Category: Hotel

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Tokyo, Travel

Business Trip to Wakayama (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I was frustrated because I could not post my blog: Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 4).

I tried to post again and again but I still failed.

I thought I should post in order so I took a break since then.

I will try to post about my Trip to Bulgaria and Romania when I find time to redo.

Today, I decide to restart my blog.

It is nice to share a small happiness that I find in every day life.

Today, I came to Wakayama to participate in a workshop and forum.

It’s about 4 hours journey by train from Tokyo.

I took a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka then changed to Tokkyu Kuroshio (Express Kuroshio).

This is my first time to try Tokkyu Kuroshio.

Seats are comfortable.

There is one seater seat.

It took one hour to reach Wakayama from Shin-Osaka.

We visited tourism office, market and historical display area.

Then checked in at Daiwa Roynet Hotels Wakayama.

Yeah, I’ve got a Castle view!

We even walked to the castle.

It was a nice walk.

After visiting the temple, I had nice Japanese dinner with my boss.

Posted in Art, Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Hotel, International Culture, Music, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today is the main day of this trip: Rose Festival.

We are scheduled to leave hotel for Kazanlak at 6:45 am; as such, I took a quick breakfast at 5:30 am then Sayonara Plovdiv.

Bulgaria has rich soil so the country’s self efficiency is high.

Bulgaria imports food only during winter.

I can see many farms at the road side.

Kazanlak is famous for production of poppy, lavender and rose.

This is lavender farm, looks nice in purple.

The type of Rose suited for extracting rose oil is Damask Rose.

Bulgarian believes Damask Rose was brought by Thracians.

On the other hand, some claim Damask Rose was brought by Turkish/Ottoman.

This theory is also supported because production of rose oil was industrialized during Ottoman Empire.

Rose requires rich soil, enough sunshine and balanced humidity.

Due to above requirements, roses are commonly planted at winery grape yards to alert soil condition.

To produce 1kg of rose oil, it requires 3,000 roses; 1 drop requires 120 roses.

Once rose oil was traded equally as gold.

No wonder it’s precious.

Rose is national flower of Bulgaria.

This morning, we departed early for rose picking.

It is better to pick roses early morning to keep better/stronger fragrance.

Rose oil is commonly used as one of ingredients for major brands’ perfume to keep lasting fragrance.

Rose oil is also used as an ingredient for cosmetics because of its performance: anti-aging, antibacterial effects, moisturizing and even good for applying insect bites.

It is also used for supplement: kidney stone, constipation, etc.

When we consume rose jam, we need to be easy with it; it might force you to go to toilet often! hahaha

I bought rose oil, hand cream, jam and lokum for myself.

I can enjoy rose picking, shopping and even watching Bulgarian Folk Dance at Ethnographic Complex Damascena, Kazanlak.

Bulgarian Folk Dance and songs.

We moved to the Rose Festival Parade.

This parade started in 1903.

The total population of Kazanlak is about 50,000, but over 100 buses of tourists visit the town for Rose Festival.

They are Queen of Rose.

This parade is heart warming because it is obviously hand-made by local community.

At last, all of us (local people and tourists) dance together.

We had BBQ for lunch,

Drinks are included. Yeah!

After lunch, we visited Shipka Memorial Church, also known as Memorial Temple of the Birth of Christ.

On the way to Veliko Turnovo, we stopped by at one of parking areas to try pure water buffalo yogurt with local honey.

Both yogurt and honey are so rich and delicious that I would recommend to try it.

We arrived Veliko Turnovo and checked in at Hotel Meridian Bolyarski.

It has a tremendous view.

We had dinner at hotel restaurant.

We also enjoyed live music while eating and chatting.

We had a good time at our table.

After dinner, we went for a short walk; this town is very peaceful.

It’s been a long day.

I soaked my body to rose bath to unwind my tired body.

Good night.

Posted in Beauty, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Gadget, Hotel, Movie, Place, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Travel, World Culture

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I joined a 10 days tour package to visit Rose Festival (once in a year event) in Bulgaria and Romania.

I departed Narita Airport for Sofia, Bulgaria by Austria Air.

This is my first time traveling by Austria Air.

Austria Air started operation again after a year and 8 months absence.

Austria Air stopped the operation between Vienna and Japan because the number of Japanese tourist dropped due to active terrorist attracts in Europe then.

I quickly walked through immigration because I had shopping to do.

I usually get my supply of cosmetics at Narita Airport.

It could be cheaper to buy cosmetics in overseas duty free shops but the quality of cosmetics are better in Japan because the stores always get new supplies due to the large number of shoppers to visit the shop.

I learned this through my experiences.

