Asakusa Diary - The Staff's Blog

Hi, sakura's weblog readers!!
I know it's short notice but this will be my last post and I hope you'll enjoy;)

I'm leaving Sakura today and getting married;)

To tell the truth, it was a bit painful for me to write something for this weblog
almost everyday...:P
But gradually, it became one of my habits and I did enjoy sharing some stories with you!!

From now, I'll give my title as "blogger" to Ryoko☆
Please keep checking as usual;)

I love all of our guests and our great staff here!!
I have many things that I wanna say to you but anyway,
Thank you sooooooooooooooooooo much(>з<)!!

Bye-bye♪

2006?

2007

2008

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/18 16:15) | Permalink | Comment (9) | TrackBack (0)

How many times have you been on TV, Tomo??

Now, you'll never get nervous even it's a live TV show!
I WAS nervous when I was watching that program on last Sunday.

You can check it out from facebook↓↓
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=359620997667
She introduced some new menu available at Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro Cafe
and they got good reputations among the casts☆
Good job, TOMO!!
Actually, I've already tasted them and I loved Banamaste the most;)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/16 13:59) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

This morning, Johrel told me that our guests went to Roppongi for clubbing
last night wearing these costume↓↓

At first, they were four but one of them who put on Winnie-the Pooh was separated...
Have you found a big yellowish drunk bear around Roppongi last night?

For your information,,,
They said that if you wear these costume, you'll become more attractive to women:P

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/11 14:39) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Our Ikemen (nice looking guy ) staff, Yuya is leaving soon.

He has been working with us for about 7 months as a night shift staff.

Though it is sad if we can't see you, we all hope your success in a new field!!
Good Luck☆and come to see us anytime;)

We gotta find another Ikemen now!!

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/10 14:14) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Sweeeeeeets!
I mean, their coming back;)

Jack and Johrel have just came back from abroad with many sweets!!

Jack was in Korea for more 2 weeks to attend his sister's wedding ceremony.
Yuri : How's your vacation?
Jack: I ate meats too much and don't want to have them for a while...

Johrel had stayed in Cebu island for a week after Tokyo marathon.
Yuri: You didn't get a suntan at all!
Johrel: I put on a heavy layer of sun block☆

By the way, this title sounds familiar ...
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/07/tomo_is_back_to_the_real_life.html

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/09 14:17) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, guys!

Julien(rightmost) , who had stayed with us about 3 years ago, just came back to
his second home in Tokyo (Here)!
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2007/04/julien.html

He brought us some sweets and his friends this time:D

Though we knew that we had a reservation under the name of "Julien",
nobody expected that it was him.
I was so surprised when I saw him but was soooooo happy to see him again♪

He is an expert traveler because he had been to everywhere in Japan except Hokkaido.
Yes, he knows about Japan much more than me!

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/05 14:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I always arrive at hostel at 7 in the morning.
Normally, there are a few people in the lounge and most of our guests are still sleeping.

BUT, when I came here this morning...

Our lounge was like this↑↑

More than 10 people were in front of the TV and watching Olympic ice hocky game:D
It was Canada VS USA☆

I was just wondering if they were staying awake all through the night or
got up early this morning...

Anyway, Canada won and got the gold medal!!
Congratulations.

I can hardly wait for the next Winter Olympics.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/03/01 14:58) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Do you have an account on facebook?
Yes?
Then, let's find our fanpage and be a member of our fan!
It doesn't matter which hotel/hostel you had stayed.

No?
It's easy to make an account and you may find people you've met here at Sakura Hostel;)

We are happy to "meet" you on the internet again♪

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/26 16:01) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

This is our ninth time to have snow in Tokyo in February.
It means we have snow every two days...
No wonder it's so cold these days!

It is his first time to see snow and he frolicked around this morning:D

with his cute snowman:)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/18 14:51) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Click↓↓

Hello people, I'm Ryoko.
I just started working at this hostel today.
I graduated from my college last year.

This is my first time working as a full time job, so I am energetic and
I am so ready to welcome guests from all over the world.
That's why I suppose to get up early today to show my energy to my boss.
But when I checked my alarm o'clock, it was 30 mins before the work starts.
Yes, I came in late for my first working day.
What a shame on myself!
I will never ever be late for work from now on, I promise.

Well, let me introduce myself.
I like drinking and partying with lots of people.
I always go out to drink with my friends for my day off.
If you are same kind of person like me, why don't you come and see me,
then I can teach you what is the good place to go night time in Japan.
I am so excited to see new people everyday!

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/17 14:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I'm happy that both of you liked it;)

Yuya★

Johrel★

Look at your mouth!!

Sorry, Naoto.
It's all gone when you were in South Korea:P

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/15 16:12) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's Valentines's day today.
In Japan, women are giving some chocolates to their BF or partners.
Also, it is common to give some to anyone (friends, family) who you want to.

So, I brought some hand-made chocolates to my co-workers;)

Tsuyoshi♪

Jack♪

Tomoe♪

Ebi-chan♪

Dear Johrel and Yuya
There are some left in a fridge;)
Do not forget to take pictures:P

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/14 14:55) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Vancouver Olympics is just started today!
Did you watch the opening ceremony?
What is your favorite Olympic events/players?

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/13 13:34) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Yesterday was Yuta's last day here.
He is going to graduate from his university in March
and start his new life as a new employee from April.

Do you remember his first day?
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2008/08/new_face.html
Girls will be missing you! :P

This morning, he just set off to somewhere with a big backpack.
Tsuyoshi and I said "Take care!" as we always say to our guests.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/11 14:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

How do you find events in Japan?
It may be hard to get the information what you really want.

I hope these links would be helpful for your searching...☆
Makuhari Messe
http://www.m-messe.co.jp/cgi-bin/bin/event/event_view_en.cgi

Tokyo International Forum
http://www.t-i-forum.co.jp/event/english/

Tokyo Big Sight
http://www.bigsight.jp/english/index.html

Tokyo Dome
http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/cgi-bin/schedule/User/dome/schedule-english.cgi?year=2010&month=2

Tokyo Tourism Info.
http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/tourists/topics_event/index_topics_event.html

and sory, it's all in Japanese but...
http://www.tokyo-event.jp/category/all.html

Let me know if you know the other sites;)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/10 15:21) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

About 4 years have past since we opened this hostel,
there are some spots here and there.

Last week, we have our wall repainted.

Before↓↓

After↓↓

Then, two professional staff from our sister company(Sakura House) came to
decorate our fences like this↓↓

How lovely!!

Thank you very much, Mori san and Tsune san☆

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/05 14:51) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I also made a small snowman yesterday morning:)

I remember that we did have snow more often when I was a child.
Warming impact...?

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/03 13:00) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

It's time to inform you that our staff, Johrel signed up for Tokyo Marathon 2010.
We are all excited about it!
I'll definitely go and see him to cheer up;)
Is there anyone who is going to run with him?

Johrel told me that he is running during break time(mid night) for the training!
...I can't believe him but respect him at the same time.

More information?
Click Johrel's picture above;)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/02/01 16:39) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know Umai-bo?
It means yum-yum bar in English and it is really popular snack in Japan.

There are so many kinds of flavors and we sell 14 of them here;)

Shrimp's favorite: Teriyaki-Burger
Yuri's favorite: Tako-yaki
Naoto's favorite: Mentaiko
Yuta' s favorite: Gyu-tan

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/31 15:20) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I heard that our sister hotel in Ikebukuro had a cosplay party last night.
Today, Yuta gonna have the same thing by himself tonight!

Actually, I'd like to know whether there is anyone who left this reindeer costume in 202?
If not, it is going to be ours (Yuta's):P

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/30 14:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

What are you doing?

Who are you?

The answer is...

Please wait till mid-February:P

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/28 15:20) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Hello, guys!

Thank you very much for staying with us and your e-mail with this photo!
We all are so happy to hear from you.

Of course, we are waiting for your coming back and keep checking this weblog till then;)
I should have asked all of your names...

See you again and enjoy your life in NYC☆

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/27 13:29) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you have any plan for this Saturday?
If the answer is NO, why don't you go to Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro to have a tea ceremony?

As you can see, they sell used Kimono with a great deal.
Of course, the admission is for free;)

If you are interested in, please feel free to contact us or staff there.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/25 15:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

last Monday&Wednesday, we had sumo tours.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/12/dosukoi.html

"We are leaving!!"

About 15 guests joined this tour.

We walked to the stadium and when we reached the bridge spanning the Sumida river,
Sky Tree sprang up!!

It is now 274 meters but is still under construction...

As it was so nice weather, it's a perfect day to walk by the river:)

About an hour later, we arrived at the stadium♪
FYI, we never got lost...:P

Let's have a meal before watching sumo!

Do you know Chanko?
It's a special dish for sumo wrestlers, which consists of many kinds of meats,
vegetables and sometimes seafoods cooked together in a soup.
It's available at the sumo stadium for 250 yen♪

Okay, it's time for watching sumo!
We got good seats here.

Actually, it was my first time and I did enjoy with our guests.
It was totally diffrent from TV and I'll definitely go there in May again!

Too tired to walk, we took a bus on our way back...

Just 200 yen from Ryogoku to Asakusa.
Click the photo above↑↑

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/24 14:05) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Did I tell you that you can rent a bike for 200 yen a day.
It's available at Tsukuba Express Asakusa station which is located 5 mins from us on foot.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/hostel_access.htm

If you rent a bike, you can go wherever you want without worrying about your broken leg;)
This is the proof↓↓

Just be careful not to drop your crutch, Jason.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/20 11:14) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Last Saturday, I took part in tasting party at Ikebukuro cafe.
As I informed you, Tomo is now working there and she created some new menu.

This is fried tuna-sushi-roll.

It became much better when we put some sauce on it.

Not only foods but also drinks are very unique.
My favorite one is this↓↓

HOT WINE!!
Yes, I had three cups and another cacktail;)

It made my body become warm from inside♪

At Sakura Cafe in Ikebukuro, there are so many kinds of foods and drinks.
If you miss anything in your country, just go there and have some foods.
Once you go there, you'll be a repeat guest for sure!

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/18 15:38) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

since the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake struck on 17th of January, 1995.
I was in the 6th grade at that time and I was so shoked
when I knew about it from the news in that morning.

http://sankei.jp.msn.com/

I just hope that people in Haiti could go back to their life as soon as possible...

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/17 13:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

This is the official ranking list of Sumo, called "Banduke-hyou" in Japanese.
It is announced before every tournaments.

You can see the letters are getting small and of course,
the biggest wrestler is the grand champion.

Of the top 5 wrestlers, 3 are from Mongolia including the grand champion.
So international!

Can you read their names, too?

We need a loupe to find lower-level wrestlers...
I'm always wonderig how they write these thin characters.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/16 14:55) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I read the news about Japanese pizza.
It says that on youtube, foreign people are surprised at the price of Japanese pizza.
Compared with their countries, sometimes it's more than double price.

But please don't worry, we do have many many good foods with cheap price here in Japan!
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/12/bgrade_foods.html

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/14 15:31) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Look at this great picture↑↑
You can see the Senso-ji temple, five-story pagoda, Asahi beer building
and Tokyo sky tree at the same time!!

Unfortunately, Senso-ji temple is under repair now but it will be finished in November.
Sky tree is now 264M and still growing.
I'm checking every morning how grow it is and always surprised at its speed!
Japanese construction skill is super☆

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/13 15:05) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's too cold to post a weblog today...
This rain may be snow tonight in Tokyo.

I gotta go home now!
See you tomorrow:D

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/12 16:09) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We rarely to wear a formal clothes at work.
One day, Tsuyoshi dressed in suits as "normal" businessman.
Then, he pretend as if he was a BIG boss:P (...well, he is very tall, actually)

And he started to scold Yuta.
Poor Yuta...I know you didn't do anything wrong today yet.

You are the today's victim.

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/10 13:38) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Winter in Tokyo is very cold (to me).
I'm trying to get warmed as much as I can in all kinds of different ways.

?Hot Chocolate

I love chocolates but sometimes, I worry about its calorie...then,

?Have a cup of Amazake, instead

It's made from rice and little alcoholized but sweet♪

Canned Amazake is available at convenience stores and
from vending machine during winter;)

?Yutapon (hot-water bottle)

When I sleep, this is an essential goods.
I'm using the traditinal one↑↑ for now, but I'll get a more evolved one↓↓★

How do you get warmed in your country?
Give me some ideas:D

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/09 15:03) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Entry No.3
Paul from USA/South Korea!!

He sometimes stopped over at Sakura before going to South Korea.
What the biggest his contribution is he got softner and brought to us!
Click the photo below♪

It's going to be run out, Paul...when are you coming back the next?
Me and Tomoe are missing you?;)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/07 14:26) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Koji, who was working with us as a night shift manager for three years,
came to say hi to us a few days ago:D

I believe that you remember him.
Unfortunately, I was not there at that time but he gave me an e-mail later;)

I think that we'll be happy to see old coworkers when we drop by after quit.
How are you doing, Hiromi, Shiro and Clive ??

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/06 15:48) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever seen this mark while you are in a train/bus?

As you can see, the lady who has this tag on their belongings is an expectant mother.

In Japan, most of trains have priority seats for seniors,
persons with disabilities and expectant mothers.
Please offer your seat to those people who really need one:)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/05 12:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tomoe came to work in beautuful Kimono on 2nd.
It's kind of our traditional event but I missed it this year...:(
I wanted to take a photo with her.

This year, I'll take kimono-wearing class and come to hostel in Kimono☆

What is your new year's resolution?

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/04 14:19) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

How did you welcome your new year?
...well I was sleeping as usual.

I have one thing to let you know today.
Our boss, Tomo transfered to Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro from today.
We feel like we lost our big mom here but we'll do our best
to keep improving Sakura Hostel Asakusa☆

Do not worry Tomo, but you should come and see us&our guests frequently.
You are our boss forever wherever you are;)

If you miss Tomo, just drop by Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro:)

Posted by: Yuri (2010/01/01 15:01) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

WE LOVE YOU!!

From Tomo, Tomoe, Yuri, Tsuyoshi, Naoto, Mitsuru, Jack, Johrel, Yuya, and Yuta.

I'm happy if you still keep checking this weblog in 2010...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/31 15:02) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Entry No.3
Jesus from Spain☆★

Though he checked in 3 days ago,
he didn't notice that his photo was on the wall till now...

Actually, Jesus and the other two of Hall of Fame (from Finland) are already friends;)
They met here a few years ago. (2007?)
Now, they are staying in the same room.
What a small world!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/29 15:56) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's time to let you know our hall of fame again☆

Entry no.2.
Azam from U.K.!!

He created a community of our guests on the Facebook!
It's a great contribution not only to our hostel but also to our guests!!
If you have interests, please check it and you'll make friends there.

I'm not sure whether Azam is reading this weblog but we'd love to say thank you to you:)
Come and go for a drink with us!
Stay cool☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/26 13:31) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever seen Sumo fighting?

I sometime see some Sumo wreslers around our us
but I've never been to the stadium to see the tournament.

They have tours 6 times a year and each of them are for 15 days.
We have 2 in Tokyo and one is starting from 10th of January.

Would you like to go with us?
We'll have a sumo tour on 18th & 20th and I'd love to join that event:)

You can ask about the details when you make a reservation or anytime at the front desk!
If you miss it, you should go to Osaka, Nagoya or Fukuoka.
Otherwise, the next time is in September.

