Posted in Cooking, Feelings, Gadget, Japanese Food

Made Gyoza (Dumplings) with Toshiba Ishigama Dome

I bought this in January 2013.

This is hard working multitasking one.

It heats it up like a microwave, bakes it like a oven, grills like a griller, steams like a steamer.

I used to bake cakes, cookies, etc. with this but now I simply use it for heating up.

I was hungry after returning from a bodywork.

I quickly made gyoza/dumplings (1. cut cabbage & lotus, 2. minced pork, 3. added soy sauce, sesame oil, cooking sake, ground ginger & garlic, 4. make shape) and steamed as many dumplings as I could.

These are delicious!

I couldn’t stop with 6; I ate 10.

These are home-made gyoza and I added vegetables; not that sinful…right…?

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 9 (Last Day)

Today is the last day and still need to visit 11 temples to complete.

My favorite ice cream was served as breakfast. Yeah!

No. 11 Fujiidera (Fujii Temple)

Unfortunately, it was raining.

Mummmm it was cold and difficult to conduct the ritual.



There is a gorgeous dragon drawn on the ceiling.



No. 10 Kiriharaji (Kirihara Temple)

Started the count down…


No. 9 Horinji (Horin Temple)


There are so many people trying to reserve space under the roof to practice. 


No. 8 Kumadaniji (Kunadani Temple)




I thought these guardians look strong!


No. 7 Jurakuji (Juraku Temple)

The gate is called Ryugu Mon (Ryugu Gate).

Ryugu is a kingdom in the ocean.

I think this gate is cute. 




No. 6 Anrakuji (Anraku Temple)


The garden is beautiful.



Today, this temple provides hot spring here.

I wish I had time to dip.

Perhaps, next time…


No. 5 Jizoji (Jizo Temple)



This temple’s Daishido is nicely decorated; so sophisticated.



I ate a local (Tokushima’s) snack at a car. 

This is chikuwa (fish cake/surimi) on a bamboo.

A bamboo gives nice flavor and aroma.


No. 4 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)



A bowl of hot Udon noodle warmed my body. Yammy!


No. 3 Konsenji (Konsen Temple)



Another well to check my reflection.

I can see myself! Yeah!!!


No. 2 Gokurakuji (Gokuraku Temple)



This is a carrying Buddha; making a wish while carrying Buddha.


Buddha’s foot print.


Splash Fumyodo-oh (Acala) to make a wish.


No. 1 Ryozenji (Ryozen Temple)


The last temple.

I was overwhelmed; I started crying.

I felt calm and peace; the place is gorgeous and holly.

I completed…


I completed…time to go back to my ordinary life, but I won’t be the same.

I learned many things through this trip.

I enjoyed an obento (packed meal) on Shinkansen (bullet train) back home.



I’m grateful that I could conduct this exercise.

Yes, I would like to conduct this exercise again!!

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 8

Again food is fresh and enjoyed very much. 


The estimated time for sun rise was 6:45 am on that day, but we departed hotel at 6:30 am.

Sun was about to rise….


Sun rose while driving for a temple.

I felt so blessed when I saw sun rising: calm and peaceful.

No. 23 Yakuoji (Yakuo Temple)


We believe that at the age of 33 for women and 42 for men is unlucky age that we need to be careful.

It is good to be careful all the time, but I think this is believed because this is the age that our body system change that require attention.

Or we could blame on a bad year.

When climbing stairs, we place money every steps for offering.

There are two sets of stairs, one for women (33 stairs) and men (42 stairs).



No. 22 Byodoji (Byodo Temple)


This rope is connected to Buddha. 

It’s very nice of a temple to arrange this rope to reach the entrance. 
People who have difficulties to walk can be blessed at the entrance by holding this rope.

The ceiling is nicely decorated.


No. 21 Tairyuji (Tairyu Temple)

We need to take a ropeway because the temple is located on the mountain (618 m high).



