That time Sakura was into Pokochan, and coloring. Other than that TV was my savior. Bless the Japanese entertaining kids programs!

October

Autumn mood!!

More diapers for our upcoming trips!

We were in Japan too. The kids love staying in ryokan with the children-friendly tatami and Sakura loves to tuck herself into the comfy futons. ^^

We went to Yamagata for fruits picking!

Also, after a long break, Junya has started his new school this month!

November

Sakura wasn’t schooling so I stayed with her at home most of the time while niinii went to school. I remember not having much time spent with the kids because I was swamped with work trips all of the sudden.

I took this photo to shoutout for the MamyPoko Japan Fiesta contest where the winner wins a family trip to Japan!!

It won’t be long before the kids start proper schooling and we won’t be able to travel like this anymore. Now is really the chance to enjoy enriching their early lives with different travel experiences. Japan is always a favorite. Hope whoever wins the grand prize will enjoy Japan with your little one(s)!

December

It’s been one whole year! Look at my little princess who grew so much compared to the first photo! This is our last vacation of the year, in fact we spent our new year here at Bali.

Junya tries pool-surfing haha.

Sakura has upgraded her diaper size from L to XL and Junya to XXL. Also Sakura’s favorite buddies now are Pokochan and Piglet.

She still enjoys being spoilt by niinii a little when it comes to diaper changing ^^

That’s all for 2018. A big thanks to MamyPoko for making our daily life and frequent travels so much easier. Hope everyone had a great new year and a fantastic 2019 ahead!

My previous posts on Okayama:

1. Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
2. Affordable shopping
3. Kojima

In my previous post, you already read that Kojima of Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture is the birth place of Japan-made jeans.

Today’s post is about this unique street dedicated to all denim lovers, and it is called Kojima Jeans Street – where the first pair of domestically-produced jeans was born.

After visiting this place and Betty Smith (more later), I turned to Arisa who helped organize this trip, and said to her, “Die liao. I don’t know how many blog posts I will end up writing about just Okayama.”

True enough, this is the 4th blog post and I’m still not done with Okayama yet. Maybe just half way through. But I knew that for Kojima Jeans Street, it deserves a whole dedicated blog post on its own.

So here goes.

You will not miss the street from afar, just spot this huge denim sign and you will know you’re here at the holy land of jeans in Japan.

So how did the history of jeans start in this little street?

To summarize the history, it was to do with cotton cultivation. Kojima’s geographical location by the sea is making its soil too salty for rice farming, but perfect to grow cotton. And since then with its fluffy, premium quality cotton, Okayama has always had a strong reputation in the textile industry of Japan, traced all theway back to the samurai period where sanadahimo was made for Japanese swords, and hakama for samurais.

The business flourished into the modern era and Kojima became the textile hub where most of the nation’s school uniforms were made.

The first pair of jeans was made in 1965 by a manufacturer called Big John with a huge success, and soon more jeans maker joined the trend and turn Kojima into the mecca of Japan-made denim.

It was a holiday when I visited so many shops were closed but it was nontheless a really inspiring walk through the street.

Even without shopping, just enjoying all the little creative details of this denim town is delightful.

If you are in the mood, try the “Indigo Soft Cream”! It says that it is salted vanilla flavor topped with blue powder. If you ever try it let me know how it taste like. ^^

Vending machine dressed in denim.

Jeans-clad public astray.

Even the asphalt was painted indigo resembling the pride produce of this little town. I was deeply impressed.

You’ll see jeans hanging up high between the streets and I was wondering what happens when it rains!

Denim enthusiasts or not, one can definitely appreciate the passionate expression that decorated this little unique street.

Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village

If you are looking for more than just creative art expressions and Instagenic photo spots and want to seriously delve into the Japan culture of craftsmanship (plus some really good shopping), I’d recommend a visit to the really impressive Betty Smith Jeans Museum – it is so huge that it is literally a small village.

It is founded in 1962 and is currently the only jeans museum in Japan.

Musuem I

There are many big denim names in Kojima, including Momotaro Jeans (who produces some of the most expensive jeans in Japan!) , Japan Blue and Betty Smith is one of them.

Little red-haired Betty Smith greets you at the entrance. She’s the face on the logo you will see on all the products here.

The “museum” is more than what I expected, with every single corner creatively expressed to spark an interest even for the non-savvy.

Here you will see lots of elements that connect back to its America origin, including priced vintage pieces, sewing machines, etc.

