Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

Because of the popular event, we had TAKOYAKI PARTY again on November 28th !!

What we got for the ingredients this time are
* Octopus
* Baby scallop
* Kimchi
* Fish Paste
* Imitation crab
* Sausage with cheese
* Chocolate
* Candy chocolate

Beyond our expectations, many people came to the party.
I felt concerned if there were enough food to go round.

However, there's no need for anxiety.

This time, the good chef in our hostel : Johrel was in the party !!

He cooked very delicious YAKISOBA ( fried noodle ) for the guests.
One of them loved this noodle so much, and she asked for a second helping.

Some people were interested in how to make TAKOYAKI.
They actually tried making TAKOYAKI.
Now, they know how difficult to turn it and make it shape like a ball.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter how the shape is ugly.
The most important thing is to enjoy the cooking procedure.

Chocolate and candy chocolate were on hand for the dessert TAKOYAKI.
But, it seemed everybody got the full stomach.
We decided to make the dessert TAKOYAKI next time.

We are very happy that many people enjoy the party last night.
......eating, talking, and laughing together with many people.......
They met a lot of new friends here last night, I think.

It's our pleasure to give all of you more joyful memories.
The photos we took are uploaded on our facebook.
Please visit the facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=41214&id=220350084985&ref=mf

Thank you for coming to the party and reading this blog.

Kameda Seika Company, which is a well-known rice cracker company.
Meiji Seika Kaisha, which is a well-known chocolate company.
On the first inspection, they are in totally different business field, aren't they?

Now, these two companies made the attractive snack food in collaboration.
Kakinotane is the most popular product in Kameda Seika.
Milk chocolate was produced anew by Meiji Seika for this collaboration.

One is Chocolate-Kakinotane, and the other one is Kakinotane-crunch chocolate bar.

It is "Chocolate-Kakinotane" that the milk chocolate is coated to the rice cracker.

In general, Kakinotane is eaten together with the peanut.
However, "Chocolate-Kakinotane" goes with the crunchy almond.

It is "Kakinotane-crunch chocolate bar" that is made from
the milk chocolate, the crush almond, and the crushed kakinotane.

As the chocolate melts in the mouth, you catch the salty taste.

Can you imagine how the taste is?
You will smack your lips over the exquisite combination of saltiness and sweetness.

If you are looking for a good store for Japan's souvenirs, I do reccommend 100 YEN SHOP!

There are thousands of 100 yen shops across Japan, and it is well known as One-Coin-Shop sell a wide range of products.
(They are actually sold for 105 yen including 5 persent consumption tax..)

The industry leader Daiso has over 2,500 shops in Japan as well as 550 stores oversea.
You may have one in your town?

The largest store in Tokyo is Daiso Giga Machida, spans 5 floors!!
[Access] 30 minutes from Shinjuku to Machida station by Odakyu Railways (360 yen)

Speaking of 100 yen shop items, we had a shooting of a TV program today at our hostel.
Our guests made sandwiches using the 100 yen goods, that was the main idea of the TV show.

Hmmm, do you need any special item to make sandwiches??

Anyways, it sounds interesting, doesn't it? Let's check out the TV show!

[Program] Mezamashi Doyobi Mega （めざましどようびメガ）
[Channel] Fuji Television
[Date] Saturday, 27th Nov.
[Time] 9:55-10:40AM

Do you know Hato Bus?
Hato Bus is one of the most famous sightseeing bus company,
which provides the one-day trips including all of Tokyo's best tourist spots.

Are you interested in the time-honored tradition such as shrines, temples and Japanese gardens?
On the other hand,
do you prefer the more fashionable and trendy hot spots?

Hato Bus has the various courses combining a little of everything.
- from traditional Japanese food to satisfying shopping -
They have English-speaking tour guides.
In addition,
they can offer tours in Chinese, Korean and Spanish via the audio-guide system.
You will end the day replete with the charms of Tokyo.

In compliance with your wishes, there are various type of tours.

Do you have a limited time for sightseeing?
Half-day tours introduce you the essence of Tokyo such as Tokyo Tower and Imperial Palace.

If you have enough time for sightseeing, it's a good idea to have a full day tour.
You will find out a unique mixture of Tokyo’s wonderful attractions.

How about taking a walk to enjoy Tokyo?
Walking tours take you to the major sightseeing spots and Japanese gardens with fresh air.

