Category: Nature

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 Diving, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Friends, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Hammerhead Sharks at Mikomoto

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s a season and I had a free Saturday.

I caught an early Shinkansen (bullet train) to go down Mikomoto, Izu Shimoda, Shizuoka.

It’s such a nice day!

I overheard conversation of others and learned that we can view Izu Islands from train window.

At the window, there are shapes of islands that we expect to see from the window.

Could this be Ooshima?

Miyakejima?

8:50 am sharp, I arrived Izu Shimoda Station.

Today, I could see Hammerheads!!!

Big Yeah!!!

At the first dive of today, I saw one but very close by.

At second dive, I saw 6-7 Hammerheads in a group, picture is not clear to identify hammerheads.

For lunch, we went to a beach house.

It was nice and peaceful between two dives as if I were at vacation.

We celebrated at Izakata (Japanese pub) at Izu Shimoda Station to celebrate watching Hammerhead Sharks today.

This time, no stay over; going back to Tokyo.

Though I managed to see Hammerhead sharks not for singular for singular but plural, but now I become more greedy…I want more clear and more more more Hammerhead sharks!!!

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Nature, Surprise, Tokyo

Snake in Roppongi???

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today I safely returned from Bulgaria and Romania.

I had to catch up on my sleep during the trip so I took a break; I will upload ASAP.

Well, I had to report a shocking event happened today day.

When I arrived my apartment, there were a couple standing at the entrance, looking concerned.

According to them, there is a SNAKE!

SNAKE IN ROPPONGI…?

Soon police arrived and… wow…THERE IS A GIANT SNAKE!!!

How could it be in Roppongi???

There aren’t any jungle, but concrete jungles only.!!!

We think it’s a pet, escaped from the cage.

Hummmm

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Nature, Place, River, Shop, Shopping, Travel, World Culture

Trip to Bulgaria and Romania (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I started my day with a nice simple buffet breakfast.

Ingredients are indeed fresh to enhance a breakfast.

We departed hotel for Rila Monastery.

It is about two hours away from Sofia; therefore, we stopped few places before we reached there.

Rila Mountains

The area is famous for production of cherries.

We stopped at SMALL cherry shop to buy local delicacy.

We also stopped at small town to look for nests of storks.

In Japan, we believe a stork brings a baby to a family and I was told that in Bulgaria, a stork is also a symbol of good luck.

I could see a head of storks at chimneys; how cute!

Then we reached Rila Monastery; it is located over 1000 m from the sea level and opened by Saint Ivan about 960 years ago.

This monastery is the largest and most significant Monastery in Balkan Peninsular.

We are welcomed by Saint Gabriel, Jessica and Saint Michael at the gate.

There was a fire in 19th century to burn all down except the stone tower.

Those days, 500 people served at Rila Monastery, today there are only eight.

Rila Monastery is equipped with 300 bed rooms, a wine cellar, bakery, cheese factory, vegetable farms, kitchen and even library.

Rila Monastery survived during Turkish Yoke by paying taxes because they earned income by selling wine, reads and cheese.

There is a cute little post office.

Wow, this place has everything within the premises.

First, we visited the museum to learn more about the history of Rila Monastery and beautiful crafts of Eastern Orthodox.

This is the tower that survived from a fire in 19th century.

We went outside from another entrance to take a look of Rila River.

Rila means lilac in Bulgarian, but for Rila Monastery, it means the source of water.

Rila River

The Virgin Mary’s Church.

The church is nicely decorated by frescoes.

With no exception, these beautiful frescoes made the monastery famous.

There are significant frescoes.

For example, the judgement day: there is a door to the heaven and a path to the hell.

I found the Virgin Mary and her son (Jeasus).

I had trout for lunch at the river side restaurant.

I had my trout with Bulgarian local beer and cherry juice.

A bottle of Rila Water was provided to each of us so I happily took it back for my own consumption!

Again, food is simple, but I enjoy its simple ness.

After lunch, we visited another UNESCO World Heritage: Boyana Church (1979).

The first section was built in 11th century; the second extension was built in 13th century; the last (third) section was built in 19th century.

We can see the period clearly from the side of church.

The door to enter into church is made by wood (surface) and steel (inner) in 14th century though the building was built in 19th century.

The entrance is small to make us naturally humble to bow before entering.

Boyana Church became famous because of frescoes – so emotional.

It is very unfortunate that I won’t be able to share how beautiful these frescos are.

This was the last sightseeing spot of the day.

We returned hotel for dinner.

We enjoyed buffet dinner at the terrace.

After good laughs, time to hit bed!

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 Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Surprise, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, it’s a sightseeing day.

We rent a car from Times Parking.

Once become a member, we can rent a car by our requested hours at the nearest Times Parking.

First, we went to Yoshinoya for breakfast.

I ordered a normal Gyudon (Beef Bowl) to compare it from Tokyo one’s.

Hummmm, it tastes the same.

Last night, uchina (Okinawan) recommended us to visit Gyokusendo (Cave) at the Sushi Restaurant Hagama Zushi.

Gyokusendo is located at the Okinawa World.

