Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog: Japan Info Archives

Eating sushi for good luck - Ehomaki (恵方巻)! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/31 13:49) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

yesterday I wrote about Setsubun, the bean-throwing Festival or bean-throwing Ceremony, which will take place on February 3rd.

But to throw beans around is not the only way, to catch a good fortune for the future for oneself.

There's another tradition for that day.
It's to eat
EHOMAKI
^^

So what is ehomaki?

Ehomaki are "lucky direction rolls" and thicker than normal sushi rolls.
You eat them on the night of Setsubun.

Here you can have a little idea, of how big and ehomaki is...really big! ^^

As you might guess, there are some special rules for making and eating ehomaki to really have a good fortune:

First it must contain seven ingredients: so to be related with the Seven Deities of Good Fortune called Shichifukujin, seven fillings are traditionally rolled in. For example, simmered shiitake mushrooms and kanpyo (dried gourd), cucumber, rolled omelet (tamagoyaki), eels, sakura denbu (sweet fish powder), and seasoned koyadofu (freeze-dried tofu) are used. These ingredients represent good health, happiness, and prosperity, and rolling the fillings means good fortune.

It must not be cut, because it might cut (off) your luck.

You have to eat it while facing the lucky direction (the eho), which changes every year - because the lucky direction depends on the zodiac symbol for the year.

Finally, you must eat the whole roll in total silence. So eat it quietly and don't stop while eating, wish for what you want in the coming year.

For 2012 the lucky direction is North-North-West. So best to take a compass before eating. ^^

So what's the history behind the ehomaki?

Legend says when Toyotomi Hideyoshi was fighting for the rulership of Japan, one of his samurai, Horio Yoshiharu 堀尾吉晴 ate a rolled sushi (makizushi) on the evening before the battle and then the warriors won the battle. So now it is eaten to bring good luck when driving out the demons of Setsubun.

Others say it comes from Osaka and the Kansai area, where rolled sushi was eaten hoping for prosperity in the coming year.

If you are visiting Japan and want to eat an ehomaki on February 3rd, you can buy them in convenience stores (but better to make a reservation for that in advance, because they could be sold out) or on sushi shops! ^^

Wish you a great setsubun! ^^

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

Caution! Flying beans around! Setsubun is coming :D

By: Vanessa (2012/01/30 14:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

one day before the start of spring, on February the 3rd, here in Japan
Setsubun (節分)
will take place.

Setsubun, what originally means "seasonal division", nowadays is called the bean-throwing Festival or bean-throwing Ceremony, which is my topic for today :)

So on Setsubun, roasted soybeans, which are called 大豆(daizu), will be thrown through the air.

This bean throwing ritual is called 豆まき(mamemaki).

The people, who are throwing the beans, will shouting
鬼は外！福は内！(Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!),
what means
"Demons out! Good luck in!".

This will get rid of bad luck and invite in good luck.

For that, the beans will thrown against people, who are wearing an oni costume.
Oni (鬼) are creatures from Japanese folklore, variously translated as demons, devils, ogres or trolls.

Because of this special event, the beans are not longer just daizo (= soy beans), they will be called fuku mame (fortune beans) on this day and you can buy them in most of the stores. ^^

So it is also believed, that people can be healthy and happy, if they pick up and eat the thrown fuku mame.
You should eat so many fuku mame equal to the number of your age!
So I had to eat a lot of beans :D

A lot of shrines or temples hold a mamemaki throwing soybeans event.

Some of the big shrines or temples have celebrities, such as popular sumo wrestlers or Kabuki actors, as guests to throw beans to crowds.

Traditionally, people in Japan not only visit temples/shrines on Setsubun, but also perform bean throwing at home to drive away bad lucks and invite happiness into their houses.

One person (usually the father ^^) wears then an oni demon mask and the rest of the family throw beans at that person.

If I imagine, to hold this ritual with my family in Germany, that would be really fun! ^^
Children surely would love that :D

So if you want to experience Setsubun here in Japan - this event is held
on February 3rd at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM
in Sensoji Temple
only two minutes walk away from our Hostel.

I hope, you will enjoy that special, traditional event and get all the demons away from you! ^^

And might be better not to wear only red on that day! :D

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

A really real otaku shopping day with Tokyo Metro One-Day Open Ticket! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/26 14:04) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

today I want to show how you can have a perfect day for
otaku shopping! :D

First, you need a
Tokyo Metro One-Day Open Ticket!

It's only 710 Yen and you can use all Tokyo Metro Lines with it for one whole day (starting with the first train in the morning and ending with the last train at night ^^).

You can buy this ticket on the vending machines at all Tokyo Metro stations.

And here you have the Tokyo Subway Route Map to be perfectly prepared! ^^
Subway map.pdf

So let's start here in Asakusa. ^^

1. aim: Akihabara - of course! ^^

Description:

Akihabara is one of the most famous otaku scenery in Tokyo and popular for that. Akihabara is a major shopping area for electronic, computer, anime, and otaku goods, including new and used items. So you can find many shops, offering video games, sometimes even for all systems (even the older one like NES, Neo Geo, Dreamcast etc. etc.). There're many figurines stores, too. So if you're into video games, merchandising stuff of this and UFO Catchers, shopping in Akihabara will be your paradise! Ah..and before I forgot: many Maid Cafes are available there, too. ^^

How to get there:

Asakusa Station --> Ginza Line --> Suehirocho Station (5 min walk to Akihabara Electric Town)

2. aim: Nakano Broadway (Nakano)

Description:

Nakano Broadway is a huge shopping mall and has 4 floors. The second and third are filled with Audio, darts, adult dvd, army wear, idol posters, figurines and a ton of other otaku gear. Nakano Broadway is really otaku heaven, if you're in love with figurines and cosplay costumes. If you're a collector of figurines, then it's really perfect, because there you can find really old and rare figurines. There are so many of these shops, you couldn't imagine. It's crazy (and I love it, of course ^^).

How to get there:

Suehirocho Station --> Ginza Line --> Nihombashi Staion (change here!) --> Tozai Line --> Nakano Station

3. aim: Otome Road (Ikebukuro)

Description:

Otome Road (Maiden Road) is the nickname of the small areas next to the Sunshine 60 building of ikebukuro. Here's the best place, if you're into mangas, into doujinshi and of course anime. So on Otome Road you'll find many K-Book stores, Animate (much floors), Mandarake store and much much more. But I've to warn you...it's called as Akihabara is Otaku Heaven for boys, Otome Road is the same for girls (that means, there you can find the more special anime and mangas, where often two boys are involved..together...you know, what I mean :D).

How to get there:

Nakano Station --> Tozai Line --> Iidabashi Station (change here!) --> Yurakucho Line --> Ikebukuro Station

4. aim: Shibuya

Description:

In the 90s, Shibuya was a really big thing for otaku scene, which is nowadays Akihabara. But still you can find valuable to visit remnants of Shibuya's otaku era. ^^ For example the big Mandarake store on Inokashira Dori. Two floors down you can buy many of used figures, manga, CDs, cosplay outfits and more. Other well-respected figure and hobby stores in the area include Project 1/6 and Bingo. Cospa and Cospatio are there too - store specializing in professionally produced cosplay- and anime-related clothing. Similarly, Animate is a department store for anime-related goods with two locations tucked away to the west of the station. There are some gaming halls, too. ^^

How to get there:

Ikebukuro Station --> Fukutoshin Line --> Shibuya Station

5. aim: back home again in your lovely Hostel Asakusa

Shibuya Station --> Ginza Line --> Asakusa Station

What a great otaku day, right! ^^

I swear, if you aren't an otaku...after that day you will be! :D

Enjoy this trip and a deep sight in another aspect of Japanese culture! :)

And wear comfortable shoes, please :D

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

Have a great day in Tokyo with the Toei One-Day Economy Pass! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/25 14:04) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

because we're often asked, how expensive it would be, to go to this and that and those places here in Tokyo, I want to recommend you a really magical great ticket and want to show you, what you could do with that in one day! ^^

The Toei One-Day Economy Pass!

It's only 700 Yen! ^^

This Toei One-Day Economy Passes allows you the unlimited use of Toei subways, Toei buses, the Toei Streetcar (Toden) Arakawa Line, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner for one day (so in Japanese please ask it with "Toei Marugoto Kippu" in the case of an inquiry).

One-Day Economy Passes are available at Toei subway station ticket counters; Toei bus offices/branches; Toei streetcar offices; and vending locations for commuter passes for Toei subways, Toei buses, Toei streetcars, and the Nippori-Toneri Liner.
On the day of use, passes are available at ticket machines in all Toei subway stations and Nippori-Toneri Liner stations and on Toei buses and streetcars.

Following Toei Metro Lines you can use unlimited with this pass:

Asakusa Line

Mita Line

Shinjuku Line

Oedo Line

Here's a plan of the Tokyo Metro, where you have everything on it! ^^

Subway map.pdf

So let's start our big 700 Yen transportation costs day! ^^

1. aim: Tsukiji Fish Market

Desription:

Tsukiji Market is a large wholesale market for fish, fruits and vegetables in central Tokyo and one of the world's largest fish markets, handling over 2,000 tons of marine products per day! And it is the most famous of over ten wholesale markets that handle the distribution of fish, meat, produce and flowers in metropolitan Tokyo. So you have the chance, to walk around the huge wholesale area, enjoying the atmosphere and watching the big big tunas. ^^

How to get there:

Asakusa --> Toei Asakusa Line --> Daimon (change here!) --> Toei Oedo Line --> Tsukijishijo

2. aim: Imperial Palace

Description:

After the Meiji Restoration, the Emperor moved from Kyoto to Tokyo and so this Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace. A part of the site is opened to the public as the Imperial Palace East Park. The Nijubashi Bridge in front of the main entrance is really popular and perfect for pictures to remember.

How to get there:

Take a short walk from Tsukiji Fish Market to Higashi Ginza Station
Tsukiji-Honganji Temple on the way
Kabuki-za Theater on the way
Higashi Ginza --> Toei Asakusa Line --> Mita (change here!) --> Toei Mita Line --> Otemachi

3. aim: Yasukuni Shrine

Description:

Yasukuni Shrine is a Shinto shrine in central Tokyo that commemorates Japan's war dead. The shrine was founded in 1869 with the purpose of enshrining those who have died in war for their country and sacrificed their lives to help build the foundation for a peaceful Japan. A political controversy surrounds Yasukuni Shrine because since 1978, fourteen class A war criminals are among the 2.5 million people enshrined at Yasukuni. As you can see, with visiting Yasukuni Shrine, you are visiting a big part of history, too.

How to get there:

Just take a short walk, it's on the way :)

3. aim: Shinjuku

Description:

Time for shopping and entertainment now! ^^
Here are so many things to see and visit: the Electric Street with the big electronic stores, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (really totally beautiful), Shinjuku Southern Terrace (a large promenade with many shops) and Kabukicho, the major entertainment area with many restaurants, theaters, movie theaters and game arcades. Just enjoy to watch the busy life and atmosphere around you! ^^

How to get there:

Just take a short walk to Kudanshita --> Toei Shinjuku Line --> Shinjuku

4. aim: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Description:

This big, important building has an observatory on the 45th floor and on the 1st floor, volunteers of the Tokyo Tourist Information, offers a tour through the building. As the observatory is open until 23:30, you can have an unforgettable view over Tokyo at night. ^^

How to get there:

You can just take a walk, it shouldn't take too much time...but after full program, if you're tired, you can take:

Shinjuku --> Toei Oedo Line --> Tochomae

5. aim: Back home! ^^

Description:

Your lovely Hostel Asakusa with your comfortable bed and a soft blanket and pillow is waiting for you! ^^

How to get there:

Tochomae --> Toei Oedo Line --> Kuramae (change here!) --> Toei Asakusa Line --> Asakusa

I hope, you will enjoy your Tour! ^^

Will be a full day of culture and fun for sure!

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

Wah, what's that...SNOW! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/24 14:16) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

this morning was really crazy.

I woke up much more earlier, than I'm used to...because of a loud and strange noise outside.

Thought to myself "What's that? I know that noise...but couldn't be.".

When I lived with my parents as a child, I was used to that sound in winter.
So many winterdays, my father had to stand up earlier, to go out and do snow shovelling in front of our house.

And this morning, I heared the same noise!

"I'm in Tokyo, that can't be." I thought, but was too curious, to sleep longer.

So I opened the window...
"Oh my god.", I said to me. ^^

Snow and much ice was on the street and my neighbour was snow shovelling and ice scratching in front of his house. ^^

For some of our guests - they are from Australia - it was the first time, to see snow in their life.

Tomoyuki-san made some pictures around the area last night...just look. Crazy, right! ^^

For me, it was not much snow, but a big surprise, to have snow here.
And I think, it was a big surprise for many Japanese here in Tokyo, too, because snow is seldom here in Tokyo (one or two times a year maximum). ^^

Where my parents live and I've lived (in Bavaria, South Germany), until I moved to Berlin, snow in the winter is a totally normal thing.
There's so much snow in the winter, that we often do cross-country skiing in the area around the house. ^^
As a child, I've always enjoyed to go sledding around some small hills.
And we did ice skating on the ponds, as you can see on the following picture (yes, that's in front of my families house). ^^

But here in Japan, it's really somehow strange for me...because this winter was so mild, sun was always shining and the temperature was the most time around 5 to 10 degrees. ^^

This morning, I had to watch on my steps, not to slip away on the street. That was somehow funny, made some crazy stepdance two times :D

At the moment, the sun is shining and almost all the snow and ice is melted away. ^^
So, I don't think, that we could end like that. ^^

That's between Nagano and Toyama. It's called Tateyama. Really fascinating, right...and so much snow! ^^

Only on the rooftops you can see the evidence - we had snow here in Tokyo! ^^

That's really cool, as you can say! ^^

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

I'm not afraid of rain - I have a transparent umbrella! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/22 10:47) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

because it's raining today, I want to write about an useful thing, totally common in Japan, but really nowhere to find in my homecountry Germany!

The transparent umbrella! :D

They are called biniiru-gasa (ビニール傘/ plastic umbrella).

These transparent umbrellas you can see everywhere, when it's raining.

You can buy them almost everywhere, too. ^^

They are really cheap - you can get them for a price around 100 to 500 Yen, depending at where you'll buy one (for example, many 100 Yen stores offer these umbrellas, but not everyone), which size the umbrella has (there are bigger and a little bit more stable ones) and how the weather is (yes, right...the base of economy...supply and demand ^^).

I think, I've found out, that the transparent umbrellas with the white grips are often the cheapest sort of these umbrellas and the ones with the black grip seems often a little bit larger and more stable (but maybe that's only my theory and can't be used in general). ^^

The transparent umbrellas are somehow funny. ^^ When entering some stores or a restaurant and you put your transparent umbrella in an umbrella stand there...later you found your transparent umbrella between twenty other the same looking umbrellas (the picture below is really totally harmless ^^). You have really to remember, on which corner of the stand you had put your umbrella. ^^ Maybe my umbrella had belong to many different owners while my using time and I don't know. :D

Because the transparent umbrellas are really cheap, they can go easy broken. So after a windy day or really heavy rain, you can see many broken, transparent umbrellas around the area.