We are waiting for you♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/25 13:54) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Thanks to our santa clauses, we have some bottles of champagne from France
and some chocolates from Venezuela♪
We'll never worry about going hungry as long as we work here;)

How are you going to spend your Christmas holidays?
With your family?
Friends?
Co-workers? (←me)
Anyway, we wish you a very Merry Christmas☆★☆

I wish no one is starving in this world.

Special thanks to Brun and Harun...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/24 15:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Let me introduce who are in the hall of fame.

1.Nienke from Netherland☆

I don't know how many times you've stayed with us so far.
Did you count, Nienke?

She also brought her brother and dad.

When is the next time we can see you again?
I heard that you are working very hard there but we are looking forward to talking to you again:)
Please say hi to your lovely family!

Have a happy holidays♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/22 14:32) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

I forgot to tell you but he just came back from Hawaii this week.
He participated in Honolulu Marathon last Sunday.
It was his first full marathon and took 5 hours 37mins.
I think it's great!!

Thank you for cookies and congratulations for your completion!

Also, Johrel got a participation right of Tokyo Marathon 2010 in February!!
I'm going to cheer him up☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/21 13:15) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Yuyaaaaaaaaaa★

What are you going to do tonight?
I know you have a day off today:P

I hope you'll have a great 27th's birthday♪

Give some comments to him, please!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/20 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Look, Look!!
We decorated our stairways area like this↓↓
Doesn't it look cool?

Our guests who are enshrined in the Hall of Fame are there;)
Do you see your face??
We picked up them for these reasons.
The person...
?who had stayed with us several times for a long term.
?who contributed to our hostel in some way.

Tsuyoshi, you can't be there even though you have been here so many times:P

They found their faces!!

I'll let you know who is elected one by one:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/19 13:51) | Permalink | Comment (6) | TrackBack (0)

Can you guess what Tomo is putting on the wall?

We made these kind of documents not only for lasting memories
but for trying to entertain our future guests♪

We only have 20 sheets so far but it will be full in 10 years!! ( I think.)

Please come and check them especially if you had stayed with us before.
You may find yourself on them;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/16 14:33) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

What makes you to be excited when you travel abroad?
Talking about myself, it's definitely food!

Japanese are known as a gourmet, so even it's cheap, the quality is still good enough!
I'd like to introduce some of our "B-grade(cheap but tastes good)" foods today.

#1 Beef bowl☆
You might have eaten before in your country.
I see Tomo sometimes takes out for her lunch.

Not only beef bowl but some morning sets (we call it Asa-teishoku) are available.
If you want to try Japanese traditional breakfast such as rice, miso-soup, fish and pickles,
there is one near by;)

#2 Curry and rice

Different from Indian's one, we eat them with rice instead of naan.
Tsuyoshi often goes to Coco-ichi after his night shift.
We serve it here at our hostel at 500 yen anytime♪

#3 Oden
Have you ever tried this before?
I do not because there are many ingredients, unfortunately:(

If you go to any convenience stores, you will find oden in front of the counters.
You can order what you want and the shop staff will put them into a bowl with soup.

#4 Ramen
It is already known as Japan's most popular dishes
and Naoto&Tomo have it at least 2 days a week★

Ramen map is available at the front desk:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/13 10:04) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Christmas is one of my favorite seasons♪
The reason is this↓↓

"akarium"(the name of this illumination) has started on 1st of December
and will be finished on 10th of January.

For the Christmas season, the theme is a "shooting stars".

When the Christmas is over, the theme is changing to "four seasons".

These pictures are taken by Kikty from Sakura House at Omote-sando.

I went to there a few days ago and it was so gorgeous!
It only take a bout half an hour by Ginza line from the hostel
and you can also enjoy shopping around:)

For more information, just click here.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/12 09:06) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

We've started to serve homemade soup since last month.
At first, Tomo cooked it almost everyday but one day,
she suddenly appointed Johrel as the ministers of soup.

(I guess she just got bored with cooking:P)

I think he is fit for the post as the taste is great☆

Do not drink it all, Naoto.
The soup is for our guests!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/11 08:31) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Last week, we welcomed Kozue from Sakura Hotel Hatagaya as a one-day-trainee.

She tried to learn very hard.
I knew that we had something in common;)
Both of us had studied in San Diego before and once we started talking about it,
no one can stop us:P

Someday, we should visit there together and indulge in reminiscences★

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/10 11:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Wine!!


Kathryn and her daughter gave us this bottle of wine with lovely message
when they checked out this morning.
According to them, it matches for beef♪

When shoud we open it, Tomoe??

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/07 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Look at these lovely paper crafts↓↓

He made and left them this morning.

According to him, he's also working at a hostel in Australia and loves talking with people:D
He always told us the difference between his hostel and ours and it's very interesting.

Unfortunately, I can't say good-bye tomorrow but I'm waiting for your coming back.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/05 13:49) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Yuta has just came back to work today.
Can you see his bronzed skin?

He had been to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Viet Num fo about a month.
According to his impression, Laos is so nice country especially its scenery.
Of course, he had a great time in each countries.

As it's gonna be his last looooong vacation, he should make the most of his time☆
From the next spring, he'll be a new employee
and will be difficult to take such a long vacation like that:P

Where is your souvenir, by the way??

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/03 15:48) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tomo found our guest's coming by rickshaw today.
How cool!

Once you arrived at Asakusa station, you'll find many many ricksha man around the town.
It would be fun if you can try it but it's not so cheap.
Generally, it cost about 5000 yen for half an hour with their tourist information.

Do you think it's expensive?
Then how about try their trial course and it's just 3000 yen/2 persons for 10 minutes.
You can feel like you are the VIP?;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/02 15:45) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

I'm not forgetting to let you know but the last time was in May...sorry!
This is the ranking of the most visits from last monts↓↓

Even though it's unranked, our guests of last month are from 51 different countries:D

Alonso is from Costa Rica♪


He contacted us several times before checking in and brought some snacks as our request;)
Muchas gracias por los caramelos!

Trevor is from New Zealand (Maori).

We enjoyed talking with you.
Thank you for your lovely letters to all of our staff.
It was touching.

If you find your flag is missing when you check in, please let me know.

It means you are the first guest from your country and we'll make it for you;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/12/01 14:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It was my day off yesterday and I went to see the colorful autumn leaves.
My home is close to Mt.Takao and it became very famous
after it appeared on The Michelin Guide in 2007.

When I arrived at the station there were already full of people...
BUT, I know the best spot for walking around and enjoy autumn leaves with no people;)
If you are interested in and would like to go, I'll let you know!
It is also good for cherry-blossom viewing in March and April♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/30 14:08) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know Jiu-Jitsu?
We have a big tournament in Tokyo today and tomorrow.

This is the second time to welcome the fighters from Guam for this tournament.
Though they are strong fighters (looking scary?), they are soooo polite and friendly.

Sakura Hostel Asakusa is now full of fighters!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/28 15:11) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Do you like Winter?
I do not...:(
But I like sleeping with warm futon;)

Today, warm&confortable futon arrived for our guests.
Tsuyoshi and Naoto delivered them to each rooms.
Now, we are ready for the cold winter.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/27 14:52) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

On the next day of all-in-one party, we had the other event at 300 bar in Ginza.
Our Ebi-chan was invited as a DJ and played with Mr Paul Dateh!!

How cool he is!
Unfortunately, I couldn't see him playing at that night
but I definitely go the next time;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/26 13:41) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

We had a really great time with a lot of people on 21st of november.
After Asakusa guided tour, everyone gathered together at Sakura Hostel.

#1 Origami lesson♪

Looks difficult?
No, not at all.
Just follow the teacher and you can make it☆

#2 Wear Kimono♪

Learn how to put Kimono and tell your friends when you go back to your home.
It's not so hard as you think.

★Three beautiful girls★

#3 Sushi Party!
Enjoy Arai-san's hand made sushi roll.
It's so lovely and taste so gooood!

Let's make your favorite hand-rolled sushi.
The most popular sushi item was tuna-mayo (tuna with mayonnaise).

#4 Paul Dateh's Live
Have you heard of his music?

Check it out↓↓

They played twice for us!

We'd like to say thank you for all the people who joined the party:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/24 14:32) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

When I came here this morning, I found these cute chocolates:)
As I was off yesterday, I had no idea to who these are belonging...

If I eat them without my co-worker's ”ＯＫ”, I would get some terrible punishment...:(
Now I know that these are from Andrea to Naoto.

Thank you, Andrea, I got his OK and gonna eat them up:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/23 14:48) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

One night, Johrel found clay at the office.

He made a cute elephant (for me?) and po-de-lion.
Hmmm, I can guess he was hungry at that night;)
What do you think the object behind my elephant?

Posted by: Johrel (2009/11/20 06:12) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

One day, our cleaning staff (Arai-san) showed me this lovely sushi roll.
We call it "emaki-zushi" and it sometimes can be smiles, animals and so on.
She said she would show you how to make if she is free on 21st at the event.

The only sad thing was those were for her lunch, not mine...:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/18 13:36) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

This morning, she gave us some candies to us when she left:)

She gave us two different tastes.
I wanted to have lemmon flavor's one.
So, I took it.
Then, Naoto suddenly grabbed my arm and took it...:(

Poor me.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/17 10:01) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

They are from J:COM, one of the CATV companies in Tokyo.

As they came in the morning and I couldn't talk with them so much.
I think they introduced our hostel to the audience.

Her voice was very cute☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/14 14:16) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

From 5AM to 11AM, it is our breakfast time:)
Every morning, fresh breads are derivered for it.

As they are long loaves, there are two crusts at both ends and
we usually throw them away...
One day, Mrs. Arai (our cleaning staff) brought them to her home
and made snacks for us;)

She fried until crisp and glaced.

Thank you Arai-san!
We enjoyed them and we hope you could make it again;P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/13 14:48) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Here in Japan, most of us have our own personal seals (hanko).
It's just like a signature and when we need to put our names on something,
we often use it.
For example, official documents, certificate of receipt and so on.

One day, our guests went to hanko shop
to make their name engraved on the surface of one end.

These would be good souvenirs☆

It is said that there are about 291,000 family names in Japan.
Which family name do you think is the most common name?
The answer is.........
Mr/Ms Satoh!!
If you call this name in a loud voice in Shibuya, two or three people will turn around:P

We have Mr. Satoh here;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/11 14:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

What do you think they are doing here?



They are shooting as you can see.
We only have little information about that movie now, so I'll let you know when I get more details.
I thought I could see some actors but I didn't...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/10 13:38) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Last Tuesday was a cultural day(national holiday) and we had an event around us.
As it was a beautiful day, I took a walk to take some photos♪

On the way to the festival, I found Ninjya!

Actually, they often appear around our hostel.
If you see them, just say hi or ask for a photo;)

Jidai Matsuri (Tokyo Historical Parade) is a costume procession which recalls
Tokyo's history and culture from the Heian era to the Meiji era.

They are from Army Procurement Agency of Japan↓↓

He is Tokugawa Yoshinobu, the last shogun of the Edo government.

On my way back, I found "Mito-Komon" and his delegation.

They are very very famous characters among Japanese irrespective of age and sex.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/09 13:35) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

I took a few days off and went to Kamakura last week.
As Johrel's suggestion, it was really nice place to visit.

Here is the best temple I've ever been↓↓
It's Houkoku-ji temple, many many bamboos are growing close together.
So, we call it "bamboo temple"

Can you see a small house behind?
You'll be served green powdered tea and sweets there.

The light falling onto the stone statue through the bamboos.

A few minutes from Houkoku-ji temple, there is another temple called Jomyou-ji.

This temple also has a big tea-ceremony house.

People sit here with Matcha (green powdered tea) and great view from there.

When you mount a hill, you'll find a lovely cafe☆

Not only people but cats also can be relaxed...

Fresh fish are must-to-eat!

Only one hour train takes you to this "little Kyoto".

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/07 12:25) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

We've served instant soup for a breakfast but from yesterday,
Tomo's home(hostel?)-made soup is available♪

Don't be afraid and just try:P
You'll be surprised at that great taste!

Take a look at how she cooked.
?Chop, chop and chop.

?Sizzle, sizzle

?Ta-dah!!

Look delicious♪

First victims...oops!
First tasters↓↓

Hot hand-made soup make you get warm;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/06 15:28) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

If you'd like to make effective use of time in Asakusa,
this is it☆☆

As you can see, we have a fun event on 21st of November.
Asakusa guide tour→Sushi Party→Mini Live.
You'll be 100% satisfied with it♪

Even though it's called "mini live", Paul Dateh is the great artist.
Click his name and you'll love his music.
You shoudn't miss it if you are in Tokyo;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/05 14:12) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Nienke!
How are you doing?
Your dad told me that you are working very hard;)

He gave me lovely ceramic box today.
I'll put some pierced earrings in it♪
Arigatou...

I like talking with you every morning☆

Next time, you should come with him!

Have a nice day!!
Matane...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/03 14:03) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Not Michael Jackson, but Michael James is our friend.
He dropped by this morning with doughnuts after watching Bledisloe Cup last night:D
Unfortunately, his country (AUS) lost the game but he is a half kiwi,
so he doesn't care about the result so much.

You should come again before going back to Melbourne；）

Posted by: Yuri (2009/11/01 15:37) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

In October, we have a health checkup every year.
About two weeks prior, we sometimes care about our health (especially our weight)
and try to get our weight off:P
Some people change their diet, some people start walking, the others do nothing.
I stopped eating ice-cream for a while!

Now, we are waiting for the results and it's time to eat sweets again:D

Thank you, Kimberly! Tomoe and I enjoyed a lot♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/27 15:17) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Ms.Iuldana purchased two our original T-shirts today!

She is interested in Japanese culture very much and ask us many many questions
we have never thought.
It's good for us to think together as we sometimes get to know new things about our own culture;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/26 15:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Our sweet guests gave us these sweets today;)
How did you know our favorite snacks?
...maybe from this weblog:P

Anyway, thank you Rhomel for this cookies.
I enjoyed talking with you and see you someday in San Diego!!

Christian, you are so friendly and we are waiting for your coming back.

Let's dig in!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/24 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

On 3rd of November, our sister hotel in Ikebukuro will have a special event.

As it's a culture day, you can enjoy their Kimono display&sale with shyamisen parformance!

Let's click the photo ↑↑ and get more information!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/21 14:08) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Sometimes, our guests ask us about hair salons/barbers.
They are anxiously because it's a bit difficult to communicate with
Japanese hair stylists if they do not speak their language at all.

One day, two of our guests tried it at my recommended hair salon.
I was also worrying about them until they came back but...
Look!↓↓
How beautiful they are!

☆Before and After☆

Don't be afraid, all of the staff there are funny and have sophisticated skills;)

And they had a great time at the party that night...★
I'm also very happy to hear that♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/20 13:27) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

I thought it would became much bigger, so I just left it for a while.

One morning, I found it turned to be yellow...ripened too much:(

Next year, we'll try to get bigger ones!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/17 14:58) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

We've been posting many many things on this weblog so far.
Which entry do you think the most that people give their comments to?

The answer is....this!
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2007/03/i_love_elephants.html
This entry was posted on March 17th in 2007.

