Category: Sunrise and Sunset

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Hotel, Japan Technology, Japanese Culture, Place, Sunrise and Sunset, Tokyo, Travel, Work

Mini Tokyo Sightseeing

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had a meeting with Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo.

I had a tour of hotel rooms and banquet rooms for future events (if any).

Standard Room
Ball Room

I like their mask case, LIMAX which is simple yet stylish.

It’s made of eco friendly material yet antibacterial: limestone.

I will keep it and use it for sure.

It’s nice weather, therefore, I decided to walk back home after the meeting – another mini sightseeing in Tokyo.

There is a clock to count down to Olympic day at the Tokyo Station.

Looking at the current situation, honestly, I wonder we would be able to host such a large event in 2021.

I hope I am wrong about it.

Nonetheless, I felt good walking on the street to the Imperial Palace because there are less people!

Usually there would be many local and foreign travelers covering this street.

Sakashita Mon (Sakashita Gate)

Nijubashi (Double Bridge) or officially called Seimon Tetsuhashi (Steel Bridge of the Main Gate).

This steel bridge was originally made by wood, then, reinforced by wooden beams.

This is why this bridge is called Nijubashi or Double Bridge.

Sakurada Mon (Sakurada Gate)

The other side (outside) of Sakurada Mon

Sun is setting and peaceful scenery.

I continued walking towards Kasumigaseki area where Japanese government buildings are.

The Diet Building

I’ve been enjoying Mini Tokyo Sightseeing.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Gadget, Health, Hotel, Nature, Place, Restaurants, Shopping, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel, Waterfalls

Trip to Australia (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We left hotel early with a breakfast bag to watch Ayers Rock in Sun Rise.

There was a dark cloud that worried me…

At the view point, there was as a drink and snack station for us; but I quickly made a hot chocolate to go to bring it to the view point.

Ahhhhh

Ayers Rock is covered by the thick cloud….

It’s time for Sun Rise; but…

Unfortunately, Ayers Rock was still covered with the thick cloud.

It’s not a good sign because according to the tour itinerary, we supposed to climb the Ayers Rock today.

The cloud was cleared by the time we reached to the gate, but the gate was closed due to low cloud and I am aware of IT.

Since we could not climb; we went to walk at Mala Walk.

The common trees that we can observe here is named Desert Bloodtree.

The tree sap looks like bleeding blood.

There are quite number of trees because the area is semi-deserted area, meaning less rain but rich with underwater.

There is a trace of waterfall on the rock face.

There will be a water fall when it’s rained.

There are many caves with purpose.

This is Kitchen Cave.

This is the spot that aborigines cooked bread like naan.

Aborigines didn’t have letters; therefore, they left messages in drawing.

We can find many painting at the various caves.

Are these bird’s foot steps?

This is Old People’s Cave where Elderlies assembled to conduct ceremonies including cooking in the cave.

You can walk through the great nature.

There is even an anthill.

we took many trick art photos with this trace of giant water fall.

This spiky bush, Soft Spinifex, is commonly found in this area.

we can find many trees hit by lightning because rich water inside of the tree can attract lightning.

Kantju Gorge is big waterhole.

We usually don’t see water at the bottom but there are much water from last night rain.

We could see water in waterhole because the rain was strong with thunder and lightning last night; however, ironically, the string rain last night closed the gate of Ayers Rock today.

We continued our walk.

This tree is ageless; when there is not enough rain; this tree can prune itself.

That is why the growth ring and its age doesn’t match.

The nature is great.

There are many more caves.

There are many drawings at the Teaching Cave.

This is called Desert Lantern-Flower; the flower looks like a lantern.

Of course, there are many wild birds as well.

There are few caves look like lip; I wonder how nature have created this?

The gate to Ayers Rock was still closed; therefore, we continued our walk at Kuniya Walk.

This is Bush Plum with some plum fruit.

One of our tour mate is good at finding wild birds and animals.

There is a Mutitjulu Waterhole.

Again, there is much water from the rain.

There is heart and peace shaped holes for Good Luck Fortune for Love.

