Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

Hello together,

yesterday we had our second Sumo Tour and it was really totally cool! ^^

We were a big group with around 30 people and everyone was ready to have a great Sumo tournament day :)

Like the last time, we headed together to Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku, walked along Sumida-gawa and the weather was really so nice to us.

Yeah, after around 40 minutes walk with the best views, we arrived at Kokugikan Arena, where the beautiful coloured flags of the wrestlers welcomed us. ^^

Of course, we had to take a group picture there together! :D

After entering in the Arena, we eat chanko nabe, the traditional stew of the sumo wrestlers to build up strength. It's really healthy, tastes delicious and has much protein in it. While the last Sumo Tour, it was with curry flavour, this time it was sesame & salty flavour. Was so yummy! ^^

Feeling like little wrestlers after eating this delicious Sumo stew, we went to the small museum, which is inside the stadium, too, to look at the long tradition of Sumo, of ancient yokozuna and historic Sumo accessoires. Was really fascinating! ^^

And you can't imagine, how BIG this hand print was - maybe more than the double of my hand! :D

Time to get to the seats! ^^

We had a great view, I think...even we have the cheapest ones in the upper row for 2100 Yen :)

Of course, you can have seats closer to the ring - but they will cost more money (for example box seats in Japanese style on the first floor, which you can see on the picture) or the closest seats - the ringside seats for 14300 Yen per seat.

Then we watched some really interesting matches of new, younger or not so up in the rank wrestlers - but they where really exciting and thrilling! ^^

After that the second big round with the high ranked wrestlers getting started. But first, let's get them all in one ring. ^^
For me, seeing this really best Sumo wrestlers in the whole world together like this is a really big moment. I love that. ^^

Look at that, the traditional way of declaring the next round of matches is in the start. Yokozuna is in the ring. ^^

For you, I've summarized the best action pics now! ^^

This time something special happened. The referees came together in the middle of the ring to decide about an unclear match ending (who has touched the ground first?). ^^ I think, you couldn't often see that situation.

Ah..and did you know...between every fight, different singers sing the name of the wrestlers - like many Sumo Michael Buffers. ^^

Hehe, we had also two views of reality. One close real live view and a second angle view the TV Camera in the arena send out live! ^^ That was cool! :D

And there was an - was told to me - really famous older man with a golden hat. He would be famous for never missing an Sumo tournament (and maybe something more - but so sorry - I couldn't remember!) :D

Wow, time has flew by like nothing...so the fight, Steven-san and me were waiting so long, would start soon, our wrestler Baruto is entering the arena! ^^

As you can see, he didn't lost one single match the whole tournament!!! ^^
Maybe that's because our last Cheer up was so looooooouuuuuuuuud! :D

We give all for our Baruto! Really! ^^

But you surely want to know, how Barutos match has ended, right...it was so fast, but we make serial pictures for you! ^^

Great work, Baruto-san!
You give your best for Sumo and your fans. That's so great. Thank you! ^^

After this thrilling, but short match, it was time for big Yokozuna Hakuho.

Wow, how many flags there are for this match! Two rounds of flags! Every flag so much money extra to win! ^^

And then big Yokozuna wins his fight. He was really great! :)

And with the traditional bow dance, this tournament day should be over....

....so for the most people the tournament was over...but not for us. ^^

As you can read here, at our last Sumo Tour, we had a special mission. ^^

After this secret, but really soft and smiling experience, we made one last group picture and headed "home" :)

It's always great, to walk along Sumida-gawa at night (especially after a wonderful day like that ^^).

And we saw this really nice looking bird, staring at us like saying "Let me sleep now, it's dark already!" ^^

Back at the hostel, Johrel-san looks like that. I can understand. ^^
He couldn't go with us that day. Would be sad, too. ^^

Was a really great day and an experience, I don't want to miss.

So maybe you want to join our next Sumo Tour?

Just look here. Detailed dates will be updated ! ^^

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Hello together,

yesterday we had the first Shodo Workshop in the Year 2012 and it was really much fun (as always of course ^^)! :)

Want to know, what Shodo is?

Shodo is a special, beautiful art of writing Japanese. It has a long tradition and shares its roots with the Chinese calligraphy, which goes back to the twenty-eighth century.

You draw the characters with a brush and Indian ink called sumi on the paper. The small metal rod you see on the picture is there to hold the thin paper where it should be! ^^

We have the luck to have really great Shodo-masters here, who are happy to show, how to do Shodo in the right way. ^^

First, there's the complexity of finding the right Kanjis for your name. That's quite not easy, it depends on the sound of your name or the spelling in Katakana for example for an European name. Then you have to match an adorable meaning, too. ^^ To put all these things together, you need a lot of experience I think.

After finding a beautiful meaning and the right Kanjis, then you can start with the hard work - but get something special and unique for yourself. ^^ So look at that beautiful Shodo artworks! :)

The meaning of Marius Kanjis are (from the top to below):
truth - sharp - wings - happiness.

We all had a lot of fun and it was really fascinating :)

For myself, I had an important mission.

So I gave my best for her Shodo!

Ooooh...Sorry Regina, I've made a "bad" line. ^^

Hello Regina again, I hope, you'll like it - you have to :D
(I don't know why this picture looks ghostly blue, it was the only one looking like this ^^).

The Kanjis for Regina have the following meaning (from the top to below):

A personal Shodo will be a good present for someone who is important to you, I think, because it has a special meaning and you have given something personal to it.

So that nice Shodo will be a present for his sister, who is far away from Japan.

This Shodo Workshop was something special, because most of the participants know before from the lobby or our Sumo Tour, so there was a lot to talk and laugh. ^^

Our Shodo Workshop is a monthly event and it's really much fun! ^^ And it's for free!
Here you can look, when the next Shodo Workshops will take place!

So please join us! ^^

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Do you know Minyo （民謡） ? Do you know Shamisen （三味線）　?

Minyo （民謡） is Japanese folk song, which is traditionally sung by people in a region
and handed down from generation to generation.

Shamisen （三味線） is one of the traditional Japanese musical instruments,
which looks like a guitar with three strings.

We have Minyo & Shamisen Concert in Sakura Hostel Asakusa

(★･∀･)ﾉ･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆♪(･∀´･)v★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆♪(･∀´･)v★

On January 28th ( SAT ),
we welcome a group of Minyo performers to Sakura Hostel Asakusa,
and they will give us the great Minyo performance with Shamisen.

****Date & Time****
January 28th (SAT) Open : 6:30 pm
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Start : 7:00 pm

****FREE ADMISSION****
*Please buy ONE DRINK when you enter.
There will be various local sake from all over Japan.

****INQUIRIES****
Any inquiries to info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
Or call us at 03-3847-8111

This event is not only for Sakura Hostel guests.
Anybody who are interested in this event can join us.

☆☆(*^〇^*)Come and enjoy the sound of Japanese tradition !!(*^〇^*)☆☆

日本語でのご案内はこちら　⇒　民謡＆三味線LIVE

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Inquiries about events are welcomed anytime via email or website.
Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more updated info.

TEL: 03-3847-8111
Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

The new year has started, and here's our Event Calendar 2012! ^^
As you will see, there's much to do! ^^

January

Asakusa event

1st - 19th Fuyu Botan ( Winter peony )
You can enjoy beautiful winter peony in Ueno Toshogu. Botan Park in Ueno Toshogu is open from 9:30 to 16:30. Admission fee is 600 yen.

2nd to 26th - New Year's Kabuki
Three well-known dramas being staged at the Kokaido this month. Attending kabuki is one of the many activities people do to ring in the new year. @Asakusa Kokaido

Hostel event

10th and 18th - SUMO Wrestling Tournament Tour
January Grand Sumo Tournament will be held from January 8 till 22. We, Sakura Hostel Asakusa, have Sumo Tour on January 10th (TUE) and 18th (WED). Please ask the staff for more information. Come to the front desk to sign up for this tour!!

15th - Shodo workshop
You have an oppoturnity to experience Shodo. We will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji. Shodo workshop will be from 18:00 to 19:00. Your Shodo art is going to be a good souvenir from Japan. Please come and join us!! More info>> Shodo Workshop

21st - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

February

Asakusa event

3rd - Setsubun Bean Throwing
Setsubun is a bean-throwing ceremony held on the last day of winter. Sensoji Temple in Asakusa is believed to be the first temple to start the ceremony for the general public. @Sensoji Temple

26th - Tokyo Marathon
A number of amateur runners run on major streets in central Tokyo, including those in wheelchairs and with physical/mental challenges. It starts from Shinjuku and end at Tokyo Big Sight. @Kaminarimon Gate

26th - Nagashi Bina Doll Festival
Edo Nagashibina is the floating of boats containing dolls on the river. It is the traditional custom of evicting all misfortune and evil spirit from the girl. It ensures a healthy life. @Sumida river

Hostel event

18th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

19th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)
Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher!!