They have night tours as well.
Enjoy the beautiful night view in Tokyo !!

If you want more detail, please visit their web-site.
http://www.hatobus.com/en/index.html

Please make good use of it when you plan the travel to Tokyo.

Do you often see them in the convenience store in Japan?

This is named "Lunch Pack" , which is put on the market by YAMAZAKI Baking Company.
It's stuffed with ingredients by making the soft bread with no crust a pouch.
The bread only for "Lunch Pack" is made in the special way.
The special method to prevent the ingredient from soaking into dough is adopted.
Besides, it is devised not to make the sandwich smash by filling inside with air.

More than 50 flavors appear on the market every year.
* Regular flavors put on the market all over Japan
* Regional limited flavors using local specialty
* Original flavor by the factories

・Peanut

・Egg

・strawberry
If you visit Fukuoka, you can get strawberry flavor.

・Kinako Mochi
This Lunch Pack uses Mochi made by Otabe, which is a well-known brand of Yatsuhashi (Kyoto specialty)

Because of so many tasty flavors,
it's very popular among not only elder people but also young people.

Go traveling all over Japan, and find your favorite Lunch Pack !!

As the title says, I went to Tori no Ichi during recess.
Just go up to the north toward Senzoku from Sakura Hostel Asakusa.
You can get to Ootori Shinto Shrine, where is the main place in Tori no Ichi.

On the way to Tori no Ichi, you can see so many people eating in the street stalls.
The time when I visited was afternoon, but many people already enjoyed drinking.

Because many people walked toward the same direction, it's quite difficult to walk forward fast.

Once you pass through the Shinto Shrine archway, which is called "Torii",
You will see the KUMADE stalls on both sides.

In addition,
you will see so many people standing in a line in order to pray to God.
Because those people queue up at the center of the road,
it's almost impossible to cross the road to the other side.

If you buy KUMADE in Tori no Ichi, the shopkeeper will give you some claps rhythmically.
This action means to pray for good luck for you.

Recently, Hello Kitty shows up everywhere.

Since 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit in Chinese astrology, the rabbit motif products are put on sale.

If you have chance to visit Japan during Tori no Ichi, I strongly recommend to experience this festival.
Actually, KUMADE is pretty expensive.
I'm not going to recommend Tori no Ichi in order to buy KUMADE.
It's very fun just to look around the market

Now, are you interested in Tori no Ichi?

The bus terminal is located on the　ground level of MY Shinjuku No. 2 Building of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company, near the West Exit of Shinjuku Station and in front of Yodobashi Camera Shinjuku West shop.
The bus terminal serves mainly Keio Group bus routes, such as Chūō Kōsoku Bus, including those operated jointly with other companies. The terminal has the bus stop number 50 among other bus stops around the railway station. The bus terminal has a platform with three numbered boarding positions. Due to its limited capacity, bus stop Nos. 26, 27 and 28 located out of the terminal support the terminal. The terminal facilities include ticket windows to sell bus tickets.(also you can reserve by online :www.highwaybus.com/rs-web01-prd-rel/gp/reservation/rsvRouteList)

Nifty lines are Fuji-Goko Line&The 5th uphill of Mt.Fuji Line(This line is not running during winter）

Why don't you try to visit beautiful autumn mountains? It's the best to go now.
From Asakusa it takes around 2 hours by train to get to the famous places like NIKKO, TSUKUBA and TAKAO.

Lake Chuzenji

Mt. Takao

Of course you also enjoy autumn in Tokyo.

Aoyama area

Dont't forget to bring your warm cloths with you so you can enjoy autumn without cold.

Peace!

Tori no Ichi is held on Rooster Day of Chinese zodiac every year.
In 2010, it's November 7th and 19th.
This event is held in Otori-jinja Shrine, which is the northern part of Asakusa.

A bamboo rake market is set up.
We call a bamboo rake "KUMADE" in Japanese.
The street stalls sell the bamboo rakes decorated with various lucky charms.
These are considered as the lucky charm in Japan.

Why is it KUMADE which they started selling in Tori no Ichi?
It is said that KUMADE imitates the hawk's talons, which imagine the eagle grabbing a feed.
The action to rake up gives us the impression of grabbing the happiness.

Many people visit Tori no Ichi every year to purchase a colorful KUMADE.
Get KUMADE, and "rake in" good luck !!