Tairyuji Station




It’s so beautiful and air is fresh; I wanted to walk around the area, but needed to catch the next ropeway down. 

Instead of walking, I was running to the station. hahaha


No. 20 Kakurinji (Kakurin Temple)

The symbol of this temple is a pair of cranes.

Two cranes was protecting a small statue of Golden Buddha.



A Statue of Golden Buddha was protected at this Japanese cedar by cranes here.


These trees were planted by Kobo Daishi.


No. 19 Tatsueji (Tatsue Temple)



Unfortunately, it cannot be seen in the photo, but there is a bunch of thick long hair.

This temple serves as a checkpoint as well.

If you commit bads, you cannot pass through this checkpoint.

When a lady named Okyo who cheated her husband tried to walk through this temple (checkpoint), her hair suddenly extended stopping her to walk through.

I could walk freely…that means I am okay…right?


That’s a scary story, but the temple itself is beautiful.


No. 18 Onzanji (Onzan Temple)

Originally, this temple prohibited women to enter.

However, when Kobo Daishi’s mother visited him, he conducted hard ascetic practices to lift the ban so that he could meet Mother.

Today, I (female) have no problem entering.




Lunch Time!!

Had a lunch at a self service restaurant.

There are varieties of food (fried, grilled, noodles, curry, etc.) that we can pick a plate.

Again, delicious!


No. 17 Idoji (Ido Temple)



The temple’s name IDO means a well.

There is a water well in the temple.

If you can see yourself when you look into a well, you are okay.

If you cannot see your reflection, something bad will happen to you in three years…

Yes! I could see myself; I’m safe!

No. 16 Kannonji (Kannon Temple)


No. 15 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)

There are four prefectures in Shikoku region/island.

Kokubunji is located in every prefecture.

As such, this is the fourth Kokubunji that I visited.


The Main Temple is under reconstruction.


I prayed at the temporary main temple.


No. 14 Jorakuji (Joraku Temple)

This is the only temple worshipping Mirokubosatsu (Maitreya) among 88 temples.




This is Araragi (Japanese Yew Tree) Daishi.

This tree is about 10 m high.

This Daishi is good for diabetes and eyes.


Can you see Daishi? 


No. 13 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)

This temple is situated along a road.



No. 12 Shosanji (Shosan Temple)


Greeted very well. fufufu






Today, I visited 11 temples.

Checked-in at Tokushima Tokyu Rei Hotel.



I felt cold so it was nice to have a hot pot for dinner. 

Winter, it is a hot pot season as well.

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7 Part 2

No. 30 Zenrakuji (Zenraku Temple)


Umemi Jizo (Stone Buddha) for head problems. 

I don’t want to become dementia. 


No. 29 Kokubunji (Kokubun Temple)



This temple has a nice garden.

Moss is nice and GREEN!


No. 28 Dainichiji (Dainichi Temple)



Lunch time!

A bowl of boiled whitebait.


Dessert was a homemade sweet potato; very natural.


Very peaceful…


No. 27 Konomineji (Konomine Temple)


No. 26 Kongochoji (Kongocho Temple)



Rubbed to prevent any cancers.


No. 25 Tsushoji (Tsusho Temple)


Needed to climbed-up…



The temple is located on a hill that can overlook the ocean.

How nice!


 No. 24 Hotsumisakiji (Hotsumisaki Temple)

Entered from the back.


One Wish Stone Buddha 

The Main Temple is surrounded by many nice constructions.


Sunstarted setting…the moment is so beautiful…

Proceeded to Mikurodo where Kobo Daishi practised.

While looking at the sky and ocean, Kobo Daishi decided to use the name Kukai.



Checked in at Hotel Riviera Shishikui in Shishikura Onsen (hot spring).

I like a tatami mat room and love an onsen!

Onsen water is slimy…you need to try it to understand what I mean.



Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 7

A Christmas tree decorates the entrance of the Crown Palais New Hankyu Kochi.


