Last Busines Trip 2025 to Japan, Part 2

I slept so well that the next time I woke up, it was 6.30am. My alarm didn’t ring. Why? My phone was dead, the charging didn’t take place. Without my phone, I can’t play Spotify or YouTube (for HiiT) and thus can’t go to the gym. The gym opens at 6.30am. 

It was frustrating to disrupt routine/ plan. I was frantically trying to figure out if the charging cable or port failed. It was the port. Then my Garmin watch went wonky too. I think the watch is about 2 years old, which explains why the battery has started to fail. In the next half hour, I was busy charging phone and watch and only stepped into the gym at 7am. 

The plan was to do a treadmill run and a HiiT tomorrow but I was late and both treadmills were occupied. I ended up doing my HiiT, but unwillingly bcos I wasn’t mentally prepped to do that. I got that done anyway. The 2 guys were on the treadmill for a long time, they were on it before I arrived and still on it when I left the gym 35 mins later. They were also going on a fast pace. 

I duno what I click wrongly when making the booking but my stay didn’t come with bfast. That was ok, I tabaoed a light bfast and also lunch from 7-11 on the way to the office, knowing that I didn’t have time for lunch. 

What irritated me more was that I brought a pair of thick legging and it didn’t look good pairing with my skirt. I attempted to go without but it was too cold. I had to go to Donki to get an emergency pair and tried to put them on in the tiny toilet with my bags and jackets. Arrrggghhh..

It all worked out. #OOTD

There was a company annual dinner and I got invited. It was bbq beef! 

The dinner was for 3 hours and I got bored after a while bcos they were mainly speaking in Japanese. My limited Japanese didn’t allow me to understand the conversations at all. I was happy when the dinner ended at 10ish. Thankfully, the dinner venue was near to office, which meant that it was near to the hotel too. 

There was quite some beef, but not like buffet bbq quantity. Then a little bowl of cold noodles. 

Followed by this bubble gum flavored sorbet to end it all. 

It wasn’t a lot for men; no wonder all my male colleagues are so slim. I wasn’t hungry but also not like full, full kind and on the way back to the hotel, I went 7-11 to buy chips and chocolates. Well, those completed the dinner. Hoho. There was no time for Donki. 

I reminded myself to use the right charging port, only to realise that I didn’t bring the cable back. Zzzzz. Luckily, my phone was at 75% and it was already 11pm. That means that I should save my battery, stop scrolling and go to bed. 

The alarm went off as planned on Friday morning. My earphones said that battery was medium. Didn’t I just charge it before the trip? This was a weird “power struggling” trip. 

I made it to the gym slightly before 6.30am. While the gym only opens from 6.30am, I was able to enter and helped turned on the lights. The staff came a few mins later and I was already warming up. 

The gym was all mine. The plan was a usual 4.5km jog. About 3.5km into the jog, somebody joined me on the treadmill. His footsteps didn’t sound like a regular treadmill jogger but he was on 1% incline and then high speed at times. I wanted to see how long he would last and got motivated to do my 5km. lol. 

Again, I bought lunch in advance from 7-11 while on the way to work, with my luggage in tow. I was hungry and it was colder than the previous morning. So I couldn’t resist the hot bao. Very nice. 

It was hard work until I left for the airport at 7.30pm. My flight was at midnight. While the car ride would only take about 40 mins, I don’t mind lazing in the business lounge. Before that, to buy the nice Japan snacks. 

I had to run 2 different shops to get this. 

The business lounge is smaller than ANA’s and the food selection is lesser too. Nevertheless, I fed myself well.

The flight home was alright. I struggled if I should wake up for bfast, since I get to rest when home and can afford less rest on the flight, but eventually opted to sleep instead. On the flight home, I saw 4 other kids flying business. A ticket would cost about $6k. I flinched at a $1k ticket whenever we travel.. I cannot imagine $6k per ticket. That would already cost more than my entire trip. 

There were turbulences and one particularly bad that I felt like I was thrown up and down a little. In my sleepy state, I wasn’t too impacted. I woke up and bfast was just served. I asked for coffee and bread. 