I hope these will bless me.

There is a story about two snakes: Kuniya and Liru ( https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/discover/culture/stories/kuniya-liru-story/ )

Kuniya attacked Liru: this photo represents Liru and crack caused by Kuniya’s attack.

Kuniya is watching Liru. (Kuniya’s head at left bottom corner is watching Liru in the mountain face).

We returned to hotel before noon.

After getting off the bus, I saw three lady tour mates talking in front of the receptionist counter.

I asked whether they plan to go to Ayers Rock during today’s free time and they replied YES.

At 12 noon, the gate was still closed.

We were informed we could check the status about 12:30 pm.

We returned to the counter at 12:30 pm and was informed the gate has opened!

We quickly checked and planned to Ayers Rock.

We could reach to the gate by Hop On Hop Off Bus (AUD 49) by making a reservation at the hotel.

We could pay the National Park Entry Fee (AUD 25 cash only) directly to the driver.

First, we need to use chain to climb up.

The slope can be sharp as 47 degree.

I thought we are almost at the summit when I finished the chain area.

I was wrong, I started walking following the line.

I soon regretted to wear a normal sneaker.

I should have worn a pair of mountain shoes so that I can get a grip.

Since my shoes was slippery, I had to use my hands like a Spider Woman to climb some area.

You also need to bring 1 litter of water.

It’s 348 m high and some travel information says it takes (ONLY) 2 hours for return trip, but this 2 hours is for athletic person.

On the way to the summit, I was just focusing moving forward.

Ayers Rock can close anytime and I was determined to reach to the summit.

These photos that I’m posting now, I took them on the way down with appreciation.

Yeah, I reached to the summit!

We took the last Hop On Hop Off bus back to hotel.

For the last Hop On Hop Off bus, the Sun Set View is inclusive.

We already watched the Sun Set on previous day, but watched it again.

We returned to hotel happily.

We took a shower before dinner.

The beer tasted good and we happily talked about our adventure over nice dinner at hotel restaurant: ILKARI RESTAURANT.

After dinner, I massage my body, especially my legs.

I’m glad that I brought Egyptian Sandalwood Oil.

Again, it’s worth it to wear a mountain shoes to avoid any pain. hahaha

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)

Posted on by sonokotchi

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 Art, Experience, Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, River, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to Egypt (Day 2 Part 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

We took a domestic flight to Luxor.

When we arrived Cairo at 3:50 am, it was dark; therefore, I couldn’t see the city.

Now it’s 6:15 am and we can see the city of Cairo clearly.

And sunrise.

We see houses in desert.

I enjoyed juice and cookies on the flight.

And these are also written in Arabic.

I enjoyed views from plane.

The landscape is breath taking and reminded me of Grand Canyon.

These landscapes might have created by Great Nile River.

We can clearly witness bless from Nike River; so rich and green.

This is town of Luxor.

And we landed Luxor International Airport after one hour journey.

I’m glad to know that my suitcase also arrived Luxor International Airport with me.

I started sightseeing in Luxor.

First visited Karnak Temple.

There are mini Sphinx to receive us.

There are few theories for construction method of gates.

These sands/rocks support one of theories that old Egyptians made a slope to build higher.

This is a papyrus columns.

There are a total of ten papyrus columns on two sides to be lined symmetry.

There is a section with 134 papyrus columns..

These used to be painted in nice colours.

After walking through Papyrus Columns; there are two Obelisks.

There is one wall full of Hieroglyph.

These are nice views of the Obelisk.

At the back, there is a road leading to Luxor Temple which is under the repair.

Sacred Pond

There is a Scarab.

According to the guide, if we walk around the Scarab reverse clock wise for three times, it will being good luck, but this matter is not written on the Scarab.

Nonetheless, I walked to wish for good luck. hahaha

It has been a long day because after landing in Cairo, we continued sightseeing.

I will continue the second half day in next blog.

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, Food, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to Hokkaido (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Depart Haneda International Airport (Tokyo) for Chitose International Airport (Sapporo, Hokkaido).