Actually, I also posted the same title's entry in 2008.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2008/04/i_love_elephants_vol2.html

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/16 15:56) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Welcome to Sakura Hostel Asakusa and thank you for keep reading this weblog!!

We, sakura sisters, are always welcoming people from all over the world♪

Dressed in matching uniforms today★

Tomoe(left), Tomo(middle) and Yuri(right) with big smiles:D

And all were wearing different colors.
Which one do you like?

I like Tomoe's turquoise blue:)

Sakura Family↓↓

All of us have the other two colors.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/13 15:53) | Permalink | Comment (7) | TrackBack (0)

Mitsuru(Shrimp)!!
Unfortunately, you are not working today...
Let us celebrate your birthday here;)

We went an ice-cream shop after work☆
Let's go there again!

It's very busy in the morning.

You look.....scary:P

with huge sake cup♪

......?

I hope you are having a great time now.

This post is irresistible for his fans;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/13 15:02) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

In spring, we have Sakura (cherry blossom) here and there.
What about now in Autumn?

Last weekend, I went to Showa Kinen Park to enjoy cosmea.
We call them cosmos (秋桜） which means autumn cherry blossom.

During the cosmos festival(?till 3rd of November),
we can see 5.5 million cosmoses there and it's too beautiful for words.

Though it was a bit crowded as it was sunday,
people were having fun in their own ways.

I think cosmoses here were much bigger than those in town.

a BIG photographer in the future;)

Access:
From Shinjuku, take JR Chuo Line (Ohme Limited Express).
40mins.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/12 13:27) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

People say Narita Airport smells soy sauce.
Do you agree with it or smell something others?

Everytime I get back to Japan from the other countries, I remember it smelt Nori↓.

Does your airport have any smell?

In Japan, we have variety of soy sauce and some people are using it according to what they eat.
For example, this is for rice with raw egg.
&
Soooooo yummy:)

Also, we have soy sauce for...
Ice-cream
Grilled fish
Rice cake
Cabbage
Curry
and may be more!

Which one are you interested in the most?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/09 10:00) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Kirin Challenge Cup 2009 is held on 10th of October.
Japan face Scotland in Yokohama.

We have these scotish guests with national costume on today☆
I asked to take a picture together while check-in;)

Then, the other guests also started taking pictures with them.
They are now, very popular here!

We are friends!!......so far:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/08 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

On 24&25th, we have asia's biggest art event in Tokyo.

If you are interested in anything about arts, you might know it;)
Though we go this event every half a year,
we still can enjoy ourselves as there are always totally new things!

*unique galleries
*live show
*mini-theater
*fashion show...and more!

Tickets are available for our guests at the reception;)
Is there anyone who is going to join this cool event?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/05 08:08) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Dear Nicholas,

I just wanna say ”Ｍｅｒｃｉ” to you.
Me and Tomoe loved the wine you brought for us.
I don't know whether I can get it in Tokyo or not but will try to find it;)

Your place makes a great products!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/02 14:19) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Cool musicians from Australia stayed with us for a few days.
They had a Japan tour here in Tokyo and the other places.

↑↑Just finished their concerts;)

He told us that they are appearing in a METROPOLICE this week with a big photo!

Actually, he didn't know about this before coming.

It's you☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/10/01 15:31) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember Clive?

He was working with us for about half a year since we opened this hostel.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2007/01/thank_you_clive.html

I knew that we had a guest whose name is Clive yesterday
but I didn't expect that it was that Clive:D

As he is living in Okinawa island now, he brought us some local fruits and sweets♪
These fruits we are holding is called dragon fruits.
It's gonna be our afternoon snack today☆

Thank you Clive and I'm happy to meet you again!
You are on the weblog as you were anticipating:P

Didn't you lose your weight?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/30 14:02) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

It might be difficult for you to remenber our prime minister as we change a lot.
After Mr.Koizumi cabinet(2001-2006), it have changed 4 times.
On 16th of September, Mr Yukio Hatoyama became our new prime minister.
I don't know how long he will work for us but his wife,
Miyuki Hatoyama is unique and worth to know;)
I hope she would play an important role not only for international community
but for peace and development .

It is said that she had abducted by aliens....:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/29 15:17) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

One day, when I arrived at the hostel,
I saw Johrel was smashing a chair into tiny pieces.

What I thought were as follows↓
Some scampish guests made you get angry last night?
or
He was sick and tired of Naoto's pranks?
or
He's had about enough of Tomo's unreasonable demands?

I hesitated to ask what happend to him but realized he was smiling:)
Hmmm, he's just doing it to throw it away:P

Don't worry, Naoto&Tomo. He is very mild person♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/21 14:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever heard about Cycle Messenger World Championships?

http://www.cmwc2009.com/en/index.html

A few days ago, I noticed that there were some racing bicycles in our storage
and was wondering whether any race is going on in Tokyo.

Tsuyoshi told me that we have a race called CMWC will be held in Tokyo on 22&23rd of September.

"The Cycle Messenger World Championships (CMWC), was first originated in Berlin in 1993, and since then on, the event has been hosted in different cities around the world. In year 2009, it will be the 17th annual event, and this historical event will finally be hosted by the members in Tokyo. During the CMWC, the daily work of messengers such as "Deliverly" will be simulated and competed through out the event. And at the same time, messengers from different cultural and historical background will unite to share their own experience.

While the competitors are mostly messengers, the events and competitions are open to any one who is interested."

We have three participants staying with us now.
Veit and Fabian from Germany!!

Ralf from Germany, too☆

I hope all of you will have a nice and safe race!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/18 15:10) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Ichiro sets record with ninth 200-hit season!!

I believe that most of you know Ichiro even though you don't know about baseball so much.
He is the world-famous baseball player。

When I was in San Diego, I watched his game with my friends.
As I was sitting on the opposing side, I hesitated to support with a loud voice
but it seemed many Padres's fans loved him, too:)

Actually, I don't know much about baseball and can't imagine how hard it is.
I'm just proud of him in the same way as most Japanese.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/14 15:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Todd and friends!(I should have asked all of your names...sorry!)
It was nice to meet&talk to you:)
Have you arrived home safely this time?:P

From now, your tiger is always with me♪
My name tag is getting heavy with many happiness☆

Come back again!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/13 14:11) | Permalink | Comment (7) | TrackBack (0)

Richard!!

Blue is very popular with our guests!

If you were working at a hostel in your country,
what kind of goods would you like to sell?
Post cards?
Magnets?
Chocolates?? :)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/09 15:36) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, my name is Yuya:D

I love to meet people and talk wiith people who are friendly tourist from all over the world.
Please come down and tell me about your beautiful travels.
Yuya.

**********************************************
He is new night shift staff.
It's too short to know about you!
Where have you been so far?
What's your like/dislike?

I'm waiting for your next post;)
Yuri

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/08 14:26) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know or have you ever used high pressure washer?

This cool machine is Karcher high-pressure cleaner and we just got it★

Tsuyoshi and Naoto tried it outside and it looked fun!

I took it from them and cleaned some tiles but...

I found more interesting things to be done;)

Smoking is not good for you, Vincent:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/07 14:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

In July, our goya (bitter gourd) got flowers.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/07/first_flower.html

And then, they produced some fruits like this ↓↓

That's what we've been waiting so long☆
Isn't it cute?

I took three of them and brought to my home to cook it♪

This is called "goya-chample", local dishes in Okinawa island:)
Thank you my mom for cooking.

Some of our staff loved it but the others coudn't because it's a bit bitter.
Good for your health, anyway.

Hmmm...next year, I want to have more sweet fruits.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/06 15:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We have consecutive holidays which is called Golden week in May
and it's normally about for 5 days.

In this September, we got another one and call it Silver week;)
It starts from 20th to 24th for four days but if you take two days off on Thursday&Friday,
it comes to 9 days off♪

What would you do if you could take 9 days off?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/02 15:47) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

I have many things what I wanna do.
One of them came true today.

It is this↓↓New trash can was delivered this morning!

Have you ever tried to get inside a trash can?
It's big enough for normal people but I just didn't have a chance till now.

Actually, I asked Tomoe to try together but she said no.
Hmmm...once is enough:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/09/01 15:42) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Remy!! (right)

He got an black one when he left.
Thank you for staying with us.
You should come back next summer again for drinking together at beer garden;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/31 15:47) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

I believe you do not forget but August has 31st.
Until 30th of August and from 1st of September, we have lots of reservations but
only 31st, we have still many beds available.

Hmmm, we can rearrange your booking, so please double check your schedule again
and let us know if you want to stay on next Monday:D

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/29 13:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Brian!!

Though he is not staying with us now, he came to buy our T-shirt:D
Thank you Brian for reading our weblog.
How do you like it?

Blue is your color!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/28 14:54) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Finally, we make our original uniforms:D
How do you think??

Front side↑

Back side↑

They look like models:P
It suit you♪

Left: Ebi-chan
Right: Naoto

Tomoe designed them!
Great job!!

Don't worry, anyone can be one of our members☆

2000yen at the reception;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/25 16:20) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

Nomu means drink in Japanese.
Do you have any chance to communicate with Japanese while you are here?
It would make your travel much fun!

As you may think, most of Japanese are shy in general.
But once they drink, they become more friendly and easy to start to talk with;)

During summer, we have some open-air places to have some beer and snacks.
How about going there and try to communicate with Japanese around you♪

Asakusa: Asahi Beer Garden
Shinjuku: Beer Mex
Sky Beer Garden

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/24 15:16) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

And on last Tuesday, we had a farewell party for Eiro.
He did a great job at Sakura and we will miss you...

This is a present for you!!

What's inside in this huge bag?
Tomo is helping to open it:D

How cute♪
Please share with your girlfriend;)

Our message board made him cry...:P
Don't worry, you are still our good neighbor, right?

We'll call you when we are so busy.

Many people were gathered together for him (and beer) this night.

When is the next party?
I couldn't drink enough:(

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/20 14:58) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

It was Eiro's last day yesterday...:(
Thank you for working with us.
You are the coolest cleaning staff here.

Eiro started working as a cleaning staff but became to help us as a receptionist as well.
As you are a neighbor, we'll invite you everytime we have some events.
Please remember that your second house in Asakusa is here;)

＊This is a connection for business.
You left something in a office.
You can come and pick them up anytime☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/18 14:15) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

It was really nice to see you again, Francisco!
The last time you were here was in March, 2008.
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2008/03/free_hugs.html

I'm so surprised at your Japanese skill!
How did you learn?
I didn't use any English in our conversation.

Thank you for tequila!
I think I can drink it all by myself without sharing with Tomo:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/15 17:12) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember him?
He was working as our cleaning staff last year and left for California to study there.

And last week, he's back and came to see us:)

Welcome back, Shinji!
How's your life in the States?
Oh, you got your ears pierced!

You are still 20...you couldn't drink there.
We'll have a party sometime in next week, so you should join us!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/14 12:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

One of Japan's most popular foods is RAMEN:)
Have you tried it while you were in Japan?

Today, I went to Janbara with Tomo for a lunch.

Just 5 mins from the hostel and it's Tomo's favorite place.

Rice and Gyoza (dumplings) are included♪
What a good deal!

Bon Appetit.

Tomo ordered Tonkotu Ramen with boiled egg. (750 yen)
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
15mins later...

We were stuffed.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/09 14:16) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

You should enjoy our local festival together!
During summer, we have some events and festivals here and there.
Today, I'd like to recommend one of them to you.

It is held in Azabu-Juban which is known as an international town bacause it has many embassies there.
If you are here in Tokyo from 21st to 23rd of August, you have a chance to go there.

What's going on there?
They will have an international bazaar supported by some embassies, Japanese traditional show,
"boast of my village" (shops introducing their towns in Japan) and so on.
It takes about 30 mins to get there by subway.

Click here for some photos:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/06 16:14) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Sometimes, our guests introduce our hostel on their weblog.
http://viaggioingiappone.info/2009/06/02/recensione-ostello-sakura-hostel-tokyo-asakusa/
Thank you, Andrea;)

This is Jose's weblog.
http://moviendo.me/en
http://moviendo.me

If you have introduced our hostel on your weblog,
please kindly let us know:D

Also, if you've stayed with us, you might be here↓↓
flickr.com
You gotta check it out!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/04 17:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

What are our staff doing on their days off?
Let's take a look at Naoto's days off.

Naoto went for fishing with his friend♪

What kind of fish is that, Naoto?

Naoto: It's called Raigyo (Ophicephalus maculatus) and people eat them in South Korea.

He got two!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/08/01 15:45) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

My name is Yuri, Lily in English.
In Nagano, there is a place called Yuri-no-sato(Lily land).

Look at this beautiful view!

About 5 million lilies are in broom☆★☆

Also, they have 30 kinds of lilies there!


Which one do you like?
My favorite is white one♪

As here is ski resort druing winter, you can go up the hill by the lift.

I came back refreshed and happy to be my name Yuri;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/31 14:22) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

We received a big box today.
What's inside, Tomo??

Let me check it!

There are pleanty of sweets and cute staff:D

Thank you, John.
This is a birthday gift for us, right?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/27 14:41) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Welcome to our sushi party!!

We are ready to make hand-rolled sushi☆
Do you find something your favorite from here?

I like salmon with avocado.

Let's start!!

Don't worry, we have enough stock;)

People look serious when they make.
Isn't it so hard?

Wow! You are professional★

...half an hour later.

Now, it's time to go and watch Hanabi♪

Please follow Tomo, be careful not to get lost.

"Aian beauty"

Tamayaaaaaaa!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/26 14:33) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Till lately, one of my dream was to get marry the CEO of Haagen Dazs.
When I was tennnager, my breakfast was always ice-cream (Rum raisin!) and
there were many stocks in the fridge.

Now, I'm working and I rediscover that I'm adult everytime I buy Haagen Dazs
because it's a bit expensive for a student.

On 17th of July, they opened a new shop in Ginza.

↑La Maison Ginza
I haven't tried there yet but I checked their website and found that it's a paradice for me♪
I should go the next payday!

I don't think I can get marry him any more but I just wanna say
thank you for this great job to him;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/22 14:16) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Welcome back, Tomooooooooo!
I was waiting for.......

Sweeeeets!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/20 14:53) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Are you in Japan on 22nd of July?
If so, you should look up the sky to observe solar eclipse.

Oh, please do not forget to use special sun filters!

The more you go to the South, the more you can see the perefct solar eclipse.

Also, you will see fantastic phenomena like this↓

I hope it would be sunny day on the 22nd☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/18 14:24) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

To us:D

Sakura Hostel Asakusa turned to be 3 years old yesterday.
I'm wondering how many guests we had so far...
Though we sometimes faced some difficulties, we are still happy to work here.

We had many many striking (and funny?) guests for this three years.
Unfortunately, I can't say exactly who they are:P

If you have some advice for us, please feel free to give us comments!
Also, I wanna say thank you for all of you who are reading this weblog.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/16 17:20) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

Who is falling down??

You must be sleepy Naoto...
You should have had enough sleep before night shift☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/15 14:27) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

HELLO!

My name is SAKURA from SAKURA HOTEL HATAGAYA.
Today is my second training day at ASAKUSA HOSTEL.
I love here!
Very friendly staff , Nice location, Big Window, Lovely cuckoo clock, Happy mood front desk.
I enjoy the atmosphere here!!

