Thursday, June 19, 2025

Japan Haul: 5 Must-Have Finds from Amazon Japan


Amazon Japan Haul

    This spring, my husband traveled to Japan to see the cherry blossoms. It was his first time experiencing spring in Japan since we moved to the U.S. many years ago.

    I visited Japan in the spring of 2014 and was completely mesmerized by the cherry blossoms in full bloom. That unforgettable experience inspired me to encourage my husband to visit Japan and enjoy hanami (花見), the beloved tradition of cherry blossom viewing, with his parents.

    Since our parents are elderly, we always make it a priority to see them whenever we visit Japan. It made me so happy that my husband and his parents were able to share this beautiful spring together.

    While he was in Japan, I ordered some Japanese products from Amazon Japan, and he brought them back to the U.S. for me. Anyway, today, I’m excited to share the items I purchased from Amazon Japan with you!

Spring in 2025

                    




1. Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil (ソフィティモ ディープ クレンジングオイル)

Oil Makeup Remover

240 ml for 536 yen

Sotymo Deep Cleansing Oil (ソフィティモ ディープ クレンジングオイル)

       As I mentioned in my previous post, "4 Reasons Why I Love KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil," I’m absolutely devoted to the KOSE Softymo Cleansing Oil series. Before my husband left for Japan, I realized I was almost out—despite stocking up during my last trip just a year ago. 

       I couldn't help but think I should have bought more last time! So this time, I made sure to order four bottles from Amazon Japan.

     These are my entries related to this product.

■ 4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil  

■ 3 Best Japanese Cleansing Oils, Oil-Based Makeup Removers

■ 3 Best Japanese Makeup Removers You Can Find Drugstores in Japan (& 2 My Favorite Ones!) 

■ Japanese Beauty Haul - 5 Makeup Removers I Purchased in Japan  


   


2. Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ 極潤 薬用ハリ乳液)

Nyueki 

140 ml for 888 yen 

Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ 極潤 薬用ハリ乳液)

     This is my favorite Japanese moisturizer! Beauty experts in Japan often recommend the Hada Labo Gokujyun Aging Care Emulsion (肌ラボ 極潤 薬用ハリ乳液) as one of the best "nyueki" (emulsions) available at drugstores. It's packed with niacinamide, a powerhouse ingredient known for reducing fine lines and wrinkles while helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.

      Last year, I stocked up on it, but recently, I discovered that Amazon Japan was selling it at an even lower price—so of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to grab more! 

 

       These are my entries related to this product.  

▪️Back for More: Top Japanese Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

▪️Japanese Beauty Haul - 2 Japanese Emulsion Skincare Products I Purchased in Japan

▪️11 Skincare Products I Purchased in Japan - Japan Haul



3. Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge (マーナ お風呂のスポンジダブル)

Bathroom Scrubbing Sponge

479 yen

Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge (マーナ お風呂のスポンジダブル)

     I’m a huge fan of Marna products! If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you probably already know how much I adore them. Marna specializes in high-quality kitchen and bath essentials made in Japan, and their craftsmanship never disappoints.

     In a previous entry, I mentioned how much I love the Marna Bathroom Scrub Brush—it's been a game-changer for me! This time, I picked up the Marna Bathroom Cleansing Sponge on Amazon Japan. It's quite large and makes bathroom cleaning so much easier!



4. Marna Osakana Sponge Long (マーナ おさかな スポンジ ロング)

Dish Washing Sponge

267 yen

Marna Osakana Sponge Long (マーナ おさかな スポンジ ロング)

     The Marna Osakana Sponge Long is my favorite kitchen sponge! It’s incredibly durable and makes washing dishes effortless.

     I had considered trying the Daskin Kitchen Sponge on Amazon Japan, but in the end, I couldn’t resist choosing my all-time favorite—the Marna Osakana Sponge. Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve repurchased this one, and I know I’ll keep coming back to it again and again! 




5. CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil (セザンヌ 超細芯アイブロウ ペンシル)

Eyebrow Pencil

04 Deep Brown (04 ディープブラウン)

550 yen

CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil (セザンヌ 超細芯アイブロウ ペンシル)

     As I mentioned in my previous post, I recently tried the CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil for the first time—and I instantly fell in love with it! Its waterproof formula provides long-lasting wear, making it an essential part of my daily makeup routine.