To my surprise, it’s a huge park, comprehensive Okinawa cultural park.

We started with Gyokusendo, the cave.

It’s a huge cave.

Ao no Izumi (Blue Fountain)

Ogon no Sakazuki (Golden Sake Cup)

There is a natural eel!

He swam slowly occupying the place to himself.

We exited the cave at the other side of park.

We walk through many parks back to the entrance/exit.

There is Ryukyu (Okinawan) glass park.

We can make crafts or simply enjoy shopping.

I shopped Ryukyu Glass Chopsticks holders here.

There are many cafe as well.

I enjoyed Uchina Zenzai (Okinawan Style Bean Ice Shave), shekwasha (citrus) juice and a bite of vanilla Blue Seal ice cream.

There are many more shops and cafe to enjoy.

This is Okinawa Style Traditional House.

This is Okinawa’s traditional costume.

I also tried Okinawa’s Buku Buku Cha (Foam Tea).

I need to chew the foam to prevent from choking.

This is my first experience to chew the tea. hahaha

I also watched Eisa (Okinawa Dance).

Another big event at this park is Habu Snake (poisonous snake found in Okinawa) vs mongoose.

Mongoose catches Habu; however, Animal Welfare Society protested to stop the fight.

Today, we cannot watch the fight.

They race to swim faster.

Mongoose won. hahaha

You will watch and even can touch many snakes here.

After enjoying this huge park, I went to walk on Shuri Kinjo-cho Ishidatami Michi (Shuri-Kinjo Town Stone Pavement).

It’s normal residential area, but I felt like I’m walking at the different time zone.

Luckily I walked down this slope.

It’s time to return to Tokyo.

Sayonara Shisa (Okinawa’s Lion/Guardians)

It’s the last day of Golden Week Holiday; therefore, all flights are sold out!!! Wow!!!

Had dinner at Kirin Bar also planning about next trip to Okinawa if any. hahaha

Sayonara Okinawa for now; look forward to visiting here again.

Posted in Diving, Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, we went to Kerama Shoto (Islands) area by this boat.

It takes one hour to reach diving points.

The first point: Kuroshima Kita (Kuroshima North).

We enjoyed landscapes; there are many corals (hard, soft and fan), crevasses, cracks and fish in cracks.

Kasago (Rockfish/Scorpion Fish)

I took a photo of boat from ocean.

The second point Kamigu.

Again enjoyed landscapes.

Reminded me of Oolong Channel, Palau.

Small Umiushi (Sea Slug).

Nimo! Kakure Kumanomi (Crown Fish)

I had lunch on the boat.

Then last dive in Okinawa at Jizuru.

We again enjoyed the landscapes.

HoshidaKaragai (Tiger Cowrie)

And there are many fish at the crack.

There are few Umiushi.

Kakure Kumanomi

At last, meeting a turtle.

On the way back to Tomari Port, we are lucky to watch Naha Hurley (Dragon Boat Race) 2018 from the boat.

I had a good look of it because I didn’t have to worry about people in front of me

For dinner, first, we went to Korean BBQ Roins, Naha, Okinawa.

Then we went to Hagama Zushi, too.

I enjoyed too much of Awamori (Okinawa’s strong rice distilled liquor).

I went to bed at 9 pm. hahaha

Posted in Diving, Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Gadget, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Tokyo, Travel

Golden Week Holiday in Okinawa (Day2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Yeah, this is my first Okinawa dive!!!

Today, went to Onnason, Okinawa.

We took a boat to the first point: Dream Hole.

I haven’t dived since last September in Palau; it means I’m so-called blank diver???

I wished I had some time to get familiar with diving before entering to a cave.

I had to enter the cave from a small hole…

Nonetheless, I managed to enter/drop through a small hole to dive narrow path.

When I see an iseebi (lobster), I finally could control buoyancy a bit.

Then a narrow path led me to…Pikachu!!!

So cute!!!

We also dived through Pikachu.

There are many corals and fish.

Kasago (Scorpion Fish)

Next point was Cross Line.

I managed to see famous heart shaped back anemone fish: Touaka Kumanomi (Toe Red Anemone Fish.

They are so lovely!!!

I also see a rare fish: Kaeru Anko (Frogfish).

Yes, his eyes look like Frog! hehehe

Close look.

We also dived through a channel.

Then met Nimo: Kakure Kumanomi (Crownfish)!

They are cute.

We took lunch break at Kinchichi Soba.

This soba is not typical Okinawa Style Soba, very unique in tsukemen (dipping) style.

We ordered extra porks for additional topping.

After we finished noodles, we asked for soup to add in sauce to enjoy sauce as a soup.

The last point: Overhead Rock.

We enjoyed landscape here, too.

We dived through crevasse.

This is my first time to use GoPro.

It didn’t function right or I operated wrongly.

I saw Pygmy Sea Horse and took few photos; but these photos are not in my camera. Ahhhh

Hopefully, I operate it right tomorrow.

For dinner, went to Jack’s Steak House Okinawa.

I had Orion (Okinawa’s Local Beer) and Tender Lion Steak Medium Rare.

Now I better study about GoPro and sleep early. hummm

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.