Do you know what Shodo is?
Shodo is traditional Japanese art : Calligraphy.

Shodo party was held in the lobby on November 14th.
Volunteer group "PEACE" came here to help us for this event.

First of all, you need to know what your name is in Kanji.
Don't worry.
Volunteers help you to find appropriate Kanji for your name.

The instructor shows the model how to write your Kanji name on the ｓｈeet with the brush and ink.

Now, it's time for you to challenge Shodo.

After some practice, a big sheet is prepared for your best performance.

Well done !!

After Shodo,
we had good time to eat, drink, and chat with new friends.

Shodo party was very successful.

It's our pleasure to provide you the pleasant memory staying in Japan.
Thank you for coming to the party !!

How many times have you ever been to Tokyo?
Did you go everywhere for sightseeing?

Now, I introduce another way to go sightseeing around Tokyo.

How about going down Sumida river by the water bus?

The terminal for sightseeing boat was renewed this summer.
Sumida River, Asahi Beer Tower, and Sky Tree....
The view from the glass window of waiting room is magnificent.
You will enjoy even the waiting time for the cruise.

There are 4 lines for the sightseeing boat.

< Sumida River Line >
It's about 40 minute voyage travelling around Sumida River.
12 bridges between Asakusa and Hinode Pier are all unique in color and shape.

< Asakusa-Odaiba Line >
The water bus named "HIMIKO" runs between Asakusa and Odaiba.
This water bus is designed by Reiji Matsumoto, who is one of the most famous cartoonists.

< Odaiba Line >
This line connects Hinode Pier to Odaiba Seaside Park.
Once you get off the water bus at Odaiba Seaside Parkt, there are plenty of spots to see and play.

< Tokyo Big Sight Pallette Town Line >
In Pallette Town,
you can enjoy the big ferris wheel, the car pavilion "MEGAWEB", and the shopping mall "Venus Fort".
It's also easy access to Tokyo Big Sight where various events are held.

In addition to the regular cruise,
there are Christmas Cruising and New Year Sunrise Cruising.
Why don't you spend romantic time on board while enjoying the beautiful night view?
How about greeting the new year on board at the moment when the sky and sea are slightly dyed to
vermilion?

Web-site for the water bus is as follows :
http://www.suijobus.co.jp/index.html

We will be very happy if this provide you with useful information about seightseeing in Tokyo.

Origami is one of Japan's unique traditional arts.
It is the art of folding a sheet of paper into various figures such as birds, animals
without using scissors or paste.

Now, I show you how to make sumo wrestler by origami.

1
Begin with the blintz base, and make the creases shown.

2
Fold to the center-line.

3
Make this shape.

4
Open (1) out and fold (2) up.

5
Make a mountain fold in the middle.

6
Fold the upper flap up in the middle.

7
Fold in half.

8
Open the lower back, and make a "mawashi (wrestler's belt)" with an outside revers fold.

9
Finished!!

If you make two and put them on a base such as a board,
you can then make them fight by tapping the board !!

Have you ever heard about "Shichi-Go-San"?
Shichi-Go-San literally means seven, five, and three.

Shici-Go-San is a traditional Japanese event to celebrate the healthy growth of children.
This event is for five year-old boys and three and seven year-old girls.
Because many babies died from disease or something else in ancient times,
parents were thankful to their baby to survive.
Then, they began to pray to God as the ceremony.

On the festival day, children dress up in kimono or formal clothes.

Parents take them to Shinto shrine in order to pray for their future health and well-being.
Many families go to the photo studio to take commemorative pictures.

In general, Shichi-Go-San is held on November 15th.
Nowadays, some families celebrate Shichi-Go-San on weekend of the first half of November.

You will have chance to encounter Shichi-Go-San in Sensoji this weekend.

In the Meiji era (from 1868 until 1912), Japan had extensive contact with Germany,
and gained many loanwords from German.
It's particularly for medicine, because the Japanese learned it from the Germans.
All medical records had been written in German before.

Many words of German origin remain in use today in standard Japanese.
For example...

