Category: Exercise

Posted in Diving, Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Gadget, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Yeah, this is my first Okinawa dive!!!

Today, went to Onnason, Okinawa.

We took a boat to the first point: Dream Hole.

I haven’t dived since last September in Palau; it means I’m so-called blank diver???

I wished I had some time to get familiar with diving before entering to a cave.

I had to enter the cave from a small hole…

Nonetheless, I managed to enter/drop through a small hole to dive narrow path.

When I see an iseebi (lobster), I finally could control buoyancy a bit.

Then a narrow path led me to…Pikachu!!!

So cute!!!

We also dived through Pikachu.

There are many corals and fish.

Kasago (Scorpion Fish)

Next point was Cross Line.

I managed to see famous heart shaped back anemone fish: Touaka Kumanomi (Toe Red Anemone Fish.

They are so lovely!!!

I also see a rare fish: Kaeru Anko (Frogfish).

Yes, his eyes look like Frog! hehehe

Close look.

We also dived through a channel.

Then met Nimo: Kakure Kumanomi (Crownfish)!

They are cute.

We took lunch break at Kinchichi Soba.

This soba is not typical Okinawa Style Soba, very unique in tsukemen (dipping) style.

We ordered extra porks for additional topping.

After we finished noodles, we asked for soup to add in sauce to enjoy sauce as a soup.

The last point: Overhead Rock.

We enjoyed landscape here, too.

We dived through crevasse.

This is my first time to use GoPro.

It didn’t function right or I operated wrongly.

I saw Pygmy Sea Horse and took few photos; but these photos are not in my camera. Ahhhh

Hopefully, I operate it right tomorrow.

For dinner, went to Jack’s Steak House Okinawa.

I had Orion (Okinawa’s Local Beer) and Tender Lion Steak Medium Rare.

Now I better study about GoPro and sleep early. hummm

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Health, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week in Kyoto (Day 5)

Posted on by sonokotchi

The other night, my friend introduced me Inaba Yakushi.

This temple is known for preventing cancers.

Since my family is cancer family, I could have it in my genes.

I decide to go for praying.

This temple is located conveniently nearby the hotel (Kyoto Karasuma Hotel).

At all temples and shrines, first, we need to purify ourselves by washing our hands (gargling mouth is excluded today due to the hygiene reason).

It brought peace in my mind when I saw flowers floating on water.

It’s simple action but memorable.

Then I prayed.

We returned to hotel to check out and proceeded to Kyoto Station with our luggage.

Left our luggage at coin locker (JPY 700) which is located nearby Shinkansen (bullet train) exit: Hachijo Exit.

Then we took JR Abiko Line to Ohtsu Station.

Went to Enjo Ji (Enjo Temple) or commonly known as Mitsui Dera (Mitsui Temple).

There are many places to visit and pray in the premises.

Shaka-Do (Buddha Temple)

The area is so green and large; I enjoyed walking the premises.

I hit the Kane (bell) to bring peace to ancestors.

Kane weights 2 tons.

At Kindo, we could prey to three special Buddhas at the period of 28 April to 20 May 2018.

I’m blessed.

Akai Ya (Holy Water House)

Today, this temple is commonly called Mitsui Dera; based on its Chinese characters, it means Three Wells.

However, it originally meant Holy Well (Mii).

The water from this well is offered to Buddhas.

The dragon was engraved by Hidari Jingoro to calm Biwako (Biwa Lake).

I can see fresh water welling out.

There are many more to visit and pray.

Benkei Sho (Benkei’s Bell)

There is an interesting omikuji (fortune slip).

This is the instruction.

Pick a bell shaped fortune slip from a pot; float on water to read the number that appears on it; go back to the shop to get the numbered slip to get fortune/advise/lessons.

I pulled No. 42; it’s Kichi (good fortune).

Issai Kyozo (Storage for Sutras)

Some Japanese movies are taking here.

I can understand that because the premises are well kept.

I walked through its gate and looked back;

it looks nice.

Even from the path way.

There is a small paths.

There is even a half ruined bridge.

According to the map, I’m still half way.

Bimyoji (Bimyo Temple)

Shuho Kannon (Goddess of Mercy for People)

There are still many more to visit and pray.

Finally reaching to Mitsui Dera Kannon Do (Mitsui Temple’s Goddess of Mercy Temple/the Main Temple).

We need to climb these stairs.

Hondo (the Main Temple)

We could meet the special Buddha today.

The temple has a nice Japanese garden.

There are many more to visit and pray in the area of Hondo.

Noh Butai (Noh Dance Stage)

Hyakutai Kannon Do (the temple for 100 Goddess of Mercy through out Japan)

Shoroh (House for Bell)

Mani Guruma (Prayer Wheel)

If you turn a stone once, it means you recite sutra once.