There are many buildings and houses in Tokyo.

After 1.5 hours journey; it’s snowing in Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is huge; we need to rely on cars.

We didn’t make a reservation, but there are many counters for rent a car service providers at the arrival hall of Chitose Airport.

I just picked Nippon Rent a Car.

The number of rent a car is large in Hokkaido; these cars are all rent a car service cars.

The counter is also huge.

While waiting for a car, I found Hokkaido Exclusive Drink: Hokkaido Tokibi-cha (Corn Tea).

This is nice roasted taste.

There is a departure gate as well.

My Hokkaido Car is cute Toyota Vitz.

First, we went to Shokotsu-Ko (Shikotsu Lake) for lunch or snacks.

These snacks are nice.

Yaki Tokibi (Grilled Corn)

Imomochi (Potato Mochi (potato mixed with pounded rice))

The scenery is beautiful with snow and sun setting.

Driving in snow is also beautiful.

Finally, arrived at Jozankei Onsen (Hot Spring) Sankeien (Hotel Sankeien).

Hotel room is washitsu (Japanese style).

Before dinner, went to Onsen to fresh up and warm up.

Then dinner.

Now I’m watching TV from Futon. fufufu

Posted in Diving, Feelings, Nature, Place, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Diving in Palau

Posted on by sonokotchi

I returned from Palau yesterday.

I wanted to post frequently, but internet connection was bad, terribly bad in Palau.

The internet condition will improve next year after optical fiber reaching Palau.

Ocean is so beautiful there.



German Channel

Manta, Manta, Mannttaaaaaaa!

Manta swam over meeeeee!!!




Cowtail Stingray 


Sias Corner

Handsome Turtle



Baraccudas


There are many sharks.

Big one, small one, could they be a family?


Ulong Channel

The landscape is beautiful.


Blue Hole

So mysterious; bless taking. 



Blue Corner

Napoleon Fish


Shark




Helmet Wreck




Blue Corner – Sunrise Diving

Ocean is clear and peaceful.

There are many fish and early riser, Baffalo Fish greated me.







It was fun diving in Palau!

Posted in Feelings, Food, Mt. Fuji, Nature, Place, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Sunrise and Sunset, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Mt. Fuji and Odaiba

Posted on by sonokotchi

My friend treated me a kebab for breakfast @ Asian Kebab, Roppongi.


I ordered Otsumami (snacks); this menu is Kebab meat and cabbage only (no rice or a pita bread).

It’s delicious and good portion.

I think I will take out this when I feel lazy to cook. hahaha


I took Chuo Highway to Mt. Fuji 5th Station.

We can go up to 5th Station by car.

There is a rest area to take a break and to admire Mt. Fuji. 


Rest area. 



Restaurant


The menu is displayed.


But purchasing meal tickets is challenging because words are written in Japanese. Hummm


I had a shaved ice.


There is a local Mt. Fuji Beer vending machine.

I bought one for my sourvenir.



If you run out Japanese yen, don’t worry.

There is a money changer machine for many currencies.

The service is better than ordinary banks.


I prayed Fujisan Komitake Jinjya (Mt. Fuji Komitake Shrine).




We can also admire a lake view.

I think this is Kawaguchiko (Kawaguchi Lake).


I enjoyed being ON the Mt. Fuji, but I struggle with a traffic jam. Ahhhh

It was 7 pm when we arrived Tokyo; therefore, decided to go to Odaiba for ocean view and dinner.



Kaisendon (Seafood Bowl) for dinner @ Genchan, Odaiba.


After getting energy, walked the area to enjoy night view of Tokyo Bay.





It is not my first time to post about Mt. Fuji and Odaiba.

Well, these are my favorite places; I will continue to post whenever I can to share the view of the day with you.

Posted in Exercise, Experience, Feelings, Food, Place, River, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Trip to the US (Day 4)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I woke up early to go watch sunset at Mather Point, Grand Canyon.

The host of this event is obviously Elk Deer (sorry, I introduced this type of this deer Elf, but Elk) because she lives here.


