Datsumo Labo Japan's Hair Removal Spa

Datsumo Labo is Asia's most popular hair removal spa.  Check out Japan's website here.  This is Datsumo Labo website from Singapore.

We all wish to have that smooth baby soft skin, right?  Im very fortunate I don't have too much unwanted hair.  But, for some, hair can grow thick and in places we wish not to have them.

There are many methods to remove hair.  Depending where the hairs are located you could tweeze, shave, wax or use depilatory creams.  But there are problems that come with these forms of hair removal.







Why Datsumo Labo?

1. Painless hair removal treatment with the latest State-of-the-Art Technology.

2. Affordable they have many package deals that you can choose from.

3. Money back  guarantee

So, I had to try this out while I was in Japan.

I first visited Datsumo Labo in the Tokyo Area.  But, unfortunately they do not offer any walk-in's.  You need to make an appointment, Datsumo Labo offers a fast and easy 40 seconds on-line booking.  Heres the link for Japan and heres the link for Singapore.

They were wonderful enough to get me an appointment in Sapporo.  My first appointment was a consultation and paper work. Everything is written in Japanese and they will not be able to translate anything for you.  I was lucky enough to have my mom there for me.  She read everything  and explained what I didn't know.  I was disappointed that they did not honor "15% off by quoting a blogger's name"  they didn't even know any bloggers on the Singapore's website.

Here are some areas that are popular to remove hair from.





A few days later I came back for my procedure. I had my legs, under arms,  I line, V line and O lines done (Brazilian).  It was painless.  If you do get this procedure done they recommend that you do not go in the public bath house for at least 10 days.  So make sure you plan wisely since Japan has so many onsen and bath house.

Unfortunately there are no Datsumo Labo in America yet.  Im hoping someday they will decide to bring it here.

[caption id="attachment_3053" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Getting ready for my procedure[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3050" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Datsumo Labo[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3049" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Datsumo Labo in Sapporo is located in this building[/caption]







Check out Datsumo Labo Youtube Channel (Singapore)

https://www.youtube.com/user/datsumolabosg

Tokyo's Skytree

[caption id="attachment_3028" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Skytree Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

Standing at 634 meters or 2,080.5 feet stands the worlds tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world.  An interesting fact about how the Skytree's height capped off at 634 meters.  Historically the Skytree stands in an old province called Musashi.  The ancient japanese way to say the numbers 6. 3. 4. is pronounced:

Mu (6)

Sa (3)

Shi (4)

Spelled out Musashi, ironically the height of the tower and the old province in which it stands.

Inside the Skytree's observation deck, you will find a 360° view of Tokyo Metropolis.  But don't expect to walk right into the tower.  We had about a 3 hour wait.                                                                                                                                                         At Skytree's arrival lobby on level 4 we were given a ticket.  One ticket for each person in your party.  DO NOT lose this ticket.  You will not be able to enter into the tower without it.  On this ticket there is a time for you and your party to come back.  Do not be late, late members will not be admitted.

[caption id="attachment_3042" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Skytower entrance ticket
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

We had about an hour an half wait till we needed to come back.  During this time we shopped at the mall in the tower.  Skytree's Mall called Solamachi has more than 300 shops and restaurants, click here for shop information.  Finally after almost 3 hours of waiting we were greeted with an amazing view of Tokyo Metropolis.

[caption id="attachment_3019" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Dave and I at Skytree
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3037" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Brandon and I and Skytree
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3022" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Skytree at night Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3012" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Skytree Tokyo view at night
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3013" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Skytree Tokyo at Night
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3010" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Skytree Tokyo at night. Yes, that is the Tokyo Tower in the far distance.
Photo Source:
ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

Madonna Introduces Her New Skin Care Line In Japan. Watch it Now!

Madonna with MTG Beauty Company created her new line of skin care products.  MDNA consists of three products: Chrome Clay Mask, Skin Rejuvinator and The Serum, sold only in Japan. Unfortunately I didn't see her products while in Japan. But you can at least see her commercial here.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHa52O8vyz8&w=560&h=315]

The video in this post is not mine. Please see http://www.mdnaskin.jp/index.html for more information on this product.

http://www.mdnaskin.jp/product/index.html

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Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai - Hotel Review

 

Arriving in Tokyo's Homamatsucho Station we walked 8 minutes to our Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai.  A cozy little hotel still under some renovations.

[caption id="attachment_2941" align="aligncenter" width="283"] You can see in the picture that the 1st two beds are pushed together and theres barely any room between the 2nd and 3rd beds. The Third bed was also against the wall.[/caption]

Again, our room was one with 3 beds (please see my article on ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel).  One bed was large enough for me and my husband to sleep comfortably in.  We only used two beds, but had to pay for three beds.  Our room was very tight and terribly uncomfortable.  We also had a small table and chair that just got in the way in our room.  We had barely any room to walk  especially once our suitcases took the only area left in the room.