Again, enjoyed local food buffet breakfast♪


No. 34 Tanemaji (Tanema Temple)

It feels good to start a day early.

I was at Tanemaji at 7:10 am. hahaha



No. 33 Sekkeiji (Sekkei Temple)


Finally facing Pacific Ocean.


No. 32 Zenjibuji (Zenjibu Temple)


Nice view from here.


No. 31 Chikurinji (Chikurin Tempe)

The direct translation of name of temple is Bomboo Forest.

Yes, moss is so beautiful and green.





Sorry, I need to catch up with my sleep. 

I will continue tomorrow.

By the way, guess what I had for lunch today.

My friend invited me for a bowl of Jakoten Udon at the Ehime Prefecture’s satellite shop in Tokyo.

I think I had enough for Jakoten noodle. Hahaha

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 6 (Second 1/2)

Sorry, I was too tired yesterday and I was literally forced to shut down; no more energy to stay awake.

I will continue from later half of Day 6.

Kochi Prefecture is famous for bonito fish.

I enjoyed Katsuo no Tataki (bonito sashimi) with two different sauce: ponzu (soy sauce with yuzu citrus) and shiodare (salty sauce).

 

I also enjoyed a Katsuo burger (bonito burger); surprisingly very delicious!


Melon Soda


No. 37 Iwamotoji (Iwamoto Temple)

I continued visiting temples.



The ceiling is nice, but what Marilyn Monroe doing here…!?


No. 36 Shoryuji (Shoryu Temple)




No. 35 Kiyotakiji (Kiyotaki Temple)


At the bottom of Yakushinyorai (Bhaisajyaguru/Buddha of Healing), there is a maze in dark).

It was scary because I couldn’t see anything. 


This was the last temple of the day.

I had time to enjoy Sun setting as well.

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

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 5

Ate breakfast quickly to start “Day 5”.


No. 48 Sairinji (Sairin Temple)

Arrived the temple at 7:20 am.

I felt good because air is fresh and nobody was at the temple, quiet and peaceful.



There is an Enmado (Temple Hall Dedicated to Enma (Yama)).

This is very practical, I prayed for three together!

Left: Dainichinyorai (Mahavairocana), Center: Kobo Daishi, Right: Fudomyo-oh (Acala Naatha).


This Jizo (Ksitigarbha) brings happiness!


No. 47 Yasakaji (Yasaka Temple)

The ceiling of gate is beautiful.




At this hall, I walked through Hell and Heaven; I want to go to heaven….


At outside of the temple, Fudomyo-oh, await us.

When I find a string like this, I should hold it because God is holding the other end; I’ll be connected!!!


No. 46 Joruriji (Joruri Temple)


These are Buddha’s foot prints.

I took off my shoes and stepped on them with my feet! 


No. 45 Iwayaji (Iwaya Temple)

This temple is tough one.

Climbed up a steep slope for 20 mins, but scenery is nice and so refleshing!




Many Gods greeted me, encouraging!



Finally, I arrived!


On the way back, I noticed I missed many Gods on the way up.

Entered a cave (there is no light inside; need to use a candle) to meet Fudomyo-oh.


Fudomyo-oh on the mountain.


Lunch time!!!

I learned that Shikoku people eat large portion.

I shared this one set of soba and katsudon (fried breaded pork with egg) with Mom.
One portion lunch is enough for two adults!

No. 44 Daihoji (Daiho Temple)




I forgot to take a photo of gate because I was busy looking at a rainbow fuda (wish paper).

Wow, to get qualified to use this rainbow coloured wish paper, a person needs to conduct the Shikoku Pilgrimage (again, one Pilgrimage requires to visit 88 temples) 100 times and more!!!


I quickly took a photo of the gate from a car. hahaha


No. 43 Meisekiji (Meiseki Temple)



There are many cute animals on the ceiling!


No. 42 Butsumokuji (Butsumoku Temple)



No. 41 Ryukoji (Ryuko Temple)

The last temple of the day.

