Category: Exercise

Posted in Diving, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Nature, Travel

Diving @ Mikomoto, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

When I finished diving yesterday, the ocean became clear so I had a high hope to catch Hammerhead Sharks! 

I could see more fish today…..




Stingray

But no Hammerhead Shark….. ahhhhhh

Sayonara Mikomoto-jima (Mikomoto Island). 


After finish two dives at Zabune and Enokuchi Point, I had late lunch at Restaurants nearby Izukyu Shimoda Station.

Sushi, and 


Chinese… yap, I was greedy. hehehe


I reserved a seat for Odoriko 118 at 4:50 pm and I had time for my train.

After lunch, I still had time to enjoy free foot bath at Shimida Station.


I think I enjoyed my stay as much as I could.

Okay, it’s time to get on the train.


I’m glad I took a train this time.

It was relaxing and enjoying sceneries from the window — even sleeping! 


Posted in Diving, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Travel

Diving @ Kushimoto, Wakayama

Posted on by sonokotchi

Kushimoto is located at the southeast point of Japan’s Honshu (main island).

The dive shop, Coral Queen, owns a boat and takes us to off shore points if the condition permits.



I’m lucky and went to all off shore points, 5 dives in two days.

On Saturday, I went to Shimamawari, Ichinone and Ninone; on Sunday, Ninone and Ichinone.

These diving spots are with interesting landscape, fish (tropical fish, too) and creatures (including edible ones such as Ise Lobsters, Slipper Lobster and shells) and corals (hard and soft).

Rockfish with a group of Silver-Stripe Round Herring


Crack


I named it, Half Dome, or is it more like Shark Fin?


Boxfish


Many fish


Corals



You can see that ocean is beautiful; therefore, seafood is so fresh and delicious!!

Lunch at Coral Queen is nice: Shirasu-don (Baby Sardine Bowl)


And dinner at town, Matsu-zushi.



It’s a bit far from Tokyo, 7 hours to reach there, but I would love to go back Kushimoto, Wakayama again to enjoy diving and food!

Posted in Beauty, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Gadget, Health, Tokyo

A Decent Lunch

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went out to have a decent lunch, Chinese @ Hagoromo, Ginza, Tokyo today.

Rice (carbohydrates) was delicious; I didn’t weight it, but I guessed about 200g.

Later I checked the calories for rice; it’s 330 calories. Ahhhhhhh


I sought an advice from my physician and was told I should enjoy salad for dinner…

I’m also encouraged to exercise more. Another ahhhhhhhh


When I returned home, I received a package – aibow touch pen.

Hummmm, I can write on my iPhone and iPad, but not as I dreamed.

My palm is on the way.

On the web, someone advised to wear a glove.

It won’t look nice…. sight

Posted in Beauty, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Gadget, Health, Japanese Food, Movie, Music

Enhancing My Time @ Gym and Room

Posted on by sonokotchi

It is a Japanese national holiday today: Ocean Day.

It’s been hot in Japan and there was no national holiday in July.

Japanese government was smart to create a national holiday in July for a break.

However, my office opened today.

It’s been a quiet day so I went out for lunch.

I had a Freahness Burger’s Cheese Burger set.


It’s a nice Japanese burger shop and delicious, but I learned that calory is high… 

delicious food always with calories…… ahhhhhh


Boss left the office and I was alone in the office this afternoon.

I quickly finished writing reports and sending emails to make time to further study about privileges of being Amazon Prime members.

Annual fee of JPY 3,900 covers fast delivery fee, video and music.

I was considering to enhance my time at gym and room with these video and music.

I had time to Pochi.

Amazon Prime Music

Amazon Prime Video


 

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Gadget, Health, Music, Shopping, Travel

Motivators

Posted on by sonokotchi

I bought these in Vegas: iPhone 6S Gritterly Case (I love gritterly things), iPhone Cover Power Bank, Wireless Headset and Speaker.

I don’t know I did buy them with a good price, but I’m happy with design and quality.

Now I’m motivating to go to gym by listening to upbeat music with a new headset.

It’s tough to keep the motivation…ahhhhhh

Posted in Beauty, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Friends, Place, Shopping, Tokyo

Sightseeing in Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had a nice brunch at Eggcellent, Roppongi.

Everything is so eggy there.


Ta-dah!

I had a Beauty Bowl!


A coffee cup wished me a nice day.


Today, I went to sightseeing Tokyo: Shibuya, Omotesando and Ginza.

Today, I had fun visiting LINE Friends Store @ Harajuku, Tokyo.

There are three LINE Friends Stores in Japan: Tokyo, Sendai and Fukuoka.