I can only speak about the room we were given, which was the last room down the hall (or the first, depends how you look at it).  It may have been the way that room was designed, but the ventilation in the room was terrible.  It was very humid after every shower, and the room had a slight musty smell every time we came back from our days adventure.  So we started to leave the window in our room opened while we were out for the day.  This made coming back to the room a little more pleasant smelling.

Not only was there still some construction in the hotel, but there was construction right out side the hotel as well.   While we did have a beautiful view of Tokyo Tower, there also was a huge construction crane in the way of our beautiful view.





There was one restaurant in the hotel Italian Buffet and Cafe La Marea Unfortunately, the only time we wanted to eat there it was closed for renovation, but the day before we could smell the food and it did smell delicious.  Luckily, Lawson Station (Japanese convenience store) was right next to the hotel and we just got a lot of great food to eat there.



Free for guest is the public bath or sento.  The night I went it was busy.  There are about seven shower stalls and a  large soaking tub.  The view while soaking was amazing.  Amenities at the public bath includes shampoo, conditioner, body soap, q-tips and hair dryer.  I did see one washer and dryer on the ladies side of the public bath.  It took ¥300 for the washer and ¥100 for the dryer.

Free internet for all guest.

My Review for the Mitsui Garden Shiodome Italia-Gai:

The convenient location earn this hotel a 3.0 star. Only a 8 minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station, 7 minute walk from Onarimon Station, 12 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station, about 15 minute walk to the famous Ginza Shops and only 16 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station to Haneda Monorail.  Check out the access map.  While the food smelled delicious, it underwent construction the night we wanted to eat there.  The hotel had free internet access (we rented a mobile wifi so never needed to use the hotel wifi).  The public bath was small, but still a nice touch.  Construction across the street was noisy and the crane interfered with what could have been a nice view of the Tokyo Tower.  Room was cramped with three beds and had poor ventilation which made the room smell musty.  Would I stay here again?  No, I wouldn't.

[caption id="attachment_2943" align="aligncenter" width="297"] cool view of Tokyo Tower from our room at Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-Gai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2948" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Opening the window for fresh air in the room helped with the musty smell.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2946" align="aligncenter" width="308"] Night view of Tokyo Tower at Mitsui Garden Shiodome Italia-Gai[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2945" align="aligncenter" width="314"] construction across the street from our hotel at Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Itali-Gai[/caption]

George Clooney - Kirin Beer Commercial in Japan

This commercial is adorable, I saw it while visiting Japan March 2014.

 

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCkI323J9K4&w=560&h=315]

The video in this post are not mine, but was uploaded from Lost in Translation

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Narita Airport to Tokyo - Ride the Narita Express at a Discounted Rate

http://instagram.com/p/mhtoTMmWIb/

Narita Express (N'EX) is fast and convenient way to get from Narita Airport to Tokyo without too much hassle.  The N'EX takes only 53 minutes and requires you to purchase the tickets the day of your travel.  I have read somewhere that you can purchase your ticket a day before. After standing in the long line for an hour, we found out that you can not purchase your tickets a day in advanced.  You must purchase tickets for N'EX the day of traveling. We were fortunate to purchase the limited edition Suica card and N'EX special.  JR East Rails is not currently offering that limited edition Suica Card and N'EX deal, that deal expired March 31, 2014.

Currently and till the end of 2014, there is a discount for gaijin (foreigner) travelers. From Narita Airport Terminal 1 and 2 to Tokyo's major train station in the metropolitan area, including Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Yokohama without the hassle of transferring.  Adult fare is ¥1500 (one way) for children (6-11) ¥750 yen (one way).  Your guaranteed a seat. Your seat reclines back so you can relax, all seats are equipped with a large tray.  For your convenience there are large spaces overhead for your luggages and if thats not large enough not to fret, at the end of each car there is a section for storing your large suitcases.  Theres also a dial lock so you can set and safely lock your suitcases.

[caption id="attachment_2913" align="aligncenter" width="300"] seats recline[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2914" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Large suitcase storage area with lock[/caption]

In the train are restrooms and even a baby changing station.  Each car has an overhead monitor in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.  Theres even an attendant that comes through the train selling drinks and snacks.  For more information on where to purchase your N'EX tickets please refer to the JR East Japan Railway. 

We found the N'EX to be fast, convenient and affordable way to get to Tokyo from Narita Airport.