March

Asakusa event

18th - Kinryu-no-mai
The official name for Sensoji Temple is Kinryuzan and this name comes from a tale about a golden dragon. It is performed by more than 70 male volunteers from local youth organizations. @Sensoji Temple

Hostel event

17th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

18th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

April

Asakusa event

8th - Shirasagi no Mai (White Heron Dance) festival
The white heron (shirasagi) dance is a religious rite to drive out the plague and purify the spirits on their passage to the next world. The white faces of the dancers signify innocence, purity and gentleness. @Sensoji Temple

21th - Yabusame Archery
Yabusame is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery.
An archer on a running horse shoots three special "turnip-headed" arrows successively at three wooden targets.
Yabusame, or the horseback archery that takes place in Asakusa, has a very long history.It must have indeed been a thrilling event for everyone! @Sumida River side

28th - Nakizumo Festival - Crying Baby Contest
Parents pray for their children's good health as young sumo wrestlers hold their babies high in pairs.The baby with the loudest howls is declared the winner by the sumo judge. @Sensoji Temple

Hostel event

Hanami party
We have Hanami Party under the cherry trees along Sumida River. Viewing very beautiful cherry blossoms, we enjoy drinking, eating, talking, etc.... @Sakura Hostel Asakusa

15th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character) and enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher!!

21th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

May

Asakusa event

5th - Takara no Mai Dance
In the Takara-no-mai or "treasure dance" which celebrates the blessings and goodness of the Kannon, the treasure ship is pulled by many young children. @Around Sensoji Temple

19th and 20nd - Sanja Matsuri
The Sanja Matsuri ("Three Shrine Festival"), is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo. Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi, as well as traditional music and dancing. @Asakusa town

Hostel event

Sumo Tour
May Grand Sumo Tournament will be held from May 6th till 20th. We will walk to the sumo stadium in Ryogoku and watch sumo match. Please ask the staffs for more information. @Sakura Hostel Asakusa

19th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

20th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

June

Hostel event

16th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

17th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

July

Asakusa event

28th - Sumida River Fireworks Festival
One of the biggest fireworks festival in Japan! This is the oldest fireworks festival for which historical records exist. About 20.000 fireworks are displayed. @Along Sumida river

Hostel event

15th - Sakura Hostel's Birthday
Happy Birthday to Sakura Hostel!! Thanks to you all, we can have the 2nd anniversary :) Let's have a party together! Any gifts are always welcomed;)

15th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

21th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

August

Asakusa event

25th - Asakusa Samba Carnival
Asakusa Samba Carnival is the one of the three major summer festivals in Tokyo, and the biggest Samba Carnival in Japan! Together with samba teams from the carnival homeland of Brazil, about 3,500 lovers of samba rhythms come from all over Japan. @Along Kaminari-mon street

Hostel event

18th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

19th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

September

Hostel event

Sumo Tour
September Grand Sumo Tournament will be held from September 9th till 23rd. We will walk to the sumo stadium in Ryogoku and watch sumo match. Please ask the staffs for more information. @Sakura Hostel Asakusa

15th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

16th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character). Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher!!

October

Asakusa event

18th - Kinryu-no-mai
Golden Dragon Dance at the unveiling of Asakusa Kannon. The official name for Sensoji Temple is Kinryuzan and this name comes from a tale about a golden dragon. It is performed by more than 70 male volunteers from local youth organizations. @Sensoji Temple

Hostel event

20th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

21th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

November

Asakusa event

3rd - Jidai Matsuri
It is an historical parade that recreates Tokyo's history and culture. Historical parade with hundreds of people wearing period costumes representing styles from throughout Japan's history such as those of samurai soldiers and geisha girls. @Kaminarimon street

8th and 20th - Tori no Ichi Festival
Tori no Ichi (open-air market) is a famous annual fair in November on the day of the Tori (Rooster) in Chinese calendar and this fair has continued to today since the Edo period. People come to buy colorfully decorated kumade (rakes) and pray for a health, good fortune and success in business. @Ooto

Hostel event

17th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

18th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character). Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher!!

December

Asakusa event

17th to 19th - Hagoita Ichi Fair
Street stalls sell all shapes and sizes of hagoita -decorative wooden bats used as lucky charms. They are decorated with colourful portraits of kabuki actors, politicians, pop stars or characters from comics.

31st - Jyoya no Kane Bell Tolling
Ringing the bell at a temple on New Year's Eve. By hearing the bells toll 108 times people can rid themselves of 108 troublesome desires at the end of the year. @Sensoji Temple

Hostel event

15th - Sightseeing tour in Ueno park
PEACE volunteer members guide you around Ueno Park from 10:00 to 12:00. You will certainly learn the interesting history, general information about Ueno area. If you are interested in it, please come to the front desk for sign up.

16th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Kanji (Chinese character)

You see, there are many events in Asakusa and our Hostel! ^^

Enjoy your stay! :)

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Inquiries about events are welcomed anytime via email or website.
Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more updated info.

TEL: 03-3847-8111
Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Hello together,

yesterday we had again our monthly Shodo Workshop. ^^

Shodo is a special, beautiful art of writing Japanese. It has a long tradition and shares its roots with the Chinese calligraphy, which goes back to the twenty-eighth century.

You draw the characters with a brush and Indian ink called sumi on the paper.

We have the luck to have really great Shodo-masters here, who are happy to show, how to do Shodo in the right way. ^^

First, you have to find the right Kanjis for your name. That's quite not easy, it depends on the sound of your name or the spelling in Katakana for example for an European name. Then you have to match an adorable meaning, too. ^^ I think, therefore you need much, much experience.

Then it's time for using the brush! ^^ It's really not easy and I think, you have to train a lot of the right brush-technique, but it's fascinating.

And now look at this unique masterpieces! ^^ Beautiful.

Here you can find much more pictures of Decembers Shodo Workshop! ^^

We have a Shodo Workshop every month!

So when you are staying at our hostel, just ask us, when the next Shodo Workshop will take place or look at our homepage's event schedule. ^^
This workshop is for free! ^^ Really!

And you can take your masterpiece with you and have an ultimate and unique souvenir for yourself or your friends and family. ^^

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA & Tokyo City Guide Club
would like to provide you a wonderful opportunity to experience Japanese culture.

We have Free Cultural Event at Sakura Hostel Asakusa on December 3rd.

"(★･∀･)ﾉ･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆♪(･∀´･)v"★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆♪

*****************************************************************
[Date & Time] Dec. 3rd (Sat) / Meeting: 9 AM

[Location] SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA
MAP

[Fee]
Sakura Hotel/Hostel Guest & Sakura House Resident : Free
Other guests : 500 yen


Are you interested in this event ?
Please send e-mail to the following address for signing up.
E-mail: event@sakura-house.com
******************************************************************

☆･:.,;*☆(*^〇^*) Let's have fun together with us (*^〇^*)☆･:.,;*☆

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Our monthly event " Shodo Workshop " was held on November 20th. y(o^ - ^o)y

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji ?

Some Kanji has the same sound, but the different meaning.
Even if it's the same name, they can be composed of different Kanji.

There were two " Paul " at that time by chance.

He was given these kanji " 帆" " 宇 " " 流 " for Paul.

He got these kanji " 穂 " " 有 " " 留 " for Paul.

It's very interesting, isn't it ?

Please enjoy more photos of this event. --->> Shodo Workshop on November 20

Next Shodo Workshop will be December 18th.

─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─ Please come and join us next time ─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Do you play any music ??
If so,
you want to show your performance in front of a lot of people, don't you?

Then, you need a place to perform live music.

Sakura Hostel Asakusa gives you a dreamy chance !!

Any musical genre is welcome.

Last time, we had Okinawa Music Night even in our hostel.
A group of musicians performed Okinawa music and dance.
Audience stood up and started dancing together with them.... The event was great success.
You can see how fun it was through Asakusa Diary and Photos.

Now, it's your turn.

If you are interested in performing live music in Sakura Hostel Asakusa,
please make contact with us.

**********************************************
e-mail : info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
TEL : 03-3847-8111
**********************************************

サクラホステル浅草では音楽ステージの出演者を募集しております。
前回は沖縄民謡のグループによる「沖縄ミュージックナイト」を開催し,
大変な盛り上がりをみせました。
国際色豊かなサクラホステル浅草で、
あなたのパフォーマンスを披露してみてはいかがですか？
音楽に国境はありません！！どんなジャンルの音楽でも大歓迎です。
ご興味ありましたら、サクラホステル浅草までご連絡下さい。

**********************************************
メール : info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
電話 : 03-3847-8111
**********************************************

(*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉﾉ☆　|　Let's have fun together with your nice performance !!　|　☆ヾ(^▽^*)))

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Our monthly event " Shodo Workshop " was held on September 25th. y(o^ - ^o)y

At first, there were few people in the lobby....But gradually, people came to do Shodo.