I bought cream eye shadows at the overseas duty free shop but when I open it, one of them was cracked and others are firm though it’s Chanel cream eye shadows, these must be already dried.

The shop is too far to complain or ask for replacement…

This time, I get mascaras (Chanel one’s in gray. I look forward to wearing it) and nails.

I didn’t have much time to rest at the lounge, but it’s okay.

Austria Air shares the lounge with ANA so I’m already familiar with their food and facilities. hahaha

Then time to board!

The facilities are nice: thick blanket, nice headset, beverages, food, desserts, even COFFEE!

These are in a bag of amenities.

I had lamb as my main dish for dinner.

I also enjoyed Austria dessert wine (a blend of Chardonnay and Welschriesling) with cakes.!

I was amazed by the coffee; there are so many varieties.

I tried Maria Theresia: an exclusive Wiener Coffee which is black coffee with delicious orange liqueur!

I enjoyed watching movies with a nice headset and sleep on a comfortable seat.

Look what I found at the laboratory.

I found stain remover for clothing; how thoughtful they are!

I kept them in case I need them.

I had roasted chicken breast broccoli potato pepper gratin for breakfast.

I love having my breakfast with a glass of champagne. hahaha

I enjoyed my flight and safely arrived Vienna, Austria.

I still had to catch a connecting flight for Sofia, Bulgaria.

I haven’t visited Vienna yet so I will make sure to return here.

It is international flight, but it took few hours to reach Sofia, Bulgaria.

I had snacks on the flight; we can choose from either sweet and salty.

By the time we reach Sofia, it was already dark; of course, we landed at 11 pm.

We finally reach to our hotel: Hilton Sofia.

I soaked my body into a tub to relax.

It was a long day due to long journey and time zone. Zzzzzzz

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Travel

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s time to return to Tokyo.

I took a morning bath; then the last breakfast at Kanpo no Yado Kamogawa,

After breakfast, I played with niece at hotel’s children play area till I get tired.

I’ve been playing with her for three days.

She never stops playing!!! hahaha

I drove through woods, then Aqualine to reach Umihotaru (Sea Firefly) Parking Area for sightseeing and lunch.

This parking area is located on the highway Aqualine which is crossing Tokyo Bay between Kisarazu, Chiba and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

I can see Tokyo skyline on the horizon.

I had Chiiiba Don (Chiba Local Food Rice Bowl) for lunch.

I had after lunch coffee at Starbucks.

This is Chiba’s mascot charactor: Chiiiba-kun.

I couldn’t take many photos today because I was driving.

I safely arrived home and ready to go to bed early tonight.

It was a nice family gathering.

Posted in Diving, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Nature, Place, Travel

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up early at 5:30 am because we forgot to close the curtain.

I went to a morning bath; to my surprise, there are many people at 6:00 am.

Today, we plan to go to Kamogawa Sea World.

We reached at the entrance of Kamogawa Sea World. Yeah.

There are many performances by many aqua creatures.

First, watched Shachi (Killer Whales) Performance.

Great performances and splash!

Then Ashika (Sea Lion) Performance

Smile Family performed a comical play.

Then continuously watched Iruka (Dolphin) performance.

Four dolphins performed acrobatic show.

Then we took a break: lunch.

The last show: Beluga Whale Performance

They are cute!

Would I have an opportunity to swim with them?

And there are aquariums to meet many more creatures.

Yes, these are the situation that I want to swim with them!

After enjoying spending time at the Kamogawa Sea World, returned to hotel to take a bath before dinner.

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

Long Weekend @ Kamogawa, Chiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

My family organized a special Buddhist ceremony for my grand mother: 13Kaiki (13th Anniversary Special Prayer).

First, check in at Kanpo no Yado Kamogawa at Kamogawa, Chiba.

The room is not ready so I had a coffee milk at the hotel lobby.

There is a special vending machine for various milk and somehow coffee milk reminds us school days because coffee milk was served at elementary school lunch, not a chocolate milk.

Chocolate Milk such as Milo is considered baby’s drink; though, now I enjoy it.

It was sunny day and we had a nice ceremony.

After the ceremony, we went up to the room and took a bath at a large public bath before dinner.

We had local food for dinner.

We started with these…

Beef Shabu Shabu (Cook in Boiling Water)

Takenoko no Kamameshi (Bamboo Pot Rice)

And dessert.

We all watch Yonimo Kimyo Na Monogatari (Weird Stories) together.

This is the seasonal special TV programme on Fuji Television.

Posted in Beauty, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Shopping, Surprise, Tokyo, Travel, Work

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s Japanese National Holiday (Constitution Day) today, but my office was opened.

