WHERE TO GO TOKYO (AND STAY AT A NICE HomeAway APARTMENT!)

Jepang adalah salah satu destinasi yang tidak pernah membosankan untuk dikunjungi berulang kali, dan Tokyo adalah salah satu kota favorit bagi hampir semua orang yang berkunjung ke Jepang (also for me!).

Japan is one of the destinations that are never boring to be visited repeatedly, and Tokyo is one of the favorite cities for almost everyone who already visited Japan (also for me!).

Untuk yang berkeliling beberapa kota di Jepang, Tokyo biasanya menjadi kota pertama untuk entry point, dan sebelum kembali ke Indonesia (bagi warga Indonesia). When you only got two days in Tokyo, what’ll you do? I’m sharing some spots that’ll be nice to fill your time while you’re in Tokyo.

For people who travel in several cities in Japan, Tokyo is usually the first city for the entry point, and before returning to Indonesia (for the citizens of Indonesia). When you only got two days in Tokyo, what'll you do? I'm sharing some spots that'll be nice to fill your time while you're in Tokyo.

SIGHTSEEING

Asakusa

Kuil Buddha tertua di Jepang ini selalu dipadati pengunjung, dan bukan tanpa alasan. Senso-ji di Asakusa ini sangat cantik, dengan atmosphere serba merah, sebagian pengunjung yang menggunakan kimono atau yukata, dan toko-toko menarik di sepanjang jalan menuju Senso-ji

This Japan's oldest Buddhist temple is always crowded with visitors, and not without reason. Senso-ji in Asakusa is very pretty, with red-paced atmosphere, some visitors who wears kimono or yukata, and interesting shops along the path to Senso-ji

Ueno Park

Ada begitu banyak taman di Tokyo namun Ueno park dapat menjadi salah satu pilihan untuk menikmati ketenangan

There are so many parks in Tokyo but Ueno park could be one option to enjoy the tranquility

Shibuya Crossing

One of the must do list in Tokyo is enjoying the crowd at Shibuya crossing. Why? Because it’s just iconic and, why not?

Tokyo Skytree

Salah satu tempat terbaik untuk menikmati Tokyo dari ketinggian, dengan view 360° dari ketinggian 350 meter di dek observasi. Nikmati juga magic moment saat sunset dan Tokyo diliputi cahaya jingga.

One of the best places to enjoy Tokyo from a height, with a view of 360 ° from a height of 350 meters on the observation deck. Enjoy the magic moment at sunset and Tokyo filled with an orange glow.

Diver City

Masih ingin berkeliling di malam hari? Patung Gundam besar di Diver City ini selalu menarik untuk dikunjungi di malam hari

Still want to get around at night? Huge Gundam statue at Diver City is always interesting to be visited at night

 

SHOPPING

Chicago

Salah satu toko favorit saya untuk berbelanja di Jepang. Thrift store ini menjual berbagai pakaian second namun layak pakai dan unik, kita dapat menemukan vintage clothes, aksesoris unik dan tentunya beragam kimono dan yukata dengan harga yang sangat menarik

One of my favorite stores to shop in Japan. Thrift store sells a variety of secondhand clothings but it is still wearable and unique, we can find vintage clothes, unique accessories and of course a variety of kimono and yukata with a very attractive price

 

Takeshita Street

Jalanan ini dipenuhi toko-toko yang menjual barang-barang unik dan yang tidak terbayangkan dapat kita kenakan, terutama pakaian. Namun merchandise seru juga dapat kita temukan di sini

This street is filled with shops selling unique and unimaginable things that we can wear, particularly clothes. But the intriguing merchandises can also be found here

Yamashiroya 

Mencari mainan? Toko 7 lantai di dekat Stasiun Ueno ini akan memuaskan keinginan kita, dan membuat kita lupa waktu saat berkeliling di Yamashiroya ini

Looking for toys? The 7 floors shop near Ueno Station will satisfy our desires, and make us lose track of time while traveling in this Yamashiroya

Don Quijote

Toko serba ada yang menjual – basically anything!, mulai dari cemilan, pakaian, mainan, tas, sepatu, alat dapur, topeng-topeng aneh, adult shops material, hingga tas branded.

The store which sells - basically anything !, ranging from snacks, clothing, toys, handbags, shoes, kitchen equipment, odd masks, adult shops material, to the branded bags.

EXPERIENCE & ATTRACTIONS

Tokyo Disneyland & Tokyo DisneySea

Happiness is here, well gotta agree on that karena a visit to Tokyo Disneyland dan Tokyo Disneysea selalu memberi kebahagiaan. Anyway, who doesn’t like a lunch with pluto anyway? 

Happiness is here, well gotta agree on that because a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disneysea always gives happiness. Anyway, who does not like a lunch with Pluto anyway?