Hmmm… it tasted like normal coffee and bread. Haha. 

I had thought that I would rest after I arrived home but Nana was sick and the house was in a mess. I ended up doing laundry and vacuuming and packing. It is ok, at least I slept in the plane. Flying on business and the possibility to lie down and sleep on a flight makes so much difference in a redeye flight. 

Last business trip done and dusted. I am so surprised that the end of the year is really around the corner. I do hope that I have some rest before I have to travel for business again. 

Mummy Lim

Last Busines Trip 2025 to Japan, Part 1

Last year, I stopped business traveling in November and was busily and happily preparing for my own leisure trip at this time of the year. This year, we decided to travel earlier to partially reap on the cheaper airfares but also to “take turns” with colleagues; it is their turn to travel in the later part of December. 

I had to make a final trip to Tokyo. Business trips to Tokyo during the good weather months are very enjoyable. The only problem is the 7 hours flight, which usually means that I had to do 2 redeye flights to maximise my work hours. But I get to fly business class. Hohohoho. 

The flight was at 2.20am. I struggled to stay awake, knowing the risk of oversleeping and missing the flight if I caved in to nap. 

Obviously my brain wasn’t working bcos when I was boarding the Tada, I realised that I had left my jacket at home. Zzzzz. Zaky (and Mochi too) confirmed that. 

I then decided to keep the winter jacket in the checkin luggage but regret it later. I can’t remember how cold/ warm is the Haneda airport and wonder if I would freeze to death after disembarking. At midnight, most of the shops were closed and I ended up buying a $50 scarf. My pocket hurts and is mocking at my stupidity.

I didn’t linger in DFS this time bcos I wanted to visit the business lounge. This is the 1st time that I flew JAL business. I used to think that every airline has their own business lounge at the airport but found out that a group of airlines will “share” a lounge. 

Had I had my dinner? Of course, but I had to munch a bit bcos I was in the business lounge. Don’t waste. 

JAL is more comfy than ANA. Or at least the ANA planes that I had taken were much older. The leg space. Hoho. 

It is another business class flight that I totally forgo the food, entertainment and service. At least I know what was served for bfast. 

I lowered myself into the sleeping position the moment the seatbelt sign is off. In minutes, I was in lala land. I did stir during the flight but when I really woke up, it was by the announcement that we were preparing for descent. I am blessed by the ability to sleep anywhere.

Hello Tokyo! 

It was slightly chilly at disembarkation but the airport was warmly heated. I really wasted $$. I was also worried that my luggage would be lost/ delayed but all good and I got my winter jacket. 

It was about 10ish JST, which is an hour ahead of Singapore. I got a taxi to the office. There were plenty of taxis. The ride took about an hour and call started on the way. 

The weather was chilly but not ass freezing cold. People on the streets are huddled in warm clothing. This is the Japan that I know! 

My colleague and I bought bento for lunch. I always had the impression that Japaneses are very healthy and 7-11 food is nonsense. However, my colleagues’ lunch are usually bento, onigiri, sandwich, instant soup/ noodles from the supermarket or 7-11. I love those food; those are comfort food and I am very happy to have those with the colleagues. Hoho. 

It was a long day of work and I left the office at 7.30pm. I was amazed that the sleep monster nicely left me to work. What was dinner? 

No guilt at all! 

My 2 nights were at the Mitsui Garden hotel and it was a very nice stay. Nope, I was too lazy to use the bathtub.

I did my favorite pass time after dinner - Donki shopping! I spent S$70 shopping on snacks, masks and sunblock. Retail therapy is always good. 

It was almost midnight in Japan when I finally plugged in to charge my phone and go sleep. I found the room too quiet and had Jay Chou on Spotify to accompany me. The bed was comfy and I slept well. S

Good night! 

Mummy Lim

Another Tokyo Business Trip Part 2

Part 2 of the post consists mainly of food and more food photos. Lol. 

I woke up early on Tuesday morning for the gym. The hotel has a tiny little gym. I was the only one. 

