I received a package from my friend in Kobe.
My friend sent me frozen beef croquettes!
In Japan, domestic frozen and chilled courier service are available.
We can enjoy local specialties anytime.
Yammy!!!
Category: Friends
Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) Party@Satindoll, Nakameguro
Two weeks ago, I was here to enjoy gorgeous Sakura viewing at Megurogawa (Meguro River).
Today, Somei Yoshino is almost over.
But Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossom) are in the season.
Yes, I managed to Ohanami tonight.
I joined a gathering at Satindoll, Nakamegro.
I enjoyed Being with friends and eating delicious handmade food.
Master is a professional saxophonist and Mama san is a great chef.
They always welcome us with a warm hospitality.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy food, drink and music, this is the place!
Short Trip to Osaka and Kyoto (Day 2)
I had a very interesting day.
We took a Trokko (mountain train) to enjoy Saga • Arashiyama Mountain View.
After this train ride, we will be on that boat to enjoy river cruise.
Next, Hozugawa Kudari (Hozu River Cruise).
A boat will cruise through a rocky and rapid stream.
We waved at Torokko (mountain train) – we were on that train earlier… and…
Normal JR Line, Sanin Line from a boat.
This 1 hour 45 mins journey is so scenic.
Most of trees are Sakura trees in this photo and there are many Sakura trees at river bank.
Wheather Agency already announced Kyoto is Sakura season; however, the recent sudden temperature drop delayed Sakura blooming greatly.
I could viewed Few Sakuras in Kyoto.
I thought we planned to visit Kyoto at the perfect timing, unfortunately, I missed it by a week.
At the end of the river cruise journey, we reached to another famous sightseeing spot, Togetsukyo (Togetsu Bridge).
We enjoyed Kyoto Lunch, Yudofu (Boiled Tofu) there.
After lunch, we returned to city by a train, Randen (Ranzan Line).
Now I’m on the way back to Tokyo by Shinkansen (Bullet Train).
I have visited Kyoto few times, but this is my first time to ride on Torokko, Hozugawa Kudari and Randen.
I tried many different rides in a day and visited a new area of Kyoto; this trip became so memorable for me.
Short to Trip to Osaka and Kyoto
My friends bought a JR Pass to get unlimited access to JR train.
It is advisable to get this pass if you plan to visit many places in Japan.
We planed to visit Osaka and Kyoto this weekend!
It’s sweet to have a Coffee break on bullet train.
First, we visited Osaka.
We went to Dotonbori, Osaka for lunch.
We can find many casual dining places in Dotonbori.
We decided to dine at Genkizushi, Dotonbori, Osaka because varieties of food are served: sushi, soba/udon, tempura, obento (set menu), etc.
I had a steak and steak only. hahaha
After lunch, we shopped at Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.
It’s fun to hop in and hop out shops.
I bought two pairs of eyeglasses which cut 38% of blue light for heavy user of PC and mobile and 60% suitable for night, especially, before bed time.
I’m trying 60% now and my eyes are not hurt.
I recommend to buy J!NS SCREEN.
It’s functional and reasonable, JPY 3,000 each.
I saw few Pablo cheese cake shop and at this restaurant, line was short!
We decided to get one for dessert after dinner.
We took a Shinkansen to reach Kyoto (15 mins).
We went to dinner after checked in at hotel.
Kyoto Style Tempra Yasaka Endo.
Let’s get ready!
Kyoto Style means using unique ingredients and cotton seed oil, instead of sesame oil in Tokyo.
After dinner, walked in Gion area and visited Yasaka Shrine.
I love visiting Osaka and Kyoto.
I would love to come back again!
It’s just unfortunate that Sakura is yet to bloom.
Soon Kyoto would be beautiful decorated by Sakura.
Momotaro Sushi
We went to the same sushi restaurant, Momotaro Sushi tonight.
This sushi restaurant hasn’t change, still maintain its freshness and high quality.
I shouldn’t take rice, but I don’t care.
I want to make my friends happy by taking them to their favorite restaurant.
They look happy when they eat sushi.
Staffs know us because we are every night!
We’ll be back next Friday!
The Best Medicine: Laugh
I’ve been busy lately because it is end of Japanese fiscal year and also end of 1st Quarter.
I have many deadlines by tomorrow.
I try to finish them soonest possible because I want to leave office at 5 o’clock sharp.
My good friends are in town!
They always make me laugh.
With no exception, I laughed through tonight!
I suppose not to take any rice, but since they love sushi, we went to their favorite sushi restaurant for dinner.
I believe laughing is the best medicine.
I also need to take care of feelinng, so I think I can be excused from dieting tonight (and few days).
School Reunion
School reunion was organized at the school.
Instantly, we were all brought back to school days.
We haven’t seen each other for years, but we all laughed through the event.
We walked around the school with sentimental feelings.
It was so nice to see old friends and TEACHERS.
Our bond is there and precious.
Omotenashi (Japanese Hospitality)
I had dinner with my old friends from Malaysia.
We enjoyed Robata Yaki (grilled) in Shinjuku.
We haven’t met for years so we laughed throughout dinner, sharing good memories.
We were asked for last order; we said we are fine.
Then light went out.
I thought there is a problem with the light, worried.
Then a lady who has been serving our table neared to us with a welcoming plate.
It’s simple, but touching.
This is my first time posting a photo that I didn’t take.
We were all feeling overwhelmed.
I didn’t want to spoil the moment so I asked my friend to share a photo with me.
All of us are overwhelmed by this.
I am so proud to show my friends Japanese warm hospitality: OMOTENASHI.
The chemistry was right: good friends, good food and good moment.
It is a wonderful night.
Detoxing
I was off line for a while.
It wasn’t my will but I detoxed this weekend, both physically and digitally.
I had good days and bad days and bad days eventually forced me to detox.
Last week, I was busy with good days.
Weekend: I went to Wakayama Prefecture to visit temples and enjoy being in nature – ocean, waterfall and mountains & trees.
Monday: I went to gym.
Tuesday: I went to an ear doctor for check up – nothing is wrong, I can go for more diving!
Wednesday: I went to body work.
Thursday: I went to see physical trainer.
Friday: I had girls’ night. We had so much fun so we had a little too much of red wine.
Saturday: I had a hangover and I slept through a day.
Sunday: I was feeling better, but I felt tired and slept through another day.
Monday: It is a Japanese national holiday (Spring Equinox Day); therefore, my office is closed. I finally woke up and be active: doing laundry, cleaning room, even went to beauty salon to get my hair done.
Since I slept through Saturday and Sunday, I didn’t eat and I open SNS.
I was forced to detox; but I feel fresh.
My body is lighter (lost few kg over weekend) and my mind is lighter (didn’t care about message – I only noticed I received few today).
It’s difficult to detox for me because I don’t have a strong will.
It is a perfect timing to change my diet – eating meat and vegetables only.
Let’s see how it works.
I will share more about it after getting result on me.
Surprise Gift: Yoku Moku
My friend gave me a gift.
Yoku Moku is a famous Japanese confectionery maker and their confectioneries are delicious!
This is a special gift edition and these are in specially designed box – so sweet.
In Japan, we call 14 March, White Day.
Japanese commercial sector is so clever.
Japanese chocolate manufacturers set the trend and culture for girls to send a chocolate to express her feeling on 14 February.
To boost purchasing power in Japan, Japanese retailers created White Day (14 March) for boys to return an appreciation for chocolate.
These gift packages are now consumed by young ladies to reward themselves.
Perhaps, this is why we can still find cute packaged products.
sonokotchi 