Let me introduce myself.
I have worked Hatagaya since September 2008.
Another Job is teacher of dancing class.
Now I am crazy about belly dance…
That's why, I went to the Egypt to see real Belly dance and study it.
I will talk about it hatagaya blog next time.

Thank you.
Sakura

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/14 14:05) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you think it's expensive to eat in Japan?
Compared with the other countries, though the size is small,
the price is the same or more expensive.

Then, I reccomend you to go to universities for your lunch.
I don't know much about universities in your country,
our universities have nice cafeterias on campus.

As Japanese students eat a lot but are saving their money (in general),
everything is easy-on-the-pockets;)

Click where you wanna go↓↓
Shinjuku Area
Kogakuin University

Shibuya Area
Aoyama University

Ikebukuro Area
Rikkyo University

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/13 15:51) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Our cleaning staff, Yaeko bought Chinese Lantern (we call it Hozuki) this morning.

On the 10th of July is called Yonman-rokusennichi (Day of 46,000 Blessings)
and it has a big benefit.
If you visit and pray on this day, you'll get the same benefits
as praying every day for 46,000 days!
Of course, I did it this morning because I'm a lazy girl:P

This fair was held yesterday and today at Senso-ji temple for two days only.
You missed this event?
Then you should wait till next year.
I'll try to let you know in advance;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/10 14:27) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember that we planted bitter gourd in May?
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/05/flowers_for_the_summer.html

When I was watering our plants this morning,
I found one of them had a cute yellow flower!
It means we'll have goya soon!

I can't wait;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/09 15:28) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Last night, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro had a party
and Shrimp (ebi-chan) joined it before working.

As they changed the menu, participants could enjoy new meals♪
Please click here to check their new menu!

They are putting Tanzaku (small piece of paper) with their wishes☆

I hope my wish comes true!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/08 14:36) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Are you trying to climb Mt Fuji this summer?
If you'd like to see sunrise, you need to stay on the way to the top.

Every stations have some lodges and you can choose where to stay.
I recommend you to book in advance;)
http://fujisan.yamakei.co.jp/en-yellowpage01.html
↑This site would be very helpful for Mt. Fuji climbers.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/07 15:20) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

What's your plan for this summer?

I'll introduce how to enjoy Japan's summer;)
#1 Hanabi (fireworks)

We love to watch fireworks in Summer.
On 25th of July, we'll have sushi&hanabi party at out hostel.
Anyone who are staying at Sakura Hostels&Hotels and tenants of Sakura House are welcomed!
Come and join us with your favorite drinks♪

Actually, we have many many fireworks festivals here and there.
If you are here in Japan from July to October,
you should check the town information through some free papers or their websites.

#2 BEEEEEEEECH!!

As Japan is the country surrounded by sea, we have some nice places for
surfing, swimming, relaxing and so on...
This is my recommended magazine below↓↓

You'll find what you need for Japan's summer easily.
We have one here, so you can ask anytime if you have an interests.

#3 Mt. Fuji

It's a standard as Mt Fuji is opening only during summer.
Have you ever climbed to the top?
Yes, I did!
It means, anyone can try;)
I don't wanna try it anymore, though it was a great experience...

#4 Horror movie
I HATE them but Japanese prefer to watch horror movies
to get a shiver up their spine.
If you watch it, please do not tell me about it.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/04 13:42) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

On 30th of June, Sakura Hotel Hatagaya has just opened a brand new cafe.

Mr Kondo, the manager of Hatagaya, loves Rock music as you can see this photo below.
It will be much more sophisticated by the end of this year!

I ordered his (Mr. Kondo) recommended iced coffee.

Hmmm, next time, I'll have an apple pie with ice-cream!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/07/02 14:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tokyo is in the middle of rainy season right now.
We understand it's sad if you have rain while you are traveling...
but don't worry!
We have some information file for you;)

You can still enjoy Tokyo without getting wet.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/30 14:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Birthday!!

Yeah:D
You look sooooo happy with your favorite snacks.

can you guess how old she turned to be?

Twenty.....

EIGHT!!

You are not young enough to have snacks that much everyday:(
Please improve your diet;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/29 14:45) | Permalink | Comment (6)

New Caledonia!!

and now I understand why people call it like "the island nearest to the heaven".
Do you want to know what we did in the island??
1.Eat
2.Drink (of course, wine!)
3.Relax (sleeping and lying on the beach)

Sometimes, we took a walk in the city, Noumea.

There were crowded with local people at Place de Cocotiers.
We also got some oranges.

Cathedrale Saint Joseph sit on the hill.

Anyone can go inside.
Some people were praying, the others were just relaxing like us.

We found a pretty chocolate shop on the street.

He gave us a nice smile:)
Of course, I bought some cookies and chocolates for myself;)

This is the famous Marche in Noumea.

It opens almost everyday from the early morning till noon.
Not only locals but tourists can also enjoy their shopping.
Fresh fruits, vegetables, many kinds of fish, snacks, craft arts....everything is there!

People there like baguettes for their lunch.

It could be both my lunch and dinner...looooong!

He is the cutest boy I met on this trip;)

So affable.

Southern Cross.
You rarely see them from Japan.

This photo is taken by Hideya Nakai.
Thank you for your cooperation;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/28 15:08) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know Star Festival?
We call it Tanabata and the meaning is...let's google it!
According to Wikipedia,

it celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair).
The Milky Way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky,
separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year
on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.
Since the stars come out at night, the celebration is held at night.

People generally celebrate this day by writing wishes on tanzaku, small pieces of paper,
and hanging them on bamboo, sometimes with other decorations.

Let's take a look at what our staff wrote on them;)

It's easy to guess who wrote it

Yes, you are correct!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/27 15:43) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

!!!YURI-CHAN!!!

Posted by: Tomo (2009/06/26 19:14) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

VS

Tomorrow, we'll have forth-round football match in Australia.
Which do you think win?
Japan has already got a ticket to the next World cup
but I hope Japan could win in the hostile territory.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/16 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Haiti!!

Do you know anything about their country?
I'm ashamed to say, I know nothing about Haiti...

I just google it and now I know it has a difficult history but is a beautiful country

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/15 15:30) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember him?

Yuta was working with us a year ago but quit to focus on his job huntng.
And now, he just came back and is gonna spend his summer with us and you;)

Though it's hard to find a job in Japan now, he got a job!
Good job, Yuta!!
Enjoy your last summer as a student.
You should keep working anyway after you graduate...:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/14 15:23) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Sakura House just opend the new guest house, Asakusa-4 near by.

It's just a few minutes walk from Sakura Hostel,
so I'm just wondering if I live there, I don't have to worry about to be late for work anymore:P

It has 6 rooms and this one

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/12 15:47) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Paul san!!
Welcome to sakura hostel again;)

He(second right) is a repeat customer and just dropped by to say hi to us with Downy today!
Why Downy?
Because Tomoe forgot to buy them in Hawaii, Paul got them instead:P
Unfortunately, he doesn't stay with us this time but it's soooo nice to see you again.
He just got married

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/11 15:38) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

#1 Tomo!!

Yes, you are so cuuuuute:P

#2 Tsuyoshi!!

Hmmmm...whatever.

#3 Tomoe!!

Is this your own dress?

#4 Naoto!!

You can't put your hands down, can you?

#5 Yuri!!

I thought it suited me more...

#6 Shrimp!!

You are spooky:(

#7 Jack!!

Your daughter will cry if she see you.

#8 Johrel

You are the best among the guys;)

#9 Eiro

You should try one more time!

Again, we are very busy all the time:P
One guest left her dress here.
Why not try to wear?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/10 15:28) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Brian.
I just heard about you that you are one of the best reader of this weblog.
You should give some comments from now;)

Also, I'd like to say thank you for your sweets and snacks..
We are enjoying them a lot.

While you are in Tokyo, please come to see us anytime when you are free.

Have a nice day!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/09 14:44) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Anna and Dayna are good friends and always having fun♪

Today, they asked me to help wearing Yukata.
They got these Yukata only for 1050 yen!

It was a little bit difficult to help them even I learnt how to wear.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/05 15:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Can you see something stick out of his head?

Could you turn around, Etienne?

Oh, that's chopsticks!!
I saw Tomoe was doing the same thing with pencil before, though.

He is always ready to give you chopsticks;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/03 15:58) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Did you know that our sister company, Sakura House, has started their weblog.

It's very interesting to read and if you are looking for a room to stay for more than a month,
I do recommend you to ask them.
They are always ready to help you;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/02 16:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Miya and Ming from South Korea were staying with us for abou10 nights.
They came to Tokyo for running a booth at Design Festa.

When they came back from one day trip, they said that "I feel like I'm coming home".
It made me soooo happy:D

Jack got one of their work with some cute comments♪

If you are interested in their art works, please visit their website from here;)
click here→BLANK

??

Posted by: Yuri (2009/06/01 13:56) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

26th of May.

27th of May

Look! Look!↑↑

My sunflowers are growing up so quickly.
It's just because I put a lot of love into them:P

I need to thin out some of them from here, though...
I can't choose:(

My anxiety now is who is going to take care of them
during my vacation next month.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/30 16:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever heard about "the best job in the world" in Hamilton Island?
Or did you happen to apply for this job offer?
If you get this job, you can live in the beautiful Hamilton Island for half a year with your family
and will be paid about $110,000 as an island taker.

Taking care of the island and reporting to a global audience
through weblogs with photos and videos are the main job.

I watched the tv program about this competition last night and
I was just wondering if anyone who was reading this weblog had interests.

One Japanese woman, Mieko, had selected as one of the finalist.

It depends on the person which job is the best.
I think if you can say your job is the best in the world,
that's the best no matter what anyone tells you;)

How about you?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/29 15:11) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Finally, Eiro found his missing younger brother!!
He had been looking for him for more than 10 years and he turned up as a guest last month.

Eiro told us that he used to be much shorter than him but now...
Hmmm...the environment makes people.

According to the T-shirt, Eiro's brother is looking for Japanese girlfriend.
Anybody has an interest?

I found that his hair was a fake one:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/27 15:29) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Summer is coming.
It means it's time to make a plan for our summer vacation!

This is our shift schedule for four months (from June to September)
and we can put × where you want to take days off.
Most of us haven't decided where&when to go yet but Tomo put many many ×in July.
Where do you think she is going?
We'll wait for her answer here;)

If we find someone put new ×, we ask him/her where to go.
I put ×in June but it's not for a summer vacation, just a vacation:P
We are trying not to have a schedule conflict
but the rule is simple...
First come, first served!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/26 15:12) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

What are you planting, Tsuyoshi?

Do you remember that we grew heavenly blues last summer?
These are those seeds we got from them so in other words, it's a second-generation♪
Also, we try to grow bitter gourd (we call it Nigauri) this year.
I'm wondering whether I can gather many nigauri and cook it for our guests;)

In addition, I'm taking care of mini sunflowers now.

↑I just planted 6 of tiny seeds here.
I'm really looking forward to meeting the flowers!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/25 14:10) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Did you know that you can ride on this cute Panda bus?↑↑
I was just wondering where it goes around but Tsuyoshi told me that
anyone can take this for free♪
He should have told me earlier:(

Anyway, this bus is available in fromt of Hanayashiki amusement park (1min from our hostel!)
and it goes to Asakusa station and the ferry landing as well.

Inside is like this...normal:)

The driver was funny guy and he gave us some questions.
If you have the correct answer, you'll get the free bus coupon for a year! :P
He speaks only Japanese, though.

Now, I got a free ride to the station★
Timetable is available at our hostel, so please feel free to ask us;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/23 13:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hi! My name is Mitsuko.
I am coming from Sakura Hotel Hatagaya.
I am working at Sakura Hotel Asakusa for 2 days training.
I'm very exsited to talk with Customers (from many countries).
People here are very nice!!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/18 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Now, we have one of the biggest Festivals in Tokyo starting from 15th
and it's the last day today!
When I walked through the Sensoji temple at 6:30 in the morning,
so many people were already there and waiting for Mikoshi's set out.

Eiro, who loves this festival dropped by with his friends.
This is a kind of uniform for Japanese traditional festival.
Aren't they cool?

Fortunately, rain had stopped and people would have parties
here and there until midnight:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/17 14:15) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As Tomo posted on the 9th, Tomoe was in Hawaii and just returned to work today:)
She is not so tanned as we've expected but looks very refreshed;)

We got some nice cookies and nuts from her♪

*Mahalo means thank you in Hawaii.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/15 14:32) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Look at this masterpiece↓↓

Who drew it?

Yes, it's my cousin's daughter, Aki-chan♪
She is 5 years old and the cutest girl in the world:P

This picture is my idle screen now☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/12 08:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

This is our first time to be bitten by a mosquito this year:(
I got two and Naoto got one.
I didn't know that mosquitos are already awakened.
I hate their hollow booming!

Fortunately, we had an anti-itch cream here and it worked well:)
You can borrow it if you want;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/11 14:59) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Isn't she Tomo?
And isn't he Daniel who is taking an interview by Nights?

Yes, they were on TV at Tokyo MX TV on 26th of April.
Anyone who watched that program?
The famous comedians (I didn't know them, though...), Nights, came to search our hostel.
Some of our guests were also on TV;)

It's kind of weired to see someone I know well on TV:P

Don't worry, Daniel.
I'll send you a DVD for you.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/06 15:22) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

This year marks the 150th anniversary of its opening of the Port of Yokohama.
Yokohama city is now holding a big event to commemorate it.

On the first day, 28th of April, I went to see this event.
I found huge spider moving!!

I had no idea why spider was here but it's worth seeing:)

At night. you'll enjoy this giant ‘earth balloon' using images of light and sound.

How about going there?
More info?
Click one of picture above;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/05/01 08:24) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

I usually work morning shift but on last Saturday,
Naoto and I changed our shifts and I worked evening shift.

As the atmosphere was totally diffrent from the daytime,
I did enjoy myself with our guests.
Normally, people are out during my working hours and they start to come back around 8pm.
Our rounge area is always abuzz and they look fun♪
I wished I could have drunk with them!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/27 14:55) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

About 80 percent of our guests are from France now.
So, we are trying to learn some French, at least numbers.
Compared with Spanish, it's very difficult for Japanese to pronounce...

Sometime, they become our teachers like this↓↓

Eiro is trying to say "your welcome" in French but...

it seems he can't pronounce it correctly:P

Merci♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/23 16:03) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's not rare that Naoto is doing something weired
but what do you think he is doing?

It seems he is trying to find something under the vending machine.

He knew that there are many coins:)
He said it came to about 1200 yen in total!

We put those money here↓↓

Thank you for your cooperation:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/23 15:56) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

What are they doing so seriously?

Seems like they're playing a game...

... seems like Tsuyoshi lost.

Hey guys, you have to go back to work.

Posted by: Tomo (2009/04/22 15:43) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

As Hirotaka has requested (see the weblog posted on 8th of April),
we got chocolates from our guests.
I ate so many kinds of chocolates from all over the world
but I can't say which is the best.

Hiro, I'm not sure whether you can take some because we can eat them all now.
When is your next shift?
Next Sunday? 　I'm very Sorry:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/17 08:36) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Are you okay??
Please give some comments to cheer her up!
She is sick in bed today:(

We all hope that you will get well soon.
Don't worry, nobody goof off the job so far;)

Oops!