After the typhoon at the end of last year, on the sides of the streets there were so many broken ones lying on the ground, forming little umbrella hills. On this day, two umbrellas were broken in my hands. The first one 50 meters / 1 minute away from the store, where I've bought it.

Of course, the sorts of umbrellas, all of us know, are available here, too.

The big black, brown, dark grey or marine blue umbrellas - used by serious looking businessmen in dark suits (I've never seen a woman with such an umbrella...only me). ^^ My huge, black umbrella with a wooden grip has cost 500 Yen and is my umbrella for the bad days, when it's really windy...because it's much more stable than the transparent ones...a really manly umbrella! :D

The foldable mini umbrellas. They are a bit more expensive (think around 700 Yen to 1500 Yen) and I've only seen them in use while the rainy season in Japan, which takes place from the beginning of June until the beginning of July. At this time, you'd be lost without an umbrella, so you have to have one with you whenever you leave the house. But out of this rainy season, you can't see this type of umbrella very often. They get used by man and woman and are available in many colours.

Or the cute mixture of transparent umbrellas printed with little patterns, like dots, flowers, stars or butterflies etc.. ^^

I like the transparent ones. To see them on the streets or standing in huge amounts (from other housemates, too) in a corner in the Sakura House, where I'm living, belongs to my daily life now.

But in Germany, you can't find transparent umbrellas. Really. Nowhere.

When I lived in Germany, I always tried, to get one...but no chance. Even in the capital Berlin, where I've lived, you can't find one of these umbrellas. And I don't know why. They are convenient, good to use and of course better for safety, because you have a much better field of view. ^^

So when you visit Japan (and of course I hope, you will have superb weather with much friendly sunshine) on rainy days you will see so much of these transparent umbrellas! ^^

And of course, if you stay here at Sakura Hostel, we have a lot of them you can use for free, when it's raining! ^^

So I'm not afraid of the rain! :D

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

Itasha (痛車) - you'll find them in Akihabara! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/21 13:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

today I want to write about about some really amazing cars, you can find here in Japan, which are called
Itasha (痛車).

The word Itasha means a car, which has been covered with anime stickers and other forms of decoration.

But literally Itasha means "paincar" - pain = 痛い(itai), car = 車(sha).

For some reason the kanji for "pain" was chosen as it sounds like the "ita" from イタ車(itasha), which means Italian Car.
And "itasha" - the originally Japanese slang meaning for an imported Italian car - was the most desired in the 80s, when Japan was at the top of its economic might. That's interesting, right. ^^

Wikipedia told me about that, "Itai here means "painful", which can be interpreted as "painfully embarrassing" or "painful for the wallet" due to the high costs involved.".
Hehe, surely painful for the wallet :D

When I went to Akihabara, every time I've seen a minimum of one of the Itasha...and always people staring at it or standing around and make pictures (yes, of course, me too ^^).

Here are some more pics. ^^

You can often see buses, too, they are popular - maybe, because there's more space to cover, hihi.

First, I thought, that these cars are there for promotion campaigns and belong to production or license companies.

But incredible, that these cars belong to private persons, who are really into that stuff (anime and manga)...called otaku.

Otaku are people with obsessive interests...but that doesn't have to be restricted to manga or anime...so I met for example a otaku of German tools - a really nice person :)

But back to the cars now - I personally think, that Itasha are looking really cool :D

Here's a homepage, where you can buy stickers and get tipps, to make your own Itasha. ^^

If you want to see an Itasha in real, while your staying here - Akihabara is only two train stations away. ^^

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

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Gema from Mexico! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/20 12:16) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

here's our weekly series
"Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!"
once more (Friday, Friday, already Friday *sing* ^^).

So once a week, we want to give you the chance to read more about what our guests are thinking and what they want to recommend to you, our readers. ^^

This week, we have such a really lovely guest for our interview (it was a great interview)! ^^

It's Gema from Mexico! ^^

Gema is 30 years old and stays here for 6 days! ^^

Look at this soooo cute school bag, Gema has bought here. Really so cute, hihi.

Since she was 12, Gema dreamed about coming to Japan :)
She's really into anime and manga - so her favourite anime series is "Evangelion" and she loves all the Ghibli movies.
And her favourite Ghibli movie is "Howl's moving castle" (if you don't know that movie, you really should watch it). ^^

Gema likes video games, too! She even has more than one game console at home (I totally can understand that ^^), she likes adventure games, first person shooter and dancing games. ^^

Of course, I asked Gema, what she likes the most about Japan and Tokyo and she told me, that "the people here are so nice, educated and clever, so original and have the 'Hiroshima spirit', so they never give up." And that enspires her, never to give up, too. Wow, that are really great thoughts, I think.
She likes it, that the streets here and everything in Japan is so clean.
And she loves it, to stand up early and to see, how this big city starts up.

What place she recommended to our future guests and Tokyo visitors, which they shouldn't miss?

Gema recommended Tokyo Tower - because you can see the whole Tokyo in one time (and the girls in the elevator with their uniforms are so nice, hihi).

Furthermore, Gema recommends the Senso-ji Temple, because "you can do all the rituals and traditional things there...you can feel some spiritual contact, which let you feel at home."

(At Senso-ji you can not only pray, you can for example get your fortune there or get in touch with the healing powers of the holy incense/smoke).

And Gema went to a Bar/restaurant in Shinjuku, which was on an upper floor. She couldn't remember the name, but for her it was really great, it was full of lights and you could feel the city atmosphere around you.

(There are many nice upper floor bars in Shinjuku, where you could go in the evening - maybe it could look like in this picture from 24th floor. ^^).

For all our female readers, Gema has a special insider tip, where you could go. ^^
It's called "NailBar" and is located in the mall in Ginza station.

They do really great hands care there, manicure, uses special oils and do hand massage.
Gema liked it very much, they are really specialists there, it was totally relaxing and everything was so nice and pretty there (the girls, the smell and everything ^^).
If you want more information, I found this link here (and I'm sorry, they have no English homepage)

I asked Gema, if she experienced some funny things right now, while staying in Tokyo.
So her answer was "The Sumo Tour" - because it was really so much fun for her! ^^

She was screaming a lot, cause she was so much into it.
It was so much fun and she enjoyed walking to and back very much, too. ^^

Gema made us a present after the interview - just look! ^^
Isn't that really great!
We love it! :)

Looking so cute and Gema is really so talented :)
Finished this picture under 5 minutes and I only thought "WOW!".
Aren't we looking so cute! ^^ I wish, I could draw like Gema. Totally great! :)

If you want to know more, Gema started her own blog and will upload more of her pictures in the future. ^^
So just click HERE!

-----

Gema has a message for all you readers and hopefully future Japan visitors. ^^

"Once in your life you have to come to Japan and if you do so, don't miss the Asakusa Hostel experience!"

-----

Thank you so much, dear Gema (and once again, we really didn't pay for that! :D )

And of course, I have a message for you, too.

Thank you for that great interview!
I enjoyed it so much talking with you :)

Stay the heartwarming and lovely person, you are and make the people smile like me! :)
And that your Hiroshima spirit never let give you up. ^^
I hope, you will have a great time here and back home...and that we can see again in the future!
Of course with your sister here in Japan! :)
Thank you so much and please come back!!! :)

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

2012/01/18 13:00

Do you need some luck in love? ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/18 13:00) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

Do you know the song "Temple of love" from the Sisters of Mercy! ^^

I love this song! :D

But maybe the Sisters of Mercy made a mistake, when they released this song 1992!
Maybe they mixed something!
Maybe this song should be called "The Shrine of Love" :D

Just kidding! ^^

But we really have a
shrine of love
- just around the corner!

It's called
Imado Jinja
(今戸神社)

-----

But first I have to explain another fact.

Did you remember my blog post about Maneki Neko?
Just look HERE!

There I've written, that all the history of Maneki Neko starts at Goutokuji Temple...and at this time I didn't know, that there's a Shrine, too, from which is told the same! ^^

It's the Imado Jinja!

Somehow really confusing! ^^

So no one really knows, where Maneki Neko really comes from - if it's Goutokuji Temple or Imado Jinja! ^^

-----

But the Imado Jinja Shrine is also well known for a good marriage and love.

Because Joeroku (福禄寿), one of the Seven Gods of Good Luck, to which this shrine is dedicated to, is also the god of marriage and a good fertility base.

Belonging to this fact, there's a huge Maneki Neko couple in the shrine and makes this Shrine popular for that. ^^

So especially, in this shrine, with the connection to Joeroku, the fortune cats brings great luck for love and marriage!

If you are looking for your bride or bridegroom, this is the best place to pray for your fortune! ^^

Because of this, many young women visit this shrine to write their wishes on cute votive Maneki-Neko tablets (ema), believing that the maneki neko will help them come true. ^^

There are many fortune cats items for that in this shrine and around there.

So maybe you're searching for your big love or want to marry or already have married and want to have good luck.

Then you should visit Imado Jinja! ^^

It's just around 15 minutes walk away from here!^^

Here's the map - just look. ^^

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

2012/01/14 12:11

How to find halal food stores, restaurants and Mosques in Tokyo!

By: Vanessa (2012/01/14 12:11) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

Before you're travelling to another country, you'll may often ask you first, if you can really feel well there and if you could find everything there for serving your needs.

Here in Sakura Hostel Asakusa, we often accommodate Islamic people - for example we're are always happy to welcome many guests from Malaysia and Indonesia - and know well about their needs.

In this entry, I want to show you, that it's no problem finding Mosques, halal restaurants and halal food stores.

-----

So did you know - in Tokyo, you can find many Mosques!
HERE
you can find a list with all Mosques in Tokyo and around Tokyo with addresses and contact data.

The nearest Mosque to our Hostel is the Asakusa Mosque.

It was established in 1998. The four story building has a library on its ground floor which has a variety of books in various languages.
It's around 20 minutes of walk away from our Hostel.

-----

So there are several halal food restaurants here in Tokyo, too.

In Ueno, close to our Hostel, you can find two nice restaurants, which offers halal food!

So the "Samrat" Restaurant, where you can eat delicious Indian halal food.
And the "NAZ" Restaurant, which offers tasty Persian halal food.

But, too, if you want to cook by yourself for you and your family, you don't have to worry!
Our guest kitchen is free to use for you every time!

You can find also many halal food stores in Tokyo.

On this picture you can see the "Ohtsuya Shouten" Halal food store in Ueno, which is not far away from our Hostel!

HERE
you can find a list with ALL halal stores AND restaurants (when you scroll down the list) in Tokyo!
Really many many restaurants and stores, right. :)

Of course we'll always help you with maps, directions and advices to find all this places!

-----

And our Hostels offers big rooms of 6 or 8 beds, which are perfect for family use. So your whole family can enjoy its holiday together for the best! :)
Just look here!

-----

So, as you can see, Tokyo is prepared with a big variety of opportunities to let you feel at home every time.
And of course, we too! :)
So we'll be very happy to welcome you!

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

2012/01/12 09:19

Mission Impossible and a little touch of romance - our Sumo Tour January 2012! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/12 09:19) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello everybody,

on January 10th we had our cool Sumo Tour starting here at Sakura Hostel Asakusa.

That was so much fun, it was so great, want to go to Sumo every day, hihi!

For me it was the first time watching Sumo, so I was really curious! ^^

But this time it wasn't a normal Sumo Tour.

Our lovely Steven from Estonia is really really into Sumo (no, no, he only knows all the rules and all the wrestlers and everything about Sumo in general - you have to teach me more, Steven-san! ^^) and in this tournament there's a great Sumo wrestler from Estonia, Baruto Kaito. He's really popular and high ranked (ozeki rank).

So we had a mission..."Speak with Baruto and make a picture!". ^^

But could we make this mission? Or is it more like "Mission Impossible"?

Could we really get in contact with him?
He's really VIP you have to know...
We only had a big big flag of Estonia and our iron will - but would that be enough?

So let's starting with our thriller now. ^^

On this sunny day, here you can see all of us (I had to make the picture ^^), ready to rumble and for the start of our great Sumo Tour! ^^

So we headed together to Kokugikan Arena in Ryogoku, which is around 40 minutes walk from here...but look at this pictures, the weather was so nice and time flews by like nothing! ^^

Hello Annika from Germany! ^^

In front of the arena are many flags - every wrestler has his own flag. ^^

And then we get our tickets, yippie! ^^

One last group picture, before we went in...^^

First we were having some lunch - chanko nabe! ^^
Sumo wrestlers eat chanko-nabe every day to build up strength. Nabe means "Pot" (or a meal simmered in a pot); chanko is the meal eaten by sumo wrestlers.
It tasted totally great! Many ingredients and a little bit curry taste, yummy

So I saw this picture and try to look like the same, lol :D

Does it work? :D

Then we sneaked a little bit round the arena. ^^

Here you can buy nice souvenirs! ^^

And here you can compare your hand size with the hand prints of the real Sumo wrestlers - they have big big hands! ^^

Then we went into the arena.
The flair and atmosphere was great, unbelievable great! ^^
You have to go there!

Look at this! While I thought, chanko nabe didn't work...can you see their Sumo face with the iron will! ^^

Maybe chanko nabe only works with men! :D

We saw the first fights and it was so interesting! ^^

Everyone had fun! ^^

Before the kings of the kings started, I want to look, if I could catch Baruto before his fight, so I looked a little bit more arround! ^^

What's this!!!
Hey, you cutie, let's make a picture together, hihi.

Marius-san, where's your hand! :D

It's the official Sumo mascot and its name is Hiyonoyama, which means "Mountain of a baby chicken". :D

I looked and looked and looked, but I couldn't find Baruto-san anywhere! ^^

But then I see him and he really looks nice and I thought "Wow that must be one of the wrestlers!".
So totally shy I slowly tiptoed around him, get all my bravery together, turned red and asked quietly:
"Shashin wa totemo ii desu ka?"
And he smiled and said: "Daijobu desu."
Great, thank you so much, hihi!

And that's the picture:

Ooooh, he was so nice and such a nice smile! :)
I hope, I can see him again! :)
Unfortunately my Japanese is not good, because I really wanted to talk more to him.
(I really think you're cute...sorry, but I have to write that with all my heart, hihi. Never will forget your smile, hihi).

After that I felt really great and on the way back to inside of the arena, I met some more wrestlers.
Thank you really for the chance, to make a picture with you, even if you were in a hurry!.
Domo arigatou gozaimasu!

The wrestler on the last picture has to give autographs after that picture. ^^

So if you know the names of these nice wrestlers, please tell me, because I'm unfortunately a Sumo newbie and they were all so friendly to me!

Full of happyness and enjoyment I was going back to our floor in the arena, where wrestlers have summarized on the ring for the next big round!

