#MyTravelokaEscapade: Places to Travel-OKA around in TOKYO!

TOKYO - the capital of Japan is situated in the Kanto Region on the main island of Honsho in Asia.
Tokyo's is one of the largest and exciting huge cities in the world with population of over 35million in the metropolitan area.

Back to the title of the blog: Places to Travel- 'OKA' around in Tokyo,
According to Japanese Tradition, Baby Name with "OKA' simply means Cherry Blossom !
(source: http://www.babynamespedia.com/meaning/Oka )

How awesome is the name;
1) Japan is well known for the beautiful and relaxing Cherry Blossom season.
2) There is OKA as well in the name of TRAVELOKA, one of the best Online Travel Agents with quick growth!

Assuming If my leave (FREE Trip) is approved by Traveloka, the place that I would go around will definitely be Tokyo!

Let me tell you why Tokyo is my dream vacation place among the destinations.


5 Must in Tokyo

1) Must experience the perfect weather and scenery of Cherry Blossom

As mentioned earlier on, Japan is well known for the Cherry Blossom season.
A cherry blossom is the flower of any of several trees of genus Prunus, particularly the Japanese cherry, Prunus serrulata, which is called sakura in Japaneses.
(source: wikipedia)

If I won the trip, I will definitely go to several top places for viewing Sakura such as;
i) Shinjuku Gyoen
ii ) Sumida Park
iii) Yoyogi Park
(refer: Japan Guide - http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3050.html)

'Sakura' (source: TripAdvisor)

Shinjuku Gyoen Park (Source: Japan Guide)

Imagine, you are currently having picnic with your beloved, looking at the beautiful pink Sakura, listening to my favorite music, having a quality time with people you loved,
That will be great, isn't it ?

Wishlist: Visit Tokyo during Spring season (usually end of March - early April) to experience Cherry Blossom.


2) Must go up TOKYO Skytree to see the spectacular view of the City

I am a person who love to see spectacular view of the city from a high spot. Tokyo Skytree will definitely be my choice and in my must lists.

Tokyo SkyTree (source: TripAdvisor)

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world with 634 m (2,080 ft).
I know some of you might have question in mind "I thought tallest is Burj Khalifa in Dubai?"
Well, there is different definition and classification between Tower and Building.
Towers are specifically distinguished from "buildings" in that they are not built to be habitable but to serve other functions.
Tokyo Skytree is a broadcasting, restaurant, and observation tower in Tokyo.
I will definitely go up the observation desk for the spectacular view of Tokyo Mega-City!

View from Tokyo SkyTree (source: TripAdvisor)

Night View of Tokyo City (source: TripAdvisor)

Wishlist: Go up Tokyo SkyTree before sunset time, then I can see the amazing day,sunset and night view of Tokyo City! 

3) Must take a very cool and 'Spot Me' photo in Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing, being the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, is another must go place for me if I won the free trip from Traveloka. 

And this time, I am not going to be a common tourist who take photos and videos only on the crowd, I want to be Special out of the Crowd! 

I will set up my camera with tripod, standby and wait for the Green Light for the pedestrian crossing.

Then I will use 10second camera timer and I will be Ready for the "Spot Me" photo, standing cool and steady in the middle of the crowd. Imagine the picture is full of people but yet if someone can still spot me inside the photo. 

Night view of Shibuya Crossing from high angle (Source: Shoot Tokyo.com)

In the picture, almost everyone is looking at the way they are going. I am not going to do so. I will be ready and standing steady and cool and look at the camera to make me easier to be Spotted.

(Source of picture: TiptoeingWorld.com)

Wishlist: Take time-lapse videos from the best angle recommended, from Starbucks Coffee Second Floor angle.

4) Must Eat, Eat, Eat and Eat in Tokyo!

For a food lover like me, there is no question at all for this MUST! 

From the well-known Japanese Sushi to the famous Ramen, Tempura, Sashimi, Sukiyaki, Udon etc.

Oh no, are you hungry now ? Yes I am! 

A trip to Tokyo would not complete without trying these food in its homeland ! 

I am a SUSHI lover especially. 

Wasabi is always joining me as my best friend when I meet (eat) Sushi.

I would not miss these food if am able to go Tokyo!

Sushi (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Ramen (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Tempura (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Sashimi (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Sukiyaki (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Udon (Source of picture: Gpsmycity.com)

Wishlist: Visit Tsukiji Market, one of the world's largest fish market to have all these great, fresh and delicious food! 

5) Must attend a wedding ceremony in Meiji Jingu Shrine

I get to know about this wedding ceremony from an article. After reading the article, the event has become one of my MUST lists if I were in Tokyo.

