Category: Experience

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 5

Posted on by sonokotchi

Ate breakfast quickly to start “Day 5”.


No. 48 Sairinji (Sairin Temple)

Arrived the temple at 7:20 am.

I felt good because air is fresh and nobody was at the temple, quiet and peaceful.



There is an Enmado (Temple Hall Dedicated to Enma (Yama)).

This is very practical, I prayed for three together!

Left: Dainichinyorai (Mahavairocana), Center: Kobo Daishi, Right: Fudomyo-oh (Acala Naatha).


This Jizo (Ksitigarbha) brings happiness!


No. 47 Yasakaji (Yasaka Temple)

The ceiling of gate is beautiful.




At this hall, I walked through Hell and Heaven; I want to go to heaven….


At outside of the temple, Fudomyo-oh, await us.

When I find a string like this, I should hold it because God is holding the other end; I’ll be connected!!!


No. 46 Joruriji (Joruri Temple)


These are Buddha’s foot prints.

I took off my shoes and stepped on them with my feet! 


No. 45 Iwayaji (Iwaya Temple)

This temple is tough one.

Climbed up a steep slope for 20 mins, but scenery is nice and so refleshing!




Many Gods greeted me, encouraging!



Finally, I arrived!


On the way back, I noticed I missed many Gods on the way up.

Entered a cave (there is no light inside; need to use a candle) to meet Fudomyo-oh.


Fudomyo-oh on the mountain.


Lunch time!!!

I learned that Shikoku people eat large portion.

I shared this one set of soba and katsudon (fried breaded pork with egg) with Mom.
One portion lunch is enough for two adults!

No. 44 Daihoji (Daiho Temple)




I forgot to take a photo of gate because I was busy looking at a rainbow fuda (wish paper).

Wow, to get qualified to use this rainbow coloured wish paper, a person needs to conduct the Shikoku Pilgrimage (again, one Pilgrimage requires to visit 88 temples) 100 times and more!!!


I quickly took a photo of the gate from a car. hahaha


No. 43 Meisekiji (Meiseki Temple)



There are many cute animals on the ceiling!


No. 42 Butsumokuji (Butsumoku Temple)



No. 41 Ryukoji (Ryuko Temple)

The last temple of the day.

Today, we finished early because it will take an hour by car to reach next temple.



Checked in at Hotel Clement Uwajima.



Enjoyed local food for dinner.


40 more temples…Oyasuminasai 

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 4 (Hotel)

Posted on by sonokotchi

App keeps on crushing…why…?

I want to amend my blog, but I keep on failing….

I notice many spelling and grammar mistakes and sorry about it.

Hopefully, you still enjoy my blog.

The system crushed again; therefore I couldn’t finish today’s blog.

Tonight, I checked in at Matsuyama Tokyu Rei Hotel.


This hotel is nicely located near to the shopping arcade area: Okaido.


I could easy walk to a nice local food restaurant: Nagasaka.

I’m full and tired…Oyasuminasai

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 4

Posted on by sonokotchi

This is local food, sea bream with rice and soup.


This hotel has a nice Japanese garden with many big carps.


Thank you Yunosato Komachi Onsen Shikokuya!
Okay, let’s head for the first temple….

No. 60 Yokomineji (Yokomine Temple)

This temple is on Mt. Ishizuka.




It was a good 10 mins mountain walk to the Yokomineji.



I twisted this stick to get good luck.


No. 59 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)


After praying at the Main Temple and Daishido, I shoock hand with Kobo Daishi. hehehe


No. 58 Senyuji (Senyu Temple)



Kannon-sama (Avalokitesvara) will also receive us with a smile.

No. 58 Eifukuji (Eifuku Temple)

I bought a good luck charm for legs.

I hurt my knees by falling from stairs.

I surely need a good luck charm.


No. 56 Taisanji (Taisan Temple)



I turned a stone to cut my relation with hell.


No. 55 Nankobo (Nanko Temple)

There are four guardians to protect the temple.



No. 54 Enmeiji (Enmei Temple)



I had Udon noodle again for lunch; it’s fast to serve.


Temples are located at nice places; I can enjoy nice view from a car.


No. 53 Enmyoji (Enmyo Temple)



These days, Christianity arrived Japan; however, there was a period that Shogun prohibited to believe in Christianity.

Therefore, things that related to Christianity were destroyed.