It’s a LINE’a characters merchandise shop and we can also take a photo at Brown’s Room.

Interesting. 

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Nature, Place, River, Surprise, Travel

Trip to the US (Day 6)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I returned to Tokyo.

I wanted to upload my adventure every day/night, but the US is huge; I was at deserted area where internet connection isn’t good.

It took me hours to connect to internet disabling to sleep…and some photos are not uploaded properly – I can view them on my iPhone, but not on my iPad…hummmm

Sorry, I decided to sleep to enjoy my events on Day 6 of My Trip to the US; I needed enough sleep and energy.


Changed to Hummer to drive sandy off-road and walk to the White Pocket.

Unfortunately, we cannot reach there with this Car which is cute and talks.


We need to walk a distance after getting off the car.


It’s hot and dry; need to drink water frequently to avoid dehydration. 


Some rocks have the name.

This is called Brain Rock – hahaha.

Close relook for verification.

This area was elevated at Jurrasic period, about 200 million years ago.

The formation is unique and beautiful.



Originally sands/rocks are in red due to iron.


Rain and it’s water flows (rivers) which can become 1.5 m depth wash off iron and creats white pockets.

Imaging, cows to drink water from white pockets after rain.


We ate lunch (sandwich) at the shadow that we can find there – the place is rocky.

By the way, called Turtle Rocks because rocks look like back of turtle.



The view from our lunch place was nice, but we spotted a serious wildfire in Utah. 


After lunch, we walked to admire the area and rocks.

Rolly Pop Rock – I would name it Layered Cake or Rainbow Ice Cream.



Once again, the place is unique and beautiful.



It takes 2.5 hours to reach the White Pocket from Kanab, Utah by Hummer (4WD).

And we need to walk under heat.

This is why I decided to take sleep.


After a great adventure, we departed Kanab, Utah for Las Vegas, Nevada.

Drove through the Zion National Park on the way to Vegas.

At Zion, we also enjoy looking at unique and beautiful rocks.

The Checkerboard Mesa.


A Birthday Cake?


West Temple and East Temple


The Arch.


And other beautiful rocks.




After enjoying the Mother Earth Nature, arrived CITY – Las Vegas.



Stayed at the Monte Carlo Hotel.




Dinner is buffet.

Hotel encourages to walk Casino to reach a restaurant.

Well, food is nice.


After dinner, went out for a quick walk because I spotted my Hard Rock Cafe!




The city doesn’t sleep; there are many people speaking different languages on the street at late night.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Place, River, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to the US (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up early to go watch sunset at Mather Point, Grand Canyon.

The host of this event is obviously Elk Deer (sorry, I introduced this type of this deer Elf, but Elk) because she lives here.


The tip is called Mather Point.

I managed to squeeze to get a front row at Mather Point.
Sun is about to rise.


iPhone camera is not suitable to take sunrise; but I’m happy with these photos.


Grand Canyon grows softly under sunshine of sunrise.

It was so beautiful.

It was worth waking up at 3:40 am to depart hotel at 4:40 am to catch sunrise at 5:15 am.



Then returned hotel for breakfast.



This is my first time to see a yogurt vending machine.


After breakfast, went for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (operated by Papillon).

This is my first helicopter ride.


The ride was smooth and the scenery is gorgeous.

I would highly recommend the helicopter tour to feel how GREAT this Canyon is.





Colorado River. This river eroded the mountains to make the canyon.


For lunch, I had a typical American sandwich, B.L.T. Sandwich (beacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich) with strawberry ice cream.



After lunch, before departing for Antelope, watched Indian Hoop Dance.

He danced (or jumped) through using many hoops.


I wore a surgical mask before getting on a truck because the road is very sandy.

We cannot avoid sands because these sands make beautiful sceneries in a cave.


Our guide is Native American so he knew the cave very well, pointing out explaining what these resembles.


A face of bear in the center.


This is a closer look of bear.



A tear.


Bill Clinton’s nose.



Heart




Waves

Seahorse

 

Dragon’s Eye



Fire


At the end of the tour, he played a pipe for us, sounding so healing.
Thank you, Slow Horse!


After a great adventure, enjoyed salmon dinner listening to Country Music live band.


I’m going to stay two nights at Lake Powell Resort & Marinas.

This hotel is the only resort built next to Powell Dam.

It’s nice to have a lake (even artificial) view in the desert.


There is a coffee maker and Starbucks capsuls are available. Yeah! 

I made a cocoa for my bed time drink.