I love to witness different types of wedding procession including Japanese style! 

Meiji Jingu Shrine will be a great place for me to witness and experience Traditional Japanese Wedding Ceremony. #BackToTraditional  

Wedding Procession of a Shinto Wedding (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com) 

Wedding Procession of a Shinto Wedding (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com) 

Apart from that, I will also make a wish there and also experience the procedures before enter Meiji Jingu Shrine which is to wash hand and mouth with the water provided. 

'Take a water scoop on your right hand, wash your left hand, switch the scoop to your left hand, wash your right hand, switch back the scoop to your right hand, pour water on your left hand, wash your mouth, then hold the scoop vertically pointing upwards to dry the remaining water, and place it back exactly the way it was initially.' (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com)

Place it back exactly the way it was initially (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com)

Make a wish, Healthy & Wealthy! (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com)

Most probably wish for another dream destination trip! (Source of picture: 15daysinjapan.com)

Tokyo is sooo much fun that I could not list down all the Must Lists which I have if I am given opportunities and get my leave approved by Traveloka! I do agree that everyone has their own wishlists as everyone has their own preferences, but sharing is caring. These are my lists about Tokyo amazing City! I would want to give a big Thank you to Traveloka for the #MyTravelokaEscapade contest to inspire me to write down this blog for sharing my Must Lists if i were in Tokyo instead of only keeping the Must Lists in my heart. Once again, thank you Traveloka and I hope all of you enjoyed reading my blog about "Places to Travel-OKA around in TOKYO!"

Additional Must Lists;

6) Visit DisneySea Theme Park - the only Disney SEA theme park in the world. 

Source of picture: (TripAdvisor)

7) Climb up to Mount Fuji the high mountain! 

Source of picture: (TripAdvisor)

8) Take photo with the Big Big GUNDAM in Odaiba 

Source of picture: (TripAdvisor)

9) Take Hotaluna special designed boat from Asakusa to Odaiba 

Source of picture: (TripAdvisor)

10) Take "Shinkansen", one of the world's fastest bullet train.

Source of picture: (TripAdvisor)

6 types of Uber Drivers

6 Types of Uber Drivers

Uber has become very popular and trendy nowadays in worldwide major countries and cities. 

What is Uber? 

Uber is a transportation platform in which public can use their Uber App to search for Uber Driver around you and pick you up to the destination that you want in a very affordable price. Further details refer to https://www.uber.com/

Uber Apps available in;

Play Store for Android devices: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ubercab&hl=en

App Store for IOS devices: 

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/uber/id368677368?mt=8 

Here we go for the "7 types of Uber Driver". Have you experienced it?

1) The NEW driver

Well, there is always new phase for every single Uber Driver. Getting not familiar with the operation of the Uber app, not familiar on how to set the location, how to navigate the map apps like Google Maps or Waze Maps. Sometime, it is not only the matter of the Uber app, but some of the New drivers are not familiar with the usage of smart phone apps as well. So, be patient, soon they will turn from New Driver to Experienced Driver. 

2) The FIVE STAR driver 

They are being rated for Five Star driver for a reason. The sweet and gentleman Driver which everyone likes;

"Are you getting cold or hot?" - Indicate he/she can adjust the air-conditional temperature for you.

"Are you comfortable with the seat?" - Indicate he/she  can adjust the seat position for you.

"Hi, welcome" - A very warm welcome greeting. 

"I hope you enjoy the ride" - A very warm thankful word.''

"Do you want today's newspaper?" - This could be very useful for those businessman!

Some Uber Drivers also offer automatic open doors for you and close doors for you. 

Remember, there must be a reason why they are rated Five Star. 

3) The SILENT driver

Some Uber Drivers don't really talk and don't have much interaction with Uber Rider. 

This is their own personality and characteristics. On another hand, there are Uber Riders who hope the Uber Drivers not to talk to them right? That's perfect match. 

4) The LOST driver

One of the major problem for a complete Uber trip is the PICK-UP process. 

"Hi, I am your Uber Driver, May I know where is the actual location for the Pick Up?" 

"I am not familiar with that area" 

The process became even more challenging when the Uber Driver could not understand the Uber Rider's language or when Uber Rider could not understand the Uber Driver's language. 

This is common especially when tourists are in another country to use Uber service. 

A well communication is required for this problem as you don't expect the Uber Drivers know the entire City and you don't expect the Uber Riders know the area they went. 

5) The OVER-FRIENDLY driver

"Let me introduce this place for you"

"The foods here is nice, for example .... "

"You should try out the foods at .... "

Having passionate on the job is correct right? A balanced interaction is required. 