One of the wrestlers did a traditional sumo dance before the next rounds of fights began.

Here you can see on the right side in red a wrestler from the Czech Republic.

Here the wrestler on the right side in light blue is the most heavy weight participant of the tournament with almost 300 kg! ^^

Be careful everyone in the first row - wrestlers in the air! ^^

Once again! ^^

Can you see these flags? And can you see the envelopes in the box in the pictures below?

In every envelope, there are around 90 000 Yen (I hope, I reminded it right).
For every flag one envelope.
Companies spend this money - so the companies name is on the flag before the fight, they want to have it.
The winner of the fight wins the envelopes of the companies! ^^
So, guess, there's much money involved for some winners. ^^

Then it was the time - Baruto was the next.
So Steven-san and me take our huge flag and shouted like crazy! :D
"Baruto - ganbareeeeeee!"
The opponent was a Japanese wrestler and some Japanese have to laugh because we were shouting with all our powers! ^^
And then they shouted the Japanese name and we shouted Barutos name and they shouted and we shouted, was so much fun for everyone, hihi! :D

And it seems, like our good Baruto wishes worked! ^^
Baruto-san is the right one with the light white "trousers".^^

Start.

Fight.

And hepp...won. But it was a great fight and everyone gives his best!

Few fights later, there was the last fight - on the right, you can see the Yokozuna, that's the highest rank. ^^
Many, many envelopes to win!

The Yokozuna has won the fight, hihi, and after that, there was the traditional bow dance which ended this tournaments day.

In a few seconds, they had tidy up the arena...

So we went outside, looking for Baruto again, but then we get told, that he take another underground way out, so we didn't get him.

Mission failed! ^^

But that doesn't matter - because it was such a great day and we gave our best! ^^

Another chance on the 18th! Then there's our next Sumo Tour!

Maybe you will join?

It's really so much fund and the perfect chance for enjoying Japanese traditional sports! ^^

Just write us or ask at the front desk for further information! :)

And Sumo wrestlers are so friendly persons and I'm happy, that I had the chance to meet some of them, so maybe you'll meet some wrestlers the next time, too! :)

(And if somebody knows the name of "my" wrestler - please tell me! ^^).

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

2012/01/09 10:43

Woah, world heritage...Nikko!

By: Vanessa (2012/01/09 10:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

after visiting Enoshima and Kamakura, two days later, I made a one day trip to Nikko. ^^

Just can't get enough! :D

Nikko (日光市) is a city in the mountains of Tochigi Prefecture, approximately 140 km north of Tokyo and a popular destination for Japanese and international tourists. Nikko had been a center of Shinto and Buddhist mountain worship for many centuries. Today Nikko with his shrines and temples is declared as a world heritage.

And it's totally easy to get to Nikko.

You can start just at Asakusa Station not far away from the Hostel.

There are some different types of tickets you can buy then, but I think, the most convenient is the "World Heritage Pass". It costs 3600 Yen for an adult and is a two day ticket, so if you have the time, you can stay for one night in Nikko! ^^ And this ticket included the admission fee for Toshogu Shrine, Rinnoji Temple and Futarasan Shrine, so you don't have to care about that either. ^^

The train ride to Nikko is about 2 hours with express and it's really fun. When big city buildings are more and more disappearing and you can see this beautiful nature, only small houses and villages. That fascinates me very much.

When we had arrived Nikko, we had to make the desicion to take the bus to all the places of interest (the bus is included in the ticket, too) or to have a maybe long, but really nice walk.

The decision was easy - and if you have the time, you should take a walk, too. ^^
Look at this pictures. Would be a pity, not to enjoy this! ^^

Our first aim was Shinkyo, the sacred bridge. Maybe you know this bridge already from pictures about Japan, it's really popular (and looks so wonderful). This bridge was build in the Nara period and should be something like the front entrance of the sacred place Nikko.

After making one billion of pictures later, we found the real today's entrance to the world heritage shrines and temples of Nikko. ^^

There's sooo much to see! ^^

When we went much more closer to all this beautiful places, you will see later, we realized, that it's getting totally cold (maybe because the many trees hold the sunlight back a little bit more). So please, wear thick clothes, if you visit Nikko in Winter. Special tip from freezed me! :D Icy!

The first temple, we visited was then Rinnoji Temple, we only had knew from pictures. This temple is one of the three main temples of Buddi\hism's Tendai sect founded in 766 A.D.. Because this temple is maybe in renovation at the moment, it's hidden in a big hall (which on the first sight seems a little bit strange, but when you went in, it's totally beautiful). To save all the ancient cultural monuments in there, unfortunately taking pictures wasn't allowed.

But inside this temple, you could see the three popular wooden and golden statues of Buddha, which are each 8,5 m high!

After that first impression, the further we go, the further it seems like entering another, old and ancient world. Fantastic, somehow surreal atmosphere, you'll never forget!

And suddenly you are lost in this magically world of shrines and temples - it's a huge area and so wonderful!

First you'll enter Toshogu Shrine, which is known for it's pompous buildings and richly coloured sculptures.

Here are some pics for you! ^^

I hope, all their wishes will come true!

And I was freezing so much, but look, how I can smile after five warm cans of coffee :D

We went more and more in this wood of mystery, being fascinated. ^^

After sneaking around for a long time, making pictures as much, as we could, we found them! ^^
The three monkeys!
You know them for sure!

And here's the explanation. ^^

After that, we were freezing more and more and so we did the only thing, which you can do then (even if it's two o`clock pm :D). Drinking some sake in a small izakaya directly in the temple area! ^^

Wow, it was such a big portion, in Germany this serving would be for two people! :D

But fortunately, we see the Taiyuin Mausoleum, where we went next, clear and not two times (ok, we felt a little bit dizzy, but warmer, too)! ^^ The Taiyuin Mausoleum was founded 16 years after the completion of Toshogu Shrine.

On our way back, we recognized a little fountain and it's water should have healing power. Some people put it's water in big bottles. ^^ And please don't throw coins in it! ^^

When watching at the clock, time has flew by so fast and we had to eat something. So we take the bus back to the big street near the station, where you can find much small stores and restaurants.

We choose this ramen restaurant, which I want recommend to you, too. It's totally nice in there and the ramen is really delicious! ^^ And the prices are great, too :D Sorry for that crooked picture, I swear, it wasn't the sake! ^^

And then I've eaten that big bowl and this small bowl and felt great (both together cost under 1000 Yen!!!). :D
Ahhh...yes...I really was hungry...

After eating these delicious things, we went back to the train station (as it was better to get the last train at 6:10 pm for us ^^).

The way back was around three hours, because the last train isn't an express train, but I've slept the whole time. ^^

Nikko with all it's temples and shrines is really great and fascinating!

And there were much more things, we couldn't get in one day - but we picked out really great places! ^^

So I think, you should visit Nikko, if you had the chance and time for a one day trip, when you are in Tokyo.

It's totally enjoyable and you feel like diving in the past! ^^

When my friends from Germany will visit me, I want to go there a second and third time (as often as possible ^^), because they really shouldn't miss Nikko!

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

2012/01/08 16:01

My trip to Enoshima and Kamakura :)

By: Vanessa (2012/01/08 16:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

today I want to tell you about my one day trip to Enoshima and Kamakura I made a few days ago.

Enoshima (江の島) is a small island, about 4 km in circumference, at the mouth of the Katase River, which flows into Sagami Bay in Japan.

And Kamakura was the political capital of Japan during the Kamakura shogunate, from 1185 to 1333.

Kamakura and Enoshima are very popular for day trips from Tokyo for locals and tourists. ^^

And it's really easy to get there, if you want to have nice change in compare to the big city world around you! ^^

Just go to Shinjuku Station, where the train to Enoshima leaves and where you can buy the Enoshima/Kamakura Freepass ticket. It costs 1430 Yen for an adult and is for both ways and is valid for one day.

It takes around one and a half hour by train then (and you have to change one time in Fujisawa, but no problem, right ^^) - and after that, you'll find yourself in this nice station. ^^

You have to walk some minutes then and there it is.
The sea! ^^
I love the sea!
To go to Enoshima Island, just walk over this huge way and enjoy the atmosphere!

Woah, can you see, what I see! Hello Fuji-san, nice to see you! ^^

It's really so nice there, you can't imagine, you have to experience it yourself!

On Katase Higashihama Beach people you can see people fishing and everything feels really peaceful. :)

When we arrived at Enoshima Island, we directly headed to Enoshima-jinja-Shrine - which was originally a tutelary shrine where the three goddesses of land, sea transport, and fisheries were enshrined.
And many people more had the same idea, too. ^^

Like you see, it's really nice there!

The most I liked in Enoshima was the great view you have almost everywhere.
In this case, pictures can say more than thousand words. :)

If you want to have a better view (is that really possible? ^^), you can visit Enoshima Tenboutoudai, a 60 meter high Observation Tower.

But as we were not good in time (we make so many pictures of the sea and the beautiful nature ^^), we had to go further to Kamakura. ^^

Byebye, Enoshima, until the next time (for sure! ^^).

So we take the train again to Kamakura.
That was really cool, because on this short way, you can see much of the beach and how people enjoy their life there.
I've never seen so many surfer in one time! ^^

In Kamakura, there's really much to see, so you should plan your day good to catch the full package of everything! ^^

We take our way as fast as we could! ^^

But we then reached our first aim - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. ^^
This shrine is often referred to as the "Symbol of the ancient capital Kamakura" and was built over 900 years ago!

As you will see, we wasn't fast enough, much more people had been faster! :D
But it was a great atmosphere there!

On the place surrounding the shrine, there were many market stores and we eat some sweet snacks, sitting down near this small lake and watching everything around us. Was so beautiful!

There was this total cute, sassy and brave squirrel you will see in the next picture.
Woah, it was so cute, I wanted to take it with me to the Hostel! :D

But suddenly we realized, that time flews by too fast, so we were in a big hurry to reach our next aim Hokokuji Temple.
Noooo! It was already closed, sniff. So this temple should look like. ^^

I really wanted to see this magical bamboo forest there, but closed, so sad.

Then we thought, that maybe we can see our last aim, the Kotokuin Temple, where the great, huge statue of Buddha should be...but guess...we were too late and it was already dark.

It should look like this.

Because of this, I wrote a few lines ago, that you should plan your day good and watch always at the time (and don't shoot millions of pictures for hours in Enoshima like I did, hihi).

So we went back to the station, enjoying the totally romantic atmosphere. ^^

Even if we couldn't see everything, it was a totally great day!

I'm looking forward to the next time, I'll visit Enoshima and Kamakura.
After that day, I felt totally relaxed and in harmony. :)

And this all is really not far away from Tokyo, so you can give your holidays a special extra touch of Japanese tradition. ^^

I really recommend that as an one day trip, if you're on a visit in Tokyo!

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

Yeah, life-size Gundam headed to Odaiba again! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/08 10:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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BOMM...BOMM...BOMM...BOMM....

Like this it could sound, if you would imagine, a real, life-size RX-78-2 Gundam is walking over Rainbow Bridge to Odaiba! :D

Let's dream. ^^

Ahhh, I see, some of you don't know, what Gundam is! ^^
So let me explain.

The Gundam series (Gandamu Shirizu) is an amime series created by Sundrise Studios that features giant robots (or "mecha") called "Mobile Suits" (MS). The RX-78-2 Gundam is the iconic Gundam mecha design introduced 1979 in Yoshiyuki Tomino's and Sunrise's anime series Mobile Suit Gundam.

And what's this Odaiba?
Odaiba is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay, across the Rainbow Bridge from central Tokyo.

So from fiction to reality, the RX-78-2 Gundam from the 1979 anime "Mobile Suit Gundam" has been brought to life in massive 1/1 scale as an 18 meter tall statue! That's life size! ^^

Look, how big that this Gundam is and how small all these people...totally fascinating for me! ^^

And this famous statue of the life-size Gundam will be returning to Odaiba!
So the construction is scheduled for completion in Spring 2012.

The statue will then be on display until 2013.

Great, right! :D

The life-size Gundam statue was originally constructed back in July 2009 in Odaiba to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Gundam franchise.
It was then taken apart and brought over to Shizuoka for exhibition until it got damaged in the earthquake.
Then the dismantled parts was recently displayed in Tokyo again.
And now back to the roots, back to Odaiba!

The estimated prize for the contstruction of the Gundam was around $724,310,000 Dollars and the statue has a weight of 35 tons!

Its head can move and it can emit lights or mist from 50 points on its body.

So until now Tokyo's giant Gundam has attracted millions of visitors who came to see the giant robot! ^^

More details on when the display will be open for public will be released at later dates by Sunrise and Bandai.

I hope, it will be soon! ^^

So if you are in Tokyo then, don't miss the chance to watch the almost real Gundam RX-78-2! ^^

Are you curious, too? ^^

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

2012 EVENT CALENDAR

By: Vanessa (2012/01/07 17:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆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! ^^

For some events, there's no date fixed yet.
But of course, as soon as possible, we'll update the missing dates!

And please check our website for more information! ^^

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
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Kairo (Hand warmer)

By: Johrel (2012/01/03 15:45) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Brrrr, it's cold. Today's temperature was ７℃（45°F）in Tokyo.
There are a lot of items that keep you warm.
For instance, disposable hand warmer is quite famous in Japan.
There are varaeties of hand warmers available in stores. Regular ones, paste-on hand warmer, one that you can put into your shoes.
You can purchase them for about 50 yen to 100 yen.

Nowadays, they have an USB rechargable hand warmer.

They also have sprays that you can spray on to your clothes and keeps you warm.

Stay warm, don't catch a cold!

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

Japanese New Year arrived! It's Ganjitsu! ^^

By: Vanessa (2012/01/01 14:33) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Happy New Year!!!

Wow, I hope you had a great New Year's Eve!

Now it's really the year 2012! ^^

Time runs by so fast, don't you think so, too?

This day, January the 1st, is really special and important for Japanese people!

It's called Ganjitsu and there are many traditional things happening on this day, Westeners like me didn't know or ever hear before (so in Germany we have this day off, too, but do nothing special than sleep long and maybe share this day with family, but that's no must be). ^^

Ganjitsu is a very auspicious day on which many people strive to be up in time to greet the rising sun. This is called hatsu-hinode. We have some guests, who went out last night to Odaiba (but then stranded in Shimbashi ^^) extra for watching the sunrise. But it was really beautiful. ^^

So January 1st is supposed be full of joy and free of stress and anger, while everything should be clean and no work should be done. ^^ But hey, we give our best, even if we should be maybe a little bit more "lazy" today! :D

When you see someone the first time in the New Year, you should say "akemashite-omedetou-gozaimasu" (Happy New Year) whenever they see at the first time in the new year. ^^ But me poor Vanessa forget this Japanese phrase - but screaming from the bottom of my heart "Happy New Year!" was also working (I felt relieved ^^)! :D

And there is a custom of giving money to children during New Year's holidays in Japan. It's called otoshidama (お年玉). It is handed out in small decorated envelopes called Pochibukuro. So if you are going to family gatherings, it's good to prepare some money in cute Pochibukuro.^^

Japanese people eat special dishes called osechi. I wrote about that yesterday! ^^
The box, in which they are packed, is called a Jubako box and has several layers. Each dish has a particular meaning. Prawns for long life, herring roe for fertility, and so on.