Go upstairs and you will find a space where you get spoilt for choice ordering a custom-made jeans.

Here you can get your measurements done, select the fabric and accessories, and even the treatment process you wish to have in order to custom-make your very own only-one-in-the-world pair of denim.

A  good pair of jeans does take weeks to come to life if you custom-make one, so if you are visiting Kojima and leaving Japan soon, the good news is they do take international order and will be able to to deliver the pair of jeans to your home address!

This little loft is so full of vintage rustic charm I can imagine it used for magazine fashion shoots!

Factory

This is the sewing factory. I as told that it remains the same as the first day it started other than its refurbished facade, and can you believe that every single pair of jeans is hand-sewn with sewing machines?

You can observe the working process through the window of this factory.

Museum II

There’s an even larger museum in the village, where you can learn about the history of Japan-made jeans.

You will learn about how jeans were cut and washed, you can also have a hands-on experience of jeans-making for a fee!

Go along further and you will learn about the fashion history and trends of Japanese denim, and signature pieces of each era from brands like Big John and Betty Smith’s own are on display too.

This is apparently the uniform of Bobson’s Race Queen in the 90s!! How nostalgic.

Make Your Own Denim!

I really hoped that I had more time here so I can make my very own pair of jeans. Here’s something you shouldn’t miss if you come all the way here to Kojima!

Here are some of the little mini workshops you can join to experience the work of a jeans craftsman. You can buy a pair of original jeans here and experience the customization process – make your very own pair of jeans!

Due to time limitation, I was only able to experience a keychain strap making.

Picking buttons to be pressed on.

It was a super quick experience, quite fun nontheless. It’s always nice to have something customize and hand-made!

You can do it for a small fee so it makes perfect souvenirs to bring back home too.

Spotted one One Piece collab!

Betty Smith Outlet

Next up is everyone’s favorite – shopping time! Seriously, don’t leave empty hand when you come to Kojima!

The goods sold at the outlets are directly from its factory so you can expect the best quality at a low price.

Check out all the ultra cute denim goods such as this 2019 calendar! For only 500 yen.

Lots of adorable accessories too.

You can also find rare gems on the sales rack, where pairs of jeans are sold at crazy cheap prices due to “slight defects”, which is explained in a little lable on the jeans (location of the defect, and the nature of it). I bought this pair of corduroy cream denim for only 500 yen, and when Japanese say “defects” it doesn’t mean anything lol (some are so tiny I couldn’t even spot). Just treat them as a pair of vintage and all defects become its charms.

Love the denim tote bags and pouches too.

Garden

Betty Smith is a true village. Here’s a garden you can relax at, there is even a Dog Run (a playground for your furry pals!).

And its very own car. (The car seats are made of denim!)

Back home

Matching tees and denim from Betty Smith.

Yes, with fast fashion and such, we can easily buy a pair of jeans for just a couple of small bank notes but we also know that a good pair of jeans lasts forever. In fact, the longer you wear it the more you will come to love it, with fades and creases in the fabric making it truly yours.

Betty Smith is the place for you to find that piece to dye for (haha). I hope it will be the place you encounter the pair of denim that will last you a lifetime.

The theme for the second half of 2018 and continuing into 2019 for me, is “Love Myself”.

You can’t pour from an empty cup. I know it’s true. There were some really dark moments earlier this year that rendered me incapable of feeling any sort of joy. I felt unloved from the world and I wasn’t capable of giving any either. I knew I couldn’t let it consume my whole soul, and slowly I tried to climb my way out of it.

If you follow my journey for the past few months, you know I have been actively working again, traveling again, exploring new places, splurging on good food (sushi, sushi!!), and making effort to look beautiful again. I feel that my cup slowly gets filled up and I can start pouring again. 🙂

One of my goals this year was to achieve fuller, bouncier looking skin (after substantial weight loss). There are a few things I did –

1. Eat more.

2. Went for facial fillers

3. Extra inner care – collagen replenishment.

So this post is about my collagen replenishment with Collagen Re Force by ORBIS.

You already know I don’t do a lot of reviews on beauty/health products because I think it’s really subjective, and that I am selective and careful. I have consumed this product for months before this review.

There are soooo many different collagen products in the market, and I think a lot of them are very good ones too. But Collagen Re Force has a few benefits that put it in an advantage as a top pick for me:

1. I trust the brand

Other than collagen drink, I am also using their skin care ranges (super love the Powder Wash+!), and taking their supplements (Vitamin C, Calcium) since early this year. It’s a very established brand from Japan (ORBIS is as old as I am!!), with many products winning multiple cosme awards, and cares for the environment and people (with its tree plantation activities and reconstruction support for affected areas hit by disasters).