Usually, morning of Ginza Station is crowded with people, but today it was quiet.

It was a quiet day at the office as well.

The office building was closed and we were the only office opened on Golden Week Holiday season, but it was fine with me.

I enjoyed long lunch with my friend from Malaysia at Tempura Restaurant, Ginza Tenkuni.

We chatted for a while and she departed for Shibuya to join other group of friends.

At 5 pm, it’s my turn to enjoy Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa. Yeah

I already polished my nail for beach.

I quickly packed up and departed for Haneda Airport.

it’s dinner time, but food won’t be served on domestic flight.

I bought my favorite Maisen Katsu Sand (Maisen Pork Sandwich).

The packaging is cute airport version – with many airplanes!

I ate it with Aojiru (vegetable juice) at ANA’s Lounge.

After satisfying my stomach, proceeded to the gate.

It’s night flight so I could not take a sharp photo due to the reflection of the glass.

I see an airplane in strange colour.. in yellow…?

OMG, YODA greeted me at the entrance!!!

My seat is decorated in Star Wars as well!!!

I found my airplane model on inflight shopping magazine.

The cup.

Yoda is seared at one of seats like us.

I was protected by the FORCE so safely

arrived at Naha Airport.

Mensore (Welcome in Okinawa ben (dialect))

I finally reached Naha West Inn.

It’s a nice cozy room.

Oyasuminasai (Good Night)

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Health, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week in Kyoto (Day 5)

Posted on by sonokotchi

The other night, my friend introduced me Inaba Yakushi.

This temple is known for preventing cancers.

Since my family is cancer family, I could have it in my genes.

I decide to go for praying.

This temple is located conveniently nearby the hotel (Kyoto Karasuma Hotel).

At all temples and shrines, first, we need to purify ourselves by washing our hands (gargling mouth is excluded today due to the hygiene reason).

It brought peace in my mind when I saw flowers floating on water.

It’s simple action but memorable.

Then I prayed.

We returned to hotel to check out and proceeded to Kyoto Station with our luggage.

Left our luggage at coin locker (JPY 700) which is located nearby Shinkansen (bullet train) exit: Hachijo Exit.

Then we took JR Abiko Line to Ohtsu Station.

Went to Enjo Ji (Enjo Temple) or commonly known as Mitsui Dera (Mitsui Temple).

There are many places to visit and pray in the premises.

Shaka-Do (Buddha Temple)

The area is so green and large; I enjoyed walking the premises.

I hit the Kane (bell) to bring peace to ancestors.

Kane weights 2 tons.

At Kindo, we could prey to three special Buddhas at the period of 28 April to 20 May 2018.

I’m blessed.

Akai Ya (Holy Water House)

Today, this temple is commonly called Mitsui Dera; based on its Chinese characters, it means Three Wells.

However, it originally meant Holy Well (Mii).

The water from this well is offered to Buddhas.

The dragon was engraved by Hidari Jingoro to calm Biwako (Biwa Lake).

I can see fresh water welling out.

There are many more to visit and pray.

Benkei Sho (Benkei’s Bell)

There is an interesting omikuji (fortune slip).

This is the instruction.

Pick a bell shaped fortune slip from a pot; float on water to read the number that appears on it; go back to the shop to get the numbered slip to get fortune/advise/lessons.

I pulled No. 42; it’s Kichi (good fortune).

Issai Kyozo (Storage for Sutras)

Some Japanese movies are taking here.

I can understand that because the premises are well kept.

I walked through its gate and looked back;

it looks nice.

Even from the path way.

There is a small paths.

There is even a half ruined bridge.

According to the map, I’m still half way.

Bimyoji (Bimyo Temple)

Shuho Kannon (Goddess of Mercy for People)

There are still many more to visit and pray.

Finally reaching to Mitsui Dera Kannon Do (Mitsui Temple’s Goddess of Mercy Temple/the Main Temple).

We need to climb these stairs.

Hondo (the Main Temple)

We could meet the special Buddha today.

The temple has a nice Japanese garden.

There are many more to visit and pray in the area of Hondo.

Noh Butai (Noh Dance Stage)

Hyakutai Kannon Do (the temple for 100 Goddess of Mercy through out Japan)

Shoroh (House for Bell)

Mani Guruma (Prayer Wheel)

If you turn a stone once, it means you recite sutra once.

We can take a break overlooking Biwako (Biwa Lake: Japan’s largest lake)

Finally, the last place: Suikanji (Suikan Temple)

It was a nice day to walk through the temple.

It’s cooler compared to Kyoto because the wind from Biwako lower the temperature.