     Honestly, I can't imagine my beauty routine without it! So, of course, I had to order another one from Amazon Japan.

     If you're searching for the perfect eyebrow pencil, the CEZANNE Super Slim Eyebrow Pencil is definitely worth trying!


       This is my entry related to this product.  

▪️4 Japanese Makeup Products I Purchased in Japan - Japanese Beauty Haul 



        These are also my entries you might like.
Top 15 Popular Posts from Best Japanese Beauty Products

5 Most Popular Japanese Sunscreens Can Be Purchased at Drugstores in Japan

16 Best Japanese Beauty Products I Purchased in Japan - Drugstore, Discount Store, Daiso and Amazon Japan

3 Best Japanese Sunscreens with SPF50+ PA++++

3 Best Japanese Sunscreens Won Beauty Award This Year

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3 Best Facial Sheet Masks Loved in Japan This Year

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Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products   

Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Charcoal Soap

5 Best Japanese Facial Lotion (Toner), Kesyou-sui

The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan

4 Reasons Why I Love Kose Softymo Cleansing Oil

10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan 



     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
 

     My entries related to Japan can be seen here.

     My entries related to beauty can be seen here.

     My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.

     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.






Thursday, June 12, 2025

How to Make a Fresh & Flavorful Tabbouleh Salad at Home

 

        I absolutely love tabbouleh salad—parsley and tomatoes are my favorite vegetables. Whenever I go to my local Trader Joe’s, I make sure to pick up a container. A few months ago, I decided to try making it at home, and I was amazed by how simple it was and how much I loved the flavor. Since then, I’ve been making my own tabbouleh every weekend and enjoying it for the next few days. Today, I want to share how I make this delicious salad.


Ingredients for 10 Servings

  • 1 bunch of parsley, very finely chopped

  • 2 Persian cucumbers, very finely chopped

  • 4 tomatoes, very finely chopped

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil






Step 1:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cucumbers, and tomatoes.





Step 2:

  • In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt until well combined.





Step 3:

  • Pour the garlic, lemon juice, and salt mixture over the chopped vegetables in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until well combined.






Step 4:

  • Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, then toss everything together until well combined.





Step 5:

  • Serve fresh and enjoy every delicious bite!




      These are also my entries you might like. 

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    My entries related to cooking can be seen here.


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    My entries related to Japanese noodles can be seen here.

    My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.
 

    My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.

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    ★You can find my recipe entries through my Pinterest



Thursday, June 5, 2025

Hotel Room Tour and Review - ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

Hotel Room Tour and Review - ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

      As I’ve mentioned in previous entries, my husband and I visited Japan last year. This time, we chose to explore Hakata, the largest city in Fukuoka Prefecture. Although I was born and raised in Fukuoka, I realized I didn’t know much about Hakata.

     I lived in Fukuoka until I was 18 but had only visited Hakata five times or so. After leaving my parents’ home, I spent 11 years living in Nara and Osaka, which made me more familiar with Osaka than Hakata. Despite being born in Fukuoka, people often told me that Hakata is famous for its delicious food, especially seafood. However, I had little personal experience with Hakata’s cuisine or culture. That’s why we decided to stay in Hakata for two days and chose the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, which is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from JR Hakata Station.



Front Lobby (1F)

ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

       In the front lobby, there were welcome tea and water for guests. You could enjoy Yame green tea, a renowned variety produced in Yame, Fukuoka. We were truly amazed by how delicious authentic Yame green tea was! By the way, while staying in Fukuoka, we had the pleasure of enjoying Yame green tea and matcha desserts many times. :)



     This Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival decoration was displayed near the front desk of the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka hotel, making it a fascinating and culturally significant sight for visitors.

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

       The Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival is a thrilling, fast-paced event where teams of men race elaborately decorated floats through the streets of Fukuoka.

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival

The Decoration of Hakata Yamakasa Festival



Standard Double Room (20.7㎡ / 222.81ft²)

Standard Double Room

          We stayed in a Standard Double Room—compact, yet perfectly comfortable for two. It had everything we needed for a pleasant and relaxing stay.

     Pajamas were neatly laid out on the bed, ready for a cozy night’s rest.


     A multi-charging cable was conveniently placed on the bedside table, making it incredibly handy for charging our devices.