2. It comes as a delicious drink in a bottle

Most collagen products come in sachet or powder form. It’s a challenge to continue consuming because I often feel can’t find a good beverage to mix the powder with, and I get tired of the taste soon.

Since collagen is something you should take daily, I recommend choosing a collagen product that you think you can consume the most frequently, easily and conveniently.

When it is in a tiny bottle, it makes consumption ultra convenient. I already have a habit of buying bottles of beauty or energy drinks from the combini whenever I visit Japan, so this makes it just a simple routine every day right in my own home.

How does it taste like?

I love it! It has a fruity flavor of “La France” pear, a very luxurious fruit grown in Yamagata Prefecture. It has a very aromatic, sweet fragrance which makes Collagen Re Force almost like a alcoholic dessert wine just before bed time.

I store the bottles in the fridge because it taste even better chilled! I have an extra small fridge dedicated just for it haha.

My daily routine – a bottle of Collagen Re Force before bed, for beautiful skin.

3. Super high collagen content

When you purchase collagen products next time, do take note on the amount of collagen peptides it contains. Most collagen products has a range of 1500mg-6000mg. And Collagen Re Force has a whopping 10,000mg! That’s the highest I’ve seen in collagen products. We all need collagen more than we think, as it’s not only just about our skin. Our bones, hair, nails, and joints will all need the benefits of having a collagen boost.

4. A Double Approach

We all know that our collagen levels deplete over time as we age as our body’s natural production of collagen begins to slow down, so we will need to replenish it in some way.

Many collagen products are focusing solely on replenishing, but Collagen Re Force does extra – Replenish X Reproduce.

Replenishment alone is not enough. Many people have said that consuming collagen doesn’t work, and that is because simply consuming is not sufficient as collagen is constantly prone to damage. Age, and other external factors such as UV rays stimulate the production of collagen-degrading enzymes which causes collagen damage too.

To counter that, first you need a collagen that is very easily absorbed by the body. As Collagen Re Force contains an abundant 10,000mg of collagen peptides which are micro-sized molecules,, it makes absorption and replenishment very effective.

Secondly, to supplement the intake of collagen, Lemon Balm Extract in Collagen Re Force helps the body to reproduce healthy collagen by supporting the process of breaking down damaged collagen to be reused for generating new and healthy collagen.

So it sounds like now you have a good cycle to help you constantly support the production of collagen in your body.

Furthermore, Long Pepper Extract also protects the blood vessels to ensure smooth delivery of collagen to required areas of the body, while Vitamin C, one of the most important component will promote collagen synthesis.

And you get all of these in one single bottle.

But, you know what is even more convenient?

Collagen Jelly

Collagen Jelly in a stick!! I bring this with me when I travel because it is so super tiny and convenient!

This super yummy fruity jelly comes in two flavors – Citron & Lemon and White Grape.

It contains 1,000mg of collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B6. Not as powerful as Collagen Re Force in terms of collagen volume but it’s perfect as an on-the-go beauty snack! It’s also fat-free and low in calorie so that makes it an even better sweet fix than your usual candies and gummies.

You can take 1 to 2 sachets daily, and have it as a tasty afternoon snack!

And now the million dollar question is – is this whole collagen trend worth the money?

Honestly, one of the most difficult things about reviewing beauty/health product is to determine how effective the product is, and usually the result is very personal and subjective.

For me, I can’t precisely tell you how many wrinkles have disappeared from my body or how much bouncier my skin has been resembling a trampoline (I really wish there’s some way to measure all these! Then we can tell for sure that something is working).

But what I can say is that, I feel positive taking Collagen Re Force continuously. It has become a little luxurious treat for myself daily, a booster to help me advance on my “Love Myself” journey, and I love it enough to want to continue taking it. I am quite content with how my skin has been recently, it could be the collagen, it could also be just because I feel happier now.

Collagen Re Force is available at ORBIS stores, counters and online. It is priced at S$56 (50mL x 10 bottles). If you are an ORBIS member (membership is free with any purchase!), you can purchase Collagen Re Force at $49 per box (U.P. $56) and $142/ 3 boxes (U.P. $168). The promotion is valid until 24 January 2019. I’d recommend 3 boxes to try out for a month (see my fridge is all stocked up with Collagen Re Force!) and see how you feel about it. 🙂