Category: Family

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

Sayonara Miho-no-seki

Posted on by sonokotchi

Time to say Sayonara.


It was a short stay, but I enjoyed it very much.

I’m already at Yonago Kitaro Airport.


“Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro” is famous manga series.

This airport is named after this manga because the manga artist, Mr. Shigeru Mizuki, his hometown is nearby, Sakai-city where fish market is.

This approach was taken at few airports to stimulate use of airport by welcoming tourists.

Luckily, I had time to enjoy and relax at the airport.


Daisen Pilsner and Matsue Staut!!

Okay, it’s time for boarding.

Sayonara Miho-no-seki

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

Visit to Miho-no-seki

Posted on by sonokotchi

First I stopped at Sakai Port Fish Market for lunch.

I had a special seafood rice bowl.


There are many types of fresh and delicious seafood such as crabs, prawn, sea urchin, salmon roe, abalone, squid, tuna, yellowtail, egg.

It’s worth to stop by to have a lunch there.
Then I visited Miho Shrine, my main objective for this trip – to pay a thank you visit.


Japanese Gods, Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-kami (widely known as Ebisu-sama) are enshrined in Miho Shrine.

Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto is Goddess for harvest, couple harmony and prosperity.

Ebisi-sama is God for fishery, agriculture and commerce. He loves music so Ebisu-sama is God for entertainment business as well.

Of course, Ebisu-sama is very popular, representing business success. 

And this shrine is head of about 3,000 Ebisu Shrines!

I just love to be here.

After praying at Miho Shrine, I walked around the area.

I stopped for snacks: tokoroten (Tengusa seaweed jelly with vinegar) and strawberry flavored kakigori (shave ice).


And shopped soy sauce, ponzu (ponzu citrus soy sauce based sauce) and mentsuyu (soba sauce).


Their soy sauce is sweeter and has more flavors.

I enjoyed this soy sauce so much when I bought it at my last visit and I couldn’t forget about it!

It was still bright outside so I went to Miho-no-seki light house.


It was a nice view to enjoy Japan Sea’s ocean view!


I checked-in at hotel and had a quick dinner to enjoy Maki-Noh at Miho Shrine.


Noh is Japanese traditional drama, and has been played since 14th century.

Noh is also performed for God to show appreciation for harvest. 

Tonight, a special performance was performed at Miho Shrine with torch.

I didn’t know about tonight’s Noh performance and I am so fortunate to be there.

I enjoyed watching Noh surrounded by great nature.

I felt holy, spiritual and blessed❤️

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Place, Tokyo, Travel

Haneda Airport Now

Posted on by sonokotchi

I’m on the way to Miho Shrine in Shimane, southern part of Japan.

This is my second time to visit this shrine.

This weekend is the last weekend for school holiday; therefore I didn’t have much choice when I was booking flights.

But it is okay because this time I’m making a trip just to pay a gratitude visit to this shrine.

I’m still in Tokyo, but I’m already having fun.

I checked in with my Apple Watch for first time, and….

we were offered to have a ride to a gate with this mini-car.


Of course, this is my first time to ride this; I took an advantage being with mom.

It was fun as if I were at Disneyland because this mini-car runs with music!
Okay, it’s time for boarding.

Hummmm, it’s difficult to see…it’s a Star Wars wrapped aircraft!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Japanese Food, Shopping

Wolf’s Peach, but this is Tomato Juice

Posted on by sonokotchi


Previously I posted that I’m hooked with tomato juice.

I’ve been drinking and comparing different brands of tomato juice; I prefer non-salt added tomato juice.
Few days ago, I was recommended this Wolf’s Peach by a staff of supermarket.
This tomato juice from Hokkaido is available only once in a year, must be special.
I wonder why this TOMATO juice is named Wolf’s PEACH!
Hummmm, it’s nice and mild.
I bought three bottles: one for mom and dad, and extra bottle for me.
Yes, I get pressure when I hear the word, “limited edition”, terrible me!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Japanese Food, Shopping, Tokyo

Bontan-ame

Posted on by sonokotchi


There is a stall at Shinagawa Station to promote and sell local food and handicrafts.

The theme will change every week to attract massive commuters and train users. 

A stall is promoting Kyushu area’s local food and I bought this jumbo size Bontan-ame (bontan citrus flavored soft candy). 

I can say this is one of Japanese traditional candies because the company in Kagoshima has been producing it for 90 years, since 1926! 

I also bought a regular size to compare the size. 

You can see how big it is, right!! 

And surprise, surprise, four baby Bontan-ame come out from a Jumbo size! 

This Bontan-ame is special because it reminds me of my grandmother. 

When I was little, I told her I like this candy. 

Since then she bought it every time I visited her. 

One day I told her I have grown up and she can stop buying it. 

But she kept on buying. 

Yes… I miss her…

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Place, Travel

Asian Dinner, yet International

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s hot; I felt lazy to cook tonight. 

My friends gave me these canned and frozen food. 

These are pratha (Malaysian product, nice and butterly), Thai Green Curry (surprisingly this is a made in Japan product) and chili tuna (Malaysian products, interestingly tuna fish is spicy).

I was lacking vegetable fibers so I thought I should add a seaweed miso soup. 


I bought this package at Kamaishi, Iwate which contains dried wakame and tororo seaweed, shrimp, etc. 


With this, I don’t need to cook stock; I cook these with hot water and add miso paste. 

I also bought this miso paste at Shin Hanamaki, Iwate. 


One of major industries for Iwate prefecture is agriculture. 

I enjoyed their fresh seafood, meat products, dairy products and vegetables while traveling there last May. 

The area was hit by the Great Eastern Earthquake and Kamaishi area was wiped off by Tsunami on 11 March 2011; but Iwate people are kind and tough. 

I received their warm smiles and hospitality. 

I buy their products to support them. 

Posted in Daily Life, Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Tokyo

Seasonal Tradition: Sumida River Fireworks

Posted on by sonokotchi

Mom visited me and she brought her homemade cooking.

We had a late lunch together and opened a bottle of Moët.

 Ummmmm, it was nice. 
After lunch, we took a nap. hahaha 

We woke up at 7 pm; it was already dark.  Ahhhh

On every 4th Saturday of July, about 20,000 fireworks go up on Sumida River. 

I went to Sumida River to watch it few times. 

I enjoyed watching it from the bottom of fireworks and listened to the sound.  

Today, we watched it on TV.  hahaha


We call out old fireworks’ business name when fireworks go up. 

Tamayaaaaaa 

This is seasonal, too. 

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Travel

Scandinavian Dinner @ Lilla Dalarna

Posted on by sonokotchi

We (Mom and I) enjoyed Danish and Swedish beers, salad, assorted sausages (including reindeer sausage) and favorite meatballs with mountain berries.

We talked about our recent trip to Scandinavian countries and discussed about our next trip.

After dinner, I enjoyed mint green tea at home.


This is Denish tea.

It’s nice and I can brew tea in the bag!

They are so innovative and fashionable!!

I love traveling!