Category: Japanese Food

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel

Weekend in Kyoto (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I took Kintetsu Line to go to Tojo (East Temple) Station.


Toji Station is one stop away from Kyoto Station.


This is the main gate of Toji (East Temple). 

Toji was established by Kanmu Tennoh (Emperor Kanmu) in 796.

Saga Tennoh (Emperor Saga) bestowed Toji to Kukai (Japanese Buddhist) in 823.

There was Saiji (West Temple) then.

Saiji was managed by the government (emperor); but the government couldn’t afford to maintain the temple at the time.

On the other hand, believers of Shingon Sect keeps good care of Toji.


Toji is equally important as Headquarters of Shingon Sect: Koyasan (Mt. Koya).



This temple was originally established by Emperor so we can find the Emperor’s Emblem: Kikuno Gomon (Chrysanthemum).


Kodo (Auditorium)

There is a Dainichi Nyorai (Sun of Buddha) and many more Buddha statues. 

I sat in front of Dainichi Nyorai to enjoy quiet and peaceful moment.


Kondo (Golden Hall/Main Hall)

This temple’s principal Buddha is Yakushinyorai (Healing Buddha).

I also sat in front of Yakushinyorai to be healed.

Toji is famous for Gojyu no To (Five-Stories Pagoda).


It’s autumn so trees start changing colour.





I found a nice bamboo art.

It makes nice sound when rain drops hit them.


There is Yashimaden (Shrine) in the Toji.

This Shrine was established before Toji; therefore, this Shrine remained at the original place as a part of Toji.


It continues raining heavily so went back to Kyoto Station for lunch.

I had Kyoto cuisine at Restaurant Kurama, Kyoto Station.


At last, I enjoyed a Hojicha (roasted tea) parfait at my favorite Tsuruya Yoshinobu Cafe, Irodori, Kyoto Station.



Now I’m on the way back to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet train).



But now Shinkansen stopped and parked before Nagoya Station due to heavy rain in Shizuoka.

Typhoon 22 is approaching Japan.

This is my first experience to be stacked in Shinkansen.

I’m fine because Shinkansen is equipped with an outlet to charge my mobile at my seat and toilets!

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel

Weekend in Kyoto (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I left hotel early to attend the Buddhist ceremony.


Hotel is conveniently near to Subway Karasuma Line Karasuma Station.



It’s only two stations away from JR Kyoto Station to catch JR Biwako Line for Ishiyama Station.




This is my first experience to attend Gomataki (Special Buddhist Ceremony for Prayer).

I’m honored and blessed to be invited to the event.

I suffered during the ceremony because I sat Seiza (Japanese traditional way to sit by folding leds).

My legs became numb…but it was worth it.

After returned to hotel, checked in again.

Kyoto is a popular place for Japanese and foreign tourists; therefore, we couldn’t stay in the same room due to hotel reservation status.

But it’s fine with us because we could enjoy two types of room during my Kyoto stay.

Tonight, we are staying at Japanese style room.




We had Kyoto cuisine at Irifune, Karasuma Kyoto Hotel, Kyoto.

Mom and I enjoyed chatting over Kyoto Japanese Sake, Kagura.

I was full and I like window shopping; we went out for walk.

Kyoto is a nice city for walk, just simply for walking.

Posted in Art, Family, Feelings, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shopping, Tokyo, Travel

Weekend in Kyoto

Posted on by sonokotchi

Mom asked me to join her to Kyoto.

I love to visit Kyoto; of course, I accepted her invitation

After office, I went to Tokyo Station to meet Mom and catch a Shinkansen (Bullet Train).

Tokyo Station is crowded around 6 pm with people rushing back home after business and going out of city for pleasure like me.


After 2 hours and 15 minutes journey, I arrived Kyoto Station.


I had nothing to look for; but I stopped by a sourvenir shop at Kyoto Shinkansen platform area.

I love to admire and check Kyoto handicrafts and delicacies.

Then, checked in at Karasuma Kyoto Hotel.

I took a bath and relaxing on the bed.

Let’s explore Kyoto AGAIN!


Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Tokyo

Ordinary Monday

Posted on by sonokotchi

I anticipated heavy rain at the time of commuting due to Typhoon 21; but there was no rain, just cloudy.

My subway was working okay with a slight delay on schedule.

My morning was peaceful because my boss is taking a week off.

Nowadays, I go out for lunch to get fresh air.

I had an Ankake Udon (a thick starchy noodle) at Seigetsudo Sabo (Seigetsudo Cafe), Ginza, Tokyo.

This restaurant/cafe is operated by Japanese traditional confectionery maker; the udon is Kyoto style and has delicate taste.

The place is quiet and I enjoyed quiet moment for a while.


After work, I went to gym.

It’s a quiet Monday after Typhoon.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo

Friday Night at Kanda, Tokyo

Posted on by sonokotchi

Kanda is at downtown Tokyo.

There are many restaurants with history and uniqueness.

First, I had a Dotenabe (Oyster Claypot) at Suishin, Kanda, Tokyo.

This restaurant is a Izakaya type (casual Japanese bar restaurant.)



After this, went to Suntory Whisky Bar at Kanda, Tokyo.

This bar is an old fashion bar.


Many reserved bottles are kept in food lift. hahaha


I had few glasses of Highball (whisky and soda).


Downtown Tokyo is fun♪

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Golf, Health, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Music, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Detoxing in Kyoto

Posted on by sonokotchi

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! 


Posted in Beauty, Experience, Feelings, Food, Friends, Gadget, Golf, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Travel, Work

Business Trip to Nagoya (Digest)

Posted on by sonokotchi

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.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Restaurants, Travel

Business Trip to Nagoya (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Till yesterday, I was at Tokyo Game Show 2017, Makuhari Messe promoting digital contents; simultaneously, studying Japan digital contents market.

I enjoy doing market Survey for this industry.



This morning, I went to office with my luggage because another programme for aerospace starting today in Nagoya.


I checked in at Nagoya Kanko Hotel; my room is modern and practical.


I had a dinner meeting at Sapporo Kani Honke.

Yes, I had Hokkaido Crabs in Nagoya. hahaha



I am super tired and ready to go sleep.

My crazy friends want to go breakfast at 7:00 am. Ahhhhh

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food, Japanese Food

This Week

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s Friday and I should be parting; but, I left office 11:15 pm tonight.

This is my booster during the day.

I brew Peet’s Coffee and bring it to the office.


This is what keeps me going after 5 when I’m alone in the office: Amazon Music.


And this is my night cap: Nagano Beer – OH LA HO BEER CAPTAIN CROW


I’ve been spending my days simple these days…