Today, we finished early because it will take an hour by car to reach next temple.



Checked in at Hotel Clement Uwajima.



Enjoyed local food for dinner.


40 more temples…Oyasuminasai 

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pilgrimage: Day 4 (Hotel)

App keeps on crushing…why…?

I want to amend my blog, but I keep on failing….

I notice many spelling and grammar mistakes and sorry about it.

Hopefully, you still enjoy my blog.

The system crushed again; therefore I couldn’t finish today’s blog.

Tonight, I checked in at Matsuyama Tokyu Rei Hotel.


This hotel is nicely located near to the shopping arcade area: Okaido.


I could easy walk to a nice local food restaurant: Nagasaka.

I’m full and tired…Oyasuminasai

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

The Shikoku Pligrimage: Day 3

Ohayo Setonaikai (Seto Island Sea)!


I could see the Seto Ohashi (Seto Big Bridge) at the horizons.

I ate breakfast quickly because I didn’t have much time before departure.


No. 71 Iyadaniji (Iyadani Temple)

This temple is located on the top of the mountain.

It’s nice in Autumn color…





I had to exercise in the morning. 

There are so many steep stairs and each step is high.

It was like climbing a mountain!


On the way to the main temple, Stone Buddhas greet us.


The Main Temple


This temple is unique, Kobo Daishi is enshrined in the cave.

I wasn’t allowed to take a photo so you need to visit yourself.


No. 70 Motoyamaji (Motoyama Temple)


The Main Temple


Unfortunately,  Goju no To (Pagoda) was under reconstruction.


No. 69 Kannonji (Kannon Temple)

Kannonji and Jinnein is just next to each other; therefore sharing the same gate.


In the early morning, there are so many people to pray.

The Main Temple


No. 68 Jinnein (Jinne Temple)

The main temple for Jinnein is very modern.


Yes, this is a temple and inside is beautiful.


We can also admire the nice Japanese garden or should I say it a landscape…?




No. 67 Daikoji (Daiko Temple)

Kongo Rikishi (Two Guardians) will receive us at the gate.




These gaurdians are sculptures by a famous sculptor of Bhuddist images, Unkei.

The Main Temple


No. 66 Unpenji (Unpen Temple)

To reach Unpenji, we need to take a rooeway.






Officially we supposed to pray at the Main Temple first, then continue at the Daishido where Kobo Daishi is enshrined.

However, we started from Daishi because another group also arrived there by the same ropeway.

This Daishido is unique because there is a nice Daishido, even large, but Kobo Daishi is enshrined at the smaller house at the behind of the big and gorgeous building.

This is the main temple


There is an eggplant shape stone that will make wish come true.

Walk through the hole; sit then pray.


Yesterday, I introduced a beaded circle can replace reciting a sutra.

At this temple, I found tubes to turn replacing reciting the sutra.


Lunch break


No. 65 Sankakuji (Sankaku Temple)

The Main Temple 


This is the reason we call this temple Sankakuji, direct translation “Triangle Temple”.



The pond is shape of a triangle.

No. 64 Maegamiji (Maegami Temple)

Why it’s in red…?

Does water contain some minerals such as iron…?


The Main Temple


No. 63 Kichijoji (Kichijo Temple)


The Main Temple

This is the only temple among 88 to worship the Vaisravana.


No.62 Hojuji (Hoju Temple)


The Main Temple


No. 61 Koonji (Koon Temple)


This is another modern temple.

The Main Temple and the Daishido are both located inside of this BUILDING.



Koyasu Daishido (Kobo Daishi holding a baby)


Today I prayed at 11 temples.

When Sun sets, temples close.

Time to go to hotel.

Checked in at Yunosato Komachi Onsen Shikokuya.


There is no bath in a room because there is a public onsen (hot spring).

It’s nice to dip in onsen to refresh, especially after climbing many stairs!

Before enjoying an onsen, I enjoyed local food