Category: Place

Posted in Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Food, Place, Travel

Weekend in Hakone (Hot Spring Bath Area)

Posted on by sonokotchi

On the way to Hakone, we had a bite at Ebine Service Area.

American Dog (middle left) is innovated in Japan; it’s a nice snack, deep fried flour covered sausage (middle left).

To be honest with you, I recommend to try convenient store one. hahaha

Other snacks are pao, chashao pao (roasted pork bun), and shaomai (steamed meat dumpling).


Later, I managed to see Mt. Fuji; this is today’s Mt. Fuji♪


Then checked in at Kishu Tetsudo Hakone Gora Hotel.


Hakone is famous for hot spring area; after check-in, we dipped in a hot spring bath before dinner.

My body appreciated this dipping after participating in Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2016.



While our body were still hot, we had beer; this beer has a unique label: Hakone Sapporo Beer.

Yeah, dinner! 

And of course, we need nice sake to enjoy them: Atsukan (hot local sake, Hakoneyama).



I’ll dip again before I go to futon. fufufu


Oyasuminasai.

Posted in Feelings, Friends, Place, Surprise, Tokyo

Ariake & Odaiba Area

Posted on by sonokotchi

When I came out from Tokyo Big Sight, I heard music and saw people looking up.

Projection mapping was demonstrated ON Tokyo Big Sight.

I didn’t know about this so I wasn’t prepared.

I wish I could take a better photo to share it. Ahhhhh

I went to Odaiba for dinner.

I’ve posted photos of Odaiba few times, but I love the scenery of Tokyo from here…Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge and highrise buildings…in addition, yakatabune (Japanese traditional boats).

The wheather is nice to walk around the area.

We can spot Halloween decoration here and there.

You might seen the scenery; but don’t you think these are gorgeous?





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

Sayonara Osaka

Posted on by sonokotchi

Even though, ramen noodle is originated from China, Japan has improved it and became famous for cooking delicious Ramen.

Today, we can enjoy various local ramens in Tokyo because Tokyo is a populatied city, a population of 34-37 million in the Greater Tokyo, surely attractive for a business.

Kinryu Ramen (Golden Dragon) is famous Osaka Ramen and there aren’t any branch in Tokyo.


We can add free toppings such as garlic, green onions and spicy leek.


At the airport, we had the last Osaka dish for this trip: Takoyaki and Dashi Takoyaki (Soup Octopus Balls).


After this blog, my blog will be boring because obviously my meal will be simple…

Sayonara Osaka!

I enjoyed eating B-kyu Gurume (B Class Gourmet) and this trip is truly Kuidaore (Eating till I drop)!

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

Food Hunting in Osaka

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up by a nice cup of morning coffee which was brewed by a KEURIG coffee maker.

Coffee cartridges are made by a Japanese company, UCC Coffee.

This must be something different from overseas.


We took a subway to Nanba.


Nanba is famous for food!!


We spotted a Japanese style western food restaurant which opened in 1910.

I ordered a set of steak and their famous dried curry.

It’s definitely an unique dish.


We walked the area for exercise.

A small side street, Hozenji Yokocho, very nostalgic. 

Then there is an one coin (JPY 500) 30 mins comedian theater.

They are yet to be famous nationally.


We continued walking and arrived at the centre of Dotonbori.


This is Osaka’s symbol, Glico (logo of Japanese confectionery company).


There was a special jazz session at the river walk.


After the Jazz session, we had few more bites.

Osaka’s local snack, Tako yaki (octopus balls).

Then, Oreno (my) French and Italian.

There are many Oreno series such as Yakitori (chicken skewers), yakiniku (Korean BBQ), etc. to cater casually with inexpensive price.
Yes, I also enjoyed French and Italian casually.

After this, we had a free foot massage by trying out Phiten’s foot massage machines.

Each session is for 7 mins and we tried two machines.

First machine will make an arch for your foot and second machine will open your fingers.