I took a train back to Kyoto to catch Shinkansen back home (Tokyo).

We had Lundi (Lunch and Dinner) at Japanese Restaurant Kurama, Kyoto Station.

Though I stayed at the hotel in Kyoto, I visited Shiga (Ishiyama City twice and Otsu City once) three times and Hyogo (Akashi City) once.

For next trip, I will plan to visit temples in Kyoto.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had these for breakfast.

I, again, visited Ishiyama, Shiga this morning

to visit Ishiyama Dera (Ishiyama Temple).

It’s guarded by Nioh (guardians).

It’s Spring so Temple is so green.

Walked through old aged stone for fun.

On the way to Hondo (the main temple), there are many temples to visit and pray.

Daishi Do (Kobo Great Buddhist Priest Temple)

When I look up from here…I see…

At Hondo (the Main Temple), I prayed to Nyoirin Kannon (Goddess).

After visiting Hondo, there are still many places to visit.

And the path are beautifully decorated by azalea.

This is the map of Ishiyama Temple.

You can see that there are many places to visit in the premises.

We are half way now.

We continued walking down the path.

Then we reached Kodo (Light Temple)

The door for this temple is opened specially from 28 April – 20 May 2018, allowing us to meet three special Buddha.

We are so lucky to be here today.

The first Japanese lady love story writer, Murasaki Shikibu used to visit this temple to get inspirations to write Genji Monogatari (Mr. Genji’s Story).

There is Kanro Daki (Kanro Fall).

And nice Shobu En (iris garden).

I cannot enter, but there is a path to the sacred place looking mysterious.

There is a holy stone.

According to the signage, it says Ooyuya, meaning a big bath…?

I also prayed to the very important God: Daikokuten (God of Wealth).

At last I prayed to Kinryu Ryuoh (Golden Dragon King) for preventing bad luck and bringing good luck.

After visiting Ishiyama Temple, we took a breath at tea room, Kanou Shojuan, to enjoy Ishimochi (stone rice cakes).

Ishimochi presents strong stone foundation of this temple, wishing for prevention of bad luck and establishment of strong tie.

These are delicious.

I had dinner appointment with my old Kyoto friend.

She took me to a nice Japanese restaurant Izama at Mitsui Garden Hotel Shinmachi Bettei, Kyoto.

I absolutely enjoyed food, drink and chatting!

Kyoto Local Beer (Dark Beer)

Three Types of Kyoto Local Sake

After dinner, I went to Bar Islay Mojito with her to continue girl’s talk without Mom. hehehe

Posted in Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Took a train to Ishiyama Eki (Ishiyama Station) to participate in a special Buddhist ceremony at the temple in Shiga.

I love listening to Buddhist sutra reciting; and also participating to recite it.

The peaceful moment brings me clam and peace.

After participation in a special prayer, visited Iwamadera (Iwama Temple), Ishiyama, Shiga.

First, I hit the bell.

Please take note that you cannot hit it on the way back; you will bring bad luck instead.

If you forget to do it, it’s okay.

This is not the must.

There is Bokefuji Kannon (Goodness for senile dementia prevention) at this temple.

There is also Shirahime Ryujin (White Princess Dragon Goddess) for beauty.

The temple is located on the mountain.

Then I proceeded to Hondo (main temple).

Hondo (Main Temple)

There is a small beautiful pond next to the Hondo.

The famous Japanese poet, Matsuo Basho, composed a poet.

Furuikeya Kawazu Tobikomu Mizuno Oto

(Old Pond, a Flog Jumped, Sound of Splash)

Then there is also Fudo Do (Fudo Temple).

Fudomyoo is God of Fire.

He can burn all bad luck!

There is also Inazuma Ryuo Sha (Shrine for Lightning Dragon).

This God will prevent us from lightening and fire.

And there is also Taishi Do, Temple for Kobo Daishi (Kobo Buddhist Priest).

There is a resting room; you should take a rest here to meet more Gods and Eight Great Priests.

After dropping souvenirs at the hotel room, went out to buy tomorrow’s breakfast.

On the way to the bakery shop, stopped by at the Yojiya cosmetics shop located inside of hotel.

Yojiya was the specialized cosmetics manufacturer for Geisha.

Today, Yojiya also produces cosmetics for general consumers like me.

I bought UV protection loose powder in white.

I have sensitive skin so I want to avoid wearing UV protection cream by wearing a hat and THIS!

Then walked down to LAQUE to buy breads and cut pineapple for breakfast.

We arrived late last night and were active today.

We decided to have dinner at Japanese Restaurant Irifune at the hotel.

I enjoyed nice Kyoto food and Kyoto Sake Heiangu with Mom.