Hmmm, you should come back as soon as possible.
Don't worry, I'll visit our Sensou-ji Temple and pray for you on the way back home today★

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/15 14:41) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

Some guests told me how nice the STUDIO GHIBLI museum was.
Unfortunately, we are not allowed to take pictures inside
but I could understand how they had a great time there by their faces:)

This picture above is taken by Eiro.
He also went there about a week ago.
I heard that there is a short film which you can watch only at that museum.

Hmmmm....I think I gotta go.
If I were 3 years old, I could ride on Neko(cat)-Bus☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/14 15:09) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember Tempei(right side) ?
He was the staff here for a few months but quit for studying.
As he is very friendly, he got some friends while working and Daniel is one of them;)

One of our repeat guests, Daniel is leaving tomorrow and
they went to Tokyo dome to watch the baseball game together.

Daniel knows most of our staff not only us but who already left here.
If Shinji reads this weblog, please give some comments for him;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/13 15:20) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

What I want to eat now is this↓↓

It's called Sasebo burger and original from Sasebo city in Nagaseki.
What's the difference between normal burger and Sasebo's one?

According to Sasebo's tourist information site,
the big difference is always homemade.
Some shops bake their own buns, and the burger is grilled after the order is taken.
If you have a big hunger, you can't wait:P

In Tokyo, there are a lot of restaurants for Sasebo burgers.
Anyone who already tried it?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/11 15:12) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

When I was watching TV a few days ago, I heard some unfamilier words from it.
Such as JC, JK, Oke-ru...
Are they Japanese or English? Or some different languages?

Can you guess what they mean?
JK is not John F. Kennedy:P
JC is not Jesus Christ.

JK is Joshi-Kousei!!
Joshi=Girls
Kousei=high school students

Well, then JC means Joshi-Chugakusei.
Chugakusei=Junior high school students

They say, fake school uniforms are very popular among JK(should I put "s" for it?) now.
In Tokyo, there is a school uniform shop called Conomi
and you can find your favorite style.

Of course, they have their own school uniforms but after school.
they change clothes to fake one or just arrange it to their "original" style.

If you see JK wearing uniforms around Shibuya, it might be a fake one.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/10 15:27) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Did you notice that one new guy is working with us from last Dec.
Let me introduce him today☆

]

Hi, Everyone!!
Nice to meet you all.
As you see me in this picture, night sift here at SAKURA HOSTEL is really really demanding.
My dear glasses are always barely hanging from my face like this at the end of the sift.
I even sometimes see Jesus Christ coming from up in the sky to pick me up at the end of the sift.

But I Enjoy working here coz I meet interesting people every day from all over the world.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say is that it's a very nice thing to be kind enough to give our night staff a small gift with love like a piece of chocolate or something.

I will be waiting for your visit and chocolate!!

Ciao Ciao.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/08 06:28) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's been a while since we had personnel exchanges.
Today and tomorrow, Hiro from Sakura Hotel Hatagaya is working with us:)

How are you all going today? Im Hiro Araki from Sakura Hotel Hatagaya and am here in Asakusa for `2day Training session`.
Last weekend one of my best friends had a beautiful wedding ceremony in Shirogane, Tokyo. It was a traditional type of wedding and there were about 150ppl that turned up. I caught up with heaps of `way back` friends from my primary school. It was absolutely one of the best times!

I hope you enjoy your great time in Tokyo!!

Cheers!!

Hiro Araki

I can see two ooooooooooold faces behind him:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/07 14:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As you can see on this picture above, we had many Thai people in the last month.
This month also, there are a lot of bookings from them.

One of the reason is their new year's (called sonkuran) according to the old calendar.
It starts 13th of April for three days but before and after 10 days, some of them take a long vacation.

Actually, my friend in Thailand is taking a vacation for a month(envy!)
and visiting her friend in Switzerland.

What would you do if you could take a month-long holidays?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/06 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

What do you think it is?↑↑

Hint is...
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2009/01/soooo_cute.html#comments
Yes, it is salt-and-pepper shakers but the big difference is they are ☆elephants☆
How lovely they are!

Now, I have two sets of shakers at home...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/04 08:52) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Ebi-chan and Johrel were working over night and this morning,
Johrel showed me this picture above↑↑

Can you guess what happened to him?

He tried to eat an eclair this early morning but cream inside was spilled out....
and he could eat only half of it:P

Hahaha:D
I like this his shy face;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/04/01 14:02) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Let me tell you about our Hanami party on last Saturday.

Before going to the partk, we made Sushi rolls together↓↓

They made their original rolls and it looked delicious:)

Itadaki ma-su!
How's your sushi?

When we started the party, there were about 20 people.

About 1 hour later, we were about 40 people!
Do you guys have enough space?

By the way, are you enjoying the beauty of the flowers?

Tomo's pasta was good!!

Thank you for joining us. I hope you did have a great time☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/30 14:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As you know, we'll have a party and make some sushi rolls at the hostel.
Of course, anyone staying with us, all guests of our sister hotels
and tenants of Sakura House are welcomed:)

In addition, Tomo will cook Pasta (butterbur sprout pasta with cream sauce) for you.
Don't be afraid, it's just only for a few people and I prepare instant sauce just in case;P
Also, you can have a real one at Sakura hotel Ikebukuro during Spring.

If you are coming late, it would be no problem.
Please drop by our reception and we'll let you know where to go.

I hope tomorrow will be much warmer☆★☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/27 15:33) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As I noticed, Japan became champion again!
It was my day off and I was watching that game on TV♪
Though I'm an instant baseball fan and now I understand that rule very well.

The next time I go to the States, I'll go and watch a baseball game.
Maybe, at PETCO park stadium in San Diego;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/25 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tomorrow will be a big day for Japanese baseball fans☆
Japan won and went to the semifinals which is held in L.A.
It is the fifth time to have the game with South Korea.
So far, we got even but I believe our victory!

This is from the last year but we can see the same one tomorrow;)↓↓

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/23 14:36) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

As one of our weblog readers pointed out that this weblog is slow these days,
I gotta　post a new one today;)

Let me introduce the meal (side dish) I often make and eat at home.
It's called Bagna càuda, I believe it's Italian food.

With this yummy sauce, you can eat any kind of vegetables:)

Moreover,　it's super easy to make it♪
Boil and chop garlic→chop　anchovy paste→put them into the pot and add olive oil
→boil it and mix together

Just be careful because you'll get garlic odor for sure;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/20 15:51) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Yesterday, Sakura house held the event at Sakura hotel Ikebukuro.
At this event, people could wear kimono and had a tea ceremony lesson.

I just joined that event in the middle to take some photos.
When I got there, some girls already wore kimono and they looked excited★
As a Japanese, I feel happy to see their smiles with kimono.

All the girls brought their cameras (of course!) and took many many pictures each other.

Unfortunately, this event was only for ladies bacause size of the kimono was M or smaller.
But it would be nice if you take your girlfriend, sister or mother;)
The next time we have it, I'll let you know here♪

Before or after they had a tea ceremony lesson, they had a lunch together.

↑It seemed much harder to make a "good" tea than they expected↓

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/15 15:41) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, cherry trees fully blossom
about a week after they start to bloom.
So, we decide to have it on 28th of March this year♪

This time will be a little bit different than usual.
We'll make our sushi before and bring it to the park where the party is held.
Of course, you can bring anything you want to eat under beautiful cherry trees.

Please don't hesitate and just join us;)
It must be fun!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/08 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

People say that February was warmer than normal (I don't think so, though).
It must be getting warmer but thesedays,
we sometimes had rain or snow and we all miss sunshine:(
Where my spring is?

We almost make a plan for cherry blossom viewing party.
Sorry for keeping you wait, Daniel;)

According to weather forecast, it should get warm next week☆
It's a good news for me who is extremely sensitive to cold.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/04 14:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Click here↓↓↓
http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/blog/
Our sister hotel, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro has just started their weblog★
Please check it out and send some comments!

I'll keep an eye on it;)
I might have told you but please don't forget about this weblog, too:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/02 11:34) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's time to announce the result again:)

G'day mate!
As we expected, AUS is the top!
Though the football game was end in a draw, all suporters looked enjoy their stay♪

????, 謝々★
This month, many many asian people came and stay with us as you can see.
Actually, South Korea and Taiwan is the same rank.

Hola, amigo.
I thought that we had more mexican in Feb. but they were ranked 18th...

Anyone who wants to know which rank your country was?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/03/01 09:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

You are NOT allow to smoke anywhere inside Sakura hostel.
It's gonna be a big problem if you smoke in your room and
activate a fire alarm system as this poster says...

Please come down for smoking at our terrace or in front of the entrance.
Thank you for your cooperation:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/28 15:05) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Finally, two Japanese films, "Departures(Okuribito)"
and "Tsumiki no Ie" won the Oscar.


Have you watched them already?
It seems Japanese are so excited about this great news.

I was so touched from the speech of Kate Winslet who won the oscar for the best actress.
What she said was sometimes so cute;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/26 14:58) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We are now in the transition period from analog to digital broadcasting
and it will be completed by July 2011.
I thought that I could use my TV as long as possible and buy new one
two years later or something but it was broken suddenly(><)

You may know there are so many kinds of flat-screen TVs.

I got the third one, Tomoe got the forth one and Tsuyoshi just bought the last one today!
I gotta buy DVD recorder the next♪

TV is getting thinner and wider.
I believe that in near future, it will become like a paper and easy to carry around.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/25 15:24) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

One day I came here to work, I found some guns on the table.
Everytime guests leave something, it's gonna be our toys for a while.

Especially, Naoto...

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/22 15:14) | Permalink | Comment (6) | TrackBack (0)

Are you looking for a job now?
If so, please take a look at this website which you might know already.
Daijob.com

On 20th and 21st, they have a career fair for bilinguals.
Sakura group is also attending this big event and Tomo is now there:)
I heard that she is working as an interviewer.
Have you seen her?

It's not only for Japanese bilinguals but for foreigners
who are interested in working in your country with your Japanese.

I hope this would be a good information for you;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/21 15:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever seen people wearing this kind of clothes in Japan?
Sometimes, our guests ask us where to buy them.
It seems they look cool for them.

This is a kind of uniform for construction workers and scaffolding workers.
They say knicker bockers are vaery confortable and easy to walk around.

There are some shops where you can get these items
but Toraichi(寅壱 ) is the most famous brand
for knicker bockers.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/20 14:43) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

I was taking days off and went to hot springs.
Hot springs in Winter is perfect!!
I feel so relaxed and refreshed.

Before taking train when I went back to Tokyo,
I went to footbath just behind Hakone-Yumoto station.
I do reccommend you to go there if you have a chance to go to Hakone area.
It's called Kappa-Tengoku and it cost only 200 yen.
You can be get warmed by just soaking your foots in that natural hot spring.

I found funny Hello Kitty (picture above↑) at Oowakudani :)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/17 13:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Thank you for the sweets, Michael, Phillip and Andrew.
Fortunately, there are only three girls staff here and one of them(Tomo) can't eat chocolates,
this will be for me and Tomoe;)

Yum, yum☆

Also, this box filled with candies are from Michaela♪
Hmmmm...I can get weight easily...but thank you so much.
I'll eat them anyway.

Our guests make my tea time enjoyable:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/16 14:11) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

We had a big group from Spain first half of this month and they are lively and friendly♪
Normally, Tsuyoshi doesn't join the party and has a logical and judicial type of mind.

BUT, one night, Johrel found Tsuyoshi was dancing with these spanish girls ↑↑
when he was back from his break time.
It was around 2AM.
I wish I were there and took a picture!

Our guests are from all over the world and have such a great variety of characters☆
I can't say which is the best but I think I'm very lucky person to be here as a staff:)

Gracias!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/15 12:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

If you are a football supporter, you should know we have a big match on 11th in Yokohama.
Japan VS Australia!!
More than half of our guests are now, from Australia and
they are members of Green and Gold Army(GG Army)

They are wearing this uniform all the time.↑↑
Tomoe said that there are many Australian around the town.

I'm not a big fan of a football but I hope Japan would win the game:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/09 12:37) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Sometimes, our guests find something strange on the street
and bring it to the hostel for some reason.
When I arrived at the hostel this morning, I found a big blue ball on the counter.

What do you think it was?
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........
...........

Yes, it was a globe, unfortunately:(
I'm wondering how he found it and why globe was on the street.

Please leave things you find as it was or bring to a police box.
Tomo doesn't know what to do for this.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/08 15:49) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever seen inside of vending machines?
We have some in the lounge and we replenish sold-out stocks everyday.
This is beer machine↓↓

It seems a lot of our guests had beer last night as well:)

I wish we had an ice-cream machine here...☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/04 15:39) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Australia!!

In January, we had many many Aussie here.
It's almost twice as much as French though we had a big French group
first half of this month.

It seems Feburary will be the same result.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/03 08:30) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Our sister hotel, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro is going to start their weblog soon.

Sariko(left) and Kayoko(right) will be the main posters:)
Let's read and comment on:)
But, please don't forget about this weblog!

Their weblog will be started in this month!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/02/02 15:12) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever tried one of Japan's most popular dishes, Beef bowl at Yoshinoya?
The history of Yoshinoya is very old and now, you can have it outside of Japan,
such as USA, Singapore, China, Malaysia, the Philippines and so on.

There are so many branches in Japan (I don't know exactly how many they are)
but I just found the first one.
It was in Tsukiji, inside the famous Tsukiji Fish market.
I didn't know that it was the first one but now I understand why their motto is
"Fast, Cheap and Tasty".

If you have a chance to go to Tsukiji fish market, it is a good idea to have some fresh Sushi
but if you think it's above your budget, try beef bowl there:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/31 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tomo was back from Guam a few days ago.
She bought us some chocolates and softner!
That's what I wanted!
We do the laundry everyday but it's difficult (or expensive)
to get softener for dryer in Japan.

In Japan, we use liquid softener and put them to laundry machine.
While I was in San Diego, I always use downy because I loved that smell.
That one she got in Guam is not downy but smells simillar.

Now, more fluffy towels are available at the reception;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/30 14:17) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tomo was back from Guam a few days ago.
She bought us some chocolates and softner!
That's what I wanted!
We do the laundry everyday but it's difficult (or expensive)
to get softener for dryer in Japan.

In Japan, we use liquid softener and put them to laundry machine.
While I was in San Diego, I always use downy because I loved that smell.
That one she got in Guam is not downy but smells simillar.

Now, more fluffy towels are available at the reception;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/30 14:17) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

What are you making today?

It looks too small to be a bed for you...

It's a new table for our common space!

Big enough and looks much stronger than the last one:)

Enjoy watching DVDs and playing Play station or some games with your friends♪

Sorry, but it's not a footrest:P

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/29 14:33) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

On 20th was Tsuyoshi's birthday!!
He turned to be 35 years old.
After Koji left, you became the oldest staff here.
You are our big reliable brother!

On 26th, today, is Naoto's birthday!!
He is now, 32 years old.
As he was working overnight, looked sleepy...
You are so kind to everyone, but not to me:P

Happy birthday from all of your lovely co-workers;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/26 13:37) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

I'm not sure whether you are checking this weblog
but thank you for your mail and some brochures of your lovely country(island).

I think you were the first guest from Guadeloupe and also it was my first time to know it.
When I checked your island on the internet, I found it's worth visiting.

