Category: Travel

Posted in Beauty, Family, Feelings, Food, Movie, Place, Shopping, Travel

Trip to Taiwan (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I checked out the hotel early to walk to the International Terminal, Haneda Airport.

I usually plan to buy new cosmetics at the airport to cut tax; these are new cosmetics.


I bought these to improve my eyebrows.

 I look forward to trying them on tomorrow. fufufu


I also bought black and blue mascaras and a Quattro Eye Shadow (Tisse Smoky) that I often use – this could be my third one.

It takes 3.5 – 4 hrs to reach Taiwan and I enjoyed the movie, The Man They Called Pirate…


And brunch while I was boarded.


To my surprise, the Taipei Songshan Airport is located in the city.


How convenient! 

It takes only 15 mins from the airport to reach major places in Taipei. 

It was still early to check in to a room so we went to a fortune tell.

I’m lucky because there are a quite number of fortune tellers who are able to communicate in Japanese.

Then we went to Xingtiangong Temple to pray.

We returned to the Grand Hotel; this hotel has three names: in Taiwanese – 圓山大飯店, in Japanese – Maruyama Daihanten (we pronounce Chinese characters in Japanese way) and in English – the Grand Hotel.

There are many good luck charms, Dragons, as many as 220,000 – 230,000 in this hotel.

Since this hotel is so unique, we had a special tour.

This hotel is GRAND because it was a former State Guest House.

This hotel received many VVIPs.

Well, there is a mysterious 85 m man-made tunnel which could be a secret escape tunnel.

However, we don’t know why this was made.


A room is also nice.



And the view from a room is nice overlooking a whole Taipei.


Tonight, we had dinner at the Golden Dragon Restaurant, the Grand Hotel.


I enjoyed these food with a Taiwanese local beer, Golden Medal Taiwan Beer.

After dinner, we took a hotel free shuttle bus to Shilin Night Market.

I’m so surprised to find many Japanese characters on products and Japanese confectioneries, health and beauty cares.

It was an interesting day. 

Good night for now.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Food, Place, Shopping, Tokyo, Travel

Trip to Taiwan (Day 1)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I am so stress out in the office and I can use some get a way.


My trip to Taiwan starts tomorrow; however, since we need to check in at the airport early, we decide to stay at the airport hotel, the Park Royal Hotel.


Usually, we don’t have much time to explore Haneda Airport, but after I checked in, I went out.

I didn’t know there is a bridge, Nihonbashi that we can actually walk on.


Shopping and restaurants area is nicely decorated as Little Edo (Tokyo).


I had salad and gratin for dinner @ Bon Gout, Haneda Airport International Terminal.

This restaurant is delicious and reasonable.


I’m full and shops are already closed.

It’s time to go to sleep.

I cannot wait to reach Taiwan🎶

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Japanese Food, Place, River, Travel

Short Trip to Osaka and Kyoto (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had a very interesting day.

We took a Trokko (mountain train) to enjoy Saga • Arashiyama Mountain View.





After this train ride, we will be on that boat to enjoy river cruise.


Next, Hozugawa Kudari (Hozu River Cruise).

A boat will cruise through a rocky and rapid stream.




We waved at Torokko (mountain train) – we were on that train earlier… and…


Normal JR Line, Sanin Line from a boat.


This 1 hour 45 mins journey is so scenic.



Most of trees are Sakura trees in this photo and there are many Sakura trees at river bank.

Wheather Agency already announced Kyoto is Sakura season; however, the recent sudden temperature drop delayed Sakura blooming greatly.

I could viewed Few Sakuras in Kyoto.

I thought we planned to visit Kyoto at the perfect timing, unfortunately, I missed it by a week.


At the end of the river cruise journey, we reached to another famous sightseeing spot, Togetsukyo (Togetsu Bridge).


We enjoyed Kyoto Lunch, Yudofu (Boiled Tofu) there.


After lunch, we returned to city by a train, Randen (Ranzan Line).

Now I’m on the way back to Tokyo by Shinkansen (Bullet Train).


I have visited Kyoto few times, but this is my first time to ride on Torokko, Hozugawa Kudari and Randen. 

I tried many different rides in a day and visited a new area of Kyoto; this trip became so memorable for me.

Posted in Feelings, Food, Friends, Japan Technology, Japanese Food, Place, Shopping, Shrine and Temple, Tokyo, Travel

Short to Trip to Osaka and Kyoto

Posted on by sonokotchi

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.

Posted in Family, Feelings, Food, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Pilgrimage, Place, River, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

Sayonara Kushimoto Royal Hotel.


And I enjoyed varieties of food at breakfast.