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji ?

Some Kanji has the same sound, but the different meaning.
Even if it's the same name, they can be composed of different Kanji.

" It's perfect Kanji for him. " That's what she said. ( *´艸｀))ﾟ+.☆

She is going to give it to him as a souvenir.

Do you want to see more photos of this event ? -->> Shodo Workshop on September 25th

Next Shodo Workshop will be October 16th.

─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─Please come and join us if you have any chance─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Although typhoon was approaching to Tokyo,
we held SUMO TOUR on September 21st (Wed).

We usually walk to Ryogoku when the weather is okay.
But....
it was raining this time, of course.
We took train to go to Ryogoku.

After the sumo match-fixing report, they changed their attitude, I think.

Sumo games on that day were pretty exciting.
There were tight games one after another.

Some people gave enthusiastic encouragement to their favorite sumo wrestlers.
At the close games, audience including us shouted for joy.

We really enjoyed watching sumo.

After that, we were exposed to the menace of typhoon.　o(ToTo) (oToTo) (oToT)o

Almost all trains stopped because of typhoon, but fortunately Oedo line was still running.
During the walk to the station in the rain storm, I saw a lot of dead umbrellas.
Actually, Tomoyuki's umbrella got broken too.

Good thing is the rain stopped when we got to Kuramae station.
It was very windy, though.
Unless standing firmly, we were almost blown away.

We could go back to the hostel safely, somehow.

☆(-∀・*)*:;｡･　Thank you for joining in sumo tour and this little journey　*:;｡･(*・∀-)☆

More photos -->> Sumo Tour on September 21

Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa Taito-ku, Tokyo
tel +81-3-3847-8111
fax +81-3-3847-8112

e-mail: info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
URL: http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SakuraHotelTokyo
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/asakusa_hostel

Okinawa is an island located southern part of Japan.
Because the place is isolated from the mainland Japan, Okinawa has developed its own unique history and culture.
Music is one of the features you find different from mainland Japan.

Last night, we had an Okinawa Music Night event at our hostel.
We welcomed a group of musicians and performed Okinawa music and dance.

First performance was The Yotsutake Dance. Yotsutake are two sets of rectangular bamboo strips tied together, one set held in each hand, clapped together on the strong beat of the music.

Next was Hatomabushi. Hatoma Island is a small island four kilometres in diameter, which lies to the north of Iriomote Island, in the Yaeyama group of islands.
Hatoma bushi is a slow dance performed during the Kitsugwan Festival to give thanks for a good rice crop.
It was a slow dance, but the song was taken to mainland Okinawa and changed to a lively tempo.

Then the Okinawa folk songs.

In the end, our guests danced to the Okinawa music.

The event was successful and everyone seemed to have a good time.
They also enjoyed the food that me and Tomo made!

Many thanks to all the performers who made the night so entertaining.
And also to our staff members who helped to make the event possible.

You can find more photos here

One of the most popular hostel events came back !!

That is.......

The detail is as follows.

[Date & Time] September 21 ( Wednesday ) 1:00pm -
[Location] Depart from Sakura Hostel Asakusa
[Map] http://www.sakura-hostel.co.jp/hostel_access.htm

1:00pm - Depart from Sakura Hostel Asakusa
* Walk along Sumida River to Ryogoku Sumo Stadium (about 40 min.)
... or Take a bus from Asakusa to Ryogoku. (200 yen)

2:00pm - 3:30pm See around the stadium.
* Optional 1: Edo Tokyo Museum (600 yen)
* Optional 2: Have a light meal "Chanko-Nabe" (250 yen)

3:30pm - 6:00pm Watch the exciting Sumo tournament(2,100 yen) together!!

To reserve this tour,
please contact Sakura Hostel Asakusa directly via email.
(info@sakura-hostel.co.jp)
In the email, please include the following information.
We will reply to you right away.

--Your name
--The number of people who will come including you
--Your telephone number

Please make a reservation by 21:00 PM on September 20.

★:゜*☆※＞o('▽'*)~~ Let's have fun together with us !! ~~(*'▽')o＜※☆:゜*★

Do you know where Okinawa is located?

Okinawa is located in the southwest and westernmost of Japan,
and it consists of hundreds of islands.

Because of its location and many other reasons,
they have so many different features in culture.

Now, there's an opportunity to see Okinawa's traditional dance and music.

On September 11 (SUN),
we welcome a group of Okinawan music performers to Sakura Hostel Asakusa !!

****Date & Time****
September 11 (SUN) 19:00 - 20:00 PM

****FREE ADMISSION****
*Please buy ONE DRINK when you enter.
There will be Okinawan beers, sake and tea available from 200 YEN.

****INQUIRIES****
Any inquiries to info@sakura-hostel.co.jp
Or call us at 03-3847-8111

This event is not only for Sakura Hostel guests.
Anybody who are interested in this event can join us.

You will see how different it is from what you have seen in mainland Japan.

Sumida River Fireworks Festival was held on August 27.
We enjoyed the fireworks together with our guests.

Before going to see the fireworks, we had two hostels events.
One is " Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Workshop ",
and the other is " Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodle) Party ".

The girl wearing the unique kimono is the instructor of Wagashi Workshop.
She taught us how to make jelly type Japanese sweets.

Now, they are pouring gelatin into the cup.

Finish !!
Blue jelly on the top is the image of blue sky,
and clear jelly on the bottom is the image of garden pond.
You can not see it in this photo, but there's goldfish shape jelly in " pond " part.

After that, it's time for Nagashi Somen Party !!

Look !! They concentrate on catching the flowing noodles.

ITADAKIMASU

We had a really good time.
Please look at more photos. You can see how fun it was.

☆☆**v(o^▽^o)v**☆☆ Thank you for coming, everyone. ☆☆**v(o^▽^o)v**☆☆

Many festivals are decided to be off because of the earthquake on 11th of March.

So,
we were afraid that Sumida River Fireworks would be cancelled too.
However, it was needless worry.

Sumida River Fireworks Festival will be held on August 27 (SAT).
It's from 19:05 to 20:30.
∩(☆≧▽≦☆)∩⌒♪

We will have a workshop and a party on that day.
After that, we go to see the fireworks together !!

The schedule is as follows.

15:00 - Japanese sweets workshop
You can learn how to make Japanese sweets.

16:00 - Nagashi Somen Party
Nagashi Somen (Flowing Noodles) is an eating style where people catch and eat somen noodles with their chopsticks as it runs down a stream of water.
Stand next to the noodle slider and wait for noodles flowing down !!

17:00 - Leave the hostel and head to the fireworks view place.
Since many people come to see the fireworks, Asakusa area will be very crowded.
So, we are going to head to the view place earlier.
Let's enjoy drinking while we wait for the start !!

☆(*･ω･)／C▼☆▼D?(･ω･*)☆(*･ω･)／C▼☆▼D?(･ω･*)☆

Enjoy the typical Japanese summer scene with us.

Saturday, August 27th, 2011
@Sakura Hostel Asakusa

Free! (BYO please if you want drinks)
Any inquiry? Email info@sakura-hostel.co.jp

Our monthly event, Shodo Workshop was held last weekend.
As always, our guests had a good time writing their name in Kanji (Chinese character).
We have lists of Kanji that sound the same as their name and our guests get to choose them.

This time, out staff Agu joined the event.

It says "Victor" Hmm... who is Victor??

His name is Andrew

His name is Alexander

Her name is Vanessa

His name is Jeremy

You can find more pictures of Shodo Workshop here

Thank you for joining us.
See you in the next shodo workshop!

The monthly event in Sakura Hostel Asakusa is just around the corner.

Do you remember what it is ?

Shodo, which is Japanese traditional culture, is the art of drawing characters
with a brush and Indian ink.

How about challenging Shodo in memory of your travel in Japan ?

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji (Chinese character) ?
At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji.

For example,

Please take your Shodo work home, and show it to your friends. ☆(≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

We had Nagashi Somen Party today.

Nagashi Somen..... It's " Flowing Noodles " in English, I guess.

One person pour somen noodles into a noodle slide from the top.
Standing next to the noodle slide,
other people catch with chopsticks as much noodles as they can.
And then, they dip the noodles in somen sauce and eat.

This is the noodle slide which Naoto made for the party.
It's made from bamboo.

Actually, the noodle came down the stream fast.
So, they had to concentrate on catching the noodle.