It is also traditional to eat mochi (rice cake) dishes during New Year's holidays. Zouni (rice cake soup) is the most popular mochi dish.

A very popular custom is the sending of New Year's cards, which are specially marked to be delivered on January 1st.
They are called Nengajo and you can read everything about that here! ^^
It is not uncommon for one person to send out several dozens of cards to friends, relatives and co-workers.
So we get a huge amount of Nengajo and I hope, we'll win something with our lottery numbers, hihi! ^^

And today - since midnight - many people visit a shrine or temple for Hatsumōde, the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year in Japan is called. Sensoji is really crowded and there are many people outside, going there for Hatsumōde.

When you are wandering along Asakusa today, you can see many Kadomatsu, which are placed at the entrance of houses. Comprised of pine boughs (symbolising longevity), bamboo stalks (prosperity) and plum-tree sprigs (constancy), they are set up as an invitation to the god of the year, the toshigami (protector of household prosperity) to come in and bless the home.

Shimenawa, you can find, too. They marked sacred places and are a specially plaited rope (nawa) festooned with strips of white paper (shime) symbolising purity. They are meant to keep away evil spirits. During Ganjitsu, shimenawa are often hung on the doors of homes and businesses. Yesterday, I even have seen one on the spoiler of a police car! ^^

So, you see, there are many things, with long and deep traditions, you may not know from your country.

Really different!

So if you are curious now, it may be a good idea to visit Japan this time of the year! ^^

But first, enjoy your Ganjitsu! ^^

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

New Year's Eve in Japan (and in Germany)! ^^

By: Vanessa (2011/12/30 20:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

This day is the last day of the year 2011. ^^

Something magical is in the air and everyone can feel it! ^^

For me it's my first New Year's Eve here in Japan, so I'm really curious, how my year 2011 will end today! ^^

So, how do the Japanese celebrate New Year's Eve?

This last day of the year is called Ōmisoka (大晦日) and is a preparation day to welcome toshigami (年神), the new year's god. It's the second important day of the year for Japanese people (New Year's Day tomorrow is the most important one ^^)!

An important Japanese end-of-year custom is Oosoji which means extensive cleaning. So people clean their home...like we do oosoji at our hostel! ^^ But we're all in great mood! ^^

Around 11:00 pm on Ōmisoka at home, people often gather for one last time in the old year to have a bowl of toshikoshi-soba (年越しそば) or toshikoshi-udon (年越しうどん) together - a tradition based on people's association of eating the long noodles with "crossing over from one year to the next,". So eating this "New Year's Eve Noodles" is very common.

Traditionally, families make Osechi (おせち) for new year day because cooking during the first 3 days of the new year is not a good thing for Kami of kitchens. But nowadays, most of families buy Osechi or cook ordinary dishes.

Another regular feature of Ōmisoka starts at 7:30 pm when public broadcaster NHK airs Kōhaku Uta Gassen ("Red vs White singing contest"), one of the country's most-watched television programs. Kōhaku Uta Gassen is a 60-year-old tradition, on which popular singers and groups split into two teams, women in the red team and men in the white. Then they compete for the audience's heart throughout the evening.^^ This program ends at about 11:45 pm. Programming then switches to coverage of midnight celebrations around the country.

We want to watch Kōhaku Uta Gassen at our TV in the lobby, too. ^^
Woah, I'm happy to get that chance! ^^

At midnight, when the New Year begins, in all Buddhist temples over Japan their large cast bell is struck once for each of the 108 earthly desires believed to cause human suffering. This tradition is called joya no kane (除夜の鐘) which means "bell rings on new year eve's night."

So at midnight, many people visit a shrine or temple for Hatsumōde (初詣). Hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year in Japan is called.

Here in Japan it's unusual, to have big fireworks or some big party celebration, so the people celebrate traditional and quiet with their families.

The New Year's celebration is not over after midnight. January, the 1st is a National Holiday and most of the people have off until January the 4th. So post offices and banks, for example, are closed.

For Japanese, as you can see, New Year's Eve is very traditional (for me, it's really complex, to understand all of this traditions) and an absolute really important day for families.

--------------------

But to fulfill the wish of one of our really nice tweeters ;) I want to write a little bit about how we celebrate New Year's Eve in my home country Germany, too. It's called Silvester in Germany and seems really totally different to Japanese New Year's Eve! ^^

The last day of the year many stores have open like on normal days (but not so long, only until around 2 pm) and everyone tells you the whole day, what he or she will do in the evening. ^^ So everyone is curious...because in Germany New Year's eve means to party.

You may have a nice day with your family and maybe party with your family into the New Year, but this day is not mandatory a family day.

So it's more common to go to a private party or go out to a club with some friends, your girl-/boyfriend or date and dancing and partying until 10 to 20 minutes before midnight.

Then you go outside and waiting until midnight (it's very cold in Germany at this time of the year). Time for countdown! ^^ When the New Year has arrived us, we say cheers to everyone around us with champagne/sekt/sparkling wine and wishing everyone a great New Year. The couples share their first New Years kisses and everyone is watching (or doing) fireworks.

Some champagnes and fireworks later, the party goes on.

There's no special New Year's dish in Germany, but as often many people celebrate together at home for private party, the most common dishes for Silvester (that's the German name for New Year's Eve) eat Fondue or Raclette (it's no traditional German dish but great for eating with many people ^^). At clubs, there's often a special entrance fee, which included champagne and buffet. On this picture you see a combination of fondue and raclette in one machine. That's usual, too. ^^

In Berlin, where I've lived the last years before coming to Japan, many many many (maybe more than a million) people go to the Brandenburger Tor and celebrate together (but for me it was always to cold ^^).

Ah, and I almost forget...if we party at home (or at someones home), it's tradition (especially for older people...I've to watch that EVERY year as a child) to watch this old comedy thing "Dinner for one". It's from 1963...and the same procedure as every year. You can watch it here! ^^

And often we do "Bleigiessen", which involves telling fortunes by the shapes made by molten lead dropped into cold water. ^^ But I never could see something in the shape of my "Blei". ^^

You see, New Year's Eve can be really different from country to country.
In one country traditional and quiet, in the other party and not so deep traditional. ^^

So how do you celebrate New Year's Eve in your home country?

I hope, you will have a great New Year's Eve and of course a great New Year 2012!

All your wishes should come true and all the bad things should be catched far far away in the last year! ^^

So, let's give our best in 2012, right!

Ganbatte! ^^

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

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Thomas from the USA! ^^

By: Vanessa (2011/12/30 15:08) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

here's our weekly series "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" again (hey, it's Friday and I don't forget! ^^).

So once a week, we want to give you the chance to read more about what our guests are thinking and what they want to recommend to you, our readers. ^^

So this time, we have Thomas from the USA. ^^

Thomas is 54 years old and stayed for (waaah, unfortunately only) 2 nights here in Tokyo.

Thomas is in Japan, because he's a builder.
And he really likes the Japanese culture and architecture.
So he wants to adopt some Japanese style in own buildings.
That's really cool! ^^

So he likes the most in Japan - of course - the Japanese culture and architecture, Japanese history and the fashion of the people here.

To our future guests and Japan visitors, he recommends the whole Asakusa area (here you can see, what places of interest are in Asakusa), so he thinks you shouldn't miss the great Senso-ji, of course! ^^

I asked Thomas, if he have any insider tips for places like bars, restaurants or anything else and he gave me the answer in under one second ^^:
the Samurai Cafe in Asakusa
because of the nice people there, they welcome you with open and welcome arms.
Here you can find more information!

So I think, you should really try this, when you're in Asakusa! ^^

Thomas has a really great message for you readers
(and thank you Thomas for this wise and true words!):

"Enjoy your life and travel!
There's a big world out there!
Go and see it!"

Thomas, I want to thank you for this interview, I really enjoyed talking with you so much! ^^
You're so nice and I hope, we will see again some day!
I wish you a great time with traveling and of course, gorgeous buildings! :)

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

Information of Count Down Event

By: Agu (2011/12/28 14:17) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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How are you going to spend New Year's Eve ?

There's a cool New Year's Eve event in Zojoji Temple.

Let's cry out the countdown together with everyone !!

Let's pray for the world's happiness together with everyone !!

You write down your wish on the paper, and attach it to the balloon.
About 3,000 balloons are provided.

These balloons are really eco-friendly.
They are made of water-soluble wafer, so no garbage will be produced.

When 0:00 AM comes,
the balloons are flown to the sky all together with the sound of a large temple bell.

< Schedule >
20:30　Starting to distribute the wish papers
22:30　Starting to distribute the balloons
23:20　Countdown Event
23:59　Starting to cry out the countdown

< Access >
By Train
From Asakusa station, take Toei Asakusa line to Daimon station
It's about 5 minutes walk from Daimon station.

HAVE FUN !!　　三(ノ^▽^)ノ三(ノ^▽^)ノ

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

How to spend a great Christmas Day in Japan! ^^

By: Vanessa (2011/12/25 13:59) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello everybody!

First I wish you a merry Christmas! ^^ I hope you have a nice time with all the people you love. :)

Yesterday was my first Christmas without my family and of course - in a different country. ^^

So I asked myself "What can I do on Christmas here in Japan?" and I found a great solution and have a wonderful Christmas here in Tokyo! ^^ I want to recommend this to you, because it was such a great day!

Me and my boyfriend have a nice trip to Odaiba yesterday. ^^ And it was soooo romantic (and that's perfect for Christmas, isn't it? ^^).

Odaiba (お台場) is a large artificial island in Tokyo Bay. It's not far away from here - only around 30 minutes by train and it's really easy to get there (and not expensive, too, so it costs one way 500 Yen for this great Odaiba experience). So only take Ginza line at Tawaramachi station (around ten minutes walk from here) to Shimbashi and then take the train to Daiba with Yurikamome line. If you can take a seat in this train, then do so, it's great, to get some nice pictures there and you can really enjoy.^^

For itself, Odaiba is total wonderful and fascinating. You have a great sight to the rainbow bridge. That looks so fantastic!

And there's the only sand beach in Tokyo. That was so great walking along the beach in the sand watching the small waves. You feel like beamed in another world.

But hey, you're not allowed to swim there! :D

I don't know, if that's usual, but yesterday they played romantic music which you can hear on the strand, like "Eternal Flame" or "I will always love you" and that was really heartmelting, hihi.

I never before in my life see so many couples as I saw yesterday on Odaiba. There were couples everywhere and you really could feel the love in the air. ^^ But Odaiba is not only on Christmas popular for couples, you can go there the whole year and have a day full of romantic.

And nobody went alone to Odaiba - everyone takes "somebody" he/she loves with. ^^

So first we have a nice time on the beach and took so many pictures (because everything looks so great there) of the skyline and of course the Rainbow Bridge.

Then we walked around, see the Fuji TV Building and the Telecom Center (doesn't they look like from outer space or from a Science Fiction movie ^^).

Can you see the Tokyo Tower? ^^

There was a great street artist there, too and so many people enjoyed his show. He was really cool and entertaining! ^^

We were totally fascinated of the big ferris wheel we saw. It's one of the world's largest ferris wheels and you surely have a great sight over the whole area (the complete revolution takes around 15 minutes).

And of course you can take boat tours too at Odaiba. ^^ Here you can see more (but not only ^^) info.

But we had spend so much time with taking pictures of us, the things around and gaping ^^, so that we realized, that we now should find a nice place to have a delicious Christmas dinner and be ready for the evening, when it's getting dark and the atmosphere would be totally great because of the many lights you can see then! ^^

So we went to Aquacity Odaiba, which is a shopping mall with many various stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and a cinema complex.

There we found a nice restaurant, where many couples wait for a seat. Unfortunately we didn't had a reservation and have to wait for an hour. But that was fun, so we could watching all the people and thinking about, what we want to eat (on Christmas, restaurants often offers different Christmas menu choices). ^^

The restaurant looks a little bit like a pirate cave and it was delicious (and really not so expensive as you would imagine for a 4 courses dinner). All the couples around had fun and give their loved companion it's Christmas presents. ^^ So we had a lot to look at! ^^

Aquacity has nice Christmas lights inside, so - of course - we have to take a picture, like hundreds of Japanese couples, too. ^^

When we were finished with having dinner, we enjoyed the night sight and atmosphere. It was so great, I'm not able to describe that properly. So enjoy the pictures (and I wish, I had and DSLR-Camera with me, but I hadn't, so sorry, if the pics aren't so clear at night ^^).

So just enjoy! ^^

Later there were a group of boys and make big party on the beach. Seems, that they are friends, who didn't have a date on Christmas Eve, but much fun together with celebrating ^^).

I'm honest, I didn't see really any other foreign couple there (so where have you been?) and my boyfriend either (sometimes I'm blind ^^) but the many many many many Japanese couples there showed us, that Odaiba was the totally right choice to spend a great Christmas day here in Japan! ^^

In Germany, there often is snow on Christmas and me and my family take a walk through the woods and along the two big ponds close to our house, so this Christmas was really special for me (but in a really good way! ^^).

So even if you don't visit Japan here at Christmas or only for a short holiday trip, please don't miss Odaiba. You will never forget the sight and can spend a wonderful day there! I'm sure, I'll went there a second time (and maybe in every time of the year one visit), because it was so great, I will never forget! ^^

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

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Michael from Australia! ^^

By: Vanessa (2011/12/23 10:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Hello together,

Like I've written the last time: once a week, we want to give you the chance to read more about what our guests are thinking and what they want to recommend to you, our readers. ^^

So this time, we have Michael from Australia. ^^

Michael is 29 years old and stayed for two weeks in Tokyo.

What Michael likes the most in Japan is especially the Japanese food. Michael loves sashimi! ^^

Do you know, what sashimi is? Here's a picture of typical sashimi! ^^ It's a Japanese speciality and consists of very fresh raw fish, sliced into thin pieces. You really should try it, it's delicious! ^^

In Tokyo he really enjoyed the many temples and the National Museum!

Here you can see, where and what the National Museum is! ^^

The place, Michael recommend to you as hopefully future Tokyo visitors and which you shouldn't miss is Harajuku - because of the Fashion and the people there! ^^

(In Harajuku you find Yoyogi Park and Takeshita Dori, which is very popular for cool and crazy fashion ^^).

Michael has a funny story, he experienced here in Tokyo, for you, too.
One day of his stay, he visited Sumida-gawa riverside.
And then near the Asahi-flame, an old lady suddenly started to sing a Japanese song for him. ^^
Isn't that cute? ^^

Can you imagine traditional singing near Asahi flame? Great experience! ^^

So Michaels message for you is:
"Come to Tokyo! Come to Sakura!"

