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One of the great experience I had in Singapore was that I tried eyebrow threading for the first time in my life. It was a present from my friend, and I am quite satisfied with the outcome! When I found this technique from my guidebook, I was very curious and I wanted to make a reservation to the salon listed on my guidebook. At the same time though I was worried that my skin might be too sensitive and my trip would be very uncomfortable if it swells up against the rubbing threads. After all I was not encouraged to make a reservation or even inquire at the salon.

It was a big surprise when my Singaporean friend had a reservation on the day we see, and she allowed me to observe her receiving the threading. The technique was something I’ve never seen. I was still skeptical if it was not painful. I never imagined having myself done until she invited me. If you are unfamiliar with threading, here’s a Youtube video about it.

I wouldn’t say it’s 100% pain free, but it’s not that painful at all, and I quite liked what I’ve got!
Back in Tokyo, I wonder where we have threading salons in Tokyo – Yokohama area. When I Googled I found only a couple of salons in Tokyo, but what’s surprising most is the cost. I just want a quick threading only 10 minutes or so, but what they offer in Toko comes with unnecessary package from face wash to face pack! There’s no menu only for eyebrow threading!! Why? Those unnecessary package costs 6800 yen taking 1 hour, for example. It’s such a disappointment! I’ve checked out 4 or 5 salons but none of them offer just a simple quick threading. OMG why Japanese salons like to make it complicated, trying to make us spend more in average? I think I should look for a salon run by the non-Japanese who totally understand that I don’t need any extra service in exchange for extra money and time!

★kawaii zakka★
Bleu Bleuet
various places in Japan

Spring comes every year. It’s not a big deal if I miss Sakura season, do you think so? No. Cherry blossoms are somehow very special to the Japanese. We will never be bored of observing them no matter how many times we have seen them in our life. There are some Sakura forecast websites that forecast when cherry blossoms in your area will start blooming and when they will be in full bloom. Needless to say, I came back from Malaysia and Singapore not to miss the best Sakura season in Tokyo area.

Many non-Japanese friends wonder where to visit to observe cherry blossoms. There are some websites that introduce the best locations to observe cherry blossoms throughout Japan sorted by the area. In Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi or Shinjuku Gyoen or Ueno Onshi Kouen have been popular for a long time, but these days new places such as Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Hills, and Akasaka Sacas are also popular for good cherry blossoms’ views.

But actually cherry trees are everywhere. If you don’t feel like travelling to the crowds, just like me, you can have a casual ohanami (=viewing cherry blossoms) picnic near your house.

I just prepared casual rice balls and bento for us, and boiled carrot for Pi-chan, and we went walking her to the park only 3 minutes from home.

Pi-chan was so cute with her Sakura bloom charms on her ears. These are from dog hotel where she stayed while I was travelling to Malaysia and Singapore. It costs 3000yen per night for her to stay at a dog hotel. It’s a big amount of money, when I compare that I stayed at a budget hotel at 3500yen per night in Kuala Lumpur. The below picture shows the charm better. They are so cute I cannot take them off.

Oh, don’t worry we are not sharing our foods with her. She can get some pieces of boiled carrot.

You can see it depends on the tree, but none of them are in full bloom yet. I think around 1 week from today is the best. It was a bit windy today. Once it winds, we still feel it cold. It’s spring, but it’s just between winter and spring, to be exact. We kept walking with Pi-chan for another half an hour under Sakura trees. I had a nap with her for a while after we came back home. What a peaceful weekend, although it’s quite simple and ordinary.