I went on the treadmill, and was distracted by the mountain view video played on the treadmill. The distraction was so good, such that I could easily do a 5km jog. 

Mental note that the hotel has a laundry room and microwave. 

I refreshed up and headed for bfast. Like the last round, guests ordered from the menu. The sides can be ordered on unlimited basis. 

This was the only bfast I had this trip bcos I was constantly eating and I seriously don’t need so much food. 

OOTD and the mooncakes.

The sun was up at 6am and it was already scorching hot. I was tempting to buy an umbrella. It was definitely hotter than Singapore at 8ish in the morning.

Lunch! I was happy to go to the supermarket opposite the office to pick and choose what I wanted for lunch. 

So many choices and so delicious. Hoho. My dinner wasn’t any healthier but I was very happy. The black cod was so nice and cheap. 

On Wednesday, I went to the gym again and I had the other hotel guests for companion. I did my HiiT with weights, skipped bfast and was very much looking forward to lunch. It was another trip to the supermarket. I love how I can buy a few small things and have different items for lunch. Hoho.

There is a Hardrock near to my hotel. I am very nice and bought a T-shirt for Daddy Lim.

It was my last night in Tokyo and I went for a final trip to Donki but left empty handed. Convenient store dinner. 

On the way back, I saw the Mario gokart and had wanted to try that the last visit to Tokyo. Unfortunately, a driving licence is required and the kids can’t do that. 

The cycle repeats itself for Thursday. I lugged my luggage to the office and was very pleasantly surprised to find a cloudy morning. The walk to the office was so comfortable and it even drizzled during the day. 

I was very excited to go home and left the office at 7.30pm. The airport was about 30 mins by car. The taxi driver was a young lady with nicely done nails. 

I was very happy to arrive at the airport bcos I was very hungry and looking forward to dinner at the business lounge. 

This was one of the many rounds. Business trip to Tokyo is that only business trip that my luggage and I both put on weight. I have zero will power against the wonderful Japanese food and Donki shopping. 

My flight was at 12.40am and I was very tired and very happy to board. 

I fell asleep within mins of lowering the seat and again skipped bfast. I woke up a few times in the night but otherwise slept very well. This time, I have no coffee. 

Home sweet home and I am very glad to come home! 

Mummy Lim

Another Tokyo Business Trip Part 1

Yes, I am back in Tokyo. While I do not look forward to any business trips, the last 2 business trips to Tokyo were done when the weather was cool and fantastic and they felt really good. This one is different; my Japan colleagues were telling me that it is the right smack of summer and it is crazily hot, humid and uncomfortable. They said that it is worse than Singapore. Sob, I don’t want to go Japan when it is hot, it will destroy my nice image of Japan, but unfortunately…

I had intended to travel for 3 days but accidentally booked a 4-day flight. Ok lor. I had to email the hotel to extend the reservations and hoped that it is really amended. Otherwise, I will have to sleep under the bridge for a night. Lol. 

My flight was on Sunday night. I was still happily cycling on the foldie with Daddy Lim on Sunday late afternoon. I knew I was flying but forgotten to check the exact flight time. I didn’t miss my flight but it was a rush. Silly me. 

I am a PCN rider.

We did ride on the road a little, but I think Daddy Lim had wanted a chill PNC ride. I cannot, I was rushing to go home and slow ride is not very much in my blood. Hohoho. I miss road riding and hasn’t found a group to ride with. 

Anyhow, the plan was to pick the kids from tuition and have dinner together before I head to the airport. Then, I realised that there wasn’t enough time. I hadn’t finished packing my bag, the uniforms were not ironed, the laundry was still in the dryer and I think I better vacuum the floor before I leave for the next 4 days. Daddy Lim got the kids and I stayed home to do the needful. At least they got home before I left and Daddy Lim sent me to the Tada. It is the 1st time to the airport from Rio and traveling time is shaved by more than half. 

I didn’t linger at the DFS shop like I usually would for all my business trips. All I did was to find Bengawang so that I could buy mooncakes for my colleagues. 