Hey, thank you Michael, that you enjoyed your stay so much and that you recommend us in your message! ^^
(No, we don't have paid Michael for that! ^^)
We hope, to see you again!
You're always welcome with open arms! :)
Have a great time and much fun with traveling! ^^
Greetings from the whole staff team to you and Australia! :)

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

Akihabara

By: Johrel (2011/10/18 11:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Akihabara... It's an electric town, mecca of otaku (equivalent to "geek"), and the center of pop culture

Akihabara, or "Akiba" is located on the eastern side of the central Chiyoda ward. It's only 2 stops away by train from Asakusa where our hostel is.

The place has thousands of shops selling every technological gadget you can imagine, from cameras to PlayStations and vacuums to DVDs.

Akiba is much more than electronic goods.
Maid cafes are famous as well. For those who have been to Akiba, you'd notice there are maids everywhere.

Kelly Osbourne is dressed as a maid.

Waitresses dressed in maid costumes act as servants, and treat customers as masters (and mistresses) in a private home, rather than as cafe patrons. They have a specific greeting: "Welcome home, Master"

It's not just maid cafes, railroad cafes also exist.
it's decorated with all sorts of railroading items, and yes, they have a specific greeting: "Thank you for boarding our train"

There are so many things in Akihabara.
Get your camera ready, you don't want to miss some of the bizarre things on show!

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

Japanese Convenience Store

By: Johrel (2011/10/11 18:06) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Konbini (コンビニ short for konbiniensu sutoa) in Japan, there's so much you can do!
There are about 50,000 Konbini stores in Japan. Popular konbini stores like Lawson, Family Mart, Mini stop, and 7 Eleven are literally EVERYWHERE. You see them every 5m on one street or two shops facing to each other on a small street!

How convenient? Inside the shop, there are a large selection of products,starting from the magazines where always people stay and read without buying them.

You can get household cleaning stuff, stationaries to some fresh veggies and meats, and of course, ready to eat meals.

You can also pay your utility bills, tax, also concert tickets! Need to deliver something? They also offer delivery service.

Short on cash? Some konbini stores take credit cards. At 7 Eleven you can withdraw cash.

There is almost nothing you cannot find in Japanese convenience stores.
Most convenience stores are open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Japanese konbini stores are truly convenient!

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

Hanafuda - Japanese playing card

By: Johrel (2011/10/05 18:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know what Hanafuda is?
Hanafuda is one of traditional Japanese games, and is also Japanese playing card.
I saw guests from France playing the Hanafuda today.

Before we had Nintendo video games, Hanafuda was a popular game among kids. Nintendo company also makes Hanafuda besides video games.
It is fun as a game, but what I really want to say here is the picture of these cards.

Each card has 12 different flower plants or scenery for 12 different months. The word "Hana" means flower. That is why the game is called Hanafuda.
When I see the pictures of these cards, I see the good sense and beauty that Japanese people had back in the day.
My favorite card is this "Full Moon with Red Sky".

Simple design, yet, I can feel the magnificence from it.
Do you see any cards you like?

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

Let's go to see Panda on October 1st !!

By: Agu (2011/09/29 14:17) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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In Japan, many prefectures have their own citizen's day.
October 1st is the one for Tokyo citizens.

You know what !?

Ueno Zoo has admission free on that day !!

Do you remember that two pandas made debut in Ueno Zoo?

"力力( lee lee )"

"真真( shin shin )"

After seeing true pandas, how about trying panda shaped food ?

< Panda Steamed Bun >

< Panda Cake >

< Panda Bread >

There are more Panda motif food other than these.

Ueno Zoo is located in Ueno, where is 10 minutes by train from Sakura Hostel Asakusa.

(●ゝω・)ﾉ~･ﾟ★｡･*:･ﾟ☆ Have fun !! ♪

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

Jigokudani Monkey's Onsen

By: Johrel (2011/09/25 15:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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It's getting colder and colder in Tokyo. When it's cold, I like to soak in an Onsen. Japanese people like going on a Onsen trip in various places in Japan. But you know, not only people love onsen, monkeys love onsen too!

The place where the monkey's onsen is in Jigokudani, located in Northern part of Nagano-Prefecture.
People called Jigokudani (Hell's Valley) because they could see the spectacle that looks like the hell that steep cliff, spring out boiling water from the surface of the earth.

Direction>>
By Train
From JR Tokyo Station, take the JR Shinkansen to Nagano.
From JR Nagano Station, take the Nagano Dentetsu train to Yudanaka. From Yudanaka, take a bus or taxi to Kanbayashi Onsen. From there, it's about a 30 min walk to the Jigokudani Yaen-koen entrance.

If you have some time, why not take a trip to Jigokudani and see the monkeys, also enjoy the onsen!

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

Kouyou - Fall foliage

By: Johrel (2011/09/22 21:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Fall foliage is called "kouyou"(紅葉) in Japanese which literally means red leaves.

The kouyou season is the Fall equivalent of the hanami season in Spring.
The leaves usually take on their best colors from around the end of October to the end of November.

Here are some of the most beautiful places to visit in and around Tokyo.

Mount Takao - a day trip worth taking at any time of year, Mount Takao is a great place to see the Japan Fall colors.
Kamakura - the old capital of Japan, just a little over an hour from Tokyo. Famous for its Daibutsu (big buddha)
Hakone and Mount Fuji - this is one of great place to escape from the city. Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan, soak in an onsen, and enjoy the views of Mount Fuji.
Fuji Five Lakes - the whole area around Mount Fuji is known as Fuji Five Lakes. Besides Hakone there are areas such as Kawaguchiko with similar onsen and ryokan.
Nikko -located north of Tokyo and the resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu is another perfect place to catch your reds, golds, and oranges of Fall. There is a direct train from Asakusa.

It is a great opportunity to take a trip to see some of the most beautiful places in and around Japan.

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

Gundam in Odaiba Now

By: Agu (2011/08/20 14:56) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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What a surprise !!

Gundam came back to Odaiba in Tokyo after an interval of about 2 years.

" Odaiba Gundam Project 2011 " started on August 13.
In this event,
14 parts of life-size Gundam statue with 18 meters height are on display.
Head, Neck, Shoulder, Thigh etc.

The life-size Gundam doesn't actually stand this time,
but you can look at Gundam parts closely.

In " Hands on Photo Point ",
there's the right hand of Gundam statue, which is about 1 meter high.
You can ride on his right hand, and take a photo.

In " Pedal Generator Area ",
there's a device that generates electricity by pedaling the bicycle.
When the electricity is made, Gundam's eyes emit light.

It's open from 10:00 AM to 18:00 PM.
Admission is 500 yen.

Since the design of ticket is different everyday,
the ticket will be a nice souvenir for you.

" Odaiba Gundam Project 2011 " is held until August 21.
Hurry ! Hurry ! εε=(┏^∀^)┛

O-Bon

By: Agu (2011/08/10 23:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever heard about O-Bon ?

O-Bon is a holiday to honor our ancestors.
Actually,
this is a Budhist event occurring usually from August 13 through 15.

We welcome our ancestor's departed souls back to this world during this period.
It is believed that the ancestor's departed souls return each home.
In order for the souls not to lose their way,
the lit lantern and small fire are placed at the house gate.
In addition,
the Buddhist altars are tidied up and vegetables and fruits are set out as offerings.

When O-Bon is over, the ancestor's departed souls go back to their world.
The ceremonial bonfire is made in front of the house in order to see off the souls,
and offerings are floated on rivers and the ocean.

It is the traditional style of O-Bon.

Nowadays,
we just visit the tombs of our ancestors.

Many companies and stores are closed during the O-bon holiday.
People return to their hometown,
or go on a vacation to the beach, to the mountains, or abroad.

Because of that,
railroad stations and airports are packed with travelers during this period.

We, hotel industry, are not the exception.
Thanks to the O-Bon holiday,
Sakura Hostel Asakusa is fully booked this weekend!!
☆ｰ(ﾉ●´∀)ﾊ(∀｀●)ﾉｰ☆ｰ(ﾉ●´∀)ﾊ(∀｀●)ﾉｰ☆

O-Bon is near at hand !!

Sunrise from Mt. Fuji

By: Johrel (2011/08/08 15:29) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever seen a sunrise from Mt. Fuji?
Mt. Fuji is Japan's highest and most prominent mountain.
July and August are the official climbing season.
I climbed the Mt. Fuji last week for the first time in my life and saw the sunrise from the summit.
Most people take about 6 to 7 hours to climb up to the summit. It took me about 4 and a half hours.

Around the 8th station of the mountain, it started to get really windy and wet. On my way to the top, the weather was so bad that clothes and shoes got soaking wet.

Then I reached to the summit...

Waiting for the sunrise.

Here it comes!

It was absolutely one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Before climbing the mountain, make sure you are well prepared.
Here are the list of what to bring.

1. Sturdy Climbing Shoes - Comfortable and waterproof
2. Rain Jacket & Pants - Water and wind resistant with hood, Gore-Tex preferred
3. Light Pack-Sack - with a capacity of at least 25L
4. Socks & Base layer - wool or synthetics, wearing cotton is not recommended
5. Warm Clothes - Comfortable pants & Sweater - lightweight fleece
6. Gloves - to keep your hands warm at nights and provide protection
7. Light - Head lamp or a hand flashlight - for climbing in the dark
8. Trekking Poles - Provide good stability and reduces stress on the knees
9. High Energy Snacks - Power-Bars, Chocolate, Nuts
10. Water - One liter bottle to start, more can be bought later
11. Pack-Sack Cover - most backpacks are not waterproof
12. Hat - otherwise a bandana or towel - provides protection from sun and heat
13. Sunglasses & Sunscreen
14. 100 yen Coins- Restroom facilities from the 5th station onward require ?\200
15. Cash - Credit cards are not taken on the mountain
16. Camera - to capture the most spectacular sunrise you will ever witness

Enjoy hiking!

Movie Service Day !!

By: Agu (2011/08/01 17:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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It's 1st of August today!!

The 1st every month is a happy day for cinema fans in Japan.

Have you ever heard about Movie Service Day?

As a matter of fact,
it's pretty luxury entertainment in Japan to go to see a movie.
The regular price is 1,800 yen !! Σ (◎до;)
You can eat 4 Beef Bowls in Yoshinoya if you have 1,800 yen.
Even if you buy an advance ticket, it costs you 1,300 yen.

On Movie Service Day, however, you can see a movie at 1,000 yen !! ?(*^▽^*)／

As a moviegoer thanks day,
almost all movie theater sell the ticket at a flat rate of 1,000 yen on the 1st every month.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS - PART 2

Transformers: Dark of the Moon

Cars 2

are playing in Japan now.

How about going to see a movie tonight ??

Analog TV Broadcasting ends

By: Johrel (2011/07/25 20:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Analog TV broadcasting ended in Japan just yesterday after 58 years, except stricken areas in Iwate prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture, Fukushima Prefecture.
This becomes the first Asian nation to complete the transition to digital transmission.

Although many households rushed to purchase digital TV or tuners and antennas for the last few months, as many as 700,000 households throughout Japan have not yet purchased digital TV. A lot of people were not be able to purchase one because of the shortage of TVs at electronic shops.

Digital TV is much clearer than analog TV as you can see in the picture below.
Two TVs on the top are analog TVs, and below is the Digital TV.

Some countries have already started the digital TV broadcasting, and in later years, more countries will switch to digital.

Doyo Ushi-no-Hi （土用丑の日）

By: Agu (2011/07/21 19:38) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The first days of spring, summer, fall, and winter were called
risshun（立春）, rikka（立夏）, risshu（立秋）, and ritto（立冬） when the lunar calendar was used.

Doyo（土用） refers to the eighteen-day periods before these four days.
Among these four days,
Doyo of summer, which is the hottest time of the year, is the most famous.

It is very hot and humid in this season in Japan,
and many people, even dogs, tend to lose their appetite and feel poorly.

Since ancient times,
eel , which is very nutritious in fact, has been thought to provide stamina.
In order to prevent summer heat fatigue and survive the hottest season,
Japanese have a custom of eating eel on a special day during the Doyo period.
This special day is called " Doyo Ushi-no-Hi (土用丑の日） ".

Today, July 21st, is Doyo Ushi-no-Hi for the year 2011.

Many people have eel dish such as charcoal grilled eel and grilled eel bowl today.

Why don't you eat eel dish for dinner tonight ?

Message from Japan by Arashi

By: Johrel (2011/07/11 17:55) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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It's been exactly 4 months since the earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan.
As a way to say 'thank you' to the world for their support after the Tohoku Earthquake, a popular Japanese pop idol group "Arashi" made a video message to attract more tourists.

The video entitled "Message from Japan" featuring the five-members began airing simultaneously across the globe in more than 133 countries and regions including the outdoor screen at New York City's Times Square.

World Heritage : Ogasawara Islands

By: Agu (2011/06/27 15:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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On June 24th, 2011,
Ogasawara Islands were finally inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List
by the World Heritage Committee.

Do you know that Ogasawara Islands belong to Tokyo ?

Ogasawara Islands,
which is composed of about 30 big and small islands that reach about 400km from south to north,
are located on the Pacific Ocean in about 1,000km south from the center of Tokyo.

It's " Oceanic Island " that has never been adjacent to the continent.
Accordingly, various creatures in Ogasawara Islands evolved from one species.

It is highly valued that
Ogasawara Islands have a number of endemic species which are not seen in other regions.

Do you want to visit Ogasawara Islands ??

Although it's a part of Tokyo,
the access to Ogasawara Islands has only ship and the ferry.
Besides,
only one ship is operated every 6 days.
Moreover,
It takes 25 hours and a half to get there.

If you are interested in visiting Ogasawara Islands, please click here

Enjoy the beautiful nature in Tokyo.　ε=ε=(*^▽^)／

Ajisai （紫陽花）

By: Agu (2011/06/22 16:31) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Although it' a sunny day with the high temperature, we are still in the rainy season.

This humid climate makes us uncomfortable.
On the other hand,
it's the best season for the hydrangea, which is called " Ajisai （紫陽花） " in Japanese.

Ajisai faces the best time to see in Hase-dera Temple in Kamakura now.
The stroll road in Hase-dera Temple is full of Ajisai.

You can get the whole view of Kamakura,
which is surrounded by the mountain and also faces Sagami Bay in front.

Near Hase-dera Temple,
there's Kotoku-in, which is famouse for The Great Buddha.

Kamakura is the best place to visit now.
(｡･ω･｡)ノ Enjoy the beautiful Ajisai in Kamakura. ミ(｡･ω･｡)

Refugee Otter from Fukushima

By: Agu (2011/05/30 18:11) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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There's someone who sheltered in Ueno Zoo from the aquarium in the disaster stricken area.

That is two Eurasia Otters.
Because the electricity and water supply has failed since the earthquake,
it became a difficult situation to keep them.
Therefore,
Ueno Zoo accepted those refugee otters.