 

http://instagram.com/p/mjHwlUGWLq/

 

 

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ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Narita Airport - Hotel Review

 

[caption id="attachment_2767" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Our gianormous room at ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel, Narita Airport Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

After arriving at Narita Airport, we were exhausted.  We stayed at ANA Crowne Plaze Hotel .  It was the largest hotel we stayed at during our trip.  In Japan when booking a hotel room, you will be charged per person per room.  Typically, American hotels charge by the room.  Japan usually has a limit on how many adults can stay in a room, commonly it is 2 adults per room (up to 2 children, ages can vary for each hotel).  This made booking a hotel for my family a little difficult.  I needed a room that accommodated 3 "adults"  (my son is 18) that was near impossible, not to mention prices jumped up tremendously if a hotel offered a room for 3 adults.  So we ended up with this gianormous room with three gianormous beds.  We only needed 2 beds.  But rules were rules.

Getting to the hotel from Narita Airport was a cinch.  Just hop on their complementary airport to hotel shuttle, about a 10 minute ride.  We waited at bus post 16 at Narita Airport Terminal 1.  There is also a bus pick up at Narita Airport Terminal 2, bus post 25.  Be sure to check the hotel for the times of hotel pickup and location for pick up. Schedules and pick up spots can often change.  We asked the airport information counter for the hotel bus pick up information.  Currently this is the ANA Crowne Plaza Narita Hotel  bus pick up schedule.

[caption id="attachment_2768" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Hotel Bus ANA Crowne Plaza
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

Inside the hotel there is a convenient store, offering several sandwiches, onigiri, salads, curry dishes, many different drinks and snacks.

[caption id="attachment_2773" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Convenient store inside ANA Crowne Hotel Narita
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2774" align="aligncenter" width="306"] So cheap, but still so delicious! Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2776" align="aligncenter" width="312"] Even fresh fruits Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

Hotel Restaurants

Ceres
Location: First floor
Serves: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Restaurant Cafe

Saifu Sky Dining
Location: 17th floor
Serves: Dinner
Japanese and French fusion

Narita
Location: 17th floor
Serves: Dinner
Teppanyaki

 

We ate at the Ceres located on the first floor.

[caption id="attachment_2777" align="aligncenter" width="303"] My son had a burger at the Ceres restaurant. No rice came with the meal, you would have to order it separately. Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2778" align="aligncenter" width="314"] I had the salmon at Ceres
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

During your stay you can enjoy and energize yourself in their fully equipped health club, take a few laps in the indoor pool, treat yourself to an invigorating spa treatment or simply enjoy a traditional japanese massage.  With their complimentary shuttle service to Narita Town you can explore the famous Narita-san Shinsoji Temple and beautiful pagodas.

Their double glazed windows make plane spotters enjoy the sky activity at Narita Airport without the noise.

Standard Internet service is free for all IHG® Rewards Club members
Wireless Internet are available in Rooms
There is a fee for Non Members but everyone can enjoy free internet in the lobby

Thinking of getting married?  Here at the hotel they offer wedding coordinators and photography too.  Check out there site.

You can have a banquet or your next meeting right here too.  Check out there site.

Enjoy the complementary toiletries included in your the room everyday. Toothbrush, toothpaste, hair band, shower cap, Q-tips, disposable razors and shaving cream.

[caption id="attachment_2780" align="aligncenter" width="305"] Complimentary toiletries Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

For more information on the hotel amenities, please check the hotel's website here.

I've traveled to Tokyo several times, all of which after I landed, I would continue onward to Tokyo.  Despite the fact that Tokyo is about 35 miles from Narita Airport, it could take a few hours by public transportation.  So, this time I figured I wanted to relax and not stress on how to get to my hotel somewheres in Tokyo before dark.

How I Rated The Hotel

ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel was nice, nothing fancy.  I would give it 4 stars. The hotel was clean and the bed was amazingly comfortable, our room was huge.  Amenities are good, my only complaint was the fact we were forced to rent a 3 bed bedroom when we needed only 2 beds.  Each bed is large enough for 2 adults.  My husband and I shared a bed of course and my son used the other bed.  But, as I mentioned…. rules are rules, but its ridiculous the hotel used the fact 1 adult per bed just to charge more money.  We all had a great nights sleep and were up early to start our day heading towards Tokyo.  We would stay here again.

 

[caption id="attachment_2809" align="aligncenter" width="361"] Full size bed big enough for my husband and I
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2813" align="aligncenter" width="377"] Theres even a wedding coordinator and photography on site Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2812" align="aligncenter" width="375"] You can also purchase handkerchief, underwear, undershirts, socks, boxers and even business dress shirts at the convenience store[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2811" align="aligncenter" width="365"] Some more miscellaneous items at the convenience store Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2810" align="aligncenter" width="373"] You can see how big this room really was, theres one more bed and the hallway that I didn't get in this shot Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_2769" align="aligncenter" width="300"] ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Narita Lobby Photo Source: David Keisling[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2779" align="aligncenter" width="300"] This was posted in the room, yikes!
Photo Source: ionasiatrend.com[/caption]