Category: Mt. Fuji

Posted in Art, Cooking, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Work

Akemashiteomedetogozaimasu (A Happy New Year)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I worked till 31 December 2019 on New Year’s Eve.

It was so quiet in Ginza.

I could be only one working in my office building.

Even Japanese government office close from 28 December – 3 January to celebrate New Year.

My boss called and allowed me to leave earlier; I left happily at 2:45 pm.

I was feeling sentimental looking at last sunset of 2019.

I went to pick up my niece.

The road was clear so there was no traffic.

I wanted to surprise her so I decorated her room with balloons while she was taking a bath.

I succeeded it!

She was so excited!

I also took a bath to welcome new year freshly.

We ate soba (buckwheat noodle) for tradition, wishing for a long life like soba.

It turned midnight…we greeted Akemashite omedetogozaimasu and A Happy New Year then popped a party cracker!

We all got excited for a while and went to bed at 1:30 am.

I woke up lazily on Gantan (New Year Day).

Most of shops and restaurants closed today.

We ate Osechi (New Year Dishes) for brunch.

Each dish has a meaning.

For example, Kurikintoki which is made by sweet potato and its colour in gold means wishing to have gold (richness), etc, etc.

And Ozoni (chicken, vegetables and mochi/rice cake in soup)

After brunch, we paid a visit to our family shrine, Tenso Jinja (Tenso Shrine) for New Year prayer.

I wrote my wish on Ema (Wish Designed Board) and I used this picture for my New Year Greeting eCard.

We had a break after returned from the shrine.

Niece and I made Monaka.

We fill Anko (sweet bean paste) on monakanokawa (monaka shell/wafer).

We can adjust the amount of anko.

There are ume (plum) and fukuro (owl) shapes.

Based on astronomy, I believe nothing much of difference from yesterday’s; however, it is the first sunset on New Year’s Day.

I look forward for more adventures in 2020!

Akemashiteomedetogozaimasu!

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Friends, Golf, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Christmas Golf

Posted on by sonokotchi

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.

Posted in Choco-chan, Cooking, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Mt. Fuji, Restaurants, Shopping, Tokyo

Saturday Quest

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up at 6 am.

Poor Choco, he couldn’t have his morning walk because I had a list of quests for organizing a birthday for my friend today.

– Clean

– Decorate rooms for Halloween

– Cook lunch

It was a challenging day because I had a dentist appointment at 9:30 am in Roppongi so I had few hours to complete the above.

Furthermore, I also had chiropractics/massage appointment at 11:30 am – 12:50 pm in Ebisu.

My friends are scheduled to arrive at 1:30 pm.

Between dentist and chiropractic/massage appointment, I had 45 mins gap.

I decided to have a break at Starbucks by using a complementary ticket which I received it when I purchase a tumbler.

I had a Halloween Red Night Frappuccino.

This time, I learned that it’s difficult to enjoy Frappuccino by this thin tumbler.

I struggle to mix the flavors and to get white chocolate brownies. hahaha

After I finish my chiropractics/massage, I quickly returned home to receive friends at 1:30 pm.

I prep lunch so that I can cook to serve warm food when I receive them.

We sang birthday song and enjoyed a cake from Ogawaken Shimbashi • Meguro.

It was a lovely day.

I took Choco for a long walk in the evening.

Posted in Art, Beauty, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Kyoto (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had sushi at Sushi Train Kantaro at Tokyo Station before departing for Kyoto.

I can take a plate freely from sushi train or order through the digital order system.

When it’s ready, it will arrive on the truck above.

We had many sushi.

Now I’m ready to depart for Kyoto by Shinkansen.

I had my dessert, seasonal ice cream/mango ice cream, and coffee, on the Shinkansen.

Typhoon 6 is approaching; therefore, there is no sign of Mt. Fuji today.

I’m glad that I’ve safely arrived Kyoto without any delay.

I like Japanese traditional things and started shopping at Kyoto Station: Kyoto Souvenir Shop Iwai.

