Posted in Choco-chan, Daily Life, Exercise, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Surprise, Tokyo

Choco’s 2nd Birthday

I volunteer to lockdown myself for eight days.

I could continue to stay home on 15 April; however, it’s a nice sunny day and it’s Choco’s birthday.

Originally, I plan to get him a birthday cake but I decided not to due to the current situation.

I plan to take him out for his birthday walk after being lockdown against his will for eight days because of me.

Time to time, he appealed to go for a walk by trying to reach his walk bag which contains necessaries for his walk such as poo poo plastic bags, sanitation spray, pee pads for quick liquid absorption, and more.

I know he would love to have his walk after eight days.

I also plan to go to bank and supermarkets using a precious mask but unfortunately, I cannot take Choco to supermarkets.

Choco was funny (well, it wasn’t funny for Choco).

Since I’ve been with Choco for last eight days, he didn’t check on me when I was getting ready at the powder room.

He suddenly look anxious when he sees me getting fully ready with make up and coming out of the powder room.

I guess I caught him in surprise.

At the evening, I was simply taking my bath, but he positioned himself as if he was watching on me.

He could be serious but I thought he is cute, making me smile.

After settling my chores, I took Choco for his birthday walk.

Yes, he enjoyed it very much!!!

Though, I carry him mostly.

It was a nice day and it’s Choco’s birthday so I took extra miles.

We went to our shrine “Tenso Jinja (Tenso Shrine)” for a pray.

Yaezakura (Sakura with many petals) there is gorgeous.

We also stopped by Green Dog, a pet shop at Tokyo Midtown Roppongi, to get his treats.

From Left: Freeze Dried Vegetables (Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkins), Cheese and Chicken Cubes and Sweet Potato Puffs

And made an appointment for his Complementary Birthday Health Check Up.

I don’t know he would like this, but I want him to take it.

I’m happy to know that he enjoyed his walk very much by looking at him – satisfied?

It’s Choco’s day so I wore these poodles today.

Happy Birthday, Choco!!!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Health, Japanese Culture, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo

Izumo no Kamishio (Izumo Shrine Salt)

At year end, on 20 December 2019, I visited Izumo Roppongi Betsuin (Izumo Shrine Roppongi Branch) in Roppongi for pray.

I wanted to welcome New Year freshly.

The second largest shrine, Izumo Taisha, is located in Izumo-City, Shimane.

This is Roppongi Branch.

I brought back Izumo no Kamishio (direct translation is Izumo’s God Salt); this is purifying salt.

My brother transferred his flue to me so that I’m not feeling well.

To ease my day, I purified myself to calm down myself this morning before I left for work.

I just want to go back home.

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

Akemashiteomedetogozaimasu (A Happy New Year)

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 Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Health, Hotel, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Sunrise and Sunset, Surprise, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 2 Part 2)

I’m spending relaxing Sunday with Chocolate at home today, cleaning room, doing laundry, etc.

Therefore, I decided to continue where I left it on my trip to Egypt.

I thought I would have time to upload about my trip sooner; but simultaneously, I had something that I wanted to share on that day that prevented me to continue.

Well, my second day in Egypt had been a long day.

We slept on the flight from Tokyo to Cairo; then continued our first half of sightseeing of the day.

We finally reach to our lodging for three nights: the Moon Dance Cruiser.

We were welcomed by Hibiscus Drink and my room is named my favorite “Da Vinci”.

To my surprise, the room is spacious for a cruise.

There is a spacious living room; I mainly use this room as my wardrobe.

There is a welcome fruit plate in the bedroom.

Fruits are delicious for deserted area.

Everyday, bed was made nicely.

Cobra hahaha

There is a basin then toilet, shower booth and…

Sauna!

First, I was excited about having a sauna in the room.

However, this sauna was newly equipped the the recent renovation; therefore, the staff doesn’t know how to turn it on properly or lack of informing us on how to use.

First night, it went up only 40 C.