One is " Donau " (male), who was born in Germany.

The other is " Tyrol " (female), who was born in Austria.

At first, they had been moving around or shrinking with mental strain.
But now, they seem to get acclimatized to the new environment.
They are getting to eat food a lot.

The number of Eurasia Otter decreases worldwide,
and it's specified as "Semi-Vulnerable Species.
It means, it faces extinction.

Those two otters crossed over the sea, and came to Japan.
And now, they have overcome the difficulty.

How about going to see those lovely otters in Ueno Zoo ?

The start of the Rainy Season in Tokyo

By: Agu (2011/05/28 17:02) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Yesterday, on May 27th,
the start of the rainy season was announced for Tokyo area.

It's 17 days earlier than last year, and 12 days earlier than the average.
After they started to take the statistics in 1951, it's the second earliest.

Japan in the rainy season is very humid and uncomfortable.
In addition,
rainy days make people depressed.

So,
I show you some rain items, which give you a smile.

This is my rain boots.

Can you see it ?? It's Moomin !!

Can you guess what it is ?
It seems to be the Japanese sword........

It is..... Umbrella !!

It's named " Samurai Umbrella ".
We sell " Samurai Umbrella " at the front desk. It's 2,000 yen.

If this year is like the normal year,
the end of rainy season is expected to be in the middle of July.

☆ﾍ(ﾟ▽ﾟﾍ)☆彡♪　Let's spend the rainy season happily !! ♪☆彡(ﾉﾟ▽ﾟ)ﾉ☆

Hibiya Oktoberfest 2011

By: Agu (2011/05/20 18:38) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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It is still May, though.....
" Hibiya Oktoberfest 2011 " , where you can enjoy drinking 20 kinds of German beers,
has started.

Following the beer festival "Oktoberfest" held in Germany every autumn,
Oktoberfest in Japan started in 2006.
In this festival, you can enjoy
the beer with the history of more than 600 years　,
the black beer known as the fact that Goethe loved, etc.
German sausage and German bread " pretzel " are sold.

In addition,
" Tohoku SAKE Festa "is also held at the same time.
About 10 kinds of SAKE in Tohoku region are sold.
You can enjoy the unique sake such as the sparkling sake " Puchi Puchi ".

A part of sales is contributed to the stricken area.

Are you a beer lover ? Or, do you prefer sake ??

It is held in Hibiya Park from May 20th to 29th.
On weekdays, it's open from noon till 9:30 PM.
On weekends, it's open from 11:00 AM till 9:30 PM.

･･()( )(　)(　ﾟ)( ﾟ-)(ﾟ-^*)ノ☆Let's enjoy drinking?♪ !!

KOINOBORI

By: Agu (2011/04/26 13:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever seen this ?

This carp-shaped streamers are called Koinobori.

In Japan,
we have the custom of hanging out Koinobori from April through early May,
in honor of Children's Day on May 5th.

You can see it in Sensoji Temple.

By the way,
why is it carp-shaped ?

The carp is believed to be fish capable of
swimming up the fierce flowing waterfalls and overcoming all manner of obstacles.
And so,
it symbolizes the strength, courage and patience to accomplish the major goals and
the success in life.

Originally, Children's Day is Boy's Festival.
Families with boys fly Koinobori outside to pray for good health and growth of their boys.

These days,
there are some foreign tourists who buy Koinobori as souvenir.

Are they also going to celebrate Children's Day ??
The answer is No.

They seem to use Koinobori as the interior decoration, the mark of yacht harbor,
and the signboard of Japanese restaurant etc.

You may find Koinobori somewhere in the world unexpectedly.

:*:･｡,☆ﾟ'･:*:･｡,━!!!!! (ﾟ(ﾟω(ﾟωﾟ(☆ω☆)ﾟωﾟ)ωﾟ)ﾟ) !!!!!━:*:･｡,☆ﾟ'･:*:･｡,

A Commercial Song "po po po pooooon"

By: Aki (2011/04/15 17:49) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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http://www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/blog/2011/04/arigato-usagi.html

Information of 2011 May Grand Sumo Tournament

By: Agu (2011/04/10 14:24) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Disappointingly,
Sumo Wrestling Community caused a big trouble.

Because the whole picture of the trouble has not been made clear yet,
they gave up holding 2011 May Grand Sumo Tournament as a regular match.
Instead,
2011 May Grand Sumo Tournament is held as a skill assessment match.
It's treated as a clue to configure the graded list of 2011 July Grand Sumo Tournament.

The match for this time is organized based on the result of 2011 January Grand Sumo Tournament.
Although it's not a regular match, the result is regarded as the formal record.

Therefore,
it means that
Grand Champion : HAKUHO's 7th successive victory depends on this tournament.

It is held from May 8th to 22nd in Ryogoku Kokugikan, and open to the general public
with free of charge.
There's no prize money this time, but
Ring entering ceremony and Commendation ceremony etc are carried out as usual.

How do they cope with the free admission ?
Handing out numbered tickets or something ??
The detail is not clear yet.

We want to have something fun together with you
So, we think of having Sumo Tour.
When we get more information, we'll let you know. o(＠＾◇＾＠)o

Announcement that SAKURA came into Bloom

By: Agu (2011/03/22 16:30) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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On 20th of March,
Shizuoka Meteorological Observatory confirmed that
5-6 flowers of the sample cherry tree (Prunus yedoensis) bloomed.
Therefore,
they officially announced that Sakura came into bloom in Shizuoka.
It's the earliest all over Japan !!

This is 3 days later than last year, and 8 days earlier than the average year.
Because the warm weather with the temperature 15-20 degree C continued and
there was little rain,
some buds started to open at a breath.

On 21st of March,
Kumamoto Meteorological Observatory announced that
Sakura bloomed with 5-6 flowers in Kumamoto.
It's the second earliest all over Japan, following Shizuoka.

This is 5 days later than last year, and 3 days earlier than the average year.
Actually, the average temperature of Kumamoto in February was higher than
the normal year.
Although it was low at the beginning of March,
it was up to the average temperature in the middle of March.
It is expected that Sakura is in full bloom in a week or 10 days.

On 22nd of March,
both Fukuoka and Saga Meteorological Observatory announced that
Sakura burst into flower in Fukuoka and Saga.
It's the third earliest all over Japan, following Shizuoka and Kumamoto.

Although it is 8 days later than last year, it is 4 days earlier than the average year.
There's a chance that the cold air flows into Fukuoka area,
so it is expected that Sakura keeps blooming by a slow pace.

As for Tokyo,
the cherry blossom forecast says that
Sakura comes into bloom on 3rd of April and it's in full bloom on 11th of April.

Sakura has given the happy feeling to Japanese people from old times.
We can't wait for Sakura viewing !! ★?(*>ω<*)(*>ω<*)?★

Today's Asakusa

By: Agu (2011/03/20 15:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Asakusa turned to the deserted town for a while after the earthquake happened.
To our surprise,
there was few people even in Nakamise Street.

We have three consecutive holidays this weekend ; March 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Although the life in Tokyo went back to normal,
we doubted whether people would come back to Asakusa.
However,
there was no need to worry about it.

Look !!
Now, Asakusa got back the energy.　ε=ε=(ノ≧∇≦）ノ
Nakamise Street is crowded with people as before.

Mostly they are Japanese visitors, but I can see some foreign visitors.

People are standing in a line in order to eat Tempura Bowl at the famous Tempura restaurant.
like before....

As a matter of fact,
some people refrain from the leisure in consideration of the victims.
Some people think that
the recovery in the stricken area will be prompted by revitalizing the economy.

In my opinion, I vote for the latter one.

I wish that
many people from all over the world would visit Japan and Japan would be encouraged greatly by them.
ヽ(´▽｀*(´▽｀*´▽｀*´▽｀)*´▽｀)ノ

Tokyo Sky Tree got No. 1 in the world !!

By: Agu (2011/03/19 17:13) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Although the tragedy fell over Japan, we got an encouraging news in Tokyo.

Tokyo Sky Tree reached 634 meters in height at 1:34 PM on 18th of March !!

It has become the world's tallest freestanding broadcast structure.　(ﾟδﾟ*)☆☆

When the earthquake occurred on 11th of March,
the construction was immediately interrupted,
and the workers headed to the ground for safety.
There was neither injured person nor damage in the main body of the tower.
Therefore,
The construction was restarted on 14th of March.

At 9:50 AM on 18th of March,
the work was started that
"Gain Tower" for the antenna installation , which jut out from the main body of the tower,
was lifted up.
Then,
the lightning rod in the top of "Gain Tower" reached 634 meters.

So far, the construction plan not influenced by the earthquake.
It's almost on schedule.
After the interior finishing, it will be completed in this December.
It's scheduled to open next spring.

I think this news really cheers up people in Japan.
I hope the positive news like this will increase more.
･ﾟ･｡･ﾟﾟ･*:(((｡･-･)从(･-･｡)))･ﾟ･｡･ﾟﾟ･*:

Names of Two Pandas in Ueno Zoo

By: Agu (2011/03/18 16:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Finally,
The Japanese names of two giant pandas has been decided on March 9th.

Do you want to know their Japanese names ?

"比力( bi li ) " got "力力( lee lee )" as his Japanese name.

"仙女( xian nu ) " got "真真( shin shin ) as her Japanese name.

40,438 people applied for a chance to give Japanese name to them.

Top 3 names are as follows ;

< male panda>
( 1 ) Tan Tan （タンタン）
( 2 ) You you (ユウユウ）
( 3 ) Pan Pan （パンパン）

< female panda >
( 1 ) May May （メイメイ）
( 2 ) Ru-n Ru-n (ルンルン）
( 3 ) Sakura （サクラ）

Beyond these top 3 names,
"Lee Lee （リーリー）" and "Shin Shin （シンシン）" were chosen because of the following images.

"Lee Lee （リーリー）" : Active and Powerful image
"Shin Shin （シンシン）" : Sweet image such as Innocent and Naivete

In addition,
the names of nine pandas in the past were made with the double sound.
They took over the history.

"Lee Lee （リーリー）" and "Shin Shin （シンシン）" arrived in Ueno Zoo on February 21st.
After various inspection and training in a new environment,
they will be open to the public. (the schedule undecided as the zoo is closed for a while because of the earthquake.)

We can't wait to see them !! ♪♪- o(ﾟ∇ﾟ*o)(o*ﾟ∇ﾟ)o-♪♪

Save Energy

By: Agu (2011/03/16 15:40) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Tokyo Electric Power Company is carrying out "Rolling Blackout",
which is that the power supply is cut off in each region systematically.

Kanto area is divided into five blocks,
and the power supply is cut off in each region for about three hours
from 6:20 AM to 22:00 PM.

They assume that the maximum power demand is about 41 million kW
between 18:00 and 19:00 PM.
Unfortunately, their supply capability is 31 million kW.
This means 10 million kW in total is insufficient.

Therefore,
they also ask for power saving to the ordinary homes
as well as the big electric power consumers such as the enterprises.

The restaurants turn off the signboard lighting, set the room temperature lower than usual...

The hotels gather the guests to the rooms on the same floor,
and turn off the lighting and the air-conditioning of the floor where the guests don't stay....

Some amusement facilities are temporarily closed...

The convenience stores turn off the neon signs...

　　
Thanks to everyone's effort,
the actual demand on March 14th was greatly less than expected.

< 10:00 AM >
3,800 million KW (expected) / 2,900 million KW (actual)

< 16:00 PM >
3,500 million KW (expected) / 2,600 million KW (actual)

< 18:00-19:00 PM >
4,100 million KW (expected) / 2,800 million KW (actual)

Each actual demand was about 9 million KW lower than the expected demand.
We can say that our power saving got a good result.

Current situation is as follows :
Depending on the actual demand trend,
there's a chance that "Rolling Blackout" isn't carried out.

Fortunately, the blackout has not been carried out in Asakusa.

We should unite to get over this tragedy.
First of all, we keep saving electricity. ┌|*ﾟロﾟ|人|ﾟロﾟ*|┐

Thank you for supporting us [○･ｖ･]人[･ｖ･●]

By: Agu (2011/03/15 12:56) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( JAPAN ) announced that
we received the support proposal such as the rescue workers and the rescue supplies
from more than 100 countries and regions and 6 international organizations.

For example,

In spite of the fact that
Kandahar is a region where the fierce battle with rebel force Taliban continues,
the mayor of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan wanted to do something in return
for Japan that has supported the Afghan reconstruction.
He declared that
they would contribute 50,000 dollars (about four million yen) to the victim of this earthquake.

China announced that
they sent 15 Chinese International Rescue Corps people to Japan for the humanitarian aid.
It is the first time for this corps to be sent to Japan.
In Sichuan Earthquake of the year 2008,
Japanese Government sent Japan Disaster Relief Team to China
in advance of any other countries.
This is a result an all-out rescue operation of that time was evaluated high by China.

New Zealand sent 48 rescue people to Japan,
which was equal to 1/3 of the rescue whole team in New Zealand.
In spite of the fact that
the emergency declaration has still been made due to Christchurch Earthquake,
they gave very warm support to us.
Under the corporation of the Department of Defense and the Civil Defense Army,
it's planned that 15 tons of the rescue equipment are sent to Japan.
Appreciating Japan that had sent 66 rescue corps people immediately after the earthquake,
the Prime Minister John Key decided to support Japan this time.

I'm so impressed. 　☆･:.,;*d(>ω<*)☆☆(*>ω<)b*:;,｡･★
I realize people help each other to live.

Thank you for the kindness from all over the world.
We will get over this tragedy.

Be proud of being Japanese

By: Tomo (2011/03/13 19:49) | Permalink | Comment (8) | TrackBack (0)

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I saw such a beautiful sky over Tokyo today on my way to the hostel.
The city is quiet and peaceful. I can't help but think... what if only that hadn't happened.

But it happened. We cannot change this fact.
Now, it is time to take this opportunity to unite and recreate the nation.

I read on Twitter and Facebook a lot about what people witnessed on the day. Here, I try to translate some of them.

◎At Tokyo Disney Land
・http://twitter.com/unosuke/status/46376846505426944

Tokyo Disney Land gave people snacks from their shops. Some school girls asked them for more than they needed, which disappointed me for one moment. But the next moment, they went straight to give those snacks to kids in an evacuation space. It was a respectable action to make as it was difficult for parents to move around with small kids in that situation.

◎Realize Japanese spirit
・http://twitter.com/VietL/status/46376383592677376

This earthquake gave us an opportunity to realize what Japanese people are. Nobody commits a crime. People help each other. Dutiful. Polite. I usually think that Japanese people lack sympathy, but this time people are regaining the "bond". Really impressive and moving.

◎Given cardboard
・http://twitter.com/aquarius_rabbit/status/46213254376210432

A homeless man gave us a cardboard box to put down on the ground when we were waiting for trains at a cold platform. We usually give them the cold shoulder but they gave us the warm one.

