Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Travel

Trip to Hokkaido

Posted on by sonokotchi

I really look forward to this visit to Hokkaido.

I’ve been to Hokkaido for skiing and snowboarding, but not the areas that I’m going to visit this time.

I arrived Sendai, Miyagi by Shinkansen (bullet train).

The scenery from the window is nice and golden, rice fields are harvested with fresh rice.


Sendai Station was expanded with a new station building, S-Pal.

I remember visiting this S-Pal recently in last May when I visited the Great Eastern Earthquake Hit Areas.


Tonight, we will spend over night on New Ishikari (Taiheiyo Ferry).

The journey is between Sendai, Miyagi (main island) and Tomakomai, Hokkaido.

This reminds me my trip from Copenhagen to Oslo by DFD Seaways♪

fufufu

Posted in Experience, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Tokyo

Otaku Bunka: Geek’s Culture

Posted on by sonokotchi


It’s been awhile since I uploaded last.

I was too busy preparing for participation in Tokyo Game Show 2016 which was held from 15-19 September 2016.

It was challenging for me because this industry is totally new to me.

At last, I learned the industry and could enjoy the event itself.

I made Otaku (Geeks) friends and also learned Otaku Bunka (Geek’s Culture). 

We might participate again in Tokyo Game Show in 2017.

I should consider cosplay…?

Posted in Feelings, Japanese Food

Sayonara Made in Japan Oreo, Ritz and Premium!

Posted on by sonokotchi


Yamazaki-Nabosco stopped producing Oreo, Ritz and Premium on 31 August 2016 due to the termination of contract.

Oreo will be imported from China, Ritz from Indonesia and Premium from Italia.

I’m pretty sure products won’t be the same, knowing Japan produces high quality confectioneries.

I realized it’s already September.

I rushed to a supermarket and particularly looked for these.

I know  I’ll miss these made in Japan Products.

I never thought I would appreciate Oreo as one of delicacies like caviar. Ahhhhh

Posted in Feelings, Food

Would it cancel all bads?

Posted on by sonokotchi

This week, I’m busy working on a project.

I need to continue working at home.

I decided to give a treat to myself.


This is reasonable (JPY 1800 or USD 18), and nice.

Chateau La Verriere (Bordeaux, France)

It’s defenately a nice buy.

I went to gym to watch Suits while walking.

hahaha I know I should write I walked on a treadmill while watching Suits on hulu.

But I could say that I look forward to go to gym to watch a new episode of Suits.

I ate natto (fermented soybean) and mekabu (seaweed) and hopefully these will cancel instant noodle, Malaysian Tom  Yam flavored instant noodle.


I ate with extra vegetables, I hope this cancels some bads.

Posted in Daily Life, Feelings, Food

Busy Morning!

Posted on by sonokotchi


I left my apartment early with my favorite coffee in my favorite thermo.

I like this thermo because it has a rock (I can carry it around without worrying spilling drink) and my favorite penguin!  

I saw a sign telling a traffic jam ahead on Shuto Express.

I exited a highway, but it was a bad decision to make because a normal road is more crowded!!

Oh well, at least I could enjoy listening to music and drinking coffee inside of my car.

I drove by the area that I used to live…I spotted familiar buildings and new buildings.

Yes, I made many good and bad memories while living here!

It’s still 11:00 am in Tokyo.

It is a busy morning for me.

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

Sayonara Miho-no-seki

Posted on by sonokotchi

Time to say Sayonara.


It was a short stay, but I enjoyed it very much.

I’m already at Yonago Kitaro Airport.


“Ge Ge Ge no Kitaro” is famous manga series.

This airport is named after this manga because the manga artist, Mr. Shigeru Mizuki, his hometown is nearby, Sakai-city where fish market is.

This approach was taken at few airports to stimulate use of airport by welcoming tourists.

Luckily, I had time to enjoy and relax at the airport.


Daisen Pilsner and Matsue Staut!!

Okay, it’s time for boarding.

Sayonara Miho-no-seki

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Japanese Culture, Japanese Food, Place, Shopping, Surprise, Travel

Visit to Miho-no-seki

Posted on by sonokotchi

First I stopped at Sakai Port Fish Market for lunch.

I had a special seafood rice bowl.


There are many types of fresh and delicious seafood such as crabs, prawn, sea urchin, salmon roe, abalone, squid, tuna, yellowtail, egg.

It’s worth to stop by to have a lunch there.
Then I visited Miho Shrine, my main objective for this trip – to pay a thank you visit.


Japanese Gods, Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto and Kotoshironushi-no-kami (widely known as Ebisu-sama) are enshrined in Miho Shrine.

Mihotsuhime-no-mikoto is Goddess for harvest, couple harmony and prosperity.

Ebisi-sama is God for fishery, agriculture and commerce. He loves music so Ebisu-sama is God for entertainment business as well.

Of course, Ebisu-sama is very popular, representing business success. 

And this shrine is head of about 3,000 Ebisu Shrines!

I just love to be here.

After praying at Miho Shrine, I walked around the area.

I stopped for snacks: tokoroten (Tengusa seaweed jelly with vinegar) and strawberry flavored kakigori (shave ice).


And shopped soy sauce, ponzu (ponzu citrus soy sauce based sauce) and mentsuyu (soba sauce).


Their soy sauce is sweeter and has more flavors.

I enjoyed this soy sauce so much when I bought it at my last visit and I couldn’t forget about it!

It was still bright outside so I went to Miho-no-seki light house.


It was a nice view to enjoy Japan Sea’s ocean view!


I checked-in at hotel and had a quick dinner to enjoy Maki-Noh at Miho Shrine.


Noh is Japanese traditional drama, and has been played since 14th century.

Noh is also performed for God to show appreciation for harvest. 

Tonight, a special performance was performed at Miho Shrine with torch.

I didn’t know about tonight’s Noh performance and I am so fortunate to be there.

I enjoyed watching Noh surrounded by great nature.

I felt holy, spiritual and blessed❤️

Posted in Experience, Family, Feelings, Place, Tokyo, Travel

Haneda Airport Now

Posted on by sonokotchi

I’m on the way to Miho Shrine in Shimane, southern part of Japan.

This is my second time to visit this shrine.

This weekend is the last weekend for school holiday; therefore I didn’t have much choice when I was booking flights.

But it is okay because this time I’m making a trip just to pay a gratitude visit to this shrine.

I’m still in Tokyo, but I’m already having fun.

I checked in with my Apple Watch for first time, and….

we were offered to have a ride to a gate with this mini-car.


Of course, this is my first time to ride this; I took an advantage being with mom.

It was fun as if I were at Disneyland because this mini-car runs with music!
Okay, it’s time for boarding.

Hummmm, it’s difficult to see…it’s a Star Wars wrapped aircraft!

Posted in Family, Feelings, Japanese Food, Shopping

Wolf’s Peach, but this is Tomato Juice

Posted on by sonokotchi


Previously I posted that I’m hooked with tomato juice.

I’ve been drinking and comparing different brands of tomato juice; I prefer non-salt added tomato juice.
Few days ago, I was recommended this Wolf’s Peach by a staff of supermarket.
This tomato juice from Hokkaido is available only once in a year, must be special.
I wonder why this TOMATO juice is named Wolf’s PEACH!
Hummmm, it’s nice and mild.
I bought three bottles: one for mom and dad, and extra bottle for me.
Yes, I get pressure when I hear the word, “limited edition”, terrible me!