Congratulations Hideki Matsuyama!
THE FIRST JAPANESE MASTERS CHAMPION!
HIDEKI MATSUYAMA: THE FIRST JAPANESE MASTERS CHAMPION
Category: Golf
Christmas Golf
My friend arranged Christmas Golf at Satsuki Golf Club Kanuma Course.
I caught 6:50 am subway for Kita Senju Station to catch Tobu Express Kegon 5 (Departing Kita Senju Station at 7:42am); this train reaches far as Nikko, a nice UNESCO heritage place.
The uniqueness of this train is it’s entrance is located at platform of other line.
I enjoyed peaceful Winter views from the window.
There are many ducks.
Mountains with snow.
I even spotted Mt. Fuji!
Mountains can be seen clear and closer.
Kegon 5
The club bus will wait for us at Shin Kanuma Station.
We checked in at the club and got ready.
Today, we can drive in the cart in the course; yeah, we can save energy!
It was nice weather, sunshine without cold wind.
I enjoyed the first half; then I had a Genghis Khan, Mongolian Style mutton BBQ for lunch.
I played okay for a player who hasn’t played for nearly two years (Score: 95).
After the game, we quickly took a bath to catch a club bus back to Shin Kanuma Station.
We went to our usual place, Micchan for after game party and Bonenkai (Year End Gathering).
We wanted to continue chatting, eating and drinking but we had a train to catch.
We continued on the train.
We even stopped at Kita Senju Station to further continued.
I had a good laugh with my friends so I could conclude that my Christmas was ver Merry.
Practice at Jingu Golf Driving Range
My friend is organizing Christmas Golf on Christmas Day.
I haven’t hit a ball for nearly two years.
I was worried whether I can still hit a ball.
I went to Jingu Golf Driving Range for practice.
I hit 72 balls wishing for a par game. hahaha
Shopping Weekend
Yesterday, on Saturday, 9 March 2019, I went to Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, Tokyo to buy golf shirts and a hat for my friend in overseas.
To my surprise, these golf wears by Leonard Sports Paris are mainly produced for Japan market and only available in few areas in Asia.
It was fun shopping on behalf. hahaha
On Sunday, 10 March 2019, I went to Osaka to meet my friend from Malaysia.
I hopped on Shinkansen (bullet train) in the morning and went to Osaka.
We met up at Nanba and had our lunch.
We walked Dotonbori area and decided to have grilled seafood at Isomaru Suisan Dotonbori, Osaka.
Perhaps, I looked helpless; it was so nice having someone cooking for us!
We had a big lunch but no worries; we started walking for shopping!
We took few selfie at Dotonbori (Dotonbori River), Osaka.
We continued shopping at Shinsaibashi Suji Shotemgai (Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade).
We stopped at Daiso (100 yen shop), 3Coins+Plus (300 yen shop), etc.
There are many foreign tourists to shop; therefore, the choice of products, especially for Japanese Souvenirs are good and many!
Starbucks is popular among us.
Many beautiful seasonal Sakura designed tumblers and cups are available.
I checked the merchandise before in Tokyo.
There are many choices like shown in below photos.
But when we visited the first Starbucks of today, there are only few Sakura design merchandises available.
Other designs are all sold out at that shop.
I became panic because I wanted to get one for my dear friend.
We looked for other Starbucks – Starbucks Shinsaibashi BIG, America Mura (American Village), Shinsaibashi, Osaka – and found the design that she wants.
Luckily, I found it!
Today, merchants finish fast because the purchasing power of foreign tourists is so great.
I was in panic so I bought it, though I’m in Osaka.
Then made me wanting to have one for myself so that we can be twins. hehehe
Starbucks became a great shopping place for us.
Time was running out for me; I had to catch the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
But we had another destination for shopping: Daimaru Department Store Shinsaibashi, Osaka.
My friend wanted to get something nice for her bosses who fought for her so that she can take this training programme in Osaka.
It’s so sweet of her.
But time is ticking…I helped her to decide souvenirs but I ran out time to accompany her to get tax refund.
Japan is safe and systematic.