Finally, I checked in at our usual hotel in Kyoto, Kyoto Century Hotel and went out for shopping at JR Kyoto Isetan, Kyoto Station.

I know I should shop in Tokyo because no much of difference.

However, when I’m in Tokyo, I always have something to do and I could not find time for no plan shopping.

Usually. the department store welcomes us with cosmetics.

I love the colour that was available last year – one of Les 4 Ombrés series.

I’ve been hunting for it or similar colour and I learned that popular cosmetics can run out fast.

True enough I get one product that is only one left.

I’ve got samples for Lifting!

I shall try them!

I continued shopping for clothes.

I had so much fun shopping and window shopping.

The store closed at 8 pm so we had no choice but stop shopping.

We had Kyoto cuisine at Manju, Underground Shopping Area Porta, Kyoto Station.

Kyoto Craft Beer

And Kyoto Seasonal Set.

We enjoyed a slow walk back to hotel after dinner by looking at Kyoto Iconic Buildings.

Kyoto Station, Central Exit.

Kyoto Tower

I love visiting Kyoto and I never get board!

Posted in Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Movie, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Place, Travel

Trip to Australia (Day 6)

Posted on by sonokotchi

There is an itinerary for Day 6 for Trip to Australia: returning to Tokyo by JL 774.

One day is used as follows:

Departing Melbourne at 0:05 hrs by JL 774

Arriving Tokyo at 9:05 hrs.

If this is official tour programme, I should enjoy my journey.

I like the design of amenity bag.

JAL collaborated with Tatsumura Textile Co Ltd (Kyoto).

The crane is corporate logo for JAL and it is a good luck charm for Japanese culture.

I like the design!

I have my UNIQLO down jacket but I prefer to use their cardigan which is soft and warm.

Sayonara Melbourne.

Sayonara Australia.

My seat/bed was made to make my flight comfortable.

I comfortably watched the movie: the Mule.

While watching the movie, the supper was served.

After hours, I asked for Jangara Ramen.

Yes, the flight serves Jangara that I like.

However, it wasn’t porky enough but satisfactory as inflight meal.

Wow, there is a corporate logo on the soup spoon.

After hours, breakfast was served before landing.

I decided to have Japanese for breakfast.

I requested a cup of coffee because soon I will drive back to house.

I can see clearly that we are approaching Narita Airport.

Boo boo, landed…

It was a fun trip.

I had good laughs with tour mates and I managed to reach to the summit of Ayers Rock.

I hope you enjoyed reading my post on reaching to the summit of Ayers Rock on Day 3 of Trip to Australia.

I should consider planning to go to Mt. Fuji.

Hummmm

Posted in Art, Beauty, Exercise, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Japanese Culture, Mt. Fuji, Place, Tokyo

Total Beautifying Day

Posted on by sonokotchi

I went to spa for facial, body and hair.

I had a head massage as birthday of the month special.

It’s nice and I might ask it again.

There was a surprise.

A beautician must have heard of my stomach making noise.

She brought me some sandwich as birthday of the month girl special.

So sweet of her.

I’m going there to beautify myself; simultaneously meeting my friends for chit chatting.

In the afternoon, I went to gym.

Instead of stretching or exercising, my trainer massage me to balance my body.

According to him, my body is overworked.

True enough, I fell sleep while he was massaging me.

Thanks to him, I’ve gained some energy.

In the evening, I met up with Dad.

We visited Hokusai Updated to admire Hokusai’s Ukiyoe (woodblock paints) at Mori Arts Center Gallery, Roppongi Hills Tower 52F.

I like his Mt. Fuji series.

I had luxury of standing in front of Red Fuji and Big Wave to admire quietly.

There are many foreigners from different countries.

It indicates his arts are also popular among foreigners.

The museum is located on 52 Floor; therefore, the view from the floor is breathtaking.

It’s very scenic.

I didn’t have time to visit the observatory area; perhaps, next time.

I beautify completely — face, body, hair and heart — today.