Robot Restaurant

Dinner bersama robot? While in Japan, nothing impossible including this unique restaurant. Pengunjung dapat menikmati makan malam sambil menonton pertunjukkan robot-robot random yang akan “perform” di depan kita


Dinner together with a robot? While in Japan, nothing impossible including this unique restaurant. Visitors can enjoy dinner while watching the show  of random robots that will "perform" in front of us

WHERE TO STAY? GET A HOMEAWAY FEELING!

Selama ini saya selalu menginap di hotel saat berkunjung ke Tokyo dan di trip bulan ini, saya mencoba menyewa apartemen melalui HomeAway, Pertimbangan pertama saya adalah akses, karena selama ini saya memilih hotel agar mendapat penginapan di dekat stasiun, namun ternyata banyak opsi apartemen yang berdekatan dengan stasiun-stasiun utama di Tokyo.

Previously I always stay at the hotel during a visit to Tokyo and in the trip of this month, I tried to rent an apartment through HomeAway, my first consideration was the access, because all this time I chose the hotel in order to get an inn that is near the station, but there are many options of apartment with major stations in Tokyo.

Area near Maki's HomeAway apartement

Saya memilih apartemen milik Maki yang terletak hanya 5 menit berjalan kaki saja dari Komagome Station, salah satu stasiun di jalur JR Yamanote, jalur utama yang melewati spot-spot utama seperti Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku dan lain-lain.

I chose the apartment belonged to Maki located just 5 minutes walk away from Komagome Station, one station on the JR Yamanote line, the main route through the main spots like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and others main attractions in Tokyo.

Usai booking, Maki memberikan petunjuk sangat detail mengenai lokasi apartemennya, fasilitas dan lain-lain. Saat tiba di apartemennya, saya sangat senang, it’s exceeding my expectation. Apartemen Maki ini luas, dengan kamar tidur yang dapat mengakomodasi tiga orang, ruang tamu dengan sofa yang juga dapat diubah menjadi tempat tidur, dapur dan ruang makan, serta kamar mandi dan toilet yang terpisah ruangan, sangat spacious untuk ukuran akomodasi di Tokyo :)

After booking, Maki gave very detailed instructions regarding the location of the apartment, facilities and others. When arriving at the apartment, I am very happy, it's exceeding my expectation. Maki's apartment is spacious, with a bedroom that can accommodate three people, a living room with a sofa which can also be converted into a bed, kitchen and dining room and a bathroom and a toilet which are separated, very spacious for the size of accommodation in Tokyo :)

 

Another great thing is that Maki prepare a wifi router (free) for us, dan menuliskan pesan di kertas tentang hal-hal yang perlu diperhatikan di apartemennya, seperti cara menyalakan penghangat dan lain-lain.

Another great thing is that Maki prepared a wifi router (free) for us, and wrote a message on a paper about the things that need to be considered in the apartment, such as how to turn on the heating and others.

Great weather when we stay

Menginap di apartemen Maki melalui HomeAway terasa seperti menginap di rumah teman (namun dengan tetap memiliki privasi penuh), It’s a nice way to stay and feels at home when you’re away, surely will do this kind of bookings again :) (and I already did!)

Staying in Maki's apartment through HomeAway feels like staying at a friend's house (but still getting full privacy), It's a nice way to stay and feels at home when you're away, surely will do this kind of bookings again :) (and I already did!)

@marischkaprue – feeling home even when she’s away

PS:

GET FREE THREE YEARS VACATION FROM HOMEAWAY

(WHAT? 3 YEARS? YESS!!)

Bayangkan tiga tahun mendapatkan value 6000 SGD untuk menginap di akomodasi yang tersedia di HomeAway, dengan jatah 2000 SGD per tahunnya, how great is that?

Imagine three years of getting value 6000 SGD to stay in accommodation which is available at HomeAway, with a quota of 2000 SGD per year, how great is that?

Caranya mudah, hanya booking melalui HomeAway (click here) dan dapatkan diskon 10%, plus email untuk bergabung di kontes #GetAwayWithHomeAway

It's easy, just booking through HomeAway (click here) and get a 10% discount, plus e-mail to join in the contest #GetAwayWithHomeAway

Again, how great is that? :)

See more on HomeAwayFacebook page

***

BERANI MATAHARI: TIPS TO LOVE THE SUN!

Bicara matahari kebanyakan akan bicara mengenai dampak paparan sinar matahari, yaitu risiko sinar UV. Selain membuat kulit menggelap karena produksi melanin meningkat saat kulit terpapar sinar matahari, kulit yang kering, hingga risiko kanker kulit jadi pertimbangan banyak orang untuk menghindari matahari.