For dinner (I know I kept on eating, but this is what we should do in Osaka!), we went back to the Shinsekai and same sushi restaurant, but different branch and stopped by at the same open air bar, but this time we ate oden!




Yes, I had enough eating for today…

Oyasuminasai (good night).

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

Short Trip to Osaka

Posted on by sonokotchi

It’s a long weekend for me and I have enough mileages to cover my trip to Osaka.

I had a craving for casual food (we call it B-kyu gurume, B class gourmet).

First, checked in at Tennoji Mayako Hotel.

A room is spacious and the hotel is conveniently connected to Tennoji Station.

It’s equipped with a coffee maker!

I cannot wait to enjoy a cup of morning coffee tomorrow!

We started to walk to Shinsekai (New World).

Abeno Harukas, a tallest building in Osaka.


Tsutenkaku, Osaka Tower is celebrating its 60th anniversary.


Shinsekai is about 10 mins walk from Tennoji Station.


We entered Kushikatsu Daruma restaurant; this is famous Kushikatsu (fried skewers).

We cannot dip a skewer into the sauce twice because we share the sauce.
The store will just add new sauce to it because the sauce will have a nice flavor from dipping of many kinds of skewers.


Look how much we ate!

I was full; but the area looked so happening so we continued walking…


Then stopped by for sushi…


At this sushi restaurant, we brush soy sauce on sushi!

Yes, this is my first time to brush soy sauce!


After sushi, started to walk again….

I could hear music…jazz….?

Yes, we can enjoy jazz music at a casual open bar. 


It’s nice to walk around the area with no plan.

We can find new a street, restaurant and entertainment!

 

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

Sayonara Hokkaido

Posted on by sonokotchi

Today, I started my day by visiting Toyako (Toya Lake) observatory.


At the bottom of the mountain, the weather is so nice and warm for September in Hokkaido.

Toyako is also a caldera lake like Shikotsuko (Shikotsu Lake).

Toyako area is famous for a hot spring area because Usuzan (Mt. Usu) is active as a volcano.

Showa Shinzan (Showa New Mountain) has proven that Usuzan is still active.

This 290 m high mountain is new; it was created 70 years ago in Japanese era, Showa 20 (1945).

Usuzan’s volcanic activity rose a flat wheat field into a mountain: Showa Shinzan!
I took a rooeway to take a good look at the atrio and summit of Usuzan, Showa Shinzan and Toyako.

   



On the way down, I managed to take a last look of Yoteizan and Toyako.


I don’t want to end this trip, but it’s time to return for Tokyo.

First, I took Hokuto 8 from Toya-eki (Toya Station). 



On the train, I ate  kanimeshi (crab rice) and Hokkaido apple ice cream, enjoying Hokkaido local food on a local train.


And scenery; these are photos of Konuma (Small Pond).



At Shin Hakodate Hokuto-eki (Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station), changed to Hokkaido Shinkansen (Hokkaido Bullet Train), Hayabusa 24.

On 26 March 2016, the Shinkansen (bullet train) line was extended from Aomori, main island to Hokkaido.

It runs Seikan Tunnel (tunnel between Aomori and Hakodate, Hokkaido), under ocean for 54 km in 30 mins. 


It takes only 4.5 hrs to reach Tokyo…

Usually I prefer a shorter traveling time; but for today, it means end of my Hokkaido trip and I want to enjoy longer.

Boo hoo.

I will plan to visit different areas of Hokkaido to enjoy great nature and delicious local food! 

Posted in Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, Surprise, Travel

The Windsor Hotel Toya

Posted on by sonokotchi


In 2008, Japan hosted the G8 Summit Meeting at this hotel, the Windsor Hotel Toya.

This hotel is located on the mountain so it made easy to protect VVIPs.
The hotel is overlooking Toyako (Toya Lake) and can enjoy view of Yoteizan (Mt. Yotei).

My room is facing at ocean with nice view of sunset.


Tonight, it was French and I don’t need to explain how delicious it was…a picture speaks itself.

After dinner, discovering hotel…


On the way to the hot spring bath, we looked down fireworks because the hotel is on the top of mountain, 625 m above sea level.