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Pilgrimage, Place, Shrine and Temple, Travel

The Second Trip to the 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (3rd Day)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, we are scheduled to visit 4 temples and needed some energy.

As mentioned yesterday, the exterior of hotel is very western; but a room is Japanese style.

No. 25 Banshu Kiyomizudera (Banshu Kiyomizu Temple)


We stopped by at Yakushido: God for health.



There are twelve gods of Chinese Zodiacs.

These are designed by Mr. Satoshi Yabuuchi who designed Nara’s Mascot: Sentokun.


We prayed at Daikodo (auditorium).


We visited Konpon Chudo (Main Hall).


Then visited Konjosui. 

This temple is named Kiyomizu (clear water) because of this well.

When you look into the well, if you can see your face, you receive additional three years to live; if you cannot see your face….otherwise….

I’m happy to see my face on the water.


No. 27 Engyoji (Engyo Temple)

Engyoji is located on the summit of Shoshazan (Mt. Shosha).


First, we need to catch a rope way.

Then catch a bus.


We prayed at Maniden (Wish Hall).


Then we went to the area where Jyogyodo (a stage), Jikido (cafeteria) and Daikodo (auditorium).

Jyogyodo might look familiar because Last Samurai was filmed here!


Jikido


Daikodo


We walked further to Okunoin.


This is Kaizando where shrines Shoku Shonin who opened this temple.


At the four corners, there suppose to be four Rikishi (heavyweight wrestlers) to hold a heavy roof; but one ran away.


We had late lunch, local food: Himeji Oden (fish cakes and others in soup. In this region, they eat with ginger soysauce).


No. 16 Ichijoji (Ichijo Temple)

There are few stairs…


We can enjoy a unique scenery: looking down the three-stories Pagoda here.

Some maples are already in red even it’s still spring…?


No. 24 Nakayamadera (Nakayama Temple)

The last temple of this trip.


At back of the gate, two dogs are protecting this temple.


This temple is for pregnant women; therefore, this temple is equipped with escalators.

This is my first time to try an escalator at the temple!



Fun time flys fast.

It’s time to return home.


On the way back, I enjoyed Kansai cuisine obento (packed food).



I also enjoyed nice dessert, actually this is a survivor for Dad. 



It was fun and I’m charged! 

But, now I’m ready to go to bed. Zzzzzz

Posted in Exercise, Family, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Pilgrimage, Place, Shrine and Temple, Travel

The Second Trip to the 33 Kannon Pilgrimage 

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up early at 5 am to visit Kusuhara Jingu (Kusuhara Shrine) before departs for temples.

It’s a power spot.

This Shrine was built in 1890 to shrine the first emperor, Jinmu Tennoh (Emperor Jinmu).

This street leads straight to the shrine; therefore, this is Omotesando (Main Street to the Shrine) for Kashihara Jingu.

It looks different from Omotesando in Tokyo.


Soon I reached Torii (gate) of Kashihara Jingu.


Getting excited to walk through more gates.

Finally, reached to the main building!

It’s so quiet and peaceful in the morning.


Local people gather from morning to exercise together at the shrine.

So nice.


I’m glad that I woke early to visit this beautiful shrine.

I returned to hotel and went to take my breakfast.

I was hungry.


We departed Kashihara Royal Hotel for Sefukuji (Sefuku Temple).


This is Katsurayama (Mt. Katsurayama).

This mountain often appears in Japanese poem, Manyo.


No. 4 Sefukuji (Sefuku Temple)

I need to be fit to visit this temple because there are many stairs!





This temple is for health, especially legs and back.

Yes, climbing these stairs is a good exercise.

Today, we had obento (packed lunch) for lunch.


The lunch was delicious and just right – many varieties and right portion.


No. 23 Katsuohji (Katsuoh Temple)

This is front of gate with the name of mountain.


At the back of the gate, a board of temple’s name in original kanji (Chinese character). 

This temple is for victory; in 880, Buddhist Priest cured Seiwa Tennoh (Emperor Seiwa) by defeating illness.


Daruma (this) is a good luck charm to make a wish come true.

These Daruma successfully made a wish come true.


The garden is so beautiful.


This is the main building.


Extra Temple Kazanin

This is the last temple of the day.



This is Arima Fuji (Mt. Arima Fuji), Mt. Fuji in west Japan.

We can look down this Mt. Fuji! hahaha


Looking up Arima Fuji.


Checked-in Fruit Flower Hotel.

This hotel is part of Fruit Flower Patk.

The exterior of hotel is very western, but a room is Japanese style with futons.



I had buffet dinner and ate many dishes.


After dinner, watched a New Half (shemale) Show.


It’s been a long day today.