Thanks to good weather, many people came to the party.

Do you remember them ?
Yes !! Tsuyoshi & Tomoe !! ( they are ex-hostel staff. )

ITADAKIMASU

Nagashi Somen Party was a great success !! q(･∀＜*)y

We are very happy that many people enjoyed the party.

ヾ(＠^∇^＠)ノ Thank you for coming, and Let's have fun together again !! ヾ(＠^∇^＠)ノ

The Shodo workshop, our monthly event at Sakura Hostel Asakusa was held just past Sunday.

As always, guests have a good time writing their name in Kanji (Chinese character).

I can tell that his name is Chris

and her name is Caroline

For those who joined the event got origami for free.

Some people put their Kanji name on tattoo. That's fine, but just make sure you know the meaning.
Some guy had a tattoo that says "冷奴".

If you beak it down into two words,

"冷" = Cool
"奴" =Guy

But if you them together, it doesn't mean "Cool guy".
It means "Cold Tofu"

See you in the next Shodo workshop!

We inform you that we have a party on July 24th.

★:ﾟ*☆※＞('-'*)♪('｡')♪('▽')♪('∀')♪('0')♪('ー')♪(*'-')＜※★:ﾟ*☆

Have you ever heard of Nagashi Somen ??

Nagashi Somen is translated into " Flowing Noodles " in English, I guess.

Flowing Noodles !? What is that ??

It's hard to explain....

One person pour somen noodles into a noodle slider,
which is a bamboo cut in half most of the time, from the top of it.
Standing next to the noodle slider,
other people catch with chopsticks as much noodles as they can.
And then, they dip the noodles in somen sauce and eat.

Concentrate your attention on the flowing noodles,
otherwise you can't eat them at all !! (ΩДΩ;)

Nagashi Somen Party is held in Sakura Hostel Asakusa on July 24th ( SUN ).
It starts from 15:00.

It's FREE ADMISSION. (♪≧□≦♪)
( Bring your own beverages, please. )

Are you interested in Nagashi Somen Party ?
If you have any question, please send e-mail to the following address.

info@sakura-hostel.co.jp

Join our "Nagashi Somen Party" and experience a typical Japanese summer scene with us!

+.(ﾉ｡･ω･)ﾉ*｡☆･:.,;*☆☆ﾟ･:*☆☆･:.,;*☆ ｡+ﾟヽ(｡･c_,･｡)ﾉﾞ｡+ﾟ

The monthly event in Sakura Hostel Asakusa is just around the corner.

Do you remember what it is ?

『｡.:*･ﾟ☆ †*'｡.:*･ﾟ☆*† ｡.:*･ﾟ☆』《◎･ω･》-o☆o-《´ω`●》ゞ ｪﾍ♪『｡.:*･ﾟ☆ †*'｡.:*･ﾟ☆*† ｡.:*･ﾟ☆』

Shodo, which is Japanese traditional culture, is the art of drawing characters
with a brush and Indian ink.

How about challenging Shodo in memory of your travel in Japan ?

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji (Chinese character) ?
At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji.

For example,

Please take your Shodo work home, and show it to your friends. ☆(≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

Do you know " JAPAN EXPO " ?

This is the largest festival of Japanese culture and entertainment in Europe.
It's held in Paris for 4 days from June 30th to July 3rd.

To tell the truth,
we, Sakura Hotel Group, will participate in JAPAN EXPO as an exhibitor.

We aim at not only the promotion but also the appeal of energetic Japan and Tokyo.
We want to revitalize the Japan tourism !!

Who is going to handle a big job like that !?

That is .........

She will be in Sakura House & Hotel booth, putting on Yukata ( kimono for summer ).

If you make a Sakura Hotel/Hostel reservation in JAPAN EXPO,
you can get a special discount !!

Are you in Paris !?

Please go to JAPAN EXPO, and visit Tomo.　((ヾ(o゜∀゜o)ノ☆゜

Our monthly event " Shodo Workshop " was held on June 19th. y(o^ - ^o)y

Many people came to the lobby to experience Japanese culture.

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji ?

Some Kanji has the same sound, but the different meaning.
Even if your name is the same as your friend's,
you might be given the different Kanji from your friend.

Are you Stanley ??
You might get the different ones.

Do you want to see more photos of this event ? -->> Shodo Workshop on June 19th

Next Shodo Workshop will be July 17th.

─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─Please come and join us if you have any chance─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─

The monthly event in Sakura Hostel Asakusa is just around the corner.

Do you remember what it is ?

『｡.:*･ﾟ☆ †*'｡.:*･ﾟ☆*† ｡.:*･ﾟ☆』《◎･ω･》-o☆o-《´ω`●》ゞ ｪﾍ♪『｡.:*･ﾟ☆ †*'｡.:*･ﾟ☆*† ｡.:*･ﾟ☆』

Shodo, which is Japanese traditional culture, is the art of drawing characters
with a brush and Indian ink.

How about challenging Shodo in memory of your travel in Japan ?

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji (Chinese character) ?
At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji.

For example,

Please take your Shodo work home, and show it to your friends. ☆(≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

After cooking party " Little Chef ", we had Shodo Workshop.
Because " Little Chef " was a great success,
many people participated in Shodo Workshop. y(o^ - ^o)y

This time,
most participants were Japanese people and the foreigners who study Japanese.
Therefore,
everyone drew favorite words as one likes.

He is Patrick, which turned into " 波鳥津久 " in Kanji.
What he drew is.....

He is Nathaniel, who lives in Japan.
What did he draw ?

Do you want to see more photos of this event ? -->> Shodo Workshop on May 22nd

Next Shodo Workshop will be June 19th.

─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─Please come and join us if you have any chance─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─

In order to meet the food from all over the world,
we hold the cooking party named " Little Chef " once a month.

This time,
it was Sakura Hostel Asakusa to act as the host at a party.
The theme of this month is " Tea & Snack ".

In fact, we only have IH heater, microwave and toaster.
So, it should be simple cooking.

This is not just peanut butter.
It's called " Mwamba ", which is peanut butter mixed with oil.

Compared to the regular peanut butter,
" Mwamba " is much smoother.

They usually eat bread with it as breakfast in Congo.

We achieved our aim, which is to enjoy cooking and eating together.

Please see more photos of this event.
You will see how fun it was.

(*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉﾉ☆　|　Thank you for joining us !!　|　☆ヾ(^▽^*)))

We are very sorry that we don't have Sumo Tour in May.
Instead,
we will hold Karaoke Party on May 28th (SAT) !!

As a matter of fact,
Karaoke at night is not so cheap.

On the other hand,
Karaoke in the daytime is pretty cheap.
It costs you less than 100 yen every 30 minutes.
During the daytime,
most Karaoke restaurants take "one drink order" system.
It means that you need to order at least one drink.
Even if you order one drink,
the total cost of 2 hours karaoke is going to be less than 1,000 yen.

Therefore,
our Karaoke Party is held in the daytime.
I found a nice party plan named " Ocha Kai ( Tea Party ) " at Karaoke no Tetsujin.

We can enjoy Karaoke for 3 hours with one dessert and free soft drinks !!

Date : May 28th ( SAT )
Time : 14:00 - 17:00 PM
Place : Karaoke no Tetsujin in Ueno
Fee : 1,500 yen

Let's meet at 13:30 in Sakura Hostel Asakusa, and go together by bus.
** If you know where it is, it's OK to meet in front of Karaoke no Tetsujin at 13:50.**

Do you want to enjoy Karaoke with us ?

Please sign up by e-mail ( info@asakusa-hostel.co.jp ).

Karaoke is good for reducing stress.

♪♪+(*＾∀＾*)+♪♪ Sing as much as you please ♪♪+(*＾∀＾*)+♪♪

Even in this small country "Japan",
the food culture is different from place to place.
Well then, how about other countries ??
Every country has their own food culture and traditional dish, doesn't it?

Sakura Cafe is interested in the menu from all over the world,
so we hold the cooking party named "Little Chef" once a month.

This month, it's held in Sakura Hostel Asakusa at 3:00 PM on May 22nd !!
The theme is " Tea & Snack ".

It should be the one which can be cooked with the microwave and toaster.
Because we don't have a well-appointed kitchen in the hostel.....

Would you like to prepare dishes from your country together with us?
We provide the ingredients for you.

There's a possibility that your recipe is added to the menu in Sakura Cafe !!

If you are interested in this cooking party " Little Chef ",
please contact the following address.

******************************************************************
contact person : Ai Ono ( Sakura Hotel Hatagaya )
e-mail : ai.hatagaya@gmail.com
phone : 080-6608-4274
******************************************************************

At 6:00 PM on the same day,
Shodo Workshop is also held in Sakura Hostel Asakusa.

