Category: Japanese Food

Posted in Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Japanese Food

A Special Day

Posted on by sonokotchi

I feel so loved

I received birthday wishes from Japan and overseas.

I received special cattleya named Golden Queen Sonoko under my name.

Birthday presents in person and via post: Japanese traditional sweets and relaxation goods.

Today, it means more than a birthday for me- a special day.

Posted in Cooking, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food

Unique Oseibo (Year-End Gift)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I received local specialised ramen for year end gift.

There are 2 packs each for three different ramen: Maezawa-Gyu (Maezawa Beef) Ramen, Hakkinton (Hakkinn Pork) and Sanma (Pacific Saury Fish) Ramen.

I had Maezawa-Gyu Ramen for dinner 🤣

Now I started Instagram and Twitter.

Please follow me at….

Instagram: @sonokotchi

Twitter: @sonokotchi

Posted in Art, Beauty, Driving, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Music, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Peaceful Town: Matsuzaka, Nishi-Izu

Posted on by sonokotchi

I immediately line this town.

Crab on the street.

Foot Bath

Old fashion building with Namako Kabe (Sea Cucumber Wall).

Nice dinner at Shinsai Kuon.

Be careful with Wasabi Edamame (Wasabi young Soy Beans). It really hit you.

All others are also nice.

There was an antique cashier that can work today.

There is a traditional post.

And this is my BGM for a night.

It’s not far from Tokyo; It takes 3:30 hrs.

It’s worth coming

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo

Setsubun was 2 February in 2021

Posted on by sonokotchi

Usually, Setsubun, New Year on Japanese old calendar, is on 3 February.

I learned this year that the Setsubun can be on different day due to the Sun calendar.

The previous Setsubun on 2 February was 124 years ago.

Luckily, I didn’t miss it this year.

We wish for good luck by throwing soy beans to attack bad luck (represented by Oni: demon) and make space for inviting good luck.

AND

We eat an Ehomaki (direct translation is good luck direction roll).

We eat a long sushi while facing this year’s good luck direction (this year, it is South South East) to pray for a good luck.

This tradition is originated in West Japan.

Today, people in Tokyo also practice.

Who doesn’t want to welcome good luck?

There were so many varieties of Ehomaki at the supermarket, Precce Roppongi.

It was difficult for me to chose.

I enjoyed following Japanese tradition at home.

Wishing for good luck: Peace, Health, Love, Happiness and Fun.

Ow I’m greedy.

Posted in Art, Daily Life, Feelings, Flower, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Tokyo, Work

Earlier New Year Celebration Ending

Posted on by sonokotchi

Town was quietly celebrating New Year

Kagami Mochi (Layers of Rounded Rice Cakes)
Kadomatsu (Bamboos at the Entrance)
Close Up of Kadomatsu

Usually we decorate these New Year decorations till 15 January.

However, I saw some were taken away this morning.

Tonight, Japanese government announced the State of Emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama and China effective 8 January – 7 February 2021.

We are in high alert now; perhaps, some building owners were concerned engaging staffs to take away New Year decorations at later date.

COVID has been taking away celebrations from us.

Hopefully we can enjoy Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) this spring.

Japanese government encourages us to stay home and work from home.

Unfortunately, as at 23:30 hrs Japan time, I am yet to hear an announcement from my boss allowing us to work from home tomorrow.

I brought back office laptop and others to prepare for working from home; but I need to bring them back. Hummmm

Posted in Art, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Toranomon Hills, Toranomon, Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

The first Toranomon Hills (Tower) was opened on 11 June 2014.

This is my first visit to Toranomon Hills.

Therefore, this is my first to meet Toranomon.

The second tower, Toranomon Hills Business Tower, was recently opened on 11 June 2020 and there would be additional two Toranomon Hills tower for residential and station by 2022.

I went to Toranomon Yokocho where 26 restaurants are located in a block or one floor.

We hopped restraints to enjoy few dishes.

We had pork skewers at Torishige.

Torishige

There is a distiller for gin: Sake Shokudo Toranomon Joryusho (Liquor Restaurant Toranomon Distiller.

I had Mojito, and

Gifu Lavender Gin

If you want to have varieties of bites; this would be a place.

She is a great guide!

She also took me to one of iconic public arts: 10 m high sculpture “Roots” by Jaume Plensa.

Arigato!