I was rushing bcos I got to fly business class and could visit the business lounge. Bcos of the rush, I didn’t have my dinner and was looking forward to dinner at the lounge. Hoho. I am going to Tokyo anyway and I bet there are things to buy from Tokyo.

My dinner. 

I happily took my time. When I was at the gate, it was already boarding. So much leg space. I flew ANA the last trip too. 

The plan was simple - lower the seat and sleep once the seatbelt sign goes off. That was exactly what I did. I tried to watch a little movie but knew that I have to sleep for the work day ahead. 

I skipped bfast again even when the menu looked interesting. I needed to sleep. I woke up several times and thought there were turbulences at time. Thankfully, my ability to sleep in most places and quickly saved me, plus I am lying down. This time, I think I knew when bfast was served, I stirred, remembered that the lights were on and heard somebody’s cutlery clinking away. I chose lala land. At least the air stewardess offered me a cup of coffee before landing. Hoho. 

The flight touched down at 5ish Japan time, which is 1 hr ahead of Sgp. Hello Tokyo! I can feel the heat the moment I disembarked. 

I am blogging to remind myself about the online arrival card. I went to the Visit Japan website and thought that I had done the necessary bcos the English translation was so bad. There is actually a QR code to retrieve after the custom declaration. I ended up in the longer immigration Q bcos I didn’t complete the online process and had to use the hard copy arrival form. 

As it was really early, I thought I would take the train instead. My colleague said that I should take the Tokyo monorail from the Haneda airport to Hamamatsucho, then change to the Ooedo subway to Roponggi station. Taking the train made the trip felt more like a holiday. Haha. 

Gachapon! The kids would have loved these.

Google map works well in Tokyo. The express monorail was empty at 6am. 

I had to exit at the Hamamatsucho station and then a walk to the Ooedo station. It took me a while to figure out my direction but I didn’t get lost. Again, the subway was fairly empty. 

The hotel is about 8 mins walk from the subway station. When I saw the stairs, I start missing Daddy Lim and Zaky bcos my luggage is heavy. 

Tokyo was indeed hot and humid. I am not sure if it is worse than Singapore but I was already perspiring when I got to the hotel, which is about 7 mins walk away. The room was unfortunately not ready, until about 12pm. 

What did I do? I left the luggage and went to Donki. Hoho. I got a couple of cosmetic stuff. I know right, fast hand, fast leg. 

I had wanted to work at the cafe opposite the hotel but needed power port and couldn’t find one at the cafe. I ended up back in a cosy corner in the hotel lobby.

My bfast! Yummy!

The room was supposed to be ready at about 12pm. I got it slightly earlier and was glad for a place to put my bag and sit more comfortably. I got these from the hotel lobby, then realised that amenities were provided in the room. Not sure why there are extras. Anyhow, I am happy with the free loot. 

Ya, Sekkisei products. Yes, this one atas hotel, in Roponggi and with very decent sized room. 

I wasn’t due to appear in the office until 4.30pm and worked the rest of the day in the hotel. I had contemplated skipping lunch but I am in Tokyo! This was happy lunch. 

Supplemented with chicken toriyaki, completed with cake dessert. Hoho.

I got to the office on time. While there was shade most way, the heat was obvious. I also realised that I had only visited Japan in the cold months and the 1st time seeing Japaneses dressed for summer. There were so many skinny ladies in tight and summery outfits. 

Work was alright. I was only in the office for a few hours anyway. I left at about 7.30pm and on the way, visited the mall opposite. There is Uniqlo but I didn’t buy. Usually when I travel for business, if I am alone, I would either tabao to eat in the room, or ordered room service. But I walked past this curry place earlier in the day. 

It wasn’t so bad eating alone bcos this is one of the many Japanese joints where people eat alone and eat and go kind. 

I visited Donki one more time. Nana said to buy snacks. I think enough le.  

I had thought that I should venture out this trip. It is Tokyo afterall. I saw the Tokyo Tower right in front of the hotel but was too lazy to walk over and observatory tower is not my thing. Well, I shall admire it from afar. 

Bcos of the tiring night on the flight, I know sleep will be easy. Hoho. Good night. 

Mummy Lim