I guided her and left for Shin-Osaka Eki (Shin Osaka Station) to catch my Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
I managed to reach Shin-Osaka to catch my Shinkansen.
I’m heading back to Tokyo.
I had a good time with my friend.
We laughed and exercised well.
You know women don’t mind to walk around and around the store.
I needed a crazy fun like this to get a break.
7 December 2018
I assisted photo shootings of product, superfood Granola, at Tokyo Gas Shiodome Cooking Studio, Shiodome, Tokyo.
We moved to Prince Hotel Karuizawa for the meeting with the Chief Chef of the area hotel to recommend serving Superfood Granola for the hotel breakfast.
The hotel, Prince Hotel Karuizawa, will host G20 summit in 2019.
This would be a great opportunity to introduce the product globally.
We had our lunch on the Shinkansen (bullet train) on the way to Karuizawa, Gunma.
Many foreign tourists visit Karuizawa for golfing, skiing and shopping at Mitsui Outlet Karuizawa.
The Chef waited for us to serve special menu using Superfood Granola.
What a nice surprise!
These were so good.
I wish we could stay longer, perhaps, staying at the hotel for the holiday.
Meeting After Meeting
I am assisting an instant noodle manufacturer to penetrate Japanese market.
Their products are all natural so food tasting session with potential buyers are fun.
To my surprise, each buyers have different feedback towards the products.
We can all learn from their feedback to improve the product.
At night, I had dinner @ Italian Restaurant Papa Milano, Nihonbashi, Tokyo with my golf friend.
Yes, I agree we need to plan golf!
Cheers!
Golf @ Ichihara Keikyu Country Club, Ichihara, Chiba
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!!!
Kasumidai Country Club, Tsukuba Course, Ibaraki
It had been raining, but rain stopped today.
According to the weather forecast, it will rain again tomorrow.
I’m so lucky to play a golf on the sunny day between rainy days.
On the way to the golf course, it was foggy.
But when we arrived at the Kasumidai Cluntry Club, it was sunny and nice.
The course is nice, but my skill for putting was off today.
I couldn’t win any prize today. Boo Hoo
But it’s nice being a woman; I get a nice pack of coffee as a ladies’ participation award.
It was nice to meet golf mates that I missed playing with.
Kasumidai Country Club, Tsukuba Course is highly recommended.
I would love to play here again!
Detoxing in Kyoto
I had a long weekend because I took a day off on Friday and our office is closed on Monday: Japanese National Holiday, Sports and Health Day.
I decided to come to Kyoto.
Kyoto is popular sightseeing place for Japanese and foreign tourists; therefore, Shinkansen (bullet train) is full.
I listened to the announcement that the Shinkansen is full and all seats are taken.
I managed to get few last seats.
First, I went to Chinese Restaurant: Marushin Hansen for lunch.
This restaurant is famous for Gyoza (fried dumplings) and Tenshinhan (rice with egg).
Then went to foot massage at Shion, Kyoto Station.
I felt so good because my body was exhausted!
When you arrive Kyoto Station early and don’t know what to do, you can go for a quick massage, quick as 15 mins and they are good!
Checked in at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hachijo Guchi, Kyoto.
It’s conveniently near to Kyoto Station, Subway Kujo Station and Bus Stop.
I had Chanko Nabe (put anything into soup/pot) for dinner.
There are varieties of mashroom (autumn seasonal vegetable), vegetables, pork, chicken, beef, oyster, ise ebi (lobster) and udon noodle.
After dinner, I listened to Tsugaru Jamisen (Japanese guitar).
It’s so powerful!
The next day, I played golf at King’s Road Golf Course.
I started with breakfast because we left hotel early.
We couldn’t get a golf course in Kyoto; therefore, we crossed two prefectures and went to Hyogo Prefecture to play. hahaha
But there is no regret because it’s a nice course to play.
Some trees already changed colour…
I had a Japanese traditional spaghetti, Neapolitan, for lunch.
This is one of Japanese modified western food.
After a game, returned to Kyoto and went to Gion Negiyaki Kana Higashi Ten (Higashi Store), Gion, Kyoto for dinner.