Talking about sun will mostly talk about the effects of sun exposure, the risk of UV rays. In addition to making the skin darkening due to increased melanin production when the skin is exposed to sunlight, the skin is dry, to the risk of skin cancer has become consideration why many people avoid the sun.

Namun, kita bisa kok bersahabat dengan matahari. Nah, untuk bersahabat tentunya kita mesti kenal terlebih dahulu dengan hal yang dapat membantu kita untuk bersahabat dengan matahari, which is: sunscreen or sunblock :)

However, we can really make friends with the sun. Well, to make friends of course, we must know in advance the things that can help us to make friends with the sun, the which is: sunscreen or sunblock :)

SPF, WHAT?

Protect yourself, use SPF, not flamingo :))

Semua pasti sudah familiar dengan 3 huruf ini, SPF di sunblock, entah SPF15, SPF30, SPF50 dan seterusnya, tapi apa sebenarnya SPF itu dan bagaimana cara menghitungnya?

All people would have been familiar with this letter, SPF in sunblock, either SPF15, SPF30, SPF50 and so on, but what exactly is SPF and how is it calculated?

SPF: Sun Protection Factor, yaitu ukuran besaran proteksi dari UVB rays (sinar Ultra Violet B yang dapat menyebabkan kulit terbakar dan jangka panjang dapat meningkatkan risiko kanker kulit). Nah, kulit umumnya akan "terbakar" setelah 10 menit terpapar sinar matahari dan SPF akan melindungi kulit, contohnya SPF15 yang dapat menahan paparan sinar UVB 15x lebih lama, sehingga kulit akan tetap terjaga selama sekitar 150 menit (bisa lebih lama atau kurang, tergantung jenis kulit dan tingkat paparan matahari di lokasi kita terjemur)

SPF: Sun Protection Factor, which is a measurable amount of protection from UVB rays (Ultra Violet B rays that can cause sunburn and in long term can increase the risk of skin cancer). Well, the skin will generally be "burned" after 10 minutes of sun exposure and SPF will protect the skin, for example SPF15 which can withstand exposure to UVB 15x longer, so the skin will remain intact for about 150 minutes (can be longer or less, depending on the type of skin and sun exposure levels at our location sunburnt)

OH, THEN I'LL CHOOSE SPF 1000.. ERR NOPE

Ingatlah bahwa tingkat SPF tidak berbanding lurus, SPF15 memblokade sekitar 93% UVB rays, SPF30 memblokade sekitar 97% UVB rays dan SPF50 memblokade sekitar 98% UVB rays, jadi jangan harap perbedaan SPF100 perbedaannya signifikan dengan SPF15.

Keep in mind that the level of SPF is not directly proportional, SPF15 blockaded around 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blockaded around 97% of UVB rays and SPF50 blockaded around 98% of UVB rays, so do not expect a significant difference SPF100 difference with SPF15

ANOTHER THING: MEXORYL SX & MEXORYL XL

Okay, what is that? teknologi dari L'Oreal ini merupakan perlindungan terhadap sinar UV, baik UVA ataupun UVB sekaligus. Produk tabir surya yang mengandung Mexoryl SX dan Mexoryl XL ini dapat diaplikasikan setelah lapisan make-up, UVA dan UVB diserap sebelum penetrasi ke dalam kulit sehingga kondisi kulit tetap terjaga dari dampak paparan sinar UV. Kita bisa mencari produk-produk yang mengandung Mexoryl SX dan Mexoryl XL ini untuk proteksi lebih.

Okay, what is that? A technology from L'Oreal that is a protection against UV rays, both UVA and UVB. Sunscreens containing Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL can be applied as a layer of make-up, UVA and UVB is absorbed before the penetration into the skin to maintain skin conditions from the impact of UV exposure. We can look for products that contain Mexoryl SX and Mexoryl XL for more protection.

HOW TO APPLY SUNBLOCK?

Face, hands, and all area that mostly got direct sunlight

Gunakan setiap 2 jam, karena seperti yang sudah dibahas, SPF15 menjaga sekitar 150 menit, jadi aplikasikan ulang setiap 2 jam, namun jangan berlebihan hingga muka dan badan putih seperti anak kecil habis bedakan ya :)

Use every 2 hours, because, as already discussed, SPF15 keep about 150 minutes, so re-apply every two hours, but do not go overboard or it will make your face and body becoming white like a child after being powdered please :)

WHICH PRODUCTS?

Pilih yang sesuai kebutuhan! perhatikan tekstur, apakah kita lebih cocok dengan yang cair, lotion, atau bahkan spray, Karena setiap orang punya preference masing-masing, cari informasinya terlebih dahulu mana yang paling cocok untuk kulit, misalnya UV Mist L'Oreal atau Lancome City Miracle yang punya komposisi bahan yang mampu menyerap sinar UVA dan UVB sebelum masuk ke kulit, produk ini cocok untuk melindungi kulit di semua aktivitas outdoor, khususnya saat traveling karena praktis dan aman untuk digunakan.

