Category: Waterfalls

Posted in Action, Beauty, Choco-chan, Experience, Feelings, Food, Health, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Place, Restaurants, River, Tokyo, Travel, Waterfalls

Memorable Weekend

Posted on by sonokotchi

First I went to Utsunomiya, Tochigi.

This town is known for Gyoza (fried Chinese dumpling).

In fact, this is my first time to try Utsunomiya Gyoza at Utsunomiya.

There is Gyoza Dori (Gyoza Street).

There are many Gyoza specialized shops and Ramen (Japanized Chinese style noodle) and Gyoza restaurants.

The lamp is also in shape of Gyoza.

I queued and had my Gyoza at Goku, Gyoza Dori, Utsunomiya, Tochigi.

Niku (Meat) Gyoza and Jumbo Gyoza

Then proceeded to Nikko, Tochigi.

In Nikko, visited Kegon no Taki (Kegon Fall).

Today, there is a lift to go down to watch Kegon no Taki in front of it.

It’s very cold there and we can still see some snow.

We drove by Chuzenji-ko (Chuzenji Lake) and enjoyed the view from window.

Recently, we enjoyed warm temperature and suddenly its temperature dropped; therefore, we could see some steam from lake which makes lake look more scenic and mysterious.

We drove through woods on the way to Oku-Nikko, also very scenic.

We drove farther and reached Sengokugahara (wetland) where believed God of Mountain conducted battles.

There is another lake, Yuko (Yu Lake) at the entrance of Oku-Nikko area.

We finally reached Oku-Nikko Kogen Hotel.

We can stay this nice Washitsu (Japanese style room) together with Choco.

I went to dip in onsen (hot spring) before dinner.

There are two sections: Lower (bigger) and Upper (smaller).

Both equipped with indoor and outdoor/open-air bath.

Upper
Lower

It’s cold there; so that dipping in Onsen felt really nice.

I became thirsty after dipping in onsen so I enjoyed drinking cold Wakimizu (spring water).

After getting some rest, we had dinner with local sake made for Oki-Nikko Kogen Hotel.

I went to futon (Japanese style bed) early.

Next morning, I woke up with a surprise.

According to weather forecast, it predicted snow in Kanto region.

However, in few days, we will welcome April – Spring.

There could be some snow but I didn’t expect it to be thick.

Well, I was wrong….

It continued snowing and no sign of weakening.

I became panic because I came with normal tyres, not snow tyres.

To calm myself down, I went for morning dip.

It was still early and there were no one.

I supposed not to take any photos at the bath, but it was so romantic.

Quickly got ready and went to breakfast.

There are many varieties of food and there is an egg and bacons in the pot.

Continued monitoring snow and consulted hotel staffs who are local; well, I had to make a hard decision – abundant my car.

I think we made a wise decision because snow is thick and we surely could not drive through these windy roads: Irohazaka.

Reached Tobu Nikko Eki (Station) by hotel free shuttle bus.

Then Took train, Spacia, back to Asakusa, Tokyo.

Choco behaved his best on train.

I had a rich vanilla ice cream on the train while looking at these sceneries.

It’s scary but breath taking sceneries.

We cannot underestimate nature; I safely returned home.

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 Family, Feelings, Flower, Food, Friends, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Nature, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Golden Week Holiday in Kyoto (Day 3)

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had these for breakfast.

I, again, visited Ishiyama, Shiga this morning

to visit Ishiyama Dera (Ishiyama Temple).

It’s guarded by Nioh (guardians).

It’s Spring so Temple is so green.

Walked through old aged stone for fun.

On the way to Hondo (the main temple), there are many temples to visit and pray.

Daishi Do (Kobo Great Buddhist Priest Temple)

When I look up from here…I see…

At Hondo (the Main Temple), I prayed to Nyoirin Kannon (Goddess).

After visiting Hondo, there are still many places to visit.

And the path are beautifully decorated by azalea.

This is the map of Ishiyama Temple.

You can see that there are many places to visit in the premises.

We are half way now.

We continued walking down the path.

Then we reached Kodo (Light Temple)

The door for this temple is opened specially from 28 April – 20 May 2018, allowing us to meet three special Buddha.

We are so lucky to be here today.