The restaurant is nice and cozy with a traditional Teppan (grill plate).
However, I didn’t enjoy food…
These are typical Kansai Food (Osaka Food); therefore, I can enjoy these at other restaurants.
However, if you want to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s nice.
If you are new to Negiyaki (Japanese pizza or shall I call it, pancake? with Negi (leeks), it’s okay.
It’s also economical.
I woke up late on Monday and got ready to go out.
I had seasonal tendon (tempura bowl) at Fushimi Tenpura Oe, Fushimi, Kyoto for brunch.
I want to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
Today, it’s a popular place for Instgram, known for Sen-bon Torii (1,000 red shrine gates) and the place could be crowded.
By the way, I need to warn you; you should wear a pair of comfortable shoes to climb up stairs to go up to the summit.
It’s a good exercise.
It’s hot today so I sweat a lot; but I feel better after exercising and praying at many shrines.
I feel detoxed!
It’s proven I’m detoxed because I pulled Daikichi (the luckiest) for omikujo (fortune tell).
Holy Waterfall
After a good exercise and pray, I had early dinner, Oinari (fried tofu with marinated rice) at Omiya, Fushimi, Kyoto.
It’s simple, but delicious.
I purchased a Shinkansen ticket online.
Central Japan Railway Company introduced a new service allowing to purchase a Shinkansen ticket online by registering IC train or subway card and credit card.
I don’t need to queue on a line to purchase a ticket.
That’s great!
However, again, Shinkansen is packed so I can reserve only one hour later Shinkansen.
I didn’t have a green tea during this Kyoto trip so I went to Japanese traditional sweet manufacturer, Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s cafe: Irodori, Kyoto Station for green tea and Anmitsu (Japanese traditional dessert – Jelly).
I very much enjoyed this time’s sudden and short trip to Kyoto.
I feel refleshed!
Business Trip to Nagoya (Digest)
I wanted to upload every night; but I couldn’t…simply because I was tired.
My counterpart and also a friend joined this mission so we worked hard and enjoyed hard in Nagoya.
We continued our night chatting in my room till late because we miss each other.
She is an efficient officer and became friend since last October.
Since then, she came in May this year and September.
We had few projects working together.
Nagoya Kanko Hotel is a nice hotel.
Breakfast menu is the same; but I didnt mind getting the same thing because food quality is good.
Attended workshops, seminars, business meetings and networking.
I’m with friends so it was fun to attend all programme together.
As a part of programmes, I visited factories.
Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any photos there; therefore, I cannot share anything with you, but I could say two factories are well advancedand, sophisticated and automated.
They are Toyota (automobile: Prius) and Hoden Seimitsu Kako Kenkyujo (HSK: aerospace engine parts).
I could take photos at Toyota Museum only.
Newly launched car: Hilux
Racing cars
And a robot to play music.
We also maximized our time after the programme.
Celebrating friend’s Birthday together.
Went out for dinner.
Nagoya local delicacy: Hitsumabushi.
We can eat eel in three different ways: 1. Eat as it is, 2. Add condiments such as Negi (Japanese leeks) and wasabi, 3. Add soup and seaweed to 2.
Grilled Seafood
Even Indian Food
Shopping at Donki (Don Quijote) @ Sakai, Nagoya.
And Japanese traditional shopping arcades: Oosu, Nagoya.
On Saturday, before we returned for Tokyo, I played golf at Golf 5 Yokkaichi Golf Course @ Yokkaichi, Mie.
The course is located one hour away from Nagoya and the play fee is reasonable for weekends: about JPY 13,000 inclusive breakfast and lunch.
This was planed during my stay; therefore, I had to buy golf shoes, glove and balls.
We can overlook Yokkaichi City from the club house.
It was a day to play a game.
It’s been hectic two weeks, working without break – not even weekends; but I enjoyed it.
I strongly believe that I could complete these projects because my friends and also colleagues from overseas helped me greatly, including moral support.
Today, I’ve been lazy.
I miss my bed and stayed till the appointment time for hair salon.
I got massage for head and shoulders which I needed at this moment.
sonokotchi 