Japanese: KARUTE （カルテ）
German : Karte
means "medical record" in Japan, "card" in German

Japanese: SHALE （シャーレ）
German : Schale
English : petri dish

Japanese: NOIROZE （ノイローゼ）
German : Neurose
English : neurosis, emotional breakdown

Japanese: MESUSILINDAR （メスシリンダー）
German : Messzylinder
English : measuring cylinder

Japanese: SHUPUREHIKOORU （シュプレヒコール）
German : Sprechchor
English : speaking choir

Japanese: GELENDE （ゲレンデ）
German : Gelände
English : ski slope

Japanese: SUTOKKU （ストック）
German : Skistock
English : ski pole

Japanese: ARUBAITO （アルバイト）
German : Arbeit
means "part-time job" in Japan, "labour" in German

Japanese: GASUBONBE （ガスボンベ）
German : Gasbombe
English : gas cylinder

Japanese: MERUHEN （メルヘン）
German : Märchen
English : fairy tale

Japanese: RYUKKUSAKKU （リュックサック）
German : Rucksack
English : backpack, knapsack

Some Japanese people are not aware of the origins of the words in their language.
So sometimes they (including me) may use the "loan words" in English.
For example, Japanese people may use words like "TEEMA" when they speak English
although it's not English.

Japanese: TEEMA （テーマ）
German : Thema
English : topic, theme

And, one of the most popular pastries in Japan, Baumkuchen （バームクーヘン）!!

Have you been to Ginza?
Ginza is the most prestigious and fashionable shopping/dining town in Tokyo
and is home to numerous higher end brand shops.

I like to see the buildings in Ginza though I just looking outside of them ^^

This is my favourite building "Tiffany & Co."

"Hermes" is my favourite building, too.

"De Beers" curved building

"Chanel" LED screen building

Lastly, this is the landmark of Ginza, "Wako".

These buildings are just a little bit of them.
Please find out your favourite buildings in Ginza!

What anniversary do you have in your country?
In Japan, there is a unique anniversary called "Pocky and PRETZ Day".

First of all, do you know what Pocky and PRETZ are?
They are munchies which are put in the market from EZAKI Glico.
PRETZ is the pretzel stick product.

Pocky is pretzel sticks coated with chocolate except for a small portion at one end.

November 11th of HEISEI period 11
Six of the numeral 1 line up on this calender date.
Because the shape of Pocky and PRETZ are resembling the numeral 1, the campaign started on that day.
Since then,
November 11th is considered as Pocky and PRETZ Day.

Pocky and PRETZ are widely sold not only in Japan but also other countries.
In some countries, they are sold by another name such as
"MIKADO" in Europe, "Rocky" in Malaysia, "百奇" in China.

Buy bunch of Pocky and PRETZ in the super market !!
How about Pocky and PRETZ party on November 11th?

What is Design Festa?
The concept is that anyone with a love of original creativity can participate.
Not only Japanese but also 8500 international artists participate in Design Festa.
Design Festa offers an opportunity expressing innovative ideas and designs to the artists.
Their world as a Design Festa exhibitor expands infinitely.

Design Festa vol.32 is held in Tokyo Big Sight West halls on November 6th and 7th.
There are 3 main areas, that are Event area, Restaurant area, and Booth area.

< Event Area >
You can enjoy various genre of music from acoustic sound to punk rock at outdoor live-show stage.
In mini live-painting area, you have a chance to encounter the artistic painting.

< Restaurant Area >
There are many interesting menu from all over the world in this area.
You can enjoy international taste.

< Booth Area >
More than 2,800 booths exhibit and sell their works in free style.

Real insect !?
Actually, it's made of paper.

Are they Japanese swords?
No. They are umbrellas designed in the shape of Japanese sword.

I went to Design Festa on November 6th.
It was very fun !!

Next Design Festa will be on May 14th & 15th in 2011.
If you visit Japan during this period, I recommend you to go there.
I'm sure you find something nice in Design Festa.

These days, it is said that many children don't feel pleasure in meal.
Some have munchies in meal.
Some buy food in the convenience store and eat it at the cramming school.

Fundamentally,
eating is the one that makes the mind enriched and the interpersonal relationship promoted.
We started to reconsider child's eating habits.
Now, there occurred the tendency to have motto that children always take a meal happily.
No matter how the taste is good, the meal itself is insipid unless we feel happy.

It is Character Bento that expresses child's favorite character by contents of the box lunch.

Enjoyment over the meal is important as well as nutritionally balanced diet and tasty meal.
Character Bento aims that children enjoy taking a meal without likes and dislikes.

Which character do you want to make in your bento?
Is it too lovely for you to eat?

