The view at this narrow river is breathtaking during Sakura season.
Sakura trees reach out branches from both side covering a river.
Category: Tokyo
Spring has come!
It is a nice night to walk, just right in 20C.
Sakuras are fully bloomed; everywhere is nice in pink.
Walked down to Azabu Juban and had Kyoto Style Okonomiyaki at Yocchan.
Master Chef is mother of two business partners (sons).
I forgot to ask how their okonomiyaki (Japanese style pancakes) are in Kyoto Style.
Yes, this restaurant use Kyoto leeks – I love it!
Sauce looks so thick, but has less taste.
Pancake is thin…? How…?
I learned this week that we can enjoy the same dish in many different ways by region: Kyoto Style Tempura, Kyoto Style Okonomiyaki.
Interesting…
Sakura
It’s Sakura season in Tokyo.
Sakura is delicate so it cannot last for long.
Perhaps, a week or even less.
If rains, petals will fall.
We all look forward to viewing Sakura after dark and cold winter.
We appreciate it so much because it’s so delicate, short-lived and beautiful.
We chase Sakura to get the best viewing.
We call viewing Sakura, hanami.
Short to Trip to Osaka and Kyoto
My friends bought a JR Pass to get unlimited access to JR train.
It is advisable to get this pass if you plan to visit many places in Japan.
We planed to visit Osaka and Kyoto this weekend!
It’s sweet to have a Coffee break on bullet train.
First, we visited Osaka.
We went to Dotonbori, Osaka for lunch.
We can find many casual dining places in Dotonbori.
We decided to dine at Genkizushi, Dotonbori, Osaka because varieties of food are served: sushi, soba/udon, tempura, obento (set menu), etc.
I had a steak and steak only. hahaha
After lunch, we shopped at Shinsaibashi shopping arcade.
It’s fun to hop in and hop out shops.
I bought two pairs of eyeglasses which cut 38% of blue light for heavy user of PC and mobile and 60% suitable for night, especially, before bed time.
I’m trying 60% now and my eyes are not hurt.
I recommend to buy J!NS SCREEN.
It’s functional and reasonable, JPY 3,000 each.
I saw few Pablo cheese cake shop and at this restaurant, line was short!
We decided to get one for dessert after dinner.
We took a Shinkansen to reach Kyoto (15 mins).
We went to dinner after checked in at hotel.
Kyoto Style Tempra Yasaka Endo.
Let’s get ready!
Kyoto Style means using unique ingredients and cotton seed oil, instead of sesame oil in Tokyo.
After dinner, walked in Gion area and visited Yasaka Shrine.
I love visiting Osaka and Kyoto.
I would love to come back again!
It’s just unfortunate that Sakura is yet to bloom.
Soon Kyoto would be beautiful decorated by Sakura.
Momotaro Sushi
We went to the same sushi restaurant, Momotaro Sushi tonight.
This sushi restaurant hasn’t change, still maintain its freshness and high quality.
I shouldn’t take rice, but I don’t care.
I want to make my friends happy by taking them to their favorite restaurant.
They look happy when they eat sushi.
Staffs know us because we are every night!
We’ll be back next Friday!
School Reunion
School reunion was organized at the school.
Instantly, we were all brought back to school days.
We haven’t seen each other for years, but we all laughed through the event.
We walked around the school with sentimental feelings.
It was so nice to see old friends and TEACHERS.
Our bond is there and precious.
Omotenashi (Japanese Hospitality)
I had dinner with my old friends from Malaysia.
We enjoyed Robata Yaki (grilled) in Shinjuku.
We haven’t met for years so we laughed throughout dinner, sharing good memories.
We were asked for last order; we said we are fine.
Then light went out.
I thought there is a problem with the light, worried.
Then a lady who has been serving our table neared to us with a welcoming plate.
It’s simple, but touching.
This is my first time posting a photo that I didn’t take.
We were all feeling overwhelmed.
I didn’t want to spoil the moment so I asked my friend to share a photo with me.
All of us are overwhelmed by this.
I am so proud to show my friends Japanese warm hospitality: OMOTENASHI.
The chemistry was right: good friends, good food and good moment.
It is a wonderful night.
Old and New…? Aroma Diffusers and Tsim Sha Tsui, Roppongi
Today, I saw this type of handy electric aroma diffuser for the first time.
And a nicely decorated traditional type.
I might be wrong; I think this is a middle eastern aroma diffuser.
How interesting; these are the same diffuser for the same function.
After walking around the exhibition hall, I became very hungry.
I had a nice dinner at my favorite Chinese restaurant Tsim Sha Tsui, Roppongi.
I will post about this restaurant till I get many LIKEs because their food is so delicious!
Birthday Sunday
Woke up early for diving.
Enjoyed typical Japanese breakfast, dried fish is local speciality.
Thank you Minshuku Otsuka, we might come back again.
Took a ferry to reach Hatsushima.
Today, we could see a great view of Mt. Fuji from a diving shop: Sea Front Hatsushima.
After diving at Futatsune, we took a bath, ocean water hot spring at Hatsushima Island Resort.
Nice salty hot spring bath.
I found Iseebi (Japanese Lobster, local specialty) designed manhole.
Cute, isn’t it?
Time to go back…
Sayonara Atami, Shizuoka!
I was caught in a traffic jam, but safely arrived home.
I had a craving for Kohien’s torisoba (chicken noodle).
I tkink I celebrated my birthday 10 times better to compensate my lost birthday celebration.
I’m happy!
By the way, curry is a hidden menu of Kohien.
It’s not listed on a menu, but it’s their popular dish!
My Birthday
I took a day off on my birthday to celebrate 10 times more!
I’ve been in charge of project that takes a place in this time of year for over a decade.
I was too busy not able to celebrate my birthday over a decade.
This year I managed other officer to be in charge.
It’s nice sunny day.
I had a quality time to beautify myself.
Then I had a nice Tempura dinner at Tempura Mikaku, Roppongi.
We are regular there; we always enjoy their food and conversation with restaurant people.
They are so cute♪
Double Wakasagi (Japanese pond smelt).
If I end my birthday like this, it’s another ordinary day.
My birthday celebration will continue tomorrow and the day after tomorrow.
To Be Continued…..
sonokotchi 