This Christianity Stone (Maria in Cross) survived because Maria’s face is so calm that people believed she is Kannon-sama (Avalokistesvara).


No. 52 Taisanji (Taisan Temple)



I turned the stone to earn reciting a sutra.


No. 51 Ishiteji (Ishite Temple)

This temple knows hot to excite a visitor; just look at pictures.

There is an aged wooden arcade to the temple.


There is a nice gate.


There is a Goju no To (Pagoda).



No. 50 Hantaji (Hanta Temple)



No. 49 Jodoji (Jodo Temple)

The last temple of the day!


Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pligrimage: Day 3

Posted on by sonokotchi

Ohayo Setonaikai (Seto Island Sea)!


I could see the Seto Ohashi (Seto Big Bridge) at the horizons.

I ate breakfast quickly because I didn’t have much time before departure.


No. 71 Iyadaniji (Iyadani Temple)

This temple is located on the top of the mountain.

It’s nice in Autumn color…





I had to exercise in the morning. 

There are so many steep stairs and each step is high.

It was like climbing a mountain!


On the way to the main temple, Stone Buddhas greet us.


The Main Temple


This temple is unique, Kobo Daishi is enshrined in the cave.

I wasn’t allowed to take a photo so you need to visit yourself.


No. 70 Motoyamaji (Motoyama Temple)


The Main Temple


Unfortunately,  Goju no To (Pagoda) was under reconstruction.


No. 69 Kannonji (Kannon Temple)

Kannonji and Jinnein is just next to each other; therefore sharing the same gate.


In the early morning, there are so many people to pray.

The Main Temple


No. 68 Jinnein (Jinne Temple)

The main temple for Jinnein is very modern.


Yes, this is a temple and inside is beautiful.


We can also admire the nice Japanese garden or should I say it a landscape…?




No. 67 Daikoji (Daiko Temple)

Kongo Rikishi (Two Guardians) will receive us at the gate.




These gaurdians are sculptures by a famous sculptor of Bhuddist images, Unkei.

The Main Temple


No. 66 Unpenji (Unpen Temple)

To reach Unpenji, we need to take a rooeway.






Officially we supposed to pray at the Main Temple first, then continue at the Daishido where Kobo Daishi is enshrined.

However, we started from Daishi because another group also arrived there by the same ropeway.

This Daishido is unique because there is a nice Daishido, even large, but Kobo Daishi is enshrined at the smaller house at the behind of the big and gorgeous building.

This is the main temple


There is an eggplant shape stone that will make wish come true.

Walk through the hole; sit then pray.


Yesterday, I introduced a beaded circle can replace reciting a sutra.

At this temple, I found tubes to turn replacing reciting the sutra.


Lunch break


No. 65 Sankakuji (Sankaku Temple)

The Main Temple 


This is the reason we call this temple Sankakuji, direct translation “Triangle Temple”.



The pond is shape of a triangle.

No. 64 Maegamiji (Maegami Temple)

Why it’s in red…?

Does water contain some minerals such as iron…?


The Main Temple


No. 63 Kichijoji (Kichijo Temple)


The Main Temple

This is the only temple among 88 to worship the Vaisravana.


No.62 Hojuji (Hoju Temple)


The Main Temple


No. 61 Koonji (Koon Temple)


This is another modern temple.

The Main Temple and the Daishido are both located inside of this BUILDING.



Koyasu Daishido (Kobo Daishi holding a baby)


Today I prayed at 11 temples.

When Sun sets, temples close.

Time to go to hotel.

Checked in at Yunosato Komachi Onsen Shikokuya.


There is no bath in a room because there is a public onsen (hot spring).

It’s nice to dip in onsen to refresh, especially after climbing many stairs!

Before enjoying an onsen, I enjoyed local food

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 2

Posted on by sonokotchi

Sayonara Okura Hotel Takamatsuuuuu
Today, I visited as many as 13 temples!


No. 84 Yashimaji (Yashima Temple)
This temple is so beautiful. 

This is the back gate, not the main gate; yet, so beautiful.

This temple is special because Ganjin-wajo (Jiangzen) founded this temple.



The main temple


Close look of the main temple


No. 83 Ichinomiyaji (Ichonomiya Temple)



Do you want to hear the sound of Cauldron of Hell?

Just stick your head in!

I heard it…


No. 82 Negoroji (Negoro Temple)

There is a Gyuki (Devil) outside of the temple.


Temple is nicely coloured in autumn!