The first Japanese lady love story writer, Murasaki Shikibu used to visit this temple to get inspirations to write Genji Monogatari (Mr. Genji’s Story).

There is Kanro Daki (Kanro Fall).

And nice Shobu En (iris garden).

I cannot enter, but there is a path to the sacred place looking mysterious.

There is a holy stone.

According to the signage, it says Ooyuya, meaning a big bath…?

I also prayed to the very important God: Daikokuten (God of Wealth).

At last I prayed to Kinryu Ryuoh (Golden Dragon King) for preventing bad luck and bringing good luck.

After visiting Ishiyama Temple, we took a breath at tea room, Kanou Shojuan, to enjoy Ishimochi (stone rice cakes).

Ishimochi presents strong stone foundation of this temple, wishing for prevention of bad luck and establishment of strong tie.

These are delicious.

I had dinner appointment with my old Kyoto friend.

She took me to a nice Japanese restaurant Izama at Mitsui Garden Hotel Shinmachi Bettei, Kyoto.

I absolutely enjoyed food, drink and chatting!

Kyoto Local Beer (Dark Beer)

Three Types of Kyoto Local Sake

After dinner, I went to Bar Islay Mojito with her to continue girl’s talk without Mom. hehehe

Posted in Exercise, Feelings, Food, Golf, Health, Hotel, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Music, Place, Restaurants, Shrine and Temple, Travel, Waterfalls

Detoxing in Kyoto

Posted on by sonokotchi

I had a long weekend because I took a day off on Friday and our office is closed on Monday: Japanese National Holiday, Sports and Health Day.

I decided to come to Kyoto.

Kyoto is popular sightseeing place for Japanese and foreign tourists; therefore, Shinkansen (bullet train) is full.

I listened to the announcement that the Shinkansen is full and all seats are taken.

I managed to get few last seats.


First, I went to Chinese Restaurant: Marushin Hansen for lunch.


This restaurant is famous for Gyoza (fried dumplings) and Tenshinhan (rice with egg).



Then went to foot massage at Shion, Kyoto Station.

I felt so good because my body was exhausted!

When you arrive Kyoto Station early and don’t know what to do, you can go for a quick massage, quick as 15 mins and they are good!


Checked in at Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hachijo Guchi, Kyoto.

It’s conveniently near to Kyoto Station, Subway Kujo Station and Bus Stop.


I had Chanko Nabe (put anything into soup/pot) for dinner.

There are varieties of mashroom (autumn seasonal vegetable), vegetables, pork, chicken, beef, oyster, ise ebi (lobster) and udon noodle.


After dinner, I listened to Tsugaru Jamisen (Japanese guitar).

It’s so powerful!


The next day, I played golf at King’s Road Golf Course.


I started with breakfast because we left hotel early.

We couldn’t get a golf course in Kyoto; therefore, we crossed two prefectures and went to Hyogo Prefecture to play. hahaha


But there is no regret because it’s a nice course to play. 


Some trees already changed colour…


I had a Japanese traditional spaghetti, Neapolitan, for lunch.

This is one of Japanese modified western food.


After a game, returned to Kyoto and went to Gion Negiyaki Kana Higashi Ten (Higashi Store), Gion, Kyoto for dinner.

The restaurant is nice and cozy with a traditional Teppan (grill plate).



However, I didn’t enjoy food…

These are typical Kansai Food (Osaka Food); therefore, I can enjoy these at other restaurants.

However, if you want to enjoy the atmosphere, it’s nice.

If you are new to Negiyaki (Japanese pizza or shall I call it, pancake? with Negi (leeks), it’s okay.

It’s also economical.


I woke up late on Monday and got ready to go out.

I had seasonal tendon (tempura bowl) at Fushimi Tenpura Oe, Fushimi, Kyoto for brunch.



I want to go to Fushimi Inari Taisha.

Today, it’s a popular place for Instgram, known for Sen-bon Torii (1,000 red shrine gates) and the place could be crowded.

By the way, I need to warn you; you should wear a pair of comfortable shoes to climb up stairs to go up to the summit. 

It’s a good exercise.

It’s hot today so I sweat a lot; but I feel better after exercising and praying at many shrines.

I feel detoxed!








It’s proven I’m detoxed because I pulled Daikichi (the luckiest) for omikujo (fortune tell).