◎Japanese people seen by foreigners
・http://twitter.com/kiritansu/status/46335057689980928

A foreigner's perspective. In a messy supermarket where there were dropped items all over the floor, Japanese customers quietly picked those things and stand in a line to pay for them. An old man gave his seat to a pregnant lady in a packed train shortly after the metro was reopened.

◎We are living in a great country
・http://twitter.com/tksksks/statuses/46403815397801984

This is an amazing country. People help each other. I've heard that some truck drivers are voluntarily carrying supplies to disaster-affected areas, and some yakuzas are helping traffic control in Tohoku region. In the past few years, many disappointing stories in the news discouraged us to be proud of being Japanese. But hey, Japan is a great country. I'm simply moved. Hang in there, Japan!

We are together

By: Tomo (2011/03/12 21:21) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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I can't believe what we are watching on TV.
The whole nation is covered in a quiet and sad emotion.

Fortunately, Tokyo was not greatly hit by the earthquakes, so the city is almost back to the normal condition.
Most trains are running in the metropolitan area of Tokyo. We have all we need for life, electricity, gas, water, food, telephone, the Internet, etc.

We deeply appreciate all your concern and sympathy for Japan. It makes us strong to receive so many warm messages from the world and to know that we are not alone.

There are still many foreign tourists, I guess, who are feeling lonely and worried because of the language barrier and lack of information.
What we can do is pretty limited, but as a staff team who have been working in this industry of inbound tourism, we sincerely feel sympathy for all those foreign travelers who are stuck in this country.

If you need help, please let us know. We at least have ways to find information about flights, transportation, etc.
We are all on Facebook, where everybody will see your posts and help you.

Again, thank you guys all for being with us and giving us lots of warm messages.

Earthquake

By: Johrel (2011/03/11 16:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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I'm sure you've heard about the earthquake we just had in Japan.
We just want to let you know that our hostel is safe, nothing is damaged.
Nobody got injured. Everybody is okay.

You can check our hostel lounge live on Ustream.

Video clips at Ustream

Foretelling the Future !?

By: Agu (2011/03/10 14:58) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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This is the painting drawn by Utagawa Kuniyoshi in around 1831.

The boat fishing the clam in Sumida River, Two fishermen fumigating the bottom of the boat,
Fire lookout tower....
Rising smoke and the cloud in the sky create the distinctive atmosphere.

Can you see the tower in the left back of this painting?

(〇до)☆ Sky Tree !?

At that time,
there was the regulations that any building must not be higher than Edo castle.
Therefore,
this huge tower is not supposed to exist in that period.

Utagawa Kuniyoshi played an active part in the same period as Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige,
and he was known as the painter with fantastic idea.

From March 7th till 26th,
Utagawa Kuniyoshi Exhibition is held in Kawasaki Isogo no Sato Musium.
You can enjoy the world of Utagawa Kuniyoshi with free of charge.
From Asakusa,
take Toei Asakusa Line and get off at Keikyu Kawasaki station.

Did he forecast the future !?
Let's go and check it out !! ε=ε=(*^▽^)／

Tokyo Girls Collection

By: Agu (2011/03/04 15:30) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever heard of the word "Tokyo Girls Collection" ?

Holding up "Show the real Japan fashin to the world !!" as the theme,
it's a very huge fashion festival which has been held since August in 2005.

On 5th of March,
the 12th Tokyo Girls Collection will be held in Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

The fashion show is composed of the stage categorized by "TREND", "ELEGANCE", "SELECTION" and "DESIGNERS".

Various fashion brands meet together,
and the latest fashion in Japan is displayed by the popular models in Japanese fashion magazine.

The theme of this time is "Tokyo Romantic Fever".
It indicates the desire that every girl brightens up like the flowers which are beautifully and emotionally in full bloom.

In addition,
you can enjoy the variegated performance such as
live music and charity auction by the popular artists, and make-up lesson suitable for fashion trend of this spring etc.

Tokyo Girls Collection is the information center of Japanese fashion culture and girl's culture.

Are you crazy about Japanese fashion and girl's culture?
Check their web-site !!
Tokyo Girls Collection

HINA MATSURI

By: Agu (2011/03/02 16:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Tomorrow is March 3rd.
It's a special day for girls in Japan.

We have the Doll Festival , which is called Hina-Matsuri in Japanese, on March 3.
It's also known as Momo-no-Sekku or Peach Festival.
It's the day to pray for healthy growth and happiness for young girls.

Most families with girls display graceful dolls in beautiful ancient court costumes
called Hina-Ningyo.

Emperor ( Odairi-sama　お内裏様 ) and Empress ( Ohina-sama　お雛様 ),

Three court ladies ( San-nin Kanjo　三人官女 ),

Five court musicians ( Go-nin Bayashi　五人囃子 ),

Two ministers ( U-daijin　右大臣, Sa-daijin　左大臣 ),

Three servants ( San-nin Shichou　三人仕丁 )

They depict the imperial court.
The girls are expected to be as elegant as these courtly ladies.

In celebration of Hina-Matsuri,
we eat traditional dishes like Chirashi Sushi and clam soup.
Also, we eat sweet rice crackers called "Hina Arare", and drink white sake called "Shirozake".

How about Hina-Matsuri Party with the girl friends?

New Items!!

By: Aki (2011/02/28 20:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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We have started to sell the new items!

★Post Card (9 types) 120yen★

ブログ　ハガキ 1.JPG

ブログ　ハガキ 2.JPG

ブログ　ハガキ 3.JPG

ブログ　ハガキタテ.JPG

★Postcard and Ballpen set (6 types) 300yen★

ペンセット 001.jpg

ペンセット 002.jpg

It's available at the reception!
Please come down and have a look!!!

McDonald's JAPAN The 40th anniversary of the foundation

By: Agu (2011/02/27 17:55) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Two Beef Patties properly baked, Mild Creamy Cheese, Crisp Lettuce, and Tasty Pickles.
The conclusion is very creamy source with mustard, onion, and sweet relish.
It's a satisfying taste and volume.

What is it??

The most popular burger in McDonald's...... BIGMAC !!

It is 40 years since McDonald's JAPAN was established.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary,
they sell BIGMAC at 200 yen from February 25th till March 3rd !!

The regular price is 290 yen to 320 yen. ( the price differ from place to place. )
They lower the price about 100 yen.

If you order the M-size set menu, the price is 550 yen.

This special offer is available from 10:00 AM all over Japan, except for some stores in Kumamoto and Oita.

Save money !!
Let's go to McDonald's !!

Panda Menu !!

By: Agu (2011/02/26 16:04) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Finally,
two giant pandas "比力( bi li ) "and "仙女( xian nu ) " arrived in Japan on February 21st.
Ueno town gave a warm welcome to long-awaited pandas.

Around Ueno zoo, there are many Panda motif food.

< Panda Latte >

< Panda Cookies >

< Panda Rolled Cake >

< 3D Panda Cake >
It's not a stuffed doll, but a cake !! You can have it by the special order.

< Panda Curry Rice >
It's White Curry. It is as if the panda is taking a bath.

Two giant pandas will be open to the public in Ueno Zoo at the end of March.
Until then,
satisfy your expectation and appetite by these panda food !!

Body Fat Scale

By: Aki (2011/02/21 18:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Japan is famous for high-tech toilets, isn't it?!
It often feature options such as a heated ring, a built-in shower, dryer for your behind, an automatic lid opener, self flush, noise block melody and so on.

Then, how about "Weight Scale"??
I think high-tech "Body Fat Scale" has become a major in Japan instead of "Weight Scale".

This kind of device presents not only weight, but calculates and displays many things at one time as well.

・Body weight
・Body fat %
・Visceral fat level
・Skeletal muscle %
・Resting metabolism
・Body age
・Body Mass index(BMI)

It memory the personal data so that people can check daily changes.

Is the device popular only in Japan? Or it's popular in your country too??

Every Kanji character have each meaning

By: Aki (2011/02/20 15:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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This shining piggy is a pun for a world famous luxury brand.
Can you guess what?

美 means "beauty"
豚 means "pig"
(Every Kanji (Chinese character) have each meaning!)

The reading of 美豚 is "biton".
So this beautiful piggy is a pun for Louis Vuitton.

I wrote this blog because I saw the lady who wearing this t-shirts at the station the other day w(ﾟoﾟ*)w

Categories of Valentine's Chocolate

By: Agu (2011/02/14 16:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Happy Valentine's Day !!♪━ヾ(｡･ω･)人(･ω･｡)ノ━♪

As you know,
the girls present the chocolate to the boys on Valentine's Day in Japan.

Well then,
do you know there are some categories of chocolates which the girl give the boys?
According to the relationship between the girl and the boy,
the chocolate falls into a different category.

< HONMEI Choco >
This is the chocolate which a girl presents to a loved one.

The significant feature of HONMEI Choco is
( 1 )
First of all, it's totally different from what other boys are given.
( 2 )
Handmade or Luxury brand chocolate
( 3 )
Gorgeous gift wrapping

< GIRI Choco >
This is a kind of "Thank you" gift which a girl presents to a boy.

The significant feature of GIRI Choco is
( 1 )
In general, it's the same chocolate as what other boys are given.
( 2 )
Non-homemade and Low-Cost chocolate
( 3 )
Simple gift wrapping

< TOMO Choco >
This is the chocolate which a girl presents to a female friend as a pledge of friendship.

The significant feature of TOMO Choco is
( 1 )
Low-Cost chocolate, but Cute
( 2 )
By decorating the chocolate with cookies etc, some people make the original chocolate.
We call it "DECO Choco".
( 3 )
The most important thing is how cute it is.

< GYAKU Choco >
It is any chocolate which a boy presents to a girl on Valentine's Day.
Sometimes, the chocolate is presented as a "Thank you" gift.
Sometimes, the chocolate is presented as the love approach.
Anyway,
girls are happy whenever they get the chocolate.
q(≧∇≦*)(*≧∇≦)p

Give me "TOMO Choco" or "GYAKU Choco", pleeeeeeease. ０o。(。-ω・。人)

We had snow in Tokyo !!

By: Agu (2011/02/12 17:24) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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We had snow in Tokyo on February 11th.
No wonder it's extremely cold.
。°。°。°。个o(-ω-｡)ﾟ。°。°。°。

It was still rainy in the morning.
The rain turned to sleet, and to snow later.

Although the snow didn't accumulate in the southern part of Kanto area such as Tokyo and Yokohama,
it did in the northern part of Kanto area.
7 centimeter deep in Utsunomiya
3 centimeter deep in Mito
1 centimeter deep in Maebashi

Tokyo had some places where the snow had remained.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Tokyo Sky Tree

There was no confusion in the road and the railway in the city.
But,
it was said that some people got injured by slipping.

It is rare to snow in Tokyo.
Don't be too excited !! Be careful not to slip on the icy sidewalk !!
ヽ(o･∀･)ﾉ｡ﾟ*ﾟo｡ﾟoﾟ｡*ﾟ｡

Origin of Japanese style Valentine's Day

By: Agu (2011/02/10 20:39) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Valentine's Day is coming soon.
How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in your country?
.｡ﾟ+..｡ﾟ+.Lovёヽ(*´・ω・)人(・ω・`*)ノLovё.｡ﾟ+..｡ﾟ+.

In Japan,
there's a custom that girls present the chocolate to boys.　(*^-^)р(^0^*)

Where did this custom come from?

In 1950,
a western confectionery manufacturer started to advertise the chocolate for Valentine's Day.
At that time,
the chocolate didn't sell at all because the recognition level was very low.

It is MORINAGA's campaign in 1960 that triggered the wide recognition of Valentine's Day.

As the advertisement of the chocolate "GOLD" on sale in 1959,
MORINAGA put on the newspaper ad saying "Let's present the chocolate and the card with love.".
In addition,
MORINAGA had a prize of getting a luxury watch by a label of "GOLD" chocolate.

It is said that there were one million applications for this prize.
The recognition of Valentine's Day was only 3 %.
But after this event,
the recognition level exceeded 90 %.

In this way,
this custom has taken a firm hold on Valentine's Day in Japan.

It's interesting, isn't it ?

ZARU ? MORI ?

By: Agu (2011/02/05 20:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you see the difference between these two soba noodles?

The left side is ZARU soba, and the right side is MORI soba.

Actually,
the difference is whether or not the seaweed called "NORI" is sprinkled on soba noodle.

In a soba restaurant,
you will find a big difference of the price between ZARU（ざる） and MORI（もり）.
ざる( 550 yen ) is 100 yen more expensive than もり( 450 yen ).

The price goes up 100 yen because of a small amount of seaweed !?
NO WAY !!

As a matter of fact, there's a history about it.

Long time ago,
all soba noodle which we eat with the dipping soup was called "MORI".
Later on,
soba noodle served on a bamboo basket entered the field. This is ZARU.

Compared with MORI, a better soba powder was used for ZARU.
Besides, there was a special dipping sauce for ZARU, which used mirin ( sweet sake ).

But now , it's merely the difference of nori.
In general,
soba noodle WITH nori is ZARU, and soba noodle WITHOUT nori is MORI.

It's weird, isn't it?

Guinness World Record of ARASHI's au CM

By: Agu (2011/02/04 20:09) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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One of the most popular pop-idol groups : "ARASHI" achieved 3 Guiness World Records !!

These were accomplished by the new CM of smart phone "Android au" which ARASHI performed.

The subject of the Guiness World Record is
( 1 )
The number of TV CM versions which was on the air by terrestrial broadcasting within 24 hours.
( 2 )
The number of TV CM versions of the same commodity which a pay TV put on the air within 8 hours.
( 3 )
The number of TV CM versions of the same commodity which was on the air during a 30 minute TV program.

The record ( 2 ) was achieved by "Space Shower TV" on January 27th.
The record ( 3 ) was achieved in the TV program "Music Lovers" on January 30th.

This TV CM has 60 versions in total.
ARASHI members show the attractiveness of "Android au"
by using the various functions such as "Google Voice Search" and "Google Translation".

Do you want to enjoy ARASHI World fully?
Please visit the web-site below.
http://android-au.jp/whats/

You can enjoy watching each member as well as all members.
If you are a big fan of ARASHI, I'm sure you LOVE it.

My favorite is this !!
" Aiba-kun's declaration of love "

Did you find the favorite one?

February 3rd : SETSUBUN

By: Agu (2011/02/03 18:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know what February 3rd is in Japan?

It's SETSUBUN.
It literally means "division of seasons", and this day is the day before the beginning of spring.

There are some traditional customs for SETSUBUN in Japan.

The classic event is Bean-Throwing Festival.

Crying out "Oniwa-soto, Fukuwa-uchi!",
we throw the roasted soybeans to inside/outside of the houses.
Oniwa-soto !! = Devils out !!
Fukuwa-uchi !! = Good luck in !!
We scatter beans to drive away evil and bring in good luck.
It is also customary to eat the same number of beans as our age.
It is a kind of charm to wish for good health.