Select the appropriate needs! take notes on the texture, whether we are more compatible with the liquid, lotion, or spray, since everyone has their preference, find information beforehand which is most suitable for the skin, such as L'Oreal UV Mist or Lancome City Miracle which have the composition material that is capable of absorbing UVA and UVB rays before getting into the skin, the product is suitable to protect the skin in all outdoor activities, especially when traveling because it is practical and safe to use

Kita dapat melihat berbagai produk di sini 
We can see a variety of products here

OK, GOT MY SUNSCREEN, NOW WHERE TO GO?

If you live in Indonesia, you're already in the best paradise to enjoy the sun! I'll show you some:

KOMODO, ALWAYS ONE OF MY FAV

 
Dari trekking ke bukit Padar yang luar biasa indah, snorkeling menikmati karang Pink Beach yang berwarna-warni, hingga berenang bersama pari manta, Komodo pasti akan selalu jadi pengalaman tidak terlupakan

From trekking to the Padar hill which is amazingly beautiful, snorkeling to enjoy the colorful corals in Pink Beach, to swimming with manta rays, Komodo will always be an unforgettable experience

SUMBA, LAND OF WOW

Not a fans of snorkeling, it's okay! Kita bisa menikmati matahari, nongkrong di pantai-pantai indah di Sumba, hingga terpesona melihat senja meliputi dataran savana, Sumba is trully breath-taking.

Not a fan of snorkeling, it's okay! We can enjoy the sun, hanging out at the beautiful beaches in Sumba, until getting amazed at dusk includes the savannah, Sumba is trully breath-taking.

ANAMBAS, JEWEL IN THE WEST

Spectacular adalah kata yang tepat menggambarkan Anambas di Kepulauan Riau, laut berwarna turquoise, pasir putih dan pulau-pulau sepi yang membuat trip ke Anambas terasa sangat private. Anambas juga jadi kebanggaan Indonesia karena Pulau Bawah di Anambas pernah disematkan gelar sebagai "Best Tropical Island in Southeast Asia"

Spectacular is the word that aptly describes Anambas in Riau Islands, turquoise sea, white sand and quiet isslands that make a trip to Anambas feels very private. Anambas also becomes the pride of Indonesia since Bawah Island in Anambas ever pinned to be named the "Best Tropical Island in Southeast Asia"

BANDA NEIRA, A PLACE OF MAGIC

Banda (neira) adalah tempat di mana saya selalu ingin kembali setiap tahun. Karang-karang indah, pulau yang sangat unik (look at Pulau Hatta!), dolphins everywhere dan laut yang saat tenang, tidak ada yang mengalahkan ketenangan banda. It's where magic happens..

Banda (Neira) is the place where I always wanted to go back every year. Beautiful corals, very unique island (look at Pulau Hatta!), dolphins everywhere and the sea in its calm moment, nothing beats the tranquility of Banda. It's where the magic happens ..

MISOOL, THE KING OF THE KING

View from Harfat peak in Misool

feels like in outer space!

Raja Ampat selalu jadi destinasi impian, namun saat ke Raja Ampat, ada lokasi yang jadi nomor satu dalam list saya, it's MISOOL. WHY? Just look at the view, the "floating" big rocks, the magnificent ocean, the dreamy jellyfish lake, the mistiical cave and more. It's definitely KING of the Four Kings.

Raja Ampat is always a dream destination, but when going to Raja Ampat, there is a location which is always number one in my list, it's MISOOL. WHY? Just look at the view, the "floating" big rocks, the magnificent ocean, the dreamy jellyfish lake, the mistical cave and more. It's definitely KING of the Four Kings.

Masih banyak destinasi luar biasa untuk menikmati matahari di Indonesia, rasanya tidak ada habisnya eksplorasi negara tropis ini, jadi nikmatilah matahari, berkelilinglah dan bersyukurlah tinggal di Indonesia :)

There are still many outstanding destinations to enjoy the sun in Indonesia, it is endless exploration of this tropical country, so enjoy the sun, move around and be grateful to stay in Indonesia :)

SHARE YOUR STORY

Btw, yuk berbagi cerita pengalaman kalian seputar sinar matahari dan aktivitas di bawah sinar matahari dan menangkan hadiah dari L'Oreal Indonesia, cek selengkapnya di sini

Btw, let's share stories about your experiences sunshine and activities in the sun and win a prize from L'Oreal Indonesia, check out more here 

Let's travel, enjoy the sun, and share!

@marischkaprue - good friends of the sun :)