Why not participate in Shodo Workshop as well ?

(*ﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉﾉ☆　|　Let's have fun together !!　|　☆ヾ(^▽^*)))

Thanks to Golden Week Vacation,
Sakura Hostel Asakusa had been busy like before.

Now, it goes back to normal..... this dull situation is never normal, though!!

Come what may, we will carry out the monthly event.
《◎･ω･》-o『｡.:*･ﾟ☆ †*'｡.:*･ﾟ☆*† ｡.:*･ﾟ☆』o-《´ω`●》ゞ ｪﾍ♪

Shodo (書道) Workshop will be from 18:00 to 19:00 on May 22nd ( SUN ) !!

Shodo, which is Japanese traditional culture, is the art of drawing characters
with a brush and Indian ink.

How about challenging Shodo in memory of your travel in Japan ?

Do you know how your name is written in Kanji (Chinese character) ?
At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji.

Please take your Shodo work home, and show it to your friends. ☆(≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

TAKOYAKI Party will be held at 19:00 PM on April 23rd !!

To tell the truth,
the main host is not us but Shibuya Working Holiday Plaza.

What is Shibuya Working Holiday Plaza??

So to say, it's the Working Holiday agent.
They aim at supporting people who go on Working Holiday.

One of their events is
" Let's stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa and have fun with the foreign people !! ".

Every time they stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa, they have a party in the lobby.

And this time, it's TAKOYAKI Party. ☆ｳｷ(p｡･∀･q)(p･∀･｡q)ｳｷ☆

Working Holiday Plaza people make all preparation for the party.
All you have to do is to have a good time with Japanese people.

They are interested in the international communication,
and will be happy to talk with you guys.

(●´・ω・)･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆ Please come and join them ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆(・ω・｀●)

As already informed, we had Shodo Workshop on April 17th.
Compared with before,
we didn't have many people who participated in the workshop. (廿ω廿｡｡)

However,
we did have some guests who enjoyed Shodo. !(〃^o^〃)!

" Brian " turned into " 武来庵 " in Kanji.

The boy in the middle is half Japanese & half French.
He wrote his Japanese name.

Josh got " 助守 " in Kanji and Lana got " 羅奈 " in Kanji.

Do you want to see more photos of this event ? -->> Shodo Workshop on April 17th

Next Shodo Workshop will be May 22nd.

─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─Please come and join us if you have any chance─((☆´∇)从(∇｀★))─

Honestly,
we can't say, "Sakura Hostel Asakusa has a plenty of guests now. ?（≧∇≦)／" .
Even if we planned a hostel event, we hesitated to carry out because of this situation.

BUT, we decided that
we would hold a fun event as long as the guests stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa.

And so,
we announce the Shodo (書道) Workshop which is held on April 17th !!

Shodo, which is Japanese traditional culture, is the art of drawing characters with a brush and Indian ink.

You have an opportunity to experience Shodo in Sakura Hostel Asakusa !!

We will have Shodo Workshop from 18:00 to 19:00 on April 17th (SUN).

♪書道♪ヾ（ヾ^o^）♪書道♪

At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji (Chinese character).
Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher !!

Please take your Shodo work home !!
Now, you get an extra souvenir. ☆(≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Shodo Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

Do you know Shodo　（書道） which is Japanese traditional culture?
Shodo is the art of drawing characters with a brush and Indian ink.

You have an opportunity to experience Shodo in Sakura Hostel Asakusa !!

We will have Shodo Workshop from 18:00 to 19:00 on March 20th (SUN).

♪書道♪ヾ（ヾ^o^）♪書道♪

At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji (Chinese character).
Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher !!

Showing your Shodo works to each other, Chatting with new friends....
It's a good opportunity not only to experience Japanese culture
but also to make new friends from all over the world !!

Please take your Shodo work home as a nice souvenir. (≧▽≦）☆

Take a look at the photos of the previous Shodo Workshop.
You will see how fun it is.
Previous Shodo Workshop

Anyone can participate in Shodo Workshop with FREE of charge !!

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

Rakugo Workshop was held in Sakura Hostel Asakusa on February 27th.

We had a live broadcast of Rakugo Workshop on Ustream.
Did you watch it ?

Look !!
In order not to be blurred, Jack was holding the camera firmly.
Good job, Jack ☆⌒(*＾-ﾟ)v

We enjoyed Rakugo performed by 3 Rakugo artists.

It seems as if he is eating the noodles, doesn't it ?

It seems as if she gives a present for somebody.

It seems as if he calls to somebody.

At the halfway,
he sang some Japanese songs, which were well-known in the foreign countries.

Because it's a complicated comical story with only a paper fan called "SENSU" and a small cloth called "TENUGUI",
everyone listened carefully to understand.

In addition,
a Rakugo artist plays more than two characters.
They make a difference of the characters only by change in pitch, tone, and a slight turn of the head.
Everyone listened carefully to recognize each character.

It seemed they enjoyed Rakugo.
I could hear their laughing. ♪ (ﾟ∀ﾟ∀ﾟ∀ﾟ)♪(ﾟ∀ﾟ∀ﾟ∀ﾟ)♪

I uploaded the photos of this event on our facebook.
Please take a look.
Click here for photos!!

We are very happy to spend a great time with you.
тндйк[o･ω･]人[･ω･o] уoц

As already notified,
we had Shodo Workshop and Friendship Party on February 20th. ☆v(o^0^o)v☆

I'm pleased to say that so many people participated in Shodo Workshop.

For most of them, it was the first time to experience Shodo.
Look at his earnestness !!

Beyond my expectation, they did Shodo very well. (*ﾟсﾟ*)
I show you some of their works.

After Shodo Workshop, it's time for drinking.
(*^д^)ノ■☆■ゞ(^д^*)
A Japanese girl in KIMONO came to Friendship Party.
How beautiful she is !!
It seemed many boys delighted in her arrival.

I uploaded the photos of this event on facebook.
Please take a look.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=220350084985&aid=43957

Next Shodo Workshop will be on March 20th.
It's your turn !!

Do you know Rakugo (落語) ?

Rakugo (落語), which is one of the Japanese traditional culture, is a verbal comedy show.

The Rakugo artist sits alone with Seiza position on the stage.
Using only a paper fan called "SENSU" and a small cloth called "TENUGUI",
he depicts a long and complicated comical story.
The story always involves the dialogue of two or more characters.

How do you know that more than two characters exist in the story?

By change in pitch, tone, and a slight turn of the head,
the rakugo artist makes the difference of the characters.

Please take a look at this video.

Now, you got interested in Rakugo, didn't you?

There's a good news for you.
We have Rakugo Workshop from 19:00 on February 27th !!

You can't only watch it but also perform Rakugo in practice !!
◇◆◇◆　（*☆▽＜）ｗ。°◇◆◇◆
Whether you try or not,
it's a good opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture.

One more good thing...it's FREE for everyone.

･｀∀･)♪+ﾟ.:｡+Let's have fun together in Rakugo Workshop on February 27th+ﾟ.:｡+♪(･∀´･)v

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Inquiries about events are welcomed anytime via email or website.
Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more updated info.

TEL: 03-3847-8111
Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

February

Hostel event
20th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)
Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher!!
More info>> Shodo Workshop

27th - Rakugo
Rakugo is a Japanese traditional verbal comedy show.

March

Asakusa event
18th - Kinryu-no-mai
Golden Dragon Dance at the unveiling of Asakusa Kannon

Hostel event
20th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

26th - Asakusa guided tour & optional event
Walk around Asakusa area. Take photos in Kimono, watch a shamisen performance.
It is a good opportunity to help you understand and gain some insight into Japanese culture and traditions!

April

Asakusa event
10th - Shirasagi no Mai (White Heron Dance) festival
It is a religious rite to drive out the plague and purify the spirits on their passage to the next world.

18th - Yabusame
Yabusame is a type of mounted archery in traditional Japanese archery.
An archer on a running horse shoots three special "turnip-headed" arrows successively at three wooden targets.

26th - Nakizumo Festival
Crying sumo festival took place Sunday as babies competed to bawl the loudest in the arms of sumo wrestlers as a prayer to the gods for good health.

Hostel event
2nd - Hanami & Sushi party
Make sushi at the hostel and take them under Sakura trees along the sumida river. Enjoy flower viewing with your sushi! It's Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers.

17th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

May

Asakusa event
20th and 22nd - Sanja Matsuri
It is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo, along with the Kanda Matsuri and Sannō Matsuri. It is considered one of the wildest and largest.

Hostel event
11th & 18th - Sumo Tour
We will walk to the sumo stadium in Ryogoku and watch sumo match.