Do you mean you can show me around if I visit there?;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/25 15:37) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Harajuku is the trend-setting fashion and artistic center among many youngsters,
not only within Japan but also in a lot of neighboring countries. If you are interested
in exploring the area, come and join us!

Details are below↓↓
When : January 31st (Sat), 10:00?18:00
Admission: ￥1,050 (For Okonomiyaki buffet & 1 drink in Sakura-tei)
Location - Meet at Harajuku Station
- Visit DESIGN FESTA GALLERY (art gallery)
- Lunch at SAKURA-TEI (Okonomiyaki; Japanese pan-fried pizza)
- Shopping at ORIENTAL BAZZAR
- Visit MEIJI SHRINE(Meiji Jinju)
- Explore YOYOGI PARK(Yoyogi Koen)
Access: By JR Yamanote line:
Please get off at "Harajuku" station (Takeshita exit)

Note: If you would like to join the tour,
please reserve by email (event@sakura-house.com) or call us at 03-5330- 5250
Or ask us at Sakura hostel asakusa:)

Meet at here↑↑Harajuku station★

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/24 14:15) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

There are many kinds of museums in Tokyo.
Which one have you been so far?
Sword museum?
Parasite museum?

What about Bag museum?
It is located 20mins on foot from sakura hostel
and you can see rare bags from all over the world.
Also, you can learn the history of bags in Japan.
It might be very interesting:)
I didn't know about this museum, so I'll take a look after work in the near future♪
Would you like to go with me?

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/22 15:05) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

New American history has just started today!!
Here in Japan, many people watched his first speech as a president on TV.

Do you happen to know we have Obama city in Japan?↓↓

It's in Fukui prefecture, an hour by plane from Tokyo.
Obama city became famous during the presidential election campaign last year.
Some people living there made a support group called
"Group that Supports Barack Obama Voluntarily" and became the news.
You might have heard about it.

I think(hope), President Obama will come to visit Obama city throughout his presidency☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/21 13:59) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Guam!!
It's her winter vacation now and I think she is leaving today...right?
Unfortunately, she doesn't have a camera with her...
but she'll let you know how her trip is.

I hope she would have a great time and be relaxed♪
Don't worry about us, I'll watch Naoto not to goof off:P
I'm waiting for your souvenir!

Hmmm...where should I go on my winter vacation next month.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/20 10:02) | Permalink | Comment (7) | TrackBack (0)

As we've informed, tourists were not allowed to watch the morning tuna auctions
to ensure a smooth and accident free course of business
during the busiest time of the year at Tsukiji Fish Market,

Finaly, they started tuna auction to be open to public from 19th.
Please be aware of these following things before watching the auctions.
?You can't take photos using strobe light.
?You can't touch tunas.
?Follow guards' directions there.
If you have a consciousness of being representative of your country, it's easy:)

Please enjoy our kitchen of Tokyo♪

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/19 09:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Last week when I had a dinner with her.

She just had her hair cut and looks very Kawaii (cute)♪

How do you think?
I think this length suits her.
Yaeko, one of our cleaning staff, said that young girls should keep their hair long.
I tried short hair once but it didn't suit me at all...:(

Also, this is her new one-piece suit☆
I'm wondering whether she shares it with me and Tomoe;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/17 14:05) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Our night shift staff, Koji dropped by sakura hostel with some sweets yesterday.
He just came back from Las Vegas and he looked very well:)

Do you know that he loves motorbikes (and cats)?
We found his new and gorgeous motorbike in front of the hostel.

Because I was just leaving, I asked him to give me a ride.

At first, I was so scared and asked him just to the nearest station.
BUT I found that it was very fun :)
Then, we went to Jimbocho Sakura Hotel which is located about 20mins from here♪
Though it was very cold, I did enjoy it.

It's so sad that he quit b here but we can hang out anytime;)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/16 12:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Enrique(the left), from Mexico, just left for his country now.
To be surprised, he speaks Japanese very fluentry
(almost perfect!)without going to Japanese lunguage school.

He sometimes went for a drink with us.
Before leaving, he said "I don't want go back" many many times:)

We hope he'll come back again and I'm sure that
when Tomo goes to Mexico the next time, she'll visit him.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/15 13:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hello! I'm Yoshihiro K.
I came from Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro to study the work in the hotel.
This hostel is remembered that I was backpaker before.
So my feeling becomes very pleasant.(^o^)/

I 've worked at hostel of Kyoto and Osaka and Hokkaido before.
Please ask me about it for sightseeing if you have a question.
See you! Thank you.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/14 14:28) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

How well do you know about Asakusa town?
Our guests always go to Shibuya, Odaiba, Roppongi and so on
but there are many many fun (weird?)places to go around our hostel.

Now, therefore, we have a special campaign now underway↓↓

The title is "Take photos & Get free internet and more!"

The rules are:
1. Find these locations and objects (They are all in Asakusa).
2. Take photo with your digital camera. You should appear in the photo like I do.
3. Show us the photo you took.

Prizes are...
One photo: 1 hour free internet.
Three photos: Free one breakfast.
Ten photos: Special BIG prize!(secret at this moment)

We are waiting for your entry:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/11 14:00) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Yuta, who was working with us since last June left last week..
He is a university student and doing job hunting now.
As we are in the midst of a terrible recession,
it is hard to find a job for students this year:(

How about your country?

I hope he can get a good job what he wants☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/10 15:49) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

What do you think it is?
I found it by chance at 100yen shop when I was shopping
with Tomo and one of our guest from Spain.
Actually, there was 300yen section and it was there.

I'm not a impulse buyer but my heart was captured with it;)

This is salt-and-pepper shakers.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/09 13:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

This is the top 10 countries most visited from in December 2008!!
What do you think?

Though it's in bad economic times right now,
we are happy to see our guests still come from all over the world.

If you gave up to visit Japan because of the appreciation of the yen,
I hope you would try again in near future☆
It's time to Japanese go travel instead:)

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/07 14:05) | Permalink | Comment (6) | TrackBack (0)

As you can see, they have a cold right now.
Fortunately, it's not a flu but they are suffering from runny and stuffy noses:(

Once one staff catch a cold, then the other get the next.
I hope it won't be my turn....I already got twice this winter.

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/05 15:35) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Let me know you our's here.

Tomo:To be careful not to talk so much at the office and
to become a much better swimmer.
If you stop talking, I'm sure that you'll be getting stressful...

Yuri: Get a driver's licence by March.
Then I can take you wherever you want if you have enough courage;)

Jack: To have a baby boy☆
What kind of name will you give him?

Ebi: Be positive.
Please cheer me up when I feel down.

Yuta: Not to wake up late.
Get a BIG BIG alarm clock!!

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/02 15:02) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

A happy new year!

This is a greeting post for all of you★
Yes, I'm working today as usual!!

Tomoe put on kimono today.
So beautiful:)
I'm also wearing my favorite one-piece♪
I wish I could wear it by myself...I'll try the next year;)

I do wish 2009 will be a great year for all of you☆★☆

Posted by: Yuri (2009/01/01 15:32) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

We had long travelers here in January.
When they left, we felt very sad...we miss you guys!
Actually, one of them, Stuart is here right now♪
If you wanna meet him, you guys gotta come;)

In February, I went to Guam with my friend and had a great time there.
Where should I go this winter...maybe good hotsprings near by:)
Tomo is going to spend her vacation in Hawaii!

From March, Eiro started working with us as a cleaning staff.
He is now, working at the reception once a week.
His English is geting better☆
Keep up!

Jack became the staff here in April.
On the other hand, Shinji left to prepare for studying abroad(USA).
How are you, Shinji?

In May, one of our staff got married and we had a party for him/her.
Unfortunately, not me:P

From June, our company started personal exchange.
Yumi and Rumi spent a few days here as an Asakusa staff.
So far, we had about 12 people as exchange staff.

Sakura hotel Ikebukuro opend a cafe in July.
It has a really nice atmosphere and serves attractive foods and drinks.

501 brothers were here in August.
I thought they stayed with us more lately...
it's just because Chris is here with his family right now.
His room is not 501 at this time, though:D

Tsuyoshi joined a football team of Sakura and had a game in September.
I heard that his team is not weak but they need more members to be substitutes.
I hope they will win the game in next year★

In October, it was my turn to work in our sister hotels as an exchange staff.
As I've already worked at Jimbocho's one, I went to Ikebukuro and Hatagaya.
I had a useful time at each places.

Many many Thai people stayed with us in November♪
As you might know, I love Thailand so, this month was a good circumstance to me.
I can feel a kind of Thailand without going;)

Though we had so many events and memories through this year,
the biggest happening for us is Koji's leaving.
He was one of our original staff and had worked together for two years and half.
Because he was a night staff, I didn't have enough time to talk with him:(
Hopefully, he sometimes visits us and have some drink together!

Thank you for reading such a long post and wish all you have a happy new year!!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/31 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

I took some pictures with funny statues and figures
existed in Asakusa town.
This is for our new activity starting from January.

If you try it, you'll get a little (sometimes a big) prize☆
I'll let you know the detail soon when it's ready!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/30 16:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Ebi-chan(middle) won at the horseraces today and treated us some snacks:D
Tomoe and I got ice-cream and Naoto got cupnoodle♪

It was the last race in this year and the biggest one (called Arima Kinen) in Japan.
I've never played the horses but it looked fun!
Maybe, I'll try next year and give something back to Ebi-chan★

FYI, Naoto lost:P

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/28 15:52) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

How long is your New Year's break?
One week? 10 days?
Sakura Hostel never close, though:P

Near the end of the year, Japanese have a party called"Bounenkai".
This party is for looking back on the year and refresh themselves.

So, if you go to bars now, you can see many many people drinking a lot!
"Bounenkai"'s literal translation is a forgetting party.
People drink a lot and try to forget everything they have done this year;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/27 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Though it was very warm on christmas day, it's terribly cold today.

Most of our guests started off by saying "it's cold!!"
I'm unusually sensitive to the cold and always saying "it's cold" during the winter:(
But today, the other staff are the same thing.

I really miss the hot hot summer!!
I wish Japan, at least Tokyo becomes the city of everlasting summer...

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/26 15:16) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you happen to go to Shibuya or Harajuku area today?
If so, Design festa art gallery is taking a christmas art party today.

It's from 3 to 8PM at their cafe.
You can get a glass of sparkling wine for free;)
Why don't you take a look with your friends?
You might can see some performances there!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/25 09:44) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

How are you spending your christmas holidays?
I'll report our christmas party which was held on the last night.

First of all, we watched the movie together.
"Love Actually" is one of my fovorite one:)
Have you ever watched before?

The main part of this time was Tsuyoshi&Naoto's magic show!
When they were practicing, I saw their tricks many many times
but I could still enjoyed them;)
It was soooo funny.

Look at their mustache.
I painted it for them to be Super Mario brothers:D

Our guests also seemed enjoyed themselves.
The next year will be much trickier...I guess☆

Of course, we had a bingo game.
All could get one prize and lucky person got Yukata!
I hope they would like it.

Thank you for joining our party♪

Special Thanks to Tanaka san;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/24 15:24) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Naoto and Tsuyoshi is practicing the magic
they will show tonight for our christmas party.
I still don't know what they are going to do
but am also looking forward to seeing it♪

I just found some tools like these↓↓

Hmmm...playing cards are for a magic but what about hammer?
I hope it's not for hitting me:(

See you tonight★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/23 14:37) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know Koji is leaving soon....
His last night will be on 24th, so we had a goodbye party for him last night.
Unfortunately, only I couldn't join because of the cold but all staff seemed enjoyed it.
I wish I could be there!!

Do you remember her?

Hiromi, who had worked with us for the first year joined us:)
I wanted to see her, too!

How about him?

Satoshi was our cleaning staff before and is working at Sakura House now.

He is one of poor guy who had to work at night after the party.

And he is the another victim...

Johrel has just started working with us:)
I'll introduce him later again.

When I came to hostel this morning, I found ebi-chan just got up
and heard some of them were still sleeping somewhere.

Please send some comment for Koji (Staff of Sakura house&hotels are also welcomed!).
He was a specialist of night staff here.

↑after the party...

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/19 13:19) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

These are for presents for Bingo game on Christmas party, 23rd.
If you are lucky, you'll get a beatiful Yukata (kimono for summer)☆

I'll buy more prizes for you, so you can request now!

You gotta come:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/17 15:12) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

In November, we had many guests from Guam Island.
One is a group of fighters and they had a tornament in Tokyo.

At first, they looked a little bit scary:P
but were really kind(they gave me a candy!) and polite guests.
One day, one of them came back with a medal around his neck,
so I guess he won the match.

The other one was John:)
He had stayed with us before and it's his second time.
He is looking for a job in Tokyo right now.
I hope he could make it☆

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/11 14:08) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

In December, Japanese are always busy and in a hurry(I'm not, though).
From 15th of Dec. to 17th of Jan, the government of Tokyo Metropolitan
decided not to open the auction to the public.
I guess it's because most of fishermans are rough-natured persons and it's dangerous:P

So, if you have a plan to go there in that period, you don't have to get up so early.
Of course, the other shops and restaurants are open for us.
The best time to go there will be around 8AM and have some fresh sushi for your breakfast;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/07 10:45) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Christmas party will be held at our hostel!!
This year, we'll have a movie night and Bingo party.
We are still thinking which movie we should have.
Do you have any idea?
Our options at this moment is "Love Actually"(my favortite),
"Miracle on 34th street"(Tomoe's reccomendation), "Music and Lyric "
"The Family Man"(Eiro's favorite) and "Lords of dogtown "...

If you are interested in joining our party, just come to Sakura Hostel.
Guests from our sister hotels and tenents of Sakura House are all welcomed♪
Of course people who had stayed here before (YOU!) should come:)

We'll let you know more detail information soon.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/04 11:14) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Futon for the winter have just arrived today!
Naoto and I checked how warm it was before you sleep;)
It was pretty warm and I'm sure that you can sleep very well:)

Have a sweet dream★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/03 14:31) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

This is the result of the most visits from last month(November).

Hmmmm...it looks not so changed from the one in October.
Thailand is unranked and Malaysia comes in ninth place.

Japanese yen is very expensive thesedays...
it's good for us to go abroad but not for our guests:(
I hope it becomes normal rate soon and more and more people come and stay with us★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/12/02 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

"My name is Noriko from Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
I'm working here only for 2 days, but it's really good experience for me.
Enjoy your stay at Sakura Hostel Asakusa and if you have a time,
please visit our new opened cafe in Ikebukuro!"

Though I've known her before, we didn't have a chance to talk with,
so I'm also happy to welcome her:)

Thank you for your help and why don't you go for a drink someday?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/29 14:24) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

This!!

Christmas is coming soon!
Good job,Naoto;)

Some people decorete their home so gorgeously,
as if they are competing with each other especially in residential districts.

If you take trains at night, you might find them.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/27 19:56) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

What are you doing, Naoto?

It looks fun;)

I think we can find out soon what you did♪

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/26 15:11) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

This coming Saturday, we have Tori no Ichi Fair and it is the final one for this year.
What's Tori no Ichi Fair?
Click here→http://www.torinoichi.jp/english/index.htm

This morning, I learned about it from the TV and it said like this.
The first time you buy Kumade(below↓), you should choose the smalｌest one.