Satisfactory day… fufufu

Posted in Choco-chan, Experience, Feelings, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Tokyo

Sleeping with Choco

Posted on by sonokotchi

Typhoon was passing Tokyo area last night and the strong wind was making loud noise hitting windows.

I could see Choco was uneasy so I decided to sleep with him.

My bed is yet to be delivered so I brought cushions of couch.

I thought I could calm him down if he could see me from his cage.

He looked happy seeing them lying on the floor.

When I asked him to go to “House”, he looked at me innocently as if he doesn’t understand me.

He might not understand my command, but he usually goes in understanding it’s his bed time.

I asked him to go to “house” for a while and I gave up.

I asked him to go to pee and poo at his toilet tray in the cage and he kept his promise.

I was woken up few times by noise of wind, but he was quietly playing with his toy at the edge of my comforter.

He wasn’t afraid of noise; he looked happy instead.

When I woke up this morning, it was nice and sunny.

Today, the temperature is expected to reach 32C.

Just 4 days ago, the temperature was low as 17C.

The weather has been crazy in Tokyo. Sigh

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Place, Sunrise and Sunset, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Northern Japan’s Three Greatest Summer Festival (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I took a Tohoku Shinkansen, Yamabiko 43, operated by JR Higashi Nihon (JR East Japan) for Morioka this morning.

There is a train map.

It is common that two Shinkansen runs till Sendai Station then disconnected to become two Shinkansen lines.

Shinkansen is heading north; the place for Japan’s major rice production.

I had a lunch box on the Shinkansen.

Ta-dah

More rice field.

We arrived Morioka Station and look!

There are many buses for tourists!

We headed for Aomori by bus.

We stopped at Tsugaru Service Area for a break.

We can take a good view of Iwaki-san (Mt. Iwaki) that is also called: Tsugaru (Tsugaru is old name of this area) Fuji.

Isn’t it look beautiful as Mt. Fuji!

First, we checked in at Ryokan (Japanese Inn), Asamushi Sakura Kanko Hotel because Nebuta Matsui (Nabuta Festival) starts 7 pm so that we have to have an early dinner at 4 pm.

The room is in old fashioned.

There is a Fusuma (Sliding Door), I opened then…

A view from a room is also nice.

We relaxed at the room, then had a dinner at 4 pm so that we could leave at 4:50 pm.

I also had a Wakame Men (seaweed noodle)

And dessert: coffee jelly.

Dinner was very delicious.

These food are made of fresh ingredients!

Then we left Ryokan for Aomori: Nebuta Matsuri.

There are bankers for Nebuta at ASPM (Aomori Sightseeing Products Mansion).

Then we moved to our seats for watching the Nebuta Matsuri.

The parade started.

The origin of Nebuta is the lantern festival.

The decoration became unique so craftspeople started to present.

That’s how this Summer Festival began.

They will turn it, spin it and bow it!

There is a group of Hayashi (musicians), making rhythm.

Haneto (Jumpers) – anybody can rent a formal wear to join jumping.

There are cute ones.

Chocobo…? Final Fantasy…?

Even from small, they turn Nebuta.

There are so many people to enjoy the moment together.

After enjoying it for about an hour and half to returned to Ryokan.

Futon is ready.

And I found a supper on the table…?

Onigiri (rice balls) for supper.

After satisfying my stomach, then I took Onsen (hot Spring) for my relaxation.

We are staying at Asamushi Onsen (Asamushi Hot Spring).

Water is cleared and nice.

My skin is smooth and moist!

Posted in Feelings, Japan Technology, Mt. Fuji, Place, Tokyo, Work

IREX 2017: International Robot Exhibition 2017

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, I attended IREX Special Guided Tour at Tokyo Big Sight.

There are many robots that Japanese companies can offer in the field of industry/manufacturing, nursing care/welfare/medical care, agriculture, forestry and fisheries/food, infrastructure, education and even entertainment.

I was also invited to International Reception to enjoy Japanese dance performance and food.

And I even received a nice souvenir, a pair of Japanese sake glasses in shape of Mt. Fuji (ordinary and Red Fuji).

How nice!

I enjoyed a day!