22nd - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

June

Hostel event
19th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

July

Asakusa event
30th - Sumida River Fireworks Festival
One of the biggest fireworks festival in Japan!

Hostel event
17th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

30th - Sushi making & Hanabi Festival
This is a good opportunity to make your own sushi. Take your sushi and watch the fireworks!

August

Asakusa event
27th - Asakusa Samba Carnival
Asakusa Samba Carnival is the one of the three major summer festivals in Tokyo, and the biggest Samba Carnival in Japan!

Hostel event
21st - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

September

Hostel event
7th & 14th - Sumo Tour
We will walk to the sumo stadium in Ryogoku and watch sumo match.

18th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

October

Asakusa event
18th - Kinryu-no-mai
Golden Dragon Dance at the unveiling of Asakusa Kannon

16th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

November

Asakusa event
3rd - Jidai Matsuri
It is an historical parade that recreates Tokyo's history and culture.

2nd, 14th and 26th - Tori no Ichi
Tori no Ichi (open-air market) is a famous annual fair in November on the day of the Tori (Rooster) in Chinese calendar and this fair has continued to today since the Edo period.

Hostel event
20th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

December

Hostel event
18th - Shodo workshop
Write your name in Knaji (Chinese character)

☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆SAKURA HOSTEL ASAKUSA☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Inquiries about events are welcomed anytime via email or website.
Or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for more updated info.

TEL: 03-3847-8111
Address: 2-24-2 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

There is information from Sakura Hostel Asakusa.

From February 4th, we started a new service.
" FREE INTERNET "

We already have the WiFi service in the lobby.
As long as you bring your own computer to the lobby, you can enjoy the internet.

About the computers belonging to Sakura Hostel Asakusa,
we used to charge for the internet using.

But now, it changed.

If you stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa, you can use our computer free of charge !!

If you are a Non-Hostel guest, please pay for the internet as before.
<< 100 yen / 30 minutes >>

There are some requests when you use the computer.
( 1 )
Please SIGN UP at the front desk before using the computer.
( 2 )
Please use the computer for ONE HOUR at the upper limit when it's crowded.
( 3 )
At 3:00 AM,
the computer is automatically rebooted and all data is deleted.
Please finish your task by that time.

Enjoy the internet anytime.
We will be very happy if you feel more comfortable to stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa.
♪♪(o=ﾟ▽ﾟ)人(ﾟ▽ﾟ=o)♪♪

Do you know Shodo which is Japanese traditional culture?
Shodo is the art of drawing characters with a brush and Indian ink.

You have an opportunity to experience Shodo in Sakura Hostel Asakusa !!

We will have Shodo Workshop from 18:00 to 19:00 on February 20th (SUN).
After Shodo Workshop, we will have Friendship Party !!
♪workshop（／＾◇）／（／＾◇）／party♪

At Shodo Workshop,
we will give you some suggestions of your name in Kanji (Chinese character).
Enjoy Shodo as if you are a great calligrapher !!

Please take your Shodo work home as a nice souvenir. (≧▽≦）☆

At Friendship Party,
we will serve you some snacks and drinks.
It's a good chance to make new friends from all over the world !!

Showing your Shodo works to each other, Chatting with new friends.... Enjoy the party !!
o((*^▽^*))o

The fee is only 500 yen !!

If you stay in Sakura Hostel Asakusa, it's free as a token of our appreciation.

Take a look at previous Shodo Workshop and Friendship Party.
You will see how fun it is.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=40809&id=220350084985

(≧∀≦*)ﾉ~･ﾟ★,｡･*:･ﾟ☆Come and Join us♪

By our legendary manager TOMO's command, we cleaned up the hostel thoroughly today.

Sakura Hostel Asakusa is always clean thanks to the cleaning staffs, though.

What we did today is

Look !!
The beds are dismantled !!

Jack and Johrel are in charge of bed cleaning.
It's a tough job.
(ﾉ*＞□＜）ﾉ｛　GANBATTE !!　〕

Tomoe is mending the wall painting of "STORIES OF SAKURA".
She is very good at painting.

Agu is vacuuming around the front desk.
The narrow space between wall and PC........Very very carefully

Aki is cleaning up the guest kitchen.
Now, you can use the kitchen comfortably.

Good Job, everyone !! It became nicer.

Now, we wait for your arrival.
ｲ━━━ヾ(´c_,｀*)ノﾗｼｬ━━━ｨ!!

Last Wednesday the 19th, we had a sumo tour.
The weather was perfect for walking so we had a nice walk to the sumo stadium in Ryogoku from the hostel.

When we got to the stadium, some of us went to have Chankonabe lunch near the stadium.
Chankonabe is a type of Japanese stew that contains large quantities of protein such as fish, chicken, tofu, rice, noodles... etc.

It is reasonably healthy dish and it is commonly eaten a massive quantity by sumo wrestlers to gain weight.

Our guests seemed to enjoy their chankonabe lunch!

Then we watch the sumo match. It's always exciting to watch the game as usual.

This day (January 19th) was special because the Yokozuna (highest rank in professional sumo) Hakuho lost the match and a lot of people threw seat cushions into the ring. If a yokozuna is defeated by a lower ranked wrestler, it is common and expected for audience members to throw their seat cushions into the ring.

Thanks to everyone who joined the sumo tour!

Today was the last day for sumo match in Tokyo and Hakuho won for the Tokyo grand sumo tournament!
We will have sumo tours again in May. Don't miss it!

Sumo Tour is now one of the most popular hostel event.

2011 January Grand Sumo Tournament has just started !!
It is from January 9th (SUN) till 23rd (SUN).

We have Sumo Tour twice during this season.
The first one was held on Jan 12th.
This time,
20 people participated in this event.

Because it was a beautiful sunny day, we didn't take a bus, but walked to Ryogoku.
It's a bit long walk. About 40 minutes.
Walking along the Sumida River, we enjoyed talking with new friends.

At the entrance of KOKUGIKAN ( Sumo Stadium )

We ate CHANKO ( Sumo wrestler's food ).
♪?(*´∀｀*)??(*´∀｀*)?♪ Yummy

< Yokozuna Grand Champion ring entrance >
The champion claps his hands and stamps his feet, drawing spirited calls from the crowd.
His name is HAKUHO.

There were some breath-taking close games.
Everybody seemed to enjoy watching the games.

Thank you for participating in Sumo Tour.
We are very happy to spend wonderful time with you.
(o*｡_｡)o…Arigatou…o(｡_｡*o)

Have you ever seen this?

This is DARUMA.

People say that DARUMA can stand tall again even after falling seven times.
This is a lesson for people
to be patient and not to give up until they can overcome whatever challenge they are facing.
DARUMA has been a symbol of patience and effort in Japan.
And now, DARUMA is regarded more as a talisman of good luck to the Japanese.

At first, DARUMA doll has colorless, empty-looking eyes.

When we take on a new challenge, we paint one black eye onto the doll's face.

At the same time,
we write that challenge on the back of the doll.
In our case,
[ 千客万来 ] = Flood of Guests / Roaring Business

When we overcome the challenge or realize our dream,
the second eye is painted in celebration of success.

When will the second eye of our DARUMA be painted?

Your cooperation is definitely needed !!
We look forward to seeing you in Sakura Hostel Asakusa. (人´∀｀).☆.。.:*

Happy New Year 2011 !!
We are very grateful to you for the kindness you showed us last year.

New year's Day is considered to be the most important annual event in Japan.
Nowadays, we wear kimono not as daily wear, but as our best clothes.
So, some people wear kimono for special occasions like New Year.

Look at today's Sakura Girls !!
How gorgeous today's Sakura Hostel Asakusa is !!

V-sign matches better to us !?

Our Regular Position

What a lucky boy you are, Mauricio !!

We look forward to seeing you all this year as well.
May year 2011 turn out to be the happiest and the best for you.

Today,
Santa Clause came along to Sakura Hostel Asakusa in Japan !!

Who is this Santa Clause?

It's Enoki Santa.
He is carrying the bag in which a lot of presents put !?

Oops. He must be a bad Santa Clause!!

And then, Jack Santa showed up.
The reindeer next to Santa Clause is ........... Tsuyoshi Reindeer !!
What a sly look it is!!

Now, Agu Santa and Johrel Reindeer came to the hostel.
Look !! His antler is pink !!
Is he an angel one !?

Those Santa Clause may sneak into your room and give you a present, or may not.

Best wishes to you and your family for a joyous season filled with health, happiness and prosperity.

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

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

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

How to make TAKOYAKI

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

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

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

Actually, the taste was not so bad.

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

They tasted really good!!

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

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

Thank you for joining the party !!