Holy Waterfall






After a good exercise and pray, I had early dinner, Oinari (fried tofu with marinated rice) at Omiya, Fushimi, Kyoto.

It’s simple, but delicious.


I purchased a Shinkansen ticket online.

Central Japan Railway Company introduced a new service allowing to purchase a Shinkansen ticket online by registering IC train or subway card and credit card.

I don’t need to queue on a line to purchase a ticket.

That’s great!


However, again, Shinkansen is packed so I can reserve only one hour later Shinkansen.

I didn’t have a green tea during this Kyoto trip so I went to Japanese traditional sweet manufacturer, Tsuruya Yoshinobu’s cafe: Irodori, Kyoto Station for green tea and Anmitsu (Japanese traditional dessert – Jelly).


I very much enjoyed this time’s sudden and short trip to Kyoto.

I feel refleshed! 


Posted in Experience, Feelings, Flower, Food, Place, River, Shopping, Travel, Waterfalls

Trip to the US (Day 2)

Posted on by sonokotchi

It seems many cargo trains passed by last night; but I didn’t wake up till my alarm went off.

I woke up feeling fresh this morning.

I had a typical American breakfast: egg, sausage, beacon, turkey ham, cheese, pan cake, yogurt, fruit and Starbucks coffee!

I departed Double Tree by Hilton Modenas for Yosemite National Park.

Yosemite is Native Americans (Indians) language meaning Brown Bear.


A bus is climbing mountains. 


On the way to Yosemite, we drove through Mariposa, which was a gold mining town in 1848 at the time of  the California Gold Rush.

Many speculators rushed to California to look for Gold especially in 1849; therefore, they are called 49ers which now named for American football team, San Francisco 49ers.

Players are definitely “49ers” because they also rush for an opportunity (ball) to make them famous and wealthy.

This town didn’t die after the California Gold Rush era died because the town became a resting area before reaching Yosemite.

The town preserves cowboy town look.


This is how they mined gold. 


On the way to Yosemite, I could see old mining points.


It took over 3 hours to reach the Arch Rock Entrance of the Yosemite National Park and also the Unesco’s World Heritage.


I am lucky because I was told that past 7 – 8 years it didn’t rain enough so waterfalls and rivers were thin and some points dried.

However, last year it rained well so I could enjoy powerful waterfalls and rivers today!

At the Tunnel View point, I overlooked the Bridalveil Falls (on the right), Half Dome (a peak in the center) and El Capitan (solid granite mountain which is popular for rock climbing on the left).


From a different point, we can take a look at Ribbon Fall next to El Captan.


And moved to another point to have a close look of Bridalveil Fall.

This fall named Bridalveil because at the bottom of the fall, the mist looks like as if bride’s veil is flipping by wind.

How romantic!


This dynamic cascade fall is 740 m length Yosemite Fall.


From the different point, I enjoyed peaceful looking Half Dome.

After viewing iconic points from different places, I became hungry.

I had a turkey burger (not a sandwich) and salad with ranch dressing at Yosemite Valley Lodge.


After lunch, I walked to the bottom of Yosemite Fall.

It’s so dynamic and powerful so I got wet at the bottom of Yosemite Fall.


On the way out of Yosemite, I enjoyed closer look of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall.



I could feel the great power of Mother Nature by looking at many huge rocks cracked in two like this as if somebody cut it by a knife.


I bought a pair of socks and cap for the memory of Yosemite.

Agriculture is one of major industries of California.

California is famous for production of almonds, pistachios and olive oil.

This is an almond tree.


And these are almonds.


I bought these as my sourvenirs: Californian inshell almonds, inshell pistachios and olive oil.


Not only shopping, but I also enjoyed window views such as Wind Power Station (there are many as 300) and trains (could be over 100 cargo containers).



Before reaching to the hotel, I had a nice over 200 g rib eye steak and local beer, Sierra Nevada, at the Black Bear Diner.

Salad, corn bread, ice cream and coffee are also nice.

Restaurant is so cute, fully decorated with black bears!

Black bears are everywhere!


After a nice dinner, passed by Rakuten (Japanese leading e-commerce platform with 30% market share follow by Amazon (15%) and Yahoo Japan (3.2%)) and reached tonight’s hotel: the Best Western Plus Grosvenor Hotel.




Okay, my bath is ready.

Good night.

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.