I thought Egyptians enjoy sauna in low temperature.

I found it can go up to 70C from other tour mates the next day.

The second night, I asked the staff to on the sauna again.

Originally, I was informed it will take 10 mins to heat up so I prepared accordingly.

However, it took 10 mins to go up to 40 C and another a half hour to reach 70 C.

My body got cold while waiting for the sauna to heat up.

The third night, I turned on sauna early so that by the time I come back from dinner, it would be just ready.

Well, it reached 70 C before going for dinner.

I happily came back to the room and found sauna was cold as 40 C.

I was frustrated and I followed what staff was doing previous night.

I turned the switch and heard ticking sound… it has the timer.

Ahhhhh, I had to wait for 40 mins again.

I was frustrated so I put pajama and stick Hokkairo (hot plasters) on me and sat in the sauna and waited to reach 70 C.

I made my own sauna and managed to sweat.

By the time, I learned about the sauna, it’s time to get off the cruise. Sigh

After quickly inspecting our room facilities, we had our lunch on the cruise

It’s buffet lunch and I enjoyed food and drink.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are precious in Egypt; therefore, fresh juice is more expensive than alcohol.

Usually, it’s vise versa.

I enjoyed all fresh fruit juice and this is banana juice.

After lunch, we departed for the Luxor Temple.

This temple was built over 3,000 years ago…?

Therefore, this temple was used by others as well.

There is a mosque in the temple; Muslims modified the temple partially during their time.

At the other end, there is a church.

Nonetheless, we can find many Egyptian legacy in the temple.

This is Rameses II; the great Pharaoh (King) who united the North and South Egypt.

You find lotus and papyrus flower at the foot of two men who are tied by a rope.

Lotus is symbol of the North Egypt and papyrus is the South Egypt; therefore, this statue represents Ramses II united the North and South Egypt.

Ramses II had a beautiful and supportive wife: Nefertari.

I leaned a great lesson recently; I was like why this, why not, etc., I was frustrated.

Today, I realize I am happy just loving him.

I can understand how much Nefertari loved him by looking at her statue.

She is such a loving person.

There is another symbol of great love: Tutankhamen and Ankhsesnamum.

She also supported him with her great love.

There are many beautiful and meaningful motif.

We tried to read Hieroglyphic Alphabets from this chart to understand the story of motif.

There was culture

and great engineering skill.

How could it end…?

We returned to the cruise.

The cruise parked in front of the Luxor Temple so that we could continue admire the Luxor Temple in warm orange when the sun is setting.

On that day, or room was facing the Valley of the Kings.

We watched the sun setting from the room.

After the sun set, the petro station parked next to our cruise to supply the fuel.

It’s very convenient!

I enjoyed food and drink in Egypt.

After returned to the room, what happened with sauna is explained earlier. hahaha

Other than that the bed is comfortable and I slept well.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo

Anahachiman (Anahachiman Shrine), Waseda, Tokyo

This became my routine so that this is not my first time to post about my visit to Snahachiman ak Yuzusama (accommodates our needs).

On 3 February, I will place this charm as instructed: West side of room, facing East.

I had Hiroshimayaki (okonomiyaki in Hiroshima style, with noodles) at Kurumi, Kagurazaka, Tokyo.

I bought a down jacket at the select shop Strasburgo, Tokyo Midtown Roppongi.

It’s in light champagne gold.

Posted in Choco-chan, Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo

23 December 2018

I saw the banner saying Kotto Ichi (antique market) at Nogi Jinjya (Nogi Shrine).

It is a small market but indeed Antique Market.

The town is decorated for Christmas but the Shrine is already decorated for New Year.

I use this photo for my New Year greeting.

There is Hood Luck sign with next year’s zodiac, Wild Boar (in Japan, it’s not pig) and many Japanese Sake Barrels.

Please check my blog for 1 January 2019.

After checking antiques, I went to the Shrine for praying.