Wakayama is the largest production of sour plum in Japan; I tried my first sour plum porridge.


We are at the tip of the Kii Peninsula; therefore, we need to drive back over 200 km.

We stayed in bus for long; but I enjoyed scenery from a window.

I looked at Hashigui from the other side.


The scenery is so peaceful.


First we stopped at Nachi no Taki (Nachi Falls).

This is the tallest waterfall in Japan (133 m).

No. 1 Seigantoji

This is the World Heritage Site.


Main Temple


We can view Nachi Falls from here, too.


This temple is next to Kumano Nachi Taisha (shrine).

There is a simple gate to divide the two.


This Miagatahikosha is for safe travel and safe drive.

Obviously, I love traveling so I need God’s blessing.

In addition, Yatagarasu gets me excited.

This shrine is for Yatagarasu as well.

If you look carefully in a picture, you will find a crow with three legs.

Yatagarasu is used in design of Japanese national football team’s uniform because it plays a role as a guidance.

There is a hope that Yatagarasu would lead a Japanese national team to a victory.

Go Japan!


I also prayed for my good health by writing a wish board and to walk through 1,000 year old tree.




Time’s up!

I rushed back to the bus.

I continued enjoying scenery from a window again.

The water of Kumano River is so blue!


There is a boat to enjoy a river cruise, but we didn’t have time for that.

Perhaps, next time.


This is my lunch today.


I bought my own dessert: sour plum ice cream!


Next is the final destination of this trip.

No. 5 Fujiidera

Last sutra recite at the temple.

I love to visit Temples and Shrines because I can feel and touch real Japanese culture.

Many of them are located at peaceful places (mountain with full of trees, scenic ocean, etc).

I feel refresh visiting these temples and shrines and blessed.



We reached Shin-Osaka Station to catch a  shinkansen back home.



Ate dinner on Shinkansen.


Once I reach home, I take a shower and go to bed.

I plan to visit other 29 temples later this year.

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! 

Posted in Diving, Exercise, Feelings, Food, Japanese Food, Mt. Fuji, Place, Tokyo, Travel

Birthday Sunday

Posted on by sonokotchi

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!

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

Hatsushima, then Usami Onsen (Hot Spring)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I came to Hatsushima for diving.

It’s about two hours away from Tokyo by car.



We dived at Futatsune.

It’s cold today (15C in water), but it was fun.

I saw a Japanese angel shark twice; both of them are female.

She is flat and got many freckles.

I also saw a Hatsushima’s idol, Jaw Fish.

He is cute in pink!

Then I saw a group of kibomago (silver-stripe round herring). 

It was nice.

I haven’t started taking photos so you need to find out how these looks by yourself…Sorry…

This was my lunch at Hatsushima.


Hatsushima is a small island.


It is my first trip to Hatsushima and I like it!

I would like to visit again.

Tonight, staying at minshuku (Japanese casual inn) Otsuka, Usami Onsen.

It’s nice and cozy.


It has a nice ocean view from a room.


But be careful; their bath is hot.


After dipping to their onsen (hot spring).

I enjoyed delicious food; I had fugu (blow fish) course dinner.

It’s worth visiting from Tokyo.


There are many dishes; these are some of close up photos that I enjoyed very much.


It’s still 9 o’clock, but ready to sleep on futon.

Good night.

I’m sure I won’t dream tonight. hahaha


Posted in Diving, Feelings, Food, Friends, Health, Japanese Food, Place, Tokyo, Travel

Lunch & Amazon

Posted on by sonokotchi

I have a lunch buddy now; she joined us last February.

We had Oyakodon, meaning family on rice.


After opening a cover….chicken and egg on rice.

Now you know what I mean: FAMILY ON RICE.


Dessert and coffee are inclusive in a lunch set at Gono Igarashi-Tei, Ginza.


Dessert is wrapped in real sasa leaf.

It’s only a bite, but nice to have a dessert.


I look forward to explore lunch with her.

By the way, my birthday is on 3 March.

I used to be in charge for a project around this time so I didn’t have time to celebrate my birthday for over a decade. 

I asked my boss to change an officer this year and he accepted it.

I don’t have to worry about phone calls and messages on weekends.

That’s great.

I hurt my knees because I fell from stairs while I was busy answering messages to participants.

But this year, I’m free from it!!!

We plan to go for Birthday Diving to celebrate my Birthday in Izu, Shizuoka.

I took a safety precaution to purchase knee supporters.

I don’t know which one to buy; I bought the best seller product on Amazon.

I cannot wait.

I will celebrate 10 times more.

At the same time, yes, I’ll be careful.