Do you know Japanese animation "MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM"?
It's a robot animation.
Characters board the humanoid robot called GUNDAM, and fight with enemies in space.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM is still popular even though it is in 1979 to appear on TV for the first time.

This is GUNDAM CAFE !!

GUNDAM CAFE is filled with something about GUNDAM.
First of all, Gundam welcomes you when you get in the entrance.

They also have bar-time menu such as alcohol.
You can enjoy the world of GUNDAM at night as well.

GUNDAM CAFE is located in Akihabara that is famous for the electric town.
It's easy to go to Akihabara from Asakusa.
Just take Tsukuba Express line at Asakusa station, and you will be in Akihabara in 5 minutes.

If you are interested in it, please visit their web-site.
http://g-cafe.jp/english/index.html

Why don't you have tea time in GUNDAM CAFE after walking around Akihabara?

A woman is turning in circle.

If you see the woman turning clockwise, that means you use more of the right side of the brain.
If you see the woman turning anti-clockwise, that means you use more of the left side of the brain.

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

I see the woman turning clockwise.
What about you?
Which side of the brain do you use more?

In Japan, November 3rd is Culture Day (Bunka no hi).
November 3rd was originally celebrated as a Meiji emperor's birthday.
It was also this day that the Japanese Constitution was proclaimed.
To commemorate both events, this day was established as a national holiday,
Culture Day is celebrated for “the love of freedom, peace and the promotion of culture”.

Tokyo Jidai Matsuri (Tokyo Festival of Historical Periods) were held in Asakusa today.
Foundation of Sensoji Temple in 628, Heian, Kamakura, Edo era,
Japan's Westernization movement during the Meiji era and modern era were reproduced in Asakusa.

According to the flow of the history, people with gorgeous costume marched around Asakusa ,
The scene of an ancient procession unrolled before a large crowd of spectators.

These three people are the ones who discovered the golden statues of the goddess of mercy
in the fishing net.
They have the title of honor named "SANJASAMA".

It is said that Military Commander : Minamoto no Yoritomo visited Sensoji to pray for the victory
in the battle.

Not only local people but also foreign people enjoyed this event.

Why don't you visit Japan for Tokyo Jidai Matsuri next year?

Ginza is elegant and stylish city where a retro-modern atmosphere still lingers in the air.
It's one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo.

Ginza has old department stores with history and tradition as well as prestigious boutiques.
One of the old department stores is Ginza Mitsukoshi.

Since Mitsukoshi department store was merged with Isetan department store,
Ginza Mitsukoshi was renewed bigger in September.

The beautiful garden named "Ginza Terrace" appeared in the renewal store.
Lawn grasses are spreading over the terrace.
You can stretch your legs and arms, and breathe fresh air.

It's a good idea to take lunch in Ginza Terrace under the sun if you buy sandwiches and rice balls.
It seems you enjoy a picnic, doesn't it?

Do you have any difficulty to sit on the ground?
Of course, there are tables and chairs on the deck as well as benches.

Ginza Terrace provide relaxation and healing for all generations.

Did you get tired from walking around Ginza?
It's a good place to take a rest.

Do you know TAKOYAKI?
Takoyaki is octopus dumpling grilled by the special hot pan.

On October 31st,
we had TAKOYAKI PARTY in the lobby.

We prepared not only octopus but also various ingredients such as cheese and mochi.

How to make TAKOYAKI

1 : Mix flour, water, and eggs in a bowl.
2 : Grease the pan with oil.
3 : Pour the mix into cups of the pan until they are full.
4 : Put some ingredients such as octopus and red ginger in each cup.
5 : Turn the takoyaki balls over in the cups with a skewer.
6 : Keep turning them over until they are round and brown all over.
7 : Now, it's ready to eat !!

In general, takoyaki sauce and seaweed powder are put over Takoyaki.

We made special takoyaki, which was CHOCOLATE TAKOYAKI !!
Chocolate was put, instead of octopus.
Do they look yummy?

Actually, the taste was not so bad.

This ones, ingredients are octopus, mochi, cheese, and res ginger.

They tasted really good!!

Be careful when eating Takoyaki. It's very hot !!

We had really fun to make and eat Takoyaki together.
Photos in TAKOYAKI Party are put on our facebook.
Please visit our facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tokyo/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985

Thank you for joining the party !!