I also prayed at Seisho Jinjya (Seisho Shrine) which is located inside of Nogi Jinjya’s premises.

This Shrine is for wisdom which I need it very much!

I drew the fortune paper at the Nogi Jinjya on the way out.

It’s Kyo (Bad Luck)! Oh No!

I take it as a lesson.

There is another shrine just next to the main gate entrance, Akasaka Oji Inari Jinjya (Akasaka Oji Inari Shrine).

I prayed to get power.

It was a lovely day and Choco also enjoyed a walk.

Posted in Choco-chan, Cooking, Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo

Praying at Tenso Jinjya (Tenso Shrine), Roppongi

We went for a new year prayer after lunch.

This small shrine, Tenso Jinjya (Tenso Shrine) is our family shrine.

I drew a fortune paper which is inside of dragon.

I can keep this temple’s God, dragon as a good luck charm.

My fortune is good luck.

After prayer, we had our break at Mercedes Me Downstairs Coffee Shop, Roppongi.

When we returned to home, we relaxed and had a dinner at home.

My little niece made me dessert: parfait.

We had it with a Swiss Hot Chocolate.

So sweet!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Health, Japanese Culture, Nature, Shrine and Temple, Travel

17 November 2018

I participated in the 7th anniversary of Aunty’s Buddhist Ceremony at Onjuku, Chiba.

Many of my relatives gathered on Saturday morning.

We miss Aunty; simultaneously, we enjoyed talking among us before and after the ceremony at lunch.

After the ceremony at the temple, we stopped by one of our relative’s house to talk more.

They gave me souvenirs: fresh vegetable from their house farm

These are so fresh and healthy because they don’t use any agricultural chemical at this farm!

Posted in Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shop, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Northern Japan’s Three Greatest Summer Festivals (Day 3)

Unfortunately, it is raining today, but I already watched all three festivals so rain doesn’t affect my day or mood.

I went for the morning dip; the bath was switched with men’s over night.

I had a buffet breakfast and I enjoyed their croissant waffles very much.

It’s dangerously delicious!

I didn’t have much time to use their facilities, but hotel prepares many activities for guests to enjoy during their stay.

We departed for Hiraizumi, Iwate.

We reached to Hiraizumi, Iwate where the town is recognized as UNESCO World Heritage.

We visited Chusonji (Chuson Temple) and the temple is famous for Konjikido (Golden Hall).

Today, Konjikido stands inside of a building to be protected.

Everything including the hall structure is made by gold.

We cannot take any photos inside so you need to visit to see how golden it is!

At the premise, there are many places to visit and to pray.

I had limited time so I could not visit all; nonetheless, I visited here before and I explained in details in my previous blog.

Hopefully, you would enjoy reading other days of my blog.

Shakado

Benzaiten

Amidado

Sankozo (Museum)

Dainichido

Mine Yakushido Hall

Hondo (Main Hall)

Benkeido

Tsukimizaka (Tsukimi Slope)

The rain was hard so my pants and shoes are wet.

But again, I didn’t mind because I watched and enjoyed all festivals in okay conditions.

These festivals continues for few days and many people planned to visit today.

Due to the weather (heavy rain), some festivals might get cancelled and there is no replacement day.

So I consider myself very lucky.

I had lunch at Sake Brewer: Seki no Ichi, Ichinoseki, Iwate.

Today, factory moved to a new place; original Kura (Storage) became a restaurant and shop.

Under the paper, there are many flavors of mochi (glutenous rice cakes).

Mochi is served to Gods and local people eat Mochi on important days for goods (celebration) and bads (sad).

From top left, zunda (edamame: young soy bean), goma (sesame), daikon oroshi for refreshment (ground white radish), anko (red bean) and kawaebi (river shrimp).

The pot dish is called Oshu Hatto.

This is made by flour and water; same ingredients with Udon (flour noodle).

It’s in a piece before cut.

We break it in pieces by our hands to put them in the pot.