We had another TV shooting at our hostel lobby.
TV crews from Nihon TV, a well known TV station in Japan, interviewed our guests to determine if they found any difficulties or inconveniences in Japan. They also interviewed them about Smartphones (i.e. iPhone), newly opened Haneda International airport, and what do they hope for Japanese government.

We've been having TV shooting at our hostel a lot lately. One of the reasons is that we have a large number of foreigners staying in our hostel, so if you stay in our hostel, you might have a chance to be on Japanese TV!

The TV show will be airing on Monday, November 1st around 7:10 am [Nihon TV: Zoom in Super]

In Japan, when we think of German food, German sausages are famous, as　well as German potatoes.

However, we found out that they eat a potato dish called　"Bratkartoffeln" instead of "German potaoes".

One of the local TV stations intrigued with this information when they interviewed a German person, Mr. Wilhelm Kabuswe, who is staying in our　hostel.

He made the "Bratkartoffeln" in our hostel kitchen.

Hmm... looks almost the same as the German potatos that we know.

Maybe in Japan we call it "German potatoes" instad of　"Bratkartoffeln".

Either way I like it very much. Let's have a beer with it! Kampa?i (cheers)!

Just this past weekend, we had a friendship party at the hostel.
The party is held every week at various locations (Sakura Hostel Asakusa, Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, Hatagaya and Jimbocho), and the purpose of this party is to meet new friends.

So what kind of party did we have at the hostel last Sunday? We did a maki-zushi (sushi roll) party.

I prepared various types of ingredients; cucumber, pickled radish, crab sticks, tuna salad, egg etc.

With my culinary experience, I showed them how to make sushi rolls.

We were very pleased to have so many guests attending this party and everyone had a lot of fun making the sushi rolls.

One of the guests made these sushi rolls. Pretty good, don't you think?

I made these with the leftover ingredients (Our staff Agu made the rolls ;-P).

The party was very successful and we were all happy that our guests enjoyed themselves.

We will be having more parties so stop by and make new friends!

Thanks to everyone who came to the party and we hope to see you soon!

We had a Shodo workshop last saturday.
"Shodo" is the art of drawing characters with a brush and India ink called sumi.

We gave suggestions of our guest's name in Kanji (Chinese Charactor).
Then they tried Japanese calligraphy!

Look at their work! They're pretty good, aren't they?

Our staff Tomoe tried Shodo, too! This is her work. She wrote "Sakura Hostel Asakusa"

Thank you for joining our event! We hope you enjoyed it!!

We had September grand sumo tour of the second times on Septemner 22nd.
This time, Ebi and I (Agu) were in charge of it.
It was sunny and very hot like summer.
It's too hot to walk to Ryogoku, so we went there by bus.

In front of Kokugikan, many sumo fans were waiting for their favorite sumo wrestler coming.
When we got to Kokugikan, we saw a young sumo wrestler.

We took photos at the entrance.

with sumo mascot, SEKITORI-KUN.

We ate Chanko, which is stew-like dish traditionally served to sumo wrestlers.

Some people went to Edo-Tokyo Museum until the ring entering ceremony started.
We call this "DAIMYO KAGO", which carried the feudal lord and prince from place to place.

The ring entering ceremony

Hakuho won!!
His record reached 60 successive victories on Sep 24th.
If he wins on Sep 25th, he will be a champion in September Grand Sumo Tournament.

I'm really happy to have great time with them.
Thank you guys!!

Our sumo tour was held on Sep 15th.
This time, Naoto and Aki were in charge of sumo tour.

They went to Ryogoku with 20 guests by bus.

Before entering sumo stadium called Kokugikan, they had lunch at Chanko restaurant.
The restaurant they went is Chanko Edogawa.

<http://r.gnavi.co.jp/a232566/menu3.html>

Unfortunately, they don't have English page.
Just take a look at what Chanko is.

They were satisfied with yummy Chanko, and got in Kokugikan with happy smile.
Ring entering ceremony started around 4:00.

One of the most famouse sumo wrestler, Yokozuna Hakuho, won the match yesterday.
He succeed in 51 continuous winning so far.
Awesome !!
This record is the third in sumo history.

We have sumo tour again on Sep 22nd.
At that time, he might update his record and become the first in sumo history!?
It's going to be so exciting, isn't it?

I'm so happy to be here on our 4th anniversary today!!
Time flies so fast. It's been 4 years since we opened. Can you believe it!?

Everything was new, and we created our hostel one by one at first. The reception looked like so empty or just too clean when we started here, didn't it?
Of course, we had a great team already though!

More than half of the member in the above photo left this hostel, and live in their new place :D
Do you remember all? I hope everyone is having a happy life!

And now, we have welcomed lots of guests from all over the world, and it became such a lovely hostel☆

Thanks so much to you all for sharing the special time with us at Sakura Hostel Asakusa.
And you who are coming to Tokyo sometime in the future, we're very much looking forward to seeing you =D

We're still growing up! Keep your eyes on Sakura Hostel Asakusa ;)

Love you all xxxxx

Time for experience Tokyo's hot festival again!
鳥越まつり Torigoe Matsuri

Torigoe shrine is an old shrine with a 1350 year history, and the night festival,
called Torigoe Matsuri is famous for its large portable shrine,

The main portable shrine (Mikoshi) decorated with paper lanterns for this matsuri is
the biggest Mikoshi in Tokyo.
The weight is over 4 tons! Can you believe that?
Let's get together to experience the wonderful Japanese Matsuri atmosphere.

Torigoe Matsuri
Date: June 5-June 6
Time: 7pm-9pm
Place: Torigoe Shrine, Kuramae (Just 1 station from our hostel)

Sumo tounaments are held 6 times a year.
There are 3 times of sumo tounament in Tokyo, January, May, and September.
Each tounament takes place for 15 days.
Are you ready you guys for the exciting tour??

We walked along the Sumida River.

30 to 40 minutes later, we got to Ryogoku area.
A big sumo stadium stands out in frount of us.

Group picture time~~

Inside of the stadium, you can have a Chankonabe that is commonly eaten by sumo wrestlers as part of a weight gain diet.
The Chankonabe is a stew made up of a lot of protains (chickens, fish, beef, and tofu) and vegitables.
To gain weight, sumo wrestlers have a sumo training right after they wake up, and then they have a huge meal. After finish eating, they go to bed directly.
This is how sumo wrestlers' fat comes from.
If you want to lose weight, don't skip a breakfast. lol

Around 2pm, pofessional sumo wrestlers come thru the south gate.

Inside of the sumo stadium

The main part of the game starts around 3:30pm

"Dohyo-iri"
Ring entering ceremony, performed only by high level of sumo wrestlers (juryo and makuuchi divisions)

The east and west sides perform dohyo-iri

The Yokozuna (grand champion) has his own dohyo-iri.
The Yokozuna Hakuho performed individually.

He is doing ''Shiko wo fumu'' that means stomping the ground.
This action drives out evil.

Rinse out the mouth by Chikaramizu (power water) and concentrate one's energy
After spit out water, the lips are wiped dry with Rikishi (power paper)

Throw the salt to purify the ring and pray for a safe match

The two sumo wrestlers face each other at the center of the ring

When a sumo referee calls ''Hakkeyo-i Nokotta!'' (ready and go!), a sumo battle starts.

Look! I got a nice shot!

The Yokozuna match happens at the end

The Yokozuna, Hakuho keeps winning so far

''Yumitori-shiki''
The bow-twirling ceremony performed at the end to show the satisfaction of today's match

After the tour, the guests who joined us became to addict to watch sumo games.

May Sumo Tounament is still running until May 23 (Sun).
You can buy a day ticket in front of Sumo stadium in Ryokoku. (2100 yen per person)
I really recommend to get a ticket in the morning, like around 9 am,
because their day tickets are sold out quickly.

It's not still late to go to watch!
Hurry up! This Sunday will be the last match!
Enjoy watching the Japanese hottest fighting game!!

Yes, it's this weekend - Asia's largest biannual art event "Design Festa Vol.31" http://www.designfesta.com/index_en.html will be held at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba.

Free tickets are available for Sakura Hostel guests, please ask at our front desk.
And not only the admission tickets, one of our staff will be waiting for you with free ice-cold beers and soft drinks at the "Restaurant Area" of the venue.
Please find a Sakura staff holding a pink umbrella. See you at at Tokyo Big Sight !!

Below, is the movie of Design Festa Vol. 30 in October 2009.

On Apr 25, we had a Wadaiko Tour in Ryogoku. Wadaiko means Japanese drums.
Are you guys ready? Let's go!

On the way to Ryogoku, I found many people taking a picture. A famous Kabuki actor,
Ichikawa Danjuro was in Senso-ji temple. The bold guy in the back is him.
I know I don't have any sense of taking a picture.