And every year, you should buy a bigger one than the last year.
Then, you can earn much money than the last year★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/25 15:45) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever get troubled with the difference of plugs in other countries?
Whenever I travel abroad, I check what type of plug they use
and buy an adapter at the airport.

Finally, we started to sell them here at Sakura Hostel;)
One is 500 yen and the other is 1000 yen.

Now, you can use your hair iron, you can charge your camera&mobile♪

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/22 15:38) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

From last week, our stairs to the second floor and basement floor became a small gallery.

These works are from Design Festa Gallery.
Normally, we take elevetor but if your room is on the 2nd floor or basement,
you can enjoy them everytime you take stairs.
Of course, if your room is upper floor, still you gotta take stairs at least one time.

All sakura hotels&hostels have similar spaces.
If you have interests, you can just go and have a look;)
Our small gallery might be bigger★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/21 15:58) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

And Christmas season has started.
This year, I decorated it with Jack.
He told me that it's his first time to do so and he looked very happy♪

We'll have a christmas party on the 23rd of Dec, so you should come and join us!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/18 16:01) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

My name is Kei.I have been working here since last Friday. Basically,I work in Sakura House.
The reasons why I came here are learning the work at the Asakusa Hostel and become more cose with hostel staff.

By the way,almost once a week.we hold soccer practice with Sakura house tenants at Ochiai chuou Koen which located at Shimoochiai(along the Seibu Shinjuku Line).If you want to know more details and join us,please contact SAKURA HOUSE(03-5330-5250).

Of cource,if you want to stay the guest house,apartment or dormitory more than one month,don't hasitate to contact us!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/16 13:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

These are what I had during my trip to Hiroshima★
Just SOME of them, though:P

What are you interested in the most?
I'll let you know the place if you want♪

★Special thanks to Tomoko, Tomoko's family and Reiko;)★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/15 14:36) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

On the second day, I visited Miyajima, one of the most scenic spots in Japan.
You might have heard of it if you are interested in Japan;)

To get to Miyajima island, I took this ferry.
At first, I was afraid of getting sea sick but it took only about 10 mins.

After a short time, I found this famous Torii, shrine gate, built in the sea.

There is also well-known Itsukushima shrine in the island.
It was really solemn and I was touched.

If you go there on weekends, you may see the wedding ceremony.

After looking around that shrine, we climbed Mt. Misen.
First of all, we took this aerial tramway and then, walked to the top.

Because I don't like walking that much, I hesitated to go to the top
but people who passed on the way cheer us up and we could do it!
(It took about 40 mins)

The next time, I want to stay one night there!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/12 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

I took days off and went to Hiroshima to visit my friend there.
Let me know you about my great days;)

On the first day, I visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum as typical tourists.
I believe you know Hiroshima as an atom-bombed city.


This is the famous Bomb Dome.
It's not a center of explosion but is a symbol of A-bomb.

This is Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims and you can see a bomb dome
when you stand in front of it.

Also, there is a musium where you can learn about A-bomb.
Though some of them were looked very scary, we need to know.

My friends are from Hiroshima and when they were in elementary school,
they were told about a peace through A-bomb survivors
but these days, it's getting hard to do so.

If you have a chance to go to Hiroshima, please take a look at these places.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/11 08:45) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

This is the result of the most visits from in October.
Can you guess which countries they are?

We were wondering why we had many thai people in Oct. so we asked one of them.
He told me that students had holidays between term and term in October.
That's why we saw many young Thai people.

If you come but can't find your flag, just let us know.
It's gonna be on the wall in a few days;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/04 14:34) | Permalink | Comment (6) | TrackBack (0)

In winter, Tomoe and I often drink hot chocolate.
It makes warm ourselves and is yummy!

For our breakfast, we add it as a new menu;)
I believe you would like it, so please try when you have a breakfast.
You can just add hotwater.
Also, you can order anytime(150 yen).

Posted by: Yuri (2008/11/02 14:51) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

It was sooo great event and I enjoyed a lot though I didn't have enough knowledge of
this traditional dance.
All geiko-san were dancing very gorgeously with beautuful kimono.
It looked not so difficult but must be so hard!

I went there with Tomo and Yaeko(cleaning staff).
Geiko-san threw tenugui (towel) from the stage and Tomo and Yaeko got it from them!
What about me?

Taking pictures was not allowed during the performance...this is the theater↓↓

Thank you, Eiro!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/30 16:14) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

You may think it's difficult to buy a ticket from the machine at stations.
Even Japanese sometimes make a mistake:(

In the morning, we are often asked how to buy a ticket to the Narita Airport.
But please don't worry:)
Direction is available next to each machine at Asakusa station like this↓↓

It's only three steps!
Touch "English"→Touch "Keisei Line"→"Touch 1060 "

Then, you can go to the airport without being afraid of closing the gate♪
Easy;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/29 14:20) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hello, my name is Shogo. I am one of Sakura HOUSE staff
(our branch Guest House and Apartment Agency).
Just visiting here, Sakura HOSTEL ASAKUSA, and exploring the atmosphere of our Hostel.

It is very interesting and exciting that many people from oversea are here in Tokyo
and sightseeing and/or studying Japanese culture and coming across the foreign climate.

When I first visited the U.S., I had almost no idea how to speak in English (But I enjoyed lots).
And, for the 2nd time, I still did not know how but have to learn things in English.
Later on, I have gradually been able to express/convey my thoughts and feelings
in English (in some ways).

I believe that many visit foreign country for once or several times in their lives.
Although the stay itself may be for a short period of time,
most become intrigued to its culture and learn more
by experiencing the different "tones" of the country.
After visiting the different country (spent the part of your life oversea),
the experience will be grown in you (in a good way, of course).

I truly hope everyone enjoy staying in Tokyo, and taking her/his great experience as a souvenir!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/22 14:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

You might have had Unagi (eel) in Japan.
It looks weird but you'll like it once you taste:)

Then, how about Dojo(loach)?
It also looks like a snake↓↓

My friend ate this Dojo nabe (dojo pan).

I had this Yanagawa nabe. (loach and egg-boiled-in-pan dish).

At first, I thought it would be smelled fishy but it didn't at all.
Also, not so expensive as Unagi, you should try it when you come;)
Actually, it is one of a local dish here.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/21 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

From 18th to 26th, we have Tokyo International Film Festival at Roppongi Hills
and Shibuya Bunkamura theatre.
This year, “Ecology = Preservation of Earth’s Environment” is the main topic
and they had a Green carpet which is made of recycled plastic bottles instead of a red one.

Many films are available for this nine nights and tickets are still available for some films.
You may see some actors and actresses;)?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/19 15:31) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

How do you understand what Geisha girls are?
I don't know much about them.
Eiro's mother is a teacher of Geiko and he sometimes tells us about them.
Geisha is formally called Geiko and
you may be able to see them around Asakusa town.

On the 28&29th of Oct, they have a big event, "Asakusa Odori".
Beautiful geisha ladies show their skills.
You can see their traditional performance with a reasonable ticket:)
Reserved ticket is \6,500 and unreserved one is only \2,000!!

Tomo and I am going there;)
Would you like to go with us?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/18 14:30) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

You might have seen this golden dragon dance on this weblog several times.

I think I can say it is a kind of symbol of Sensouji temple.
It's very heroic and gorgeous dance and worth to see once☆

This coming Saturday, we'll have a big event and golden dragon will be there!
Also, parade of local kids would be cute;)

I'm going to take a good picture of it!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/16 14:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

One of my friend is leaving to Korea soon to start his backpacker's life.
He's gonna travel all around Asia, Africa and Europe for a year and then,
move to Australia for working holiday for a year to make money
for another year to travel around South and North America.

If you are or used to be a backpacker. please give him some tips.
Anything is okay like "must-see " or "must-go".

I hope he'll have a great time and return safely★
Bon voyage!!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/15 14:25) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

These girls are staying with us right now and dressed up like this everyday☆
How lovely!

This morning, they gave us lots of sweeeets;)
Danke schön!!

Eiji, who is the staff of Sakura House was working with us as a personal exchange today↓↓

He had lived in New York for 11 years, so his English is very fluently but a little bit shy (I think).
He seemed to be enjoying himself here♪

Everyone is welcomed to our hostel;)
Who is coming as a personal exchange?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/13 14:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

On the next day, 7th of Oct, I worket at Sakura Hotel Hatagaya for one day.

As the guests who stay there were different from ours,
I could enjoy the other atmosphere.

I found cute baloon at the reception and she↓↓ made it for the halloween.

And she told me how to make it:)
This is my work↓↓

Now, I can make it by myself!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/12 20:21) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

It was my turn to do a perssonal exchange.
On the 6th, I worked at Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
I was a little bit nervous at first but I was happy to see Sariko there.
She was training with us at sakura hostel asakusa before she started to work at Ikebukuro:)

At lunch time, I had this cute lunch box at Sakura cafe.
It's cheap (640 yen), heartly and of course tasty!

Actually, I wanted to eat sweets there but I was too full to have it...
I gotta go there again!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/11 20:15) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Let's start cooking♪

Two girls from Sakura house already chopped vegetables and now, we were wrapping↑↑
As we had more than 10 guests, we made about 250 damplings!!

This is only small part of them and ready to cook!

Oops...I forgot to take pictures before eating:(
It was so good, anyway;)

By the way, I made some sweet gyoza which had chocolate&banana in it.
Everyone asked me to stop to cook but once they tasted, they loved it:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/10 20:09) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tomo is holding a dumpling party tonight.
I think she is in preparation right now and I'm going there soon with Naoto to help her.
I like normal dumpling but I wanna make some sweet ones
such as chocolate&banana though Tomo doesn't like it.

Cheese&avocado also sounds good!
Hmmm...I can't wait!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/05 15:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

He's back!!

I heard that Tsuyoshi and Naoto found our old bicycle
around Hanayashiki amusement park(one minute walking).
We have no idea why he was there...but anyway, it's good to see him again.
Now, we have two bicycles here!

She still doesn't know where she left him...

Unfortunately, they are ours but you can rent a bicycle at Tsukuba Express Asakusa station
for 200 yen/day.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/04 14:14) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We often go shopping and always buy in large amount.
So, a bicycle is necessary for us but one day, Tomo left our old one in front of the restaurant:P
She went there by bike and after she got full, she forgot about a bike aｎd came back on foot.
To be surprised, she didn't realized for a couple of days!!

Naoto went to Akihabara to get a new bike today↓↓
It's cute♪

Tomo, please don't forget about this cute bike anymore;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/02 15:57) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

It was difficult to predict the result of the top 10 countries most visited from in Sep. 2008.
This is it↓↓

Welcome back, AUS:)
Where is Korean flag?

I want to see Thai flag...

Posted by: Yuri (2008/10/01 16:13) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

We have four seasons here in Japan and now, autumn has come.
It's a very good season for everything such as sports, reading books and eating:)
(Not so hot, not so cold and harvest season.)

Especially, eggplants are really good taste in Autumn and we have one proverb.
"Don't give eggplants to your daughter-in-law in Autumn".
What do you think this meaning?

We have two construes.
One is that it's too good for your hateful daughter-in-low to give such a delicious eggplant.
...How mean she is!!

The second one is that it's not good for your dear daughter-in-law
because eggplants make cool her body.
...It makes sence:)

Anyway, I eat them♪

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/30 15:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Our prime minister has changed again.
From Mr Yasuo Fukuda(the right) to Mr Taro Aso(the left).

After Mr Koizumi, it changed every year.
I hope(?) he would continue more than a year...
How do you think?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/29 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

They look so excited!!

They played 4 matches in a day!
But...they lost all the games though some of them got goals:P

We think that it's a good chance to communicate with the other staffs
at our sister hotels and companies:)
They enjoyed a lot, anyway♪

I hope they will win the next time☆

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/25 15:02) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I went to Koea for annual national holiday called "ChuSuk".
It is similar to "Obon" in Japan, but has different origin and quite similar to "Thanksgiving" in western culture.

It has the same idea of "Thank for the nature and ancestor" and has more complicated rules, manners and meanings in doing the traditional ritual called "Chare".
But it is simply; Familly gether around in first son's house and do "Chare" and talk about the family and the life and so on with big meal.
And after doing this, we visit other relatives' house and talk about our lives.

We do this at least twice in a year or more
On first day of the year by Lunar Calendar called "Sulnal" and "Chusuk"and anestor's passed-away day(but it depends on the family)

It is one of the most important holiday in Korea.

I really enjoy it and have fun with our families and relatives.

Jack.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/24 13:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

When I was working at the reception yesterday morning, I suddenly felt dizzy.
At first, it was just because I haven't slept well but I found it was an earthquake.
Fortunately, it was not so big and no damage at all.
The intensity was around 3 and it's not so rare here.
If your family or friends are in Tokyo, please don't worry;)

Do you prepare something for disasters?
I know I need to do so but I do not yet...
I have to provide some foods and water, clothes and shoes for it.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/22 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Do you remember him?
You can see his face on my blog posted on the 11th of June, 2007.↓↓
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2007/06/
I think he has just started studying as an exchange student
at a university in California, USA.
Are you checking our weblog, Shinji??

Did you bring your cute trunks we gave you?
http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/blog/2008/04/

I hope you are having great time there:)
You should send us e-mail sometimes.

Have fun!!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/21 13:40) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Tomo had been to Mexico about two weeks.
Naoto and Jack had just came back from Korea.
Yuta went to Beijing to see Paralympics.

They seemed enjoy their holidays and I think you want to know how fun it was.
I'll let them write about it here, so please wait for a while;)

Tsuyoshi is going to have a football game on this weekend.
I hope their (Sakura F.C.) victory!!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/20 14:39) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, Nicholas!
How are you?　I hope you are still checking our weblog.

We had received some gifts from you♪
Because I was not here on that day, Naoto almost took my wine:(....

But don't worry!
I got one and already drunk ;P

Also, thank you for some photos!
We are looking forward to seeing you the next time:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/18 15:56) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

What's more Asakusa than Sensouji temple.
It was erected originally in 1649 but was burned down by air raid on Tokyo.
It took 7years and 5 months to rebuild it.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary, they will make their special items in public
such as Kannon statue and wooden plaques.
Also, Denpo-in garden will be open for the people during this event.
As normally, we can't go inside the garden, it will be a good chance to everyone!

It seems next month will be a special month in Asakusa.
You gotta come to Tokyo!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/17 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As you may know, Beijing has Paralympics right now.
It's not easy to watch the games on TV
but I heard that one Japanese got a Gold medal for wheelchair tennis★

That's him↑↑

Shingo Kunieda has been already ranked 1 and in 2007, he accomplished the grand-slam.
I can't imagine how hard he had practiced but am just happy for him;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/16 14:48) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I found something huge box behind Sensoji temple this morning.
Normally, there is nothing and just an empty space.
The poster says, "Heisei Nakamura-za" and I noticeｄ that we can see Kabuki play right here!!
Heisei Nakamura-za(平成中村座） is very very popular Kabuiki actors group and
they play all over the world such as New York.

It will start from the 2nd of Oct. to the 25th of Nov.
If you are coming to Tokyo, I really recommend you to watch their play!
I was so touched when I viewed it.
Even though you don't unerstand Japanese at all, you can still enjoy its atmosphere;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/14 15:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It was my turn to take summer vacation and I just came back to work today.
I went to Otaru and Sapporo which are in Hokkaido.
As it's located in the North of Japan, I thought it was already cold but still hot there.

