Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

It's still hot, but it's already autumn on the calender.
Japanese people like enjoying the beauty of the plants in each season.
In autumn, many people go out for viewing autumn leaves.
It is called "Momiji Gari".
It is said this custom "Momiji Gari" started from Heian Era ( about 9-10th century).
The beauty of autumn leaves has been fascinating Japanese people for a long time.

The best season for Momiji Gari is from the middle of October to November.
Many people take a trip for viewing autumn leaves, and enjoy the hot spring as well.
A lot of Momiji Gari spots are also Onsen (hot spring) spots.

There are many Momiji Gari spots around Tokyo.
One of the most popular spots is Nikko.
It takes about 2 hours by train from Asakusa.
You can catch the direct train for Nikko from Asakusa.
It is the photo taken in Nikko.

Hakone is also popular spot for Momiji Gari.
It takes about 1 hour and a half by train from Asakusa.
It is the photo taken in Hakone.

You have enough time to make a plan to travel in Japan.
I suggest you to visit Tokyo this autumn and take a day trip for Nikko or Hakone.

The Fall is just around the corner, but the extreame weather madness still continues in Tokyo.

At nighttime, you start to hear the sound of bugs which has evoke a Fall image.

One of the famous bugs that represents the Japanese Fall is Suzumushi, also known as the bell-cricket.

The sound is very mellow.
It is said that the sound of Suzumushi can only be heard in Japan.
When you are here, listen to the beautiful sound of Suzumushi. It somehow relaxes you.

If you want to enjoy Onsen (hot spring) in Tokyo, I have the one to recommend.

Oedo-Onsen Monogatari

It's located in Odaiba area, where is about 30minutes by train from Asakusa.
Here offers not only hot spring but also food and amusement in Edo-era environment.
You feel as if you are in Edo-era now.

After admission at the front desk, you select your favorite yukata.
Change into your yukata, and you can enjoy the open-air foot bath with your friends.
In addition, you can enjoy traditional Japanese games and Ninja show.

Why don't you experience this old Japanese town?
It will be unforgettable experience for you!!

We had farewell party for Ryoko last night.
She worked in Sakura hostel for a half year, and took charge of our staff blog.
I think you enjoyed her blog a lot.
Now, she decided to start her new life in the U.S.
She will work in Disney Land in Florida for a year!!
We believe she do a good job over there as well as in Sakura hostel.

Here are some photos we took last night.

with her best friend Enocchi

Sakura Girls!!

We gave her message card.
Was she so happy that she couldn't help crying!?

We will miss you, Ryoko!!
Come to see us when you come back to Japan!!

It's pretty late to introduce myelf here......
I'm Agu, who has written the staff blog for about a week.
My nickname "Agu" comes from my family name "Agui", which is unusual family name.
I started working in Sakura hostel at the same time with Aki.

My hobby is going to see a movie.
I like going to the movie theater, but don't like watching a movie at home.
I want to see a movie on a big screen, and always take a seat in the center of the theater.

I like karaoke as well.
When Morning Musume was the top idol in Japan, I often sang their songs.
In these days, I sing AKB48's songs.
Their songs sound so cute!!

My favorite animation character is Anpanman.
This is so popular among children. (It dose not mean I'm still a child!!)

I'm good at drawing Anpanma characters.
When you visit Sakura hostel, please see my name tag.
My drawing "Anpanman" is on it.

I'm happy to work in Sakura Hostel and communicate with people from all over the world.
I always welcome you with big smile.
Please visit Tokyo and have fun!!

Hello, my name is Aki.
I have been working here from this month.

When I was student, I played bass guitar.
I love the music (The Who, Nick Drake, The Delgados, Manu Chao, The No Smoking Orchestra and so on.)
That's why I travelled around UK and also around Europe 5 years ago.
(The above photo was taken at Portugal)

Now I want to improve my language skill to communicate with everyone who comes here.
It's a pleasure for me to welcome people from around the world.
I'm looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

What are you doing Naoto??
Are you fixing the ceiling?

Ta-dah!!

Do you recognize what's new with our front desk??

Yes, we have WORLD TIME CLOCK now!
When you make a phone call to your family or friends while you are travelling, you may take some time to figure out the time difference.
But now, those clocks help you to find out what time at your home :D

London!

Rio de Janeiro!

New York!

Sydney!

Bankok!

It was Naoto's long-cherished dream.. and finally Benjamin made his dream come true!
Ben-chan designed those clocks. Great job!

Tokyo time?
Our Totoro clock is still here :)

Are you allowed to drink beer when you drive a car in your country?
Japanese law prohibit to take alcohol when you drive a car.
That's because driving while slightly drunk causes serious traffic accident.

When you go out camping with your friends in your driving,
it's only you who are not allowed to drink beer while your friends enjoy BBQ with beer?
Can't you stand such a situation??

Have you ever heard of non-alcohol beer?
Recently, non-alcohol beer began to be put on Japanese market.
The taste is a bit different from original beer.
I think bitterness gets mild.
Anyway, Alcohol 0%
There's no problem as long as you drink this beer!!

About myself,
somehow I felt getting drunk a little bit, even though it's 0% alcohol.
I don't drink alcohol so much, and I'm not accustomed to the alcohol taste itself.
Maybe, that's why I felt drunk.

Now, do you want to try this beer?