I was chasing the guy and I got lost...oops

And I heard a nice chorus, then I found a temple concert was held in the temple.

Anyway, I got there in safe except Naoto hold me in headlocks.
The seats were full of the guests. There were about 500 people.
Some people could't take a seat, like me :(

The concert started!
The sound of the taiko had a tremendous power. The music's beat flowed through my body.

Showing many kinds of taiko.

A ritual dance by a performer wearing a lion's mask calls ''Shishimai''

The shishimai came over to the guests, and bite their heads or hands.
Once you got a bite from the lion, you can get a good luck in this year.
Normally, people have a Shishimai bite in the beginning of the year.

Finale

After the concert taking a picture in front of rake decoration called ''Kumade'' in Japanese.
It is believed from Edo period (100 years ago) that a rake carries happiness and wealth
to a buyer in business.

On the way back, we stopped by a Chankonabe restaurant.
Chankonabe is a Japanese stew eaten by sumo wrestlers.
It has variety of ingredients, such as meat, veggies, tofu, gluten, Kuzu starch noodle, and so on.
We ordered a spicy chanko stew with ramen noodle in the end.
I had a chankonabe for the first time in my life.
I liked it at all! I def will come to eat them again!

Even I missed the first walking tour part, I could get to know a new Japanese culture!!

Yabusame, or the horseback archery that takes place in Asakusa,
has a very long history, and it is held annually in April.

During the Edo era, it was held every year on January 5
as one of the New Year's special events at Asakusa Shrine.

This event has been described in detail in such historic documents
as Sensoji-shi (A History of Sensoji Temple) and
Toto-saijiki (The Chronicle of the East Capital).

Today, Asakusa Yabusame follows the traditional style recreated with
the cooperation of the head of the Ogasawara School of Archery and Horsemanship,
and it’s held at Sumida Park at 10 am.
Don't miss it!!

Come to the party at Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro on Fri, Apr 23.

Special Guest, "VJ KAZ"
Large outdoor rave started, playing in a number of Top Club.
Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert and DJ Adam Freeland,
Freq-nasty and played a co-star.

[Location] Sakura Cafe Ikebukuro

[Access] 5 min. walk from Ikebukuro Station

[Map] http://www.sakura-cafe.asia/ikebukuro/english/access.php

Please get 2 Drinks and Food Tickets (315 yen each) when you arrive.
And you should wear any pink items.

I am going to be there for sure, cuz Ikemen (good-looking) bar tenders are coming!

Let's make new friends and enjoy a range of cocktails, beers and snacks.

Yaaay! Our Hanami Party went pretty good.
We had a good weather, and cherry blossoms are blooming perfectly.
Look at Daniel's huge smile.

Sky tree is behind us. What a perfect location.

People were just chilling under the sun.

We had nice booze.

Naoto was prefer eating rather than drinking.

Even though it was windy, and our stuffs were kept blowing away, we had a good time.

Look how much liquors I brought.

Having so much good time means you must have a bad hangover on the next day...lol

If you have facebook account, you can check out more photos of our Hanami party.
This is our page, named as Sakura Hotel & Hostel in Tokyo, Japan
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sakura-Hotel-Hostel-in-Tokyo-Japan/220350084985
Photo page
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=27104&id=220350084985&ref=mf

Have you ever watched Japanese national sport, Sumo?
I have great information about sumo today.

In 1869, a sumo wrestling exhibition was held at Yasukuni Shrine in the occasion of the establishment festival of the shrine. Since then, exhibitions involving all professional sumo wrestlers, including grand champions or yokozuna, take place at the Spring Festival almost every year. The facility is filled with many people who enjoy the matches free of charge.
This exhibition is very popular therefore we recommend you to go there earlier so you can take nice seat.

●Details●

Date : 9th April (Fri) 2010

Time : 9:00-15:00

Place : Yasukuni Shrine Sumo Ring (outdoor)

Price : Free of charge

Occupancy load limit : 6000 people (on a first-come-first-served basis)

Program : 9:00 Ring entering ceremony (Dohyo-sai)

10:40 Match (Torikumi) start
Shokkiri / Sumo Jinku / Yaguya taiko(Japanese Traditional Drums)

13:30 Sumo Society members, Yokozuna and sumo wrestlers show up

14:00 Break time (Nakairi)

15:00 Closing

●Access●
JR
10 minutes walk from Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations (Sobu Line and Chuo Line)

Subway
5 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station (Tozai Line)
5 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station (Hanzomon Line)
5 minutes walk from Kudanshita Station (Toei Shinjuku Line)
10 minutes walk from Ichigaya Station (Namboku Line)
10 minutes walk from Ichigaya and Iidabashi stations (Yurakucho Line)

City bus
One minute walk from the Kudanue stop served by the Kudanshita-Takadanobaba and Shibuya-Ochanomizu lines

3-1-1 Kudankita Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8246
Telephone: (03) 3261-8326
URL: http://www.yasukuni.or.jp/

Mai
　　　　　　

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;)

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:)

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;)

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!!

Design Festa finished on last Sunday.

What was new this time was;
Sakura Group (Sakura House, Hotel & Hostel) had a small sitting area where our guests could rest and chat with other Sakura guests.

Jack (our hostel's staff member) took care of this place and welcomed our guests with some free drinks.

This sitting area was popular as it was sometimes hard to find a place to take a rest in this big event hall with a huge crowd of people.

The webmaster of Sakura Group (he is the one who created our hostel's website) was there, too.
Mr. Aoyama & his little son, so cuuuuuuute♪ ↓　↓　↓　↓

One famous Sumo wrestler, Tamakasuga, will hold his retirement ceremony on May 30th at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Sakura Group (Sakura House & Hotel) will go see the ceremony together.
It's not only a retirement ceremony but also a series of exciting Sumo competitions.
After watching the sport, we are planning to go to a Chanko (Sumo wrestler's meal) restaurant.

Date: Saturday, May 30th
Meeting Time: 11AM
Place: Ryogoku Sumo Stadium

Tickets are sold at the hostel.
Sumo Event & Chanko (meal): 5,000 yen
Only Sumo Event (no meal): 3,000 yen

Ask us for more at the reception:)

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☆

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☆★☆

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↓

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!

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:)

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!

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;)

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★

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:)

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.

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;)

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...☆

Once again, the name of our hostel is Sakura Hostel. Our sister hotel (Sakura Hotel) and sister companies (Sakura House and Sakuratei) also have "sakura" in their names.

Do you know what "sakura" is?
It's the national flower of Japan, the flower most loved by Japanese people for centuries.
In English, it's called cherry blossom.

Among the many species of cherry trees, Japan's most beloved one is Somei Yoshino (photo above). The color is almost white when you see a flower close. But when you are farthur from the tree, it looks light pink.

Spring is the season when you can see the flowers. The flower's life is very very short, only a week or two. If the flower lived longer, it wouldn't be loved this much. In the flower, Japanese people see the briefness and beauty of life,

Tokyo is expecting their early blooming this year due to the warm winter.
The flower forecast says the 18th of March is "the date" this year.

Hanami (flower viewing party) is another reason why Japanese love the flower this much. People go to parks, riverbanks, temples and shrines to have a party with foods and drinks under sakura trees. It never matters whether the real purpose is to view the flower or just to drink...

On Saturday, March 24th, we will have this hanami party with our guests. We will go to a riverbank close to the hostel. The sakura flowers are expected in full bloom around that date. Come and join us with your own food and drink!! >>>event calendar

We hold Ueno Park & Rikugien Tour.
Ueno Park is one of the oldest park in Tokyo. There was Kaneiji Temple in Edo Period on this site. then in 1873(Meiji Period) it was open as a park.
There are a lot of cultural building in the park, such as concert halls , national museums and museums of art. and there is a zoo as well.
This park is famous for cherry blossoms, so many people come for cherry blossom viewing and get drunk in spring.

After visiting Ueno Park, we went to Rikugien Garden, famous for autumn colour of leaves .
The garden normally closes at 5pm, but it was open until 9pm in late Novemver and early December for night viewing of illuminated trees and leaves.
The garden with autumn colour of leaves was very beuatiful not only during the day, but at night.

Let's party!!
Warm up here before hitting Roppongi or Shibuya!!
Life is too short to stay alone!!

Fun trip from our hostel on Dec.1(Fri).
Strolling spacious Park in Ueno,our neighbor and have a wonderful time in
Rikugi-en, the landscape garden for the autumn leaves light-up.
It's a great oppotunity to know our neighbor.Enjoy this seasonal trip with us!!
*maximum 10 people tour!!need to sign up by the day before.

We are having the excursion for Tsukiji Fish Market,Tokyo central market on Nov.22.It's one of the biggest market in the world as you know.
Why don't you come join us?