       There were complimentary water bottles and a selection of amenities on the desk, adding to the convenience of our stay.


     What impressed me about this hotel was its thoughtful amenities designed for a great night's sleep. They provided Japanese warming eye masks, bath salts, and low-caffeine tea bags to help guests unwind. Additionally, you could request a preferred pillow, an aroma scent, and a humidifier—all complimentary.

       You can choose from three aroma scents—Mandarin, Lavender, and Cedarwood. I opted for the lavender aroma stone, and it left me feeling wonderfully relaxed and calm.

Lavender Aroma Stone


     You can also request complimentary equipment rentals, including a baby bath, wheelchair, hair iron, and facial steamer.



       I requested a facial steamer, and they brought me the Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer. Since I absolutely love my Panasonic NanoCare hairdryer, I was excited to try this facial steamer for the first time.

Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer

       After using the facial steamer, my skin felt wonderfully soft and smooth. I seriously considered buying one, but ultimately decided against it since we were trying to minimize our luggage on this trip.

       I found the hotel's free rental service especially appealing, as it caters to guests looking for extra comfort and self-care. This thoughtful offering makes me want to stay at this hotel again in the future.

Panasonic NanoCare Facial Steamer


       There was a small table and a single sofa next to the window, creating a cozy little spot to relax.

        There was a mini bar conveniently located under the TV, featuring a small refrigerator and a cabinet stocked with tea, coffee supplies, cups, and a kettle—perfect for a relaxing drink in the room.

      



     The minibar included two black tea bags, two Yame green tea bags, and four packs of instant coffee—perfect for a quick and comforting drink anytime.




     The bathroom was simple yet spotless, offering a clean and comfortable space.


       The bathroom was stocked with essentials, including toothbrushes, a shaver, a comb, Q-tips, and more.

Antipodes

       The bathroom was stocked with Antipodes Fig & Feijoa hand and body wash, lotion, shampoo, and conditioner, adding a touch of luxury to our stay. Antipodes is a New Zealand-based skincare brand known for its natural and organic beauty products, featuring sustainably sourced ingredients like Vinanza antioxidants and mānuka honey.

Antipodes



Fitness Center (3F)

       The fitness center, located on the third floor, is open 24/7, allowing guests to work out at any time, day or night.


       Safety boxes lockers were available for use during exercise, allowing guests to securely store their valuables while working out.

      The fitness center was well-equipped with a variety of machines, including cardio equipment, elliptical trainers, and exercise bikes, catering to different workout preferences. We always enjoy making the most of this facility during our stays.







Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine (1F)

       During check-in, the front desk staff gave us complimentary drink tickets, thanks to my husband's IHG membership. We decided to use them at Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine, a restaurant and café on the first floor.

Lobby Lounge Tea & Dine in ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka

        Since we love coffee, we opted for iced coffee, which normally costs 1,200 yen per glass. While it felt a bit pricey to me, the café had a wonderful atmosphere, making the experience worthwhile. The coffee itself was smooth and flavorful.


 



Breakfast 
       During check-in, we were informed that we could reserve the breakfast buffet in advance for 2,500 yen per person. The hotel's All Day Dining Crowne Café, located on the first floor, serves breakfast from 6:30 to 10:30. However, since there were plenty of restaurants and convenience stores nearby, we decided to skip the hotel’s buffet and instead enjoyed breakfast at Sukiya, a restaurant close to the hotel.  




Overall Experience

       We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. I especially loved the complimentary lavender aroma stone and facial steamer, which added a touch of relaxation to our experience. The hotel's location was incredibly convenient, allowing us to enjoy walking around Hakata with ease. Within a five-minute stroll, we found numerous restaurants, department stores, and convenience stores, making exploration effortless.

      One of my favorite experiences was purchasing delicious foods from depachika and savoring them in the comfort of our hotel room. If I have another opportunity to visit Hakata, I would love to stay at this hotel again.



These are my entries you might like. 

Hotel Room Tour and Review - Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan

5 Best Delicious Souvenirs from Fukuoka

My Shopping List for Japanese Beauty Products - What I Want to Get in Japan

How to Purchase Japanese Affordable Eyeglasses at Zoff 

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10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan 



     My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
  

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     You can find my beauty entries by categories from here.