We put them in a boiling pot together with all vegetables.

The restaurant offered a lucky draw by mochi (oh, no! More mochi! These are basically rice so very filling) ; I lost.

The winner get a sake bottle, how lucky!

This Sake Brewer also brew beer: Kura Beer.

I like their beer which has unique bitterness similar to dark beer though it’s in gold.

I bought Sake bottles for the next home party to enjoy them with friends. hahaha

We arrived Sendai Station to catch our Shinkansen (bullet train) back to Tokyo.

Sendai Station is already decorated for Sendai Tanabata which will start tomorrow.

Sendai Tanabata is also known as one of greatest festivals in Northern Japan.

These represents various wishes: health, wisdom, wealth, etc.

We took Shinkansen Yamabiko 152 back to Tokyo.

This was a fun trip!

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

Weekend Trip to Kyoto (Day 3)

I had Namafu Manju which are made by flour gluten for breakfast.

There are Matcha (green tea), shiro miso (white miso) and koshian (red bean).

We could stay till noon but we checked out to explore Kyoto.

First, we went to Sanjusangendo (Sanjusangendo Temple).

There are 1.001 Juichimen-Senju-Sengen Kannon (11 Faces-Thousand Arms-Thousand Eyes Kanzeon) Buddhist deities.

We are not allowed to take any photos inside of Main Hall so you need to visit to see them with your own eyes.

These are amazing.

I sat at outside of the Main Hall to enjoy peaceful moment.

This is where I sat.

This is the view from the Main Hall.

There is a nice Japanese garden.

There is a spiritual well.

A Buddhist monk dreamed about this well.

Water is cool and delicious.

This well never dried up and never too much.

The sound of welling is like sound of sobbing; therefore, this well is called Yonaki Sen (the origin of Night Crying).

This water can also calm down night crying babies.

After spending peaceful moments at Sanjusangendo, we took a lunch break at Maeda Coffee at Kyoto National Museum.

I had a Roast Beef Don (roast beef rice) with salad set and Torarin (Kyoto National Museum’s Character) Uji Matcha (Uji Green Tea) Cappuccino.

We continued exploring to Toyokuni Jinja (Toyokuni Shrine).

It’s a beautiful shrine.

This shrine worship Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Japanese Shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Hideyoshi was farmer then he climbed up the ladder to become Shogun who unified whole Japan for the first time.

He used gourds for his symbol when he was just a horse-riding worrier.

He added a gourd one by one after he won a war.

That is why gourd is a symbol of success and there is a gourd vine.

Next to Toyokuni Jinja, there is Hoko-ji (Hoko Temple).

Hideyoshi built a large Buddha, but it broke when Fushimi Large Earthquake hit the area in 1596.

The bell is from the original from Hideyoshi era.

We can see two white boxes on the bell.

These words triggered a war between Toyotomi and Tokugawa.

Tokugawa won and started Tokugawa era: Edo Jidai (Edo Era).

Next, we visited Yogenin (Yogen Temple).

This place looks peaceful from outside, but this Temple is known as Chitenjo (Blood Ceiling).

This temple is built to calm down warriers’ souls who lost their lives by harakiri because of losing a war.

The floorings of Fushimi-Jo (Fushimi Castle) are now used as ceiling.

We can see Taisho (Master) of body, hands, feet, etc.

This temple is decorated by arts of famous Japanese painter, Tawaraya Sotatsu (Sotatsu Tawaraya).

We are not allowed to take photos here so I can only share partially with these postcards.

There are other places to pray: Byakue Benzaiten.

Bishamonten

Shirataka Ryujin

At last, we visited Hojuji (Hoju Temple).

The Main God is Migawari Fudomyo.

This Fire of God replaces bad fortune for us.

I quickly pray to other Gods and Goddess.

This is a mark for 100 times payer.

I thought we might not able to visit many places today; but we did.

I bought a Kyoto Cuisine obento (packed food) for dinner.