On the first night, I took a walk along the canal.

I couldn't take pictures well but they were illuminated so beautifully☆
Just walking there made me happy:)

On the second night, I've been to Sapporo.
I visited the standard places such as the clock tower, local market and TV tower.
The place I like the most was here↓↓

This is the Former Hokkaido Government Building.
It looks very cute:)
There are some galleries and information center inside.

On the third day, I walked around Otaru town.
Otaru is famous for glass-working and there are many glass ateliers.

Also, I took natural hot spring every night♪
I want to go there again if I have a chance;D
Is anyone who had been to Hokkaido?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/13 15:58) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Why don't you go to see our national sport, Sumo?

September Grand Sumo Tournament is starting in a week (14th to 28th of Sep).

What do you know about Sumo?
It's not just a fat people's wrestling:P
They are training so hard at each stables with their master and the other trainees
to be Yokozuna(champion).

Actually, two Yokozuna's right now are from Mongol.
Many sumo players from the other countries are ranked high.
You may found your countryman there:)

Click the picture above for mor information★

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/07 15:13) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Tsuyoshi just joined Sakura Football team and got new uniform today!
His team mates are Sakura group staff and tennants of Sakura House.
It sounds fun!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/06 13:51) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Our big sister hotel, Sakura Hotel Jimbocho marked its 15th anniversarythis year!

Before I started working here in Asakusa, I was training there for a month.
It was my first time to communicate with foreigners as a business,
I remember that I felt nervous at first.
Gradually, I could enjoy working thanks to great staff and nice guests there:)

It is 13 years older than ours and they have many things we want to emulate.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/04 15:41) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

We have flickr on our website.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sakura_hostel_asakusa/
From the last month, I started to upload our guests' photos there;)
I always put them on the wall on the ground floor but unfortunately,
it's difficult to send them to all of you...:(

I'm waiting for your comment not only to this weblog but to the flickr.
You got busy:P

**If you find yourself and would like us to delete it, please kindly let us know.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/03 14:14) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, everyone!
It's time to announce the top 10 countries most visited from in August 2008!!

Where's AUS gone?
European countries are extending their power but Korea is staying at number 7☆
Jack is happy now:)
We haven't expected that Italy was going to be ranked at 4th.

I have no idea about September...what do you think?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/09/01 14:38) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Many people go to Harajuku to see cosplay people every weekends.
If you want take a picture with them, you can just ask them(in English should be ok).
They would be happy to be asked;)

Also, if you are interested in the arts, I recommend you to go to a cool gallery near by.
It's called Design Festa Gallery and looks like this↓↓

I went there a few days ago and it was very interesting.
There are two different buildings and I prefer the East one.
You can also have a space for your works☆

After taking a look around the galleries, you might be hungry.
Then, just go and have some Japanese pancakes on the first floor of the West of them.
You can find a nice restaurant and appease your appetite.

Hmmm, it sounds a perfect plan for your Sunday in Tokyo:P

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/31 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

It was the 28th Samba Carnival today at Asakusa.
What's more Samba than Brazil?
I thought so but we have a big Samba team from Colombia here!
They looked very excited when they left for that event this morning♪

They are super friendly and have big smiles:)

Have you seen their dancing?

As they were the first team of the carnival, they just came back and started party.

I hope they would come back in the next year again☆

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/30 15:10) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I was learning tea ceremony for three years in high school and I really love it.
Unfortunately, not all Japanese can do it but you can have an experience if you'd like to.

I like the smell of Japanese tatami mat rooms:)

At Hotel Okura, it has a room for the tea ceremony and you can have an experience there.
You don't have to be a guest there (at least 36.000 yen/night!).
We can make a reservation for you and you just need to pay 1,050 yen/person there.
(only weekdays)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/28 14:39) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It was his turn:)
He is ths staff of Sakura Hotel Hatagaya

Mr Kanahama is very good at fixing something.
Fortunately, we have many things that need to be fixed.
One of our guest had a broken suitcase and it took very little time to fix up.
We want him to work with us here;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/27 14:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

I had been thinking what I should write on this memorial day and actually,
I haven't decided yet:P

Ummmm...
Let me introduce my main duty at sakura hostel everyday.

In the morning to 11am: checking e-mails, taking care of breakfast time,
saying goodbye to our guests who check out here (and taking photos of them).

11am to 13pm: clear off the tables, answer the questions from our guests,
and talking with our guests (it's my favorite time♪).

13pm to finishing time: lunch time:), welcoming new guests, and posting the weblog.

What kind of things are you interested in the most?
Sometimes, I go crazy because of the rush time but I can enjoy myself at the same time;)
If you find I'm crazy, please give me something sweeeeets!!

Anyway, thank you for checking this weblog and I'll keep on this until I quit★
I'm looking forward to hearing from YOU.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/25 17:06) | Permalink | Comment (8) | TrackBack (0)

Mr Tokudome, who works at Sakura House as a web staff, came and spent time with us last week:)


Hi everybody. My name is Yasuo who is a web staff at Sakura House.
I am very glad that I could enjoy a fantastic moment at Sakura Hostel Asakusa last Wednesday.
Because I mostly work on websites in office, therefore this was really a valuable opportunity for me to communicate with different customers and to serve them.
I am sad that I had to return to office after just 1 day because things started to pile up on my desk…
But if such opportunities come in the future, I'll be very happy to serve our guests again.
Finally, I would like to apologize to all customers for my inexperienced reception. I'll try my best and work hard ;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/20 14:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Look at this pretty morning glory↓↓

Tsuyoshi planted seeds around our fence a month and half ago and
we were taking care of them.
Every morning and afternoon, we watered and said hi to them:)

Now, it's our pleasure to count how many flowers blossom in the morning.
This morning, I found the another one with light purple:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/17 12:33) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We started writing this weblog two years ago before our hostel was opened.
I (Tomo) started, but kind of gave up later and passed the job to Yuri,
who now daily writes on this page. Now it's Yuri's blog rather than Sakura Hostel blog.

Yuri's daily work　↓↓↓　

This post is the 495th post on this weblog. We will see the 500 th post very soon!　

Gambatte! Yuri-chan♪♪

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/16 14:24) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

Chris, Alex and Kevin were staying (living?) with us for a loooong term.
They checked in separately and staying at the different rooms
but they became friends and often hanged out together.

Actually, they sometimes checked out to go the other places and eventually,
three of them were in the same room (501).

We (our staff) enjoyed fireworks and party, and watched TV (olympis games) together.
Unfortunately, Alex checked out the day before yesterday and so did Kevin yesterday...
Chris is also going to check out soon:(

Please come back again and have a party;)
We'll keep beds for you guys in 501♪

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/15 13:33) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Do you know Streetview or already are addicted to just like us?

When I used it for the first time, I was so surprized at that sharpness.
Then, I serched for the apartment where I had stayed in San Diego and I found it!!

Tomoe also did the same thing and we were so excited:)
She was in Melbourne, Australia and she found the library where she lost her wallet:P

Where is the place you have a lot of memories?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/13 14:54) | Permalink | Comment (8) | TrackBack (0)

It is Tsuyoshi's duty to make our shift work schedule every month.
As it looks a complicate puzzle, he always gets confused like this↓↓

We can request our days off till dead line day but if we ask after that,
he will get angry but accept after all:P
Have our schedule of the next month fixed??
When are my days off??

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/11 08:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Did you watch the Olympics opening ceremony?
I heard that it was so beautiful and gorgeous though I fallen asleep...
Actually, there is only an hour time differences between Beijing and Japan,
so we don't have to worry about the lack of sleep.

Yesterday, we had Judo game of women's -48kg.
Our guests and staff watched it together but unfortunately,
Ryoko Tamura who won the gold medal the last time lost this time.
She had already got two gold medals so far and it is amazing that
this was her third time to join the Olympics.

Anyway, I think it's fun to watch this international games with people from all over the world.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/10 08:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Yuta has just started working with us as a part time job.
He is a university student and the youngest staff here.
...though Tomoe and I was the youngest so far:P

Hi!! I am Yuta. this is my first time to write blog, kind of compulsory....jsut kidding.
Alomst 30 days have passed since I started this job.　
Until now, I have spent great time with guest and some of our satff...
I am studying agriculture politics in university even though I wanted to study Geology.
My hobby is to fiind the best way to protect our future generation entire blue planet,
I quote this words from 11th hour, that is my favorite movie.

Anyway, I have studied abroad for 1 year at chico CA, USA
and I went to several overseas like Singapore, Taiwan ,Germany and so on...
I will go to Cambodia and Laos in October so
if you have some great information about those countries let me konw!! bye- bye

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/09 13:18) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Have you ever tried Japanese McDonalds?
If so, do you think it's defferent from the one in your country?

I don't eat them so often but I had Mexican's and America's McDonalds before.
Exept the size, I thought Mexican's were hotter than Japanese one.

I think it's fun to know the difference and then, you can tell your friends.
I miss McFlurry in USA:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/08 14:12) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

From the 8th of August, the biggest sport festival, the Olympics will be started.
Which event are you interested in the most?
Tsuyoshi: football
Naoto:Judo and the other fighting sports
Ebi-chan: baseball
Yuri: tennis
Jack: baseball and football
Tomo&Tomoe:?
Koji: baseball

Also, you can't forget about the another Olympic, Paralympics.
It starts from the 6th of September.
Actually, I don't know much about those games well but
when I watched their play the last time, it was just amazing.

Are you going to Beijing to watch some of the games?
Or are you, by any chance, participating as a player?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/06 13:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Countries most visited from in July 2008 are....

France has risen from 5th to 2nd and two countries of Northern Europe have fallen far down.
And the result is this↓↓

Korea is staying the same place, the 7th.

I'm sure that France will be the 1st of this month.

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/03 07:44) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

we've received t-shirts from the hostelworld.com.


The one Naoto is wearing is for the staff and the other one Eiro is putting is for the guests.
I prefer the one for the guests because that's cute★
Which design do you like?

Posted by: Yuri (2008/08/01 14:57) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

Do you like it? Eiro needs your opinions.
I like it;)
His hair style looks like my favorite actor, him↓↓

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/31 14:27) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

As you might know that all of the staff here love travelling like you
and we are always ready to go somewhere if we get holidays.
Some of us (including me) fall into depression if we don't go anywhere morre than half a year:P

Look at their refreshed faces:)
They have just came back from their vacation.
Tsuyoshi went to Nagano and had a great time with the beautiful outdoors.
Tomoe stayed around Izu area and enjoyed beaches there.

Both of them got good tan!!
Actually, Tsuyoshi is suffering from that pain because of sunburn.

When is my turn??

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/28 14:52) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

At 5:45 Kampaaaaaai!! (Cheers!) By Tsuyoshi= the Booze king☆

Are you guys having fun??
Where have you been to, Alex?

Drink more beer;)

Those two girls just bought Yukata for that night.
It suits you two!

★Today's Best Yukata ladies&gentlemen★

They wore it by themselves. Well done!

It's time to go ans see fireworks now. Let's go♪

Follow me, please.

Sorry, I coudn't take any "Good" pictures with our camera...
but fireworks were really good!

Rumi (the left one of the best yukata girls) took much better ones,
so I'll upload some later.

We did enjoy ourselves last night.
Thank you for joining us and if you want to get some pictures of you,
please feel free to ask me.
Or it will be available from flickr later.
I'll add more;)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/27 14:15) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

Thanks to my mom, I could wear Yukata by myself like this!!

I sent a picture and she said it looked good:)
Tomo was also learnd on the internet and wore it from her home this morning.

Though it looks cool and comfortable, my stomach is tighten up:(

Anyway, we are ready to enjoy Hanabi party tonight and I just hope that
we won't get evening shower...☆

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/26 13:46) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

A few days ago, Ebi-chan and I went to have an ice-cream after work.
There are many ice-cream shops around sakura hostel (how nice!)
and the one we went was relatively new, I guess.

The name is “Shiro Ichi” and they only have one flavor, Milk.
Easy to order!
It's not too rich taste and good dessert especialy right now☆

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/25 14:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

We were valued as a top rated hostel from hostelworld.com!!
It's all thanks to our guests like you;)
Look at our happy faces↓↓

I think it's our second time to get this and
we'll try to do our best so that we can keep getting this lovely sticker↑↑

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/22 15:01) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

A few days ago, Jack brought his family to the hostel.
Unfortunately, it was my day off and I couldn't see them...
Jack sometimes talked about his daughter, so I wanted to see her.

Not only his daughter but his wife is so beautiful:)
Next time you come here, please check before whether I'm working or not☆
I guess I can be a good friend of her:P

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/19 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hi, my name is Kazu, I usually work at Sakura House office in Shinjuku.
Today I spent a day at the hostel as a part of our personal exchange program.
I have been working with hostel staff as an advertisement staff since the opening
in 2006, but it was such a new experience for me to stand at the counter and to
actually talk with our customers.
I myself is a backpacker, and this personal exchange program
made me want to hit the road again...

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/18 14:55) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

What's more Japanese summer than fireworks?
From July to September, we have so many fireworks festivals
in many parts of the country almost everyday.

Let's check the schedule from here↓↓
http://blog.realestate-tokyo.com/archives/51213992.html
Actually, it's only for Tokyo an Kanagawa.
If you are going to travel around, it's better to check the schedule before
on their tourist information websites.

Normally, festivals last for more than an hour and
I've seen some foreigners got bored before it's finished.
But each fireworks are very different, so I hope you would enjoy all of them:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/16 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

It's our second anniversary today!
We thank all of our guests and all of our great staffs of our sister hotels and companies.
I think I'm lucky to be here as one of the staff.

Look at these two pictures below↓↓

It's totally NEW and looks a little bit “distant”.

But now....

it's much familiar and I feel more comfortable:)

We all keep going to be a world's best hostel!!

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/15 16:11) | Permalink | Comment (5) | TrackBack (0)

Have you got i phone already?
Or are you going to buy it?

In Japan, it became available from the 11th of July and
there was a looooong line in front of the shop on that day.
I had seen our guest's i phone before and I touched it.
It was very interesting but I don't know whether I'll have it or not.

Can I try to touch your i phone if you have it?? :P

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/14 14:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

☆Richard and his friends☆

Have you guys arrived at your home safely?
Thank you for staying with us:)
I hope all of you had a great time here in Japan.

Sorry, I forgot to ask all of your name...
We are looking forward to seeing you again:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/13 11:47) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

On the 26th of July, we'll have a big big summer event,
Sumida River Fireworks Festival!
As long as you are in Tokyo, you can't miss it!

Fireworks are shooted off from two different places, and one place will have a contest.
You can enjoy about 20,000 fireworks!!

Let's wear Yukata and join to our Hanabi party!
It will start around 5:30 here at the Sakura hostel Asakusa.
Guests of our sister hotels (Jimbo-cho, Ikebukuro, Hatagaya)
and tenants of Sakura House are all welcomed:)

Posted by: Yuri (2008/07/12 14:12) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

Today and tomorrow, we have Hozuki-ichi (Chinese Lantern Plant Fair)
at Sensoji temple.
There are a numners of stalls around the temple and sell Hozuki
as if they were competing against each others.

It has a cute wind bell↑↑