We can take a break overlooking Biwako (Biwa Lake: Japan’s largest lake)

Finally, the last place: Suikanji (Suikan Temple)

It was a nice day to walk through the temple.

It’s cooler compared to Kyoto because the wind from Biwako lower the temperature.

I took a train back to Kyoto to catch Shinkansen back home (Tokyo).

We had Lundi (Lunch and Dinner) at Japanese Restaurant Kurama, Kyoto Station.

Though I stayed at the hotel in Kyoto, I visited Shiga (Ishiyama City twice and Otsu City once) three times and Hyogo (Akashi City) once.

For next trip, I will plan to visit temples in Kyoto.

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Golf, Health, Travel

Golf @ Ichihara Keikyu Country Club, Ichihara, Chiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

I haven’t play a golf for quite some time.

It’s been a nice day for a golf.

Rented a car using Times Car Share.

Times operates parking space and now equipped with rental car service.

I can rent a car by specific hours.

It is a nice day to play a golf.

I was fortunate to admire mount sakura.

I also enjoyed nice lunch served by a club house.

I had a nice day!!!

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Health

Out of Battery

Posted on by sonokotchi

In the morning, I went to gym nearby my apartment for 25 minutes bicycle exercise before going to office.

During office hour, I had to play music to keep me going to finish at 5 pm.

After office, I stopped by at sister-gym for 80 minutes magma (stone) spa.

Now my eyes will close at any minutes.

If there is an indicator for my body energy, it surely indicates EMPTY now.

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Health

Body Maintenance Saturday

Posted on by sonokotchi

This week I failed go to gym in the morning.

I could feel my body and face swelled because I had carbohydrates and drinks these days.

Today, I felt I had to do something about it.

I went to gym for 30 mins, then took a bath, went to hair salon and physical therapy.

By the time I reached physical therapist, my swelling was better.

After all the above, I feel very sleepy.

I’m going to sleep now.

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Health, Japan Technology, Japanese Food, Shopping

My New Customs

Posted on by sonokotchi

About a month ago, I consulted how to lose weight with my physical therapist.

He advised me to cycle for 20 minutes 2 – 3 times in a week.

Before exercising or starting a day/waking up, I was advised to take amino acid to recover from muscle fatigue quickly or prevent from any muscle fatigue.

I searched for the product and started taking Ajinomoto’s Amino Vital Pro which contains 3600 mg of amino acid.

I regularly take one sachet in the morning and before exercise; sometimes even in the evening because I can take as many as three sachets in a day.

It is recommended to take amino acid because our body cannot produce it; we need to obtain it from food.

After exercise, I was advised to take a lot of protein.

The quickest way to obtain protein is by drinking a protein drink.

Again, I searched for it; then start taking Meiji’s SAVAS Whey Protein 100.

This is my first protein to try and image of protein wasn’t good then.

I picked Meiji brand because Meiji is a major confectionery manufacturer in Japan and good in making chocolates.

This SAVAS Whey Protein 100 is a chocolate flavor.

When I start going to gym regularly for 20 mins bicycle ride, I became very hungry, and I mean, VERY hungry.

I was scared about my huge appetite which I couldn’t control at that time.

Well, I found out about a week later that I need to make a protein drink with three scopes of protein powder.

Since a scope is big, I thought it requires only one scope to make a protein drink.

Actually, I was making a watery protein drink then.

Now I don’t mind to replace my breakfast with a protein drink and I am fine with it.

Today, I finished my first pack of protein.

There are some days that I had a difficulty to control the appetite, but now I’m doing better.

I bought a new package: Meiji’s SAVAS Soy Protein with a yogurt flavor.

According to the package, it states “Weight Down” and “for Losing Weight”.

It also contains Garcinia, a popular weight-loss supplement.

It supposed to help me controlling my appetite and prevent from making fat – sound absolutely great!

I hope I would experience these effects.

Posted in Exercise, Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Furniture Hunting with Mom

Posted on by sonokotchi

My parents plan to move to a new condo.

Mom is looking for new furniture and so as I.

We plan to go for furniture hunting today; that’s why Mom spent night at my place last night.

I excused myself to go to gym and quickly got ready to go out.

Of course, before we go for a good exercise, we went to get a nice brunch at my favorite Italian Restaurant: Il Ritrovo, Roppongi Hills.

This restaurant is famous for pizza.

The chef won the pizza contest in Italy.

Food is delicious; price is reasonable; staffs are nice.

I highly recommend this restaurant if you are looking for an Italian.

We took enough fuel, then went to IDC Otsuka (International Design Center Otsuka) Ariake Show Room, Ariake, Tokyo.

Otsuka Kagu Ltd. is the first furniture retailer implementing direct import of furniture from overseas.

