I don’t have any plan tomorrow.
Oh no, I do have a plan; I plan to sleep. Zzzz
Let’s Celebrate!
Hectic days are over.
I was working long hours this week.
But despite busy hours, city is still in pink and enjoyed Sakura Viewing from a meeting room and a car.
Today, I went back to office and return to normal life.
I went to arrange flower; so calm and peaceful.
Golf@Ichihara Keikyu Golf Course
Despite the rain, a course is nice, sakura is fully bloomed and game is okay.
Ohanami (Sakura Viewing) at Megurogawa (Meguro River)
The view at this narrow river is breathtaking during Sakura season.
Sakura trees reach out branches from both side covering a river.
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…
Buta Shabu (Pork Claypot)
It’s still nice to eat Nabe (pot dish); therefore, I cooked a pot dish, Buta Shabu (Pork Claypot).
Swing a slice of pork in hot soup to cook (not to over cook) and eat with two different sauce: sesame dressing with Chinese chili oil, and ponzu (citrus soy sauce), daikon (white radish) and bannou negi (chive).
Last I had a small potion of udon (rice noodle).
It’s not a reward day or cheating day.
But how can I refuse this…?
Long Day
It’s a long day today.
I left office 7:45 pm and reached home past 8 pm.
I went to grocery shopping because I didn’t feel like buying food outside.
I was exhausted, but I was in a cooking mode.
I cooked chicken in black vinegar.
And I bought Carparica Sparkling Water from Romania as my treat.
I’m trying to cut down on sugar by avoiding fruit.
But I want to have my treat.
I concluded to have a sparkling water.
I finally had my dinner at 10 pm – so late.
I forgot to buy parsley; therefore, I had to be creative for smoothie.
I made a soy milk, tomato and carrot smoothie for breakfast tomorrow.
It became nicely in pink – so romantic!
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 Trip to Osaka and Kyoto (Day 2)
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.
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.
sonokotchi 