This is a good place to admire mountain colours.



No. 81 Shiramineji (Shiramine Temple)


I hit the bell, sounded calming.


Unfortunately, our driver couldn’t find a parking space because the place was already packed with cars.

He asked to proceed without him. 

Of course, I cannot recite the sutra perfectly yet; but I did my best. 

I hope God will forgive me even I couldn’t recite it smoothly.


No. 80 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)



There she is Benzaiten (Benten-sama).

She is one of the Seven Deities of Good Fortune.

She is Godness of Beauty, Virtue and Good Fortune.



This is the oldest bell in Shikoku. 

This bell is the original bell since this temple was established.

It could be 1,200 years old…?

I learned that I should hit the bell before prayer to calm my mind.

If I hit it after prayer, I will bring bad fortune….



No. 79 Tennoji (Tenno Temple)

This back gate reminds me Europe…it’s obviously not Japanese style.

I think these are mosaic tiles…? 



This is the main gate and this gate is so unique.

There is a main Torii (gate) and there are two small Torii at each side.

This is one of three gates in this form.


I was given 30 mins for lunch.

The area is famous for Sanuki Udon (local noodle); therefore, this noodle was delicious.

This is a self service udon shop, same system as Hanamaru Udon, reasonable and delicious!


No. 78 Goshoji (Gosho Temple)


The ceiling is nicely decorated.


No. 77 Doryuji (Doryu Temple)



There is God for eyes as well.


No. 76 Konzoji (Konzo Temple)


These beads are in loop and located at the center of the main temple.

I pulled these beads to make one turn, it means I recite a sutra once.

There is a big bead to indicate the beginning.


And I found this Sound Mandala.


No. 75 Zentsuji (Zentsu Temple)

This is where Kobo Daishi (the founder of Shingon) was borned.


Main Temple


Nice Goju no To (Pagoda)!


Of course, two guardians (A-Un) guards Kobo Daishi.


This Daishido (where Kobo Daishi himself is enshrined) means special to us because again, HE WAS BORNED HERE!


No. 74 Koyamaji (Koyama Temple)


There is a cute gate inside.

I like how the roof is decorated; cute ones are guarding the main temple.



No. 73 Shusshakaji (Shushaka Temple)


Senju Kannon (Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara) is God for Year of Rat (Chinese Era).


The direct translation of this temple is “Buddha appears (Shusshaka)”.

When Kobo Daishi was seven, he asked Buddha if he is not meant to contribute hislife for Buddhism, just take his life; then jumped off this cliff.


Buddha appreared with a Heavenly Maiden to save him for falling.

Buddha told him to open a temple here.

This is a photo with Kobo Daishi with the cliff.


No. 72 Mandaraji (Mandara Temple)

The last temple of the day.

After 4:30 pm, we cannot light the candle to avoid causing a fire.

We can just place it to pray.



These are the original roof tiles.


Checked in at Okura Hotel Marugame.

Yesterday, I stayed at Okura Hotel Takamatsu, must be associated.

However, a room is bigger and it has a big observation public bath.

Hotel is nicely facing Setonaikai (Seto Island Sea) and it seems this hotel is used for a special occasions.



Again, food is delicious…I thought this trip will be a good for diet, but I’m failing…. hummmm

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Place, Surprise, Travel

The Shikoku Pligrimage: Day 1

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My day started early by taking 7:10 am Shinkansen (bullet train) for Shin-Osaka Station.

Enjoyed pork sandwich on Shinkansen. 


Arrived Shin-Osaka Station where a jumbo taxi awaits us; sayonara Shinkansen!


It’s quite a distance to reach Shikoku island from Osaka; we need to cross Setonaikai (Seto Island Sea). 

It was foggy; can you see the Akashi Ohashi (Akashi Big Bridge)?


We stopped at Awaji Highway Oasis for a quick lunch.


I had a big fried horse mackerel.

“Meaty” is not a suitable word to express fish, but it was big and MEATY. hahaha


The scenery is so beautiful.

I’m at the place where autumn is at preak.

I missed autum in Tokyo this year because we had a long summer and welcomed a sudden winter.

I appreciate this scenery very much.


Shikoku is a major producer of tangerine oranges.

Of course I bought it.

It’s reasonable and sweet!

After four hours drive, we reached the first temple.

No. 88 Okuboji (Okubo Temple)

Usually, this temple is the last temple to visit.