Yes, this company had an issue with furniture industrial people by breaking the Japanese tradition of multi-layered distribution system in Japan.

This is my favorite furniture store because I can find about 50,000 items in 75,000 sqm.

I can compare many styles, concepts and brands at once.

Yes, it is a good exercise because I walk back and forth to compare furniture.

Yes, this shop ables to see the actual products.

Mom found a dining table and chair set and lace.

I’m considering a bed and light.

We plan to visit few more shops.

I love furniture hunting!

Posted in Beauty, Cooking, Daily Life, Exercise, Family, Feelings, Food, Travel

Healthy Saturday

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up and went to gym for cycling.

Recently, I added a new routine: taking a bath after morning exercise.

It’s refreshing.

Then cooked a healthy brunch.

After brunch, I went to hair salon.

I had good time chatting with my favorite beautician: she is funny, sweet and good (skillful).

After finishing my hair, time to go for body therapy.

I asked for an advice how to further improve my health.

He encourages me to continue going to gym for cycling (warming up).

I don’t need to work out hard because objectives are enhancing blood circulation and increasing metabolism.

Instead of increasing volume of exercise, he advises me to control my appetite.

Yes, I love to eat and drink…this is my weakness.

It’s dinner time; I cooked simple dinner.

Then Mom who was in town today arrived my apartment.

We had Gluhwein (I made it with Gluhwein bouquet (spice bouquet)) together with a Gluhwein cup that I bought in Germany when we visited Christmas Markets in 2006.

Cheers!

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Travel

Trip to Nikko (Day 2)

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Akemashite Omedetogozaimasu (Happy New Year)

This is the view from a room.

I had a buffet breakfast; hotel serves New Year dishes, too.

It’s New Year so decide to go to Nikko Toshogu (Shrine) for prayer.

At Kinugawa Onsen (Hot Spring) Station, Station staffs and local people are serving sake and Amazake (sweet non-alcohol sake).

SL train stops this Station.

Then I see the real SL train: Taiju. Yeah!

Today, I took this train to reach Tobu Nikko Station.

Two trains were connected; it has double faces.

The road was crowded with cars to visit the shrine.

We took a bus till Shinkyo (God’s Bridge) then walked to Nikko Toshogu.

Shinkyo (God’s Bridge) is beautiful.

Nikko Toshogu is the World Heritage.

We walked to the entrance of Nikko Toshogu.

This is the first gate, need to show a ticket to enter the premises.

Toshogu is in the process of repairing.

Some buildings are reborn in bright colours.

This place is famous for THREE WISE MONKEYS: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil.

Yomeimon (Yomei Gate)

This gate is so colourful.

This dragon is drawn at the ceiling of this gate, beautiful and powerful.

This Nemuri Neko (Sleeping Cat) is also famous.

This cat looks as if she can wake up anytime.

The main building of shrine is still under the repair.

We managed to pray and visit places before the place gets crowded with more visitors to arrive.

We catch a bus back to Tobu Nikko Station.

We went to collect our free souvenirs, Castella (cakes) and Yuba (tofu), at Nikko Castella Honpo (Main Store).

Then we changed a train to return to Kinugawa Onsen Station to hotel before it gets dark.

We enjoyed dinner after a good exercise, walking at Shrine.

We had a voucher to get another dessert after dinner.

We did dessert hopping tonight. fufufu

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Foodie Trip (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I started my day with Japanese breakfast at Toraya, the Sunroute Hotel Wadayama, Hyogo.

We are near to the Ruins of Takeda Castle, Asagoshi city, Hyogo.

The only thing I didn’t know is I need to walk 2.2 km to reach the summit and the ruins of castle.

It was a nice walk to the summit.

We are greeted by the rainbow; that’s encouraging.

We finally reached the ruins of Takeda Castle.

Today, there are only castle’s stone foundation is available to visit.

The view is nice from the summit.

This is the ruin of Tenshukaku (the main building of the castle).

This ruins of Takeda Castle is famous and also called, Tenku no Shiro (the Castle above the Sky).

It is not the season now, but when the time is right, I can see a magnificent view like in a photo.

I would like to come back again for this scenery.

After a good excessive, I had Miso Nabe Udon (Miso Claypot Udon), together with snacks, Himeji Oden (Himeji Style is to eat oden with ginger sauce) and Oinari san (vinegared rice with tofu) at Wataya, Himeji, Hyogo.

Now left for a dessert.

This is Himeji’s casual dessert: Gozasoro.

It has two flavors: Koshian (red beans) and shiroan (white beans).

This would be my last Foodie Report for this trip.

This wasn’t a typical way of celebrating Christmas with turkey and cakes, but I enjoyed it greatly!

Merry Christmas!