Like mentioned in point 3 above, some Uber Riders do not prefer to talk during their trip with Uber Drivers. However, there are some Uber Riders who love to have interaction with Uber Drivers especially if you are Tourists, right? Some Uber Riders would prefer to get some local interesting foods and places recommendation from Uber Drivers. 

6) The MUSICIAN driver

Some drivers, not only Uber Drivers, prefer to have MUSIC on during driving. 

Some Uber Drivers are potential Singers as well. Singing softly or using finger to cope with the beats. Sometime, a suitable and comfortable Musics make the Uber Riders feel comfortable on their trip especially if they love the songs, the artists and they might sing together with you! 

There are too many types of Uber Drivers but I should remind all that there is no Right and Wrong for the above mentioned types of Uber Drivers. It is all about different people different perception and characteristics that make us Awesome and that's the only You right? Happy Driving and Riding! Driving and Riding with "Ridere"!

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Disclaimer: The post is for lifestyle sharing only. There is no wrong or right for the topics.

8 types of Travellers

8 types of Travellers

Travel has become very popular and trendy nowadays especially with the increasing number of operating airlines which offer wide range of prices. The increased competitions in this industry had also lead to more and more promotions being offered to public by all airlines.

Here we go for the "Ten Types of Travellers". Are you one of them?

1.Taking picture on Boarding Pass & Passport    

Well, I believe most of the Travellers who are going for personal holidays will do so. Taking picture on memorable Boarding Pass & Passport and Upload to Social Media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram with the familiar caption "Here we go!", "See you soon, London!", "Long waited holidays!", "I need a rest!" etc. This action will be more common when the Travellers are using luxury airline with pretty-designed boarding pass with the Logo of the airline.

2. Taking photos Everywhere

Everywhere? Yes, it means Everywhere especially when Travellers arrived in the destination's airport. The Welcome Signboard, the arrival shuttle bus to terminal, the arrival hall, the arrival luggage belt, the arrival immigration check (oops, please don't take photos in customs - Respect). Will you take photos on your home airport for the same things?

3. Travelling = Shopping? 

"Different Travellers define different meaning of Travel". But for some, I don't feel like I went travel if I did not shop. That's why the term Souvenirs exist in dictionary. Seeing too much posts like "Top Ten must buy items" & " Top Ten only In the City Items". Most of the Travellers had already prepared their currency budget for shopping. The mind-set is "I still have budget left for shopping, let's finish it before going back to home city". Actually, the remaining budget can be used for more other travelling purpose. (Oops, the budget for shopping mentioned above excluded credit card transactions)

(travel tip: The souvenirs and shopping budget can be accumulated and be used for your next travel trip expenses, say like air tickets and hotels)

4. Travelling = Eat?

On your social media, most probably you will see your friends upload photos about FOOD on their vacation. "It's all about Food" Say Hi to #FoodLover. Attractive appearance of food and tastes make it worthy for a try with the perception "It is only Available here!"

5. Saver

"It is so expensive for the foods here, let's go for fast food restaurants or convenient stores for foods". Sounds familiar? All the well-known fast food restaurants and convenient stores, are they available too in your home city?

"Hotel is just a place to sleep, squeezing several number of people in a room?" Alright, I can use the saved portion for my next trip.

(travel tip: Try what local people eat, as in If you are in your home city, you will not always go for the expensive foods, you will not always go for the fast food restaurants and convenient stores for your meals right? There are always local affordable and nice food that local people usually eat)

6. Forgetful 

Phone charger, Devices, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Personal Medication, Important Documents - are the most common things that Travellers will miss out and only realize when you want to use it.

(travel tip: Pack your luggage few days in advance prior to your departure day. Make a note or alarm reminder on your phone for things to bring, I am pretty sure that you won't forget to bring your phone)

7. Take away food to Hotel 

Well, after a tiring day staying outside, some of the Travellers will prefer to take away food to hotel with the better room environment and a feeling of home for that period of time during travelling. It is personal preference but Travellers should also obey the Hotel's room for restriction of outside foods (if any).

8. Subsequently upload photos to social media for Whole Year

The famous hashtag #Throwback that you would not miss out! Coming back to home city, upload photos taken during traveling to social media until people asking "Are you still there?" Is okay, a hashtag #Throwback can explain all.

There are too many types of Travellers but I should remind all that there is no Right and Wrong for all the Travellers. It is all about different people different perception and characteristics that make us Awesome and that's the only You right? Happy Travelling! Travelling with "Ridere"!

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Disclaimer: The post is for lifestyle sharing only. There is no wrong or right for the topics.