The hotel extended to build a hot spring bath that is why a hallway is so long to reach there; but it’s worth dipping for a good night sleep.


The next morning, I woke up and surprised to see how white it is.



Even at hot spring bath…


And breakfast…


The hotel is famous for freshly baked breads so I decided to have American breakfast.

I love to have a glass of morning champagne♪

Oh no, it’s time to say Sayonara to the Windsor Hotel Toya.

Sayonaraaaaaaaa


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

Hokkaido Trip (Yoichi-Otaru-Toya)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up and went for a morning dip.

I could see Yoteizan (Ezo Fuji: Hokkaido Mt. Fuji) in front of me while dipping in an open-air bath.

Sun just sat on the summit of Yoteizan like Diamond Head.

I felt energy rising in me as if I were charging from these great nature.

First, I stopped at Nikka Whisky Factory in Yoichi.


I used to watch a morning TV drama series “Massan” which was based on the life of the founder of Nikka Whiskey, Mr. Masataka Taketsuru.

This place was used to shoot the drama so    it’s fun to walk around remembering stories.

These cute whiskey barrels are everywhere!


I wish we could stay here longer because we could try rare kind of Nikka Whiskey (I tried 20 years), and free whiskey: apple wine, Taketsuru Pure Malt and Super Nikka.

Seriously, I wanted to spend more time there to appreciate these drink.


Next, went to Otaru, famous as a canal city.


I  visited Otaru few times, therefore I decided to visit Old Aoyama Family’s Guest House.


This family made wealth with herrings.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t allowed to take photos of breath taking rooms and furniture.

These are real and good craftsmen works. 

Imagine this is just an entrance…


After visiting Old Aoyama Guest House, I quickly returned to Otaru City Centre to eat a kaisendon (seafood bowl).


Before reaching hotel, quickly stopped by at Kyogoku Fukidashi Koen (Kyogoku Spring Source Park) to collect spring water.

I shall enjoy fresh spring water tonight.


I didn’t have a dessert at lunch so I enjoyed dairy farmer’s ice cream before heading to hotel.


Tonight’s hotel is the Windor Hotel Toya Resort & Spa!

I will post about this hotel later.

Posted in Beauty, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, Travel

Hokkaido Trip (Tomakomai – Shikotsuko – Niseko)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I arrived Tomakomai Port exactly at 11:00 hrs.

First, visited the Northern Horse Park.

I patted few ponies thinking of my late Grandpa.

Hokkaido is famous for breeding race horses.

My Gramdpa looked forward for weekends to watch horse races.

He was a social player because he enjoyed calculating odds, not much of a gambler.

Dairy farming is one of major industries in Hokkaido.

I enjoyed milk and haskap (blue-berried honeysuckle) ice-cream, pudding, hot milk and iced coffee at the Kitchen K’s Garden.


Shikotsuko (Shikotsu Lake) is a caldera lake. 

Shikotsuko is surrounded by mountains: Eniwadake (Mt. Eniwadake, top), Fuppushidake (Mt. Fuppushidake, bottom right) and Tarumaesan (Mt. Tarumae, bottom left).

Unfortunately, the summit of Tarumaesan is covered with clouds. 

According to a tour guide, the summit looks like a bucket being placed upside down and it’s an active volcano! 

We drove by Yoteizan (Mt. Yotei), also known as Ezo Fuji (Hokkaido Mt. Fuji).

Yes, it has Mt. Fuji’s shape.


Then checked in at Hilton NisekoVillage.

 


This hotel is famous for skiing and golf.

I wish I were here for golf today…

Hotel expanded a shopping and restaurant area in the premise; walked around this area after a buffet dinner.


This hotel has a natural hot spring that flows directly from the origin; I enjoyed open-air bath.


I became thirsty after taking a bath.

It’s nice to drink  a glass of Niseko Ezo Porter Beer (Hokkaido local beer) and Niseko Highland Mountain Grape Wine (local sweet wine). fufufu