The tip is called Mather Point.

I managed to squeeze to get a front row at Mather Point.
Sun is about to rise.


iPhone camera is not suitable to take sunrise; but I’m happy with these photos.


Grand Canyon grows softly under sunshine of sunrise.

It was so beautiful.

It was worth waking up at 3:40 am to depart hotel at 4:40 am to catch sunrise at 5:15 am.



Then returned hotel for breakfast.



This is my first time to see a yogurt vending machine.


After breakfast, went for Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour (operated by Papillon).

This is my first helicopter ride.


The ride was smooth and the scenery is gorgeous.

I would highly recommend the helicopter tour to feel how GREAT this Canyon is.





Colorado River. This river eroded the mountains to make the canyon.


For lunch, I had a typical American sandwich, B.L.T. Sandwich (beacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich) with strawberry ice cream.



After lunch, before departing for Antelope, watched Indian Hoop Dance.

He danced (or jumped) through using many hoops.


I wore a surgical mask before getting on a truck because the road is very sandy.

We cannot avoid sands because these sands make beautiful sceneries in a cave.


Our guide is Native American so he knew the cave very well, pointing out explaining what these resembles.


A face of bear in the center.


This is a closer look of bear.



A tear.


Bill Clinton’s nose.



Heart




Waves

Seahorse

 

Dragon’s Eye



Fire


At the end of the tour, he played a pipe for us, sounding so healing.
Thank you, Slow Horse!


After a great adventure, enjoyed salmon dinner listening to Country Music live band.


I’m going to stay two nights at Lake Powell Resort & Marinas.

This hotel is the only resort built next to Powell Dam.

It’s nice to have a lake (even artificial) view in the desert.


There is a coffee maker and Starbucks capsuls are available. Yeah! 

I made a cocoa for my bed time drink.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Pilgrimage, Place, Shrine and Temple, Sunrise and Sunset, Travel

Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage 

Posted on by sonokotchi

Last November I conducted the Shikoku 88 Temples Pilgrimage.

This time, I came to Saigoku (the Western region of Japan) to visit 4 temples in weekend for the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.


Thirty-three temples are located in as many as six prefectures such as Gifu, Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, Osaka and Hyogo.

I departed Tokyo for Osaka by Shinkansen (bullet train) early morning at 7:20 pm.


I had pork sandwich for breakfast.


Last November, I also started the Pilgrimage from here.

Bus departed from here, the same place.


First, we went to No. 3 Kokawadera.

This temple is located in Wakayama Prefecture.

I don’t remember visiting Wakayama; this could be my first trip to Wakayama.

For Shikoku Pilgrimage, we followed the number of Temple; however, for Shikoku, I was told we don’t need to follow number.


This temple is huge and beautiful.

Main temple looks far left.


This is the Main Temple.


Kawazu Zakura is beautiful.


The town is nicely decorated with Hina Ningyo.

Every 3 March, Hina Ningyo is decorated to wish for health and happiness for daughters.

Hina Ningyo is passed down to generations.

This must be antique Hina Ningyo.


We had a lunch box on bus for lunch.


No. 2 Kongoji (Kimiidera)


We climbed many steep stairs to Main Temple.


Main Temple


The ceiling is decorated with celestial maidens.


There is a Pagoda.


We could specially view the largest wooden Kannon today.

I hope you are blessed, too.


Before we check-in hotel, we stopped by to see amazing nature – strange stones: Hashigui Iwa.

It does look like as if these are foundations of bridge.

Hashigui means foundations of bridge and iwa means stones.

Amazing and beautiful.


We reached to the tip of Kii Peninsular to check-in at Kushimoto Royal Hotel.

A room is spacious.



I could see sunset from my room before dinner.


Dinner is nice.

Fresh, delicious and the right portion – not too little, not too much.

Continued enjoying local food at the room: ponkan orange, ume (Japanese apricot) and Kinkan (kumquat) juice, and water.


Wakayama is nice place to visit.

I’m Japanese; but there are still many places to be explored!