However, in leap year, we reverse the order; this temple became the first to visit and pray.


No. 87 Nagaoji (Nagao Temple)


No. 86 Shidoji (Shido Temple)


This temple is one of few temples among 88 temples having a pagoda.


No. 85 Yakuriji (Yakuri Temple)

We need to take a cable car (operates every 15 mins) to reach this temple.



Sun is setting…but I didn’t have time to admire the moment because we needed to complete our prayer to catch the last cable car going down.


Last cable car of a day♪



It is 7 mins ride to go down, but by the time we reached down, it was dark.

Checked-in at the Okura Hotel Takamatsu.

It’s simple, but that’s all we need.



Buffet dinner was nice.

Again these are simple, but ingredients are so fresh and delicious!

I enjoyed all dishes, including Sanuki Udon  (local noodle) and desserts. 

Obviously, I helped more dishes. hahaha


Okay, now I should explain what I’m doing.

I will visit those 88 temples in Shikoku.


I will wear and carry these to each 88 temple.



When I enter the temple, I pray and bow.

Then wash my hands.

Go to Hondo (the main temple), place incense sticks (3) and candle (1), submit a prayer paper, pray and recite the sutra.

Go to Daishido (a temple that Kobo Daishi  -Japanese Buddhist monk who founded Shingon- is enshrined) and practice what practiced at Hondo.

Now I know what to do and still learning don’ts.

Okay, I better set my alarm at 5 am.

Breakfast at 6 am, and we’ll depart hotel at 6:45 am.

Oyasuminasai

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Surprise

Flat Tires

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, I noticed I have two flat tires, both on left side.

These were fine last week; even checked by a gas station.

According to the police, the police already received 10 cases on punctured tires in the area.

The police concluded somebody must have poked them.

Im impressed with their hardworks: dusted finger prints, took foot prints, even took my finger prints to eliminate from the evidence, etc.

Of course, filing the damage at the police station and what I all experienced tonigh are first time in my life (it should be).

After filing at the police, I called for JAF (Japanese version of AAA).

I thought the JAF can temporary treat my tires, but unable to because we cannot find a puncture.

Sadly, the damage is greater than I thought; my car cannot run itself.

I need to ask the JAF to tow my car or ask following my car after pumping my tires.

I hope I can coordinate these tomorrow night after my work.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Travel

Short Trip to Malaysia

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On 3 November, it is Japanese national holiday, Cultural Day.
I found ANA’s new line, NH 885 between Handa (Tokyo) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 


This flight departs Haneda at 00:05 hrs and arrives KL at 6:45 hrs.

I can work on the departure day to maximize my stay in Malaysia.

It’s worth taking few days off, right?

I took dinner at ANA Lounge;

enjoyed snacks/finger food with champagne on the plane;


we had a breakfast (eggs Benedict style with veal sausage served with Japanese Hiruzen jersey butter and blood orange jam) before arriving KL.


Let’s start my holiday in Malaysia!

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Place, Tokyo

Saturday Night Activities

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Enjoyed dinner at the Moon, Roppongi Hills 52F.

The Moon is an observation restaurant to enjoy Tokyo’s skyline while we enjoy dinner.


After enjoyed dinner and conversation with friends, we went to the Kokucho no Mizuumi (the Black Swan) in Shinjuku.

Ladies are beautiful and glamorous, but they are all  transgenders. Wow.

We enjoyed watching their performance; dance, dance, dance ♪

After midnight, there are still many people on the street walking in their Halloween costume.

Town is also decorated for Halloween.

In Japan, Halloween is for adults to go out for parting.

Trick or Treat.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Gadget, Surprise, Tokyo

Digital Contents Expo 2016 @ the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan)

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It is my second visit to Miraikan (the Future House) and the Digital Contents Expo.
There are many cutting-edge innovative technologies to be introduced there.

Allowing to analyze movements of a ping pong ball, AI to paint a mono color picture into a color picture, a gadget to create vibrations to move a still furniture such as a chair, etc.


And today’s highlighted event was “Aoi”, 8K/VR music video by a Japanese music group, Sakanaction.

I wasn’t satisfied because the video is too short, about 7 mins.

I wanted to enjoy longer and at the proper place.

There are 22 speaksers to surround us, but the sound effect wasn’t there.

It was played at the temporary venue, an exhibition hall.

I wish I was at the premises where the place is meant for music or theater play.