The one which has recently taken root on SETSUBUN is EHO-MAKI.
EHO-MAKI is Fortune Sushi Roll.

There are 3 rules to eat EHO-MAKI.
( 1 )
Face the lucky direction of the year.
< This year 2011, it's south-southeast. >
( 2 )
Eat an entire EHO-MAKI without stopping.
( 3 )
Don't speak until finishing eating EHO-MAKI.

How come we are not supposed to speak while eating EHO-MAKI ?
It's said that good fortune will be gone if we speak.

As a rare custom, HIIRAGI IWASHI is well known.
HIIRAGI is a holly, and IWASHI is a sardine.

The holly branch with the head of sardine is placed in the front door.
It is said that HIIRAGI IWASHI will protect us from the demon and sickness.

Which event do you want to try?
I'm going to eat EHO-MAKI, facing to the south-southeast.
ITADAKI MASU. （q＾Q＾q）

SALON DU CHOCOLAT in Japan

By: Agu (2011/01/31 20:10) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The biggest chocolate fair was held in ISETAN Department Store from Jan 26th till Jan 31st.
It's "SALON DU CJOCOLAT 2011" !!

Ever since the first fair was held in January 2003, it is the ninth one.
The theme for this year was "JAPON (JAPAN)".

Recently, not only Japanese dish but also Japanese material are widely noticed.
This chocolate expresses the material by printing the KANJI name.
Upper Right : 生姜　＝　Ginger Upper Lest : 抹茶　＝　Green Tea
Lower Right : 柚子　＝　Japanese Citron Lower Left : 胡麻　＝　Sesami

This is Guimauve, which is Marshmallow in English.
It imagines Sushi Roll.

Simmering sake lees and whipped cream, white chocolate is added.
It's like AMAZAKE, which is the sweet drink made from fermented rice.

Soaking Japanese cherry "SASANISHIKI" in the local sake of Yamagata Prefecture,
it's coated with the chocolate.

It's a folding fan made from chocolate !!
How beautiful it is !!

Look at this Japanese flag !!
If I eat it, am I considered a traitor?

It's chocolate DARUMA !!

It's a fusion of Japanese sweets and French sweets !!
It's a kind of muffin, called "IMAGAWAYAKI".
Usually, it's stuffed with sweet red bean jam.
But, this one is stuffed with chocolate macaron.

It's amazing that Japan can be expressed so well with only chocolate, isn't it?

Family restaurants in Japan

By: Johrel (2011/01/30 20:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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In Japan, the term family restaurant is used to refer to chains of value restaurants.
Like coffee shops, people tend to go to family restaurants to study or talk endlessly with their friends.

Family restaurants are the type of place you can order a coffee or desert and sit for hours without feeling guilt.
Popular chains include Denny’s, Johnathans and Skylark.　

Some of our guests ask us where they can have Japanese breakfast. Family restaurants are a good place to go since they have a Japanese menu, as well as a Western menu.

There are some in Asakusa area. Ask the staff where they are!

CHOI TASHI COOKING

By: Agu (2011/01/28 21:52) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever heard the word "CHOI TASHI"?

Unexpected seasoning and ingredient are added a little bit to a standard dish.
This is called "CHOI TASHI".

TV show "Onegai Ranking" has the unique segment called "CHOI TASHI COOKING".
Adding about 30 kinds of seasonings and ingredients to a dish, they place it in order of deliciousness.

I actually tried some of them which were challenged in "CHOI TASHI COOKING".
In my experience, I recommend is the following.

< Miso Soup X Mitarashi Dango >
*Miso Soup*
I'm sure you know what miso soup is.
There's no need to explain, right?

*Mitarashi Dango*
It's the toasted rice dumplings covered with sweet soy sauce.

I put Mitarashi Dango into Miso Soup.....

Do you think it's weird?
However,
it's TASTY for no reason.
Rice dumplings get softer, which is good texture.
By sweet soy sauce, the sweetness was slightly added to the soup.

I have one more to recommend.
< Ten Don X Maple Syrup >
*Ten Don*
It's a bowl of rice topped with deep fried fish and vegetables.

*Maple Syrup*
As you know,
it's the syrup which is put on pancake and waffle.

I put some Maple Syrup on Ten Don......

You don't see any difference, do you?
But,
the taste itself changed into a good one.
Slightly sweet rice is delicious, and it is totally right to add the sweetness to Tempura sauce !!

Trust me. Please try "CHOI TASHI COOKING".
You can discover a new taste !!

Let's protect the important cultural asset!!

By: Agu (2011/01/26 20:38) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know what day it is today?
January 26th is Cultural Asset Fire Prevention Day.

Why was Cultural Asset Fire Prevention Day enacted on January 26th?

On January 26th, 1949,
a fire broke out in the main hall called "Kondo" of Horyu-ji Temple.
( Horyu-ji Temple is known well as the oldest wooden building in the world. )

The majority of the wall painting where the Buddhism world was drawn were burnt down.

Learning a lesson from this fire,
Cultural Asset Fire Prevention Day was created in 1955.

Today,
Buddhist memorial service was held in the main hall "Kondo",
and in the warehouse where the wall painting was preserved.
After that, they had a fire drill.
Hosing all at once in the tense atmosphere, they enhanced the awareness.

Assuming that a fire broke out from Five‐Storied Pagoda and that one visitor got injured,
the fire drill was also held in Murou-ji Temple.

Early Cherry Blossoms : ATAMI SAKURA

By: Agu (2011/01/25 19:47) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Can't you wait for SAKURA ( cherry blossoms )?

Actually,
there's a place near Tokyo to enjoy the beautiful SAKURA even in this cold weather.

That is ATAMI SAKURA, which starts blooming early in January every year.

ATAMI SAKURA originally comes from India.
In around 1871,
it was brought to Atami together with lemon and date palm by Italian people,
and it was planted more afterwards.
On 10th of April, 1977,
it was specified for the tree of Atami City.

ATAMI SAKURA has two stage structure of blooming :
the floral bud that blooms at the early stage, and the floral bud that blooms at the latter stage.
Therefore,
you can enjoy ATAMI SAKURA for about a month.

If you want to enjoy SAKURA now, I recommend visiting the Itokawa Promenade.

From January 22nd to January 30th,
ATAMI SAKURA Festival is held in the Itokawa Promenade.
Sakura is lighted up every night during this period.
On weekend,
you can enjoy delicious food, music concert, and foot-bath etc.
Moreover, photo contest of plum blossoms and cherry blossoms is carried out.

Even though it's still winter in other places, Sakura is in full bloom in Atami.
Why don't you go out to feel a little early spring?

< ACCESS >
By train from Asakusa ( it takes about 2 hours )
Asakusa -> Shinbashi by Tokyo Metro Ginza line or Toei Asakusa line
Shinbashi -> Atami by JR Tokaido line

New Attraction in Tokyo Disney Land

By: Agu (2011/01/22 19:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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A new attraction opens in Tokyo Disneyland on January 24th !!
The name is "Mickey's PhilharMagic".

It's a theater type attraction which makes full use of 3D.
By using the wind etc, it gives you a sense of presence.

The scene of this attraction is laid in an orchestra concert conducted by Mickey Mouse.
As Donald Duck prepares for the concert, he unwittingly causes trouble.
And then,
you will travel the world of Disney's Fantasi, The Lion King, Aladdin etc one after another.

In "Aladdin",
you will enjoy the image with depth which is produced by 3D technology and the wide screen.
In addition,
one of the special effects : comfortable wind blows into the theater.
You feel as if you flew in the sky together with Aladdin and Jasmine.

Following the Walt Disney World Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland,
Tokyo Disneyland is the third to have founded this new attraction.

Are you interested in "Mickey's PhilharMagic"?
Please check their web-site below.
http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/tdl/event/philharmagic/index.html#/top

I want to go to Tokyo Disneyland !!
☆(≧人≦●）☆

New Pandas in Ueno Zoo

By: Agu (2011/01/20 21:51) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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On July 26th in 2010,
Tokyo and the Chinese Wildlife Protection Society signed the cooperation agreement
on the giant panda protection research in Beijing.

The giant pandas imported to Japan are two in total, which are male and female.
It's scheduled to come to Japan at the end of January in 2011.
They adjust the schedule now.
After the procedure of medical inspection etc,
those giant pandas are open to the public.

Both pandas were born in Chinese giant panda protection research center.
Male panda who is very active and has a vast appetite was born in August 2005.
Female panda who is well grown and good-looking was born in July 2005.
They are 5 years old.
Chinese name of the male panda is "比力( bi li ) ", and female panda is "仙女( xian nu ) ".
Two giant pandas will come to Ueno Zoo from China shortly !!

( top : male , and bottom : female )

Now,
Ueno Zoo asks for Japanese name of these pandas.
The name should be written by KATAKANA.

The best names will be chosen for each panda.
When your idea is chosen,
Ueno Zoo presents you the special giant panda goods, which is not for sale.

Surely, these two pandas become the new star in Ueno Zoo.
Do you have any idea of their Japanese name?
The deadline is January 23rd !!

Mt. Fuji view spots in Tokyo

By: Agu (2011/01/19 19:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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There's 100 km distance from the center of Tokyo to Mt. Fuji.
At the time when no tall building existed,
beautiful Mt. Fuji was able to be viewed from the top of a hill and the high ground in sunny days.
Because many skyscrapers were built,
it's difficult to find the nice Mt. Fuji view spot now.

However,
some Mt. Fuji view spots still remain in Tokyo.
Such as an observation tower, and a park.

This is the view from "Skydeck" on the 54th floor in Roppongi Hills.

< Sangenjaya Carrot Tower >

< the Ebisu Garden Place Tower >

It is directly connected from Yamanote line "Ebisu Station" by moving sidewalk "Sky walk".
In sunny day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the west.

< the Bunkyo-ku Civic Center >

The 25th floor observation lounge here is a famous Mt. Fuji view spot between the shutter bugs.
In sunny day,
beautiful Fuji shows the face beyond the buildings in Shinjuku.

< Toyosu Lalaport >

< the Nippori Fujimi Zaka >

In the morning and evening of good weather,
the right-side ridge line in Mt. Fuji is watched.
In January and November,
you have a chance to see "Diamond Fuji".

< Around Ogikubo Station >

< Nogawa Park >

It is located in Mitaka and has an area of about 399,211.30 square metre.
Although it's near the center of Tokyo, it's still remained a lot of nature.

< Kita Ayase Station >

In a good weather, the head of Mt. Fuji is watched.

Especially,
after typhoon or on the day and night with clear air in winter,
you have a chance to see the stunningly beautiful Mt. Fuji.

Let's go and take a fabulous photo of Mt. Fuji !!
☆*゜¨゜゜・*:..(っ´∀｀o)っ

Natural Hot Spring in Tokyo, Japan

By: Agu (2011/01/16 21:30) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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I tell you one of the best natural hot springs in the city of Tokyo.
It's HEIWAJIMA KURHAUS.

The features of this hot spring is a high salt content.
By creating a barrier around the skin, your skin maintains a high level of moisture.

You can enjoy many types of bath such as

< Douche Bath >
The jet water from the nozzle of the wall of the bathtub gives a pressure to the body.
By the douching effect, blood circulation is improved.

< Air Bubble Bath >
The bubble is generated from the bottom of the bathtub.
Negative ions are produced by the bursting of bubbles.
These are good for not only the reduction of stress but also the beauty.

< Lying Bath >
Lying comfortably, you soak into the bathtub.
It has a relaxation effect.
In addition, it is effective for insomnia.

You can also enjoy outdoor bath.

Good thing is it's open 24 hours.

You want to know how much it costs, don't you?
It's 1,200 yen on weekday, and 1,500 yen on weekend.
It's much cheaper than Ooedo Onsen Monogatari.

Moreover,
There are the amusement facilities such as Bowling and Movie Theater around HEIWAJIMA KURHAUS.
You can also enjoy shopping in Don Quixote.

Are you interested in HEIWAJIMA KURHAUS?
The web-site is
http://www.heiwajima-onsen.jp/en/index.html

Enjoy the relaxation like the Japanese.　(*｀・∀・)ノ))

Gyudon War

By: Agu (2011/01/15 14:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you like Gyudon?
It is Beef Bowl, which is very popular fast food in Japan.

We have three major Gyudon restaurant chains in Japan.
Yoshinoya, Matsuya, and Sukiya

The price war of Gyudon has heated up again.
Those three restaurants launched out into the price cut all together.
You can eat Gyudon by the price below 300 yen.

< YOSHINOYA >
They cut the price by 110 yen.
Now, the price of regular-sized Gyudon is 270 yen.
It's valid until 3:00 PM on January 17th.

< Matsuya >
The price of regular-sized Gyudon is 240 yen.
If you are a light eater, the price of small-sized Gyudon is only 200 yen !!
It's valid until 3:00 PM on January 17th.

< SUKIYA >
They cut the price by 30 yen.
You feel "It's only 30 yen !?", don't you?
But,
the price of regular-sized Gyudon is 250 yen, and small-sized one is 200 yen.
Only in Sukiya,
it's valid until 9:00 AM on January 18th.

It's a limited time offer !!
Please enjoy Japanese taste. （＊）´ー｀（＊）

KAGAMI BIRAKI

By: Agu (2011/01/11 15:52) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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What do you think it is?

It's piled up 2 round rice cakes with a small orange on the top.
We call it "KAGAMI MOCHI".

"KAGAMI" means a mirror, and "MOCHI" means a rice cake.
The rice cake is shaped like a flat round mirror and that's the reason why it is called "KAGAMI MOCHI".

In order to welcome toshi gami sama ( the Year God ),
"KAGAMI MOCHI" is put at toko no ma ( alcove ), kami dana ( household Shinto altar ), the entrance
and so on before the New Year comes.

And then,
the event called "KAGAMI BIRAKI" is held on January 11th.
The literal translation is mirror opening ceremony.
Traditionally,
we break KAGAMI MOCHI into small pieces with the hammer, and eat as

o zoni ( おぞうに ) ,which is a soup with rice cake and vegetables

or

o shiru ko ( おしるこ ), which is a sweet bean paste soup with rice cake

In this ceremony,
"mirror" represents happiness and peacefulness, and "opening" means infinite extension of possibility.
By eating mochi of "KAGAMI MOCHI", we pray to live long happily.

Maybe because of this tradition,
the average life span of the Japanese is long !?

Seijin no hi (Coming of Age Day)

By: Johrel (2011/01/10 08:05) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Today is Seijin no hi, or coming of age day in Japan. It is held annually on the second Monday of January. It is a Japanese national holiday which honors young people who have reached, or who will reach, the age of 20 during the current year. Age 20 is considered adult in Japan, and it is minimum legal age for voting, drinking, and smoking.

Local governments usually have a ceremony known as a seijin shiki (adult ceremony) to honor the "new adults". Government officials give speeches, and help them realize that they have become adult.

A lot of women celebrate this day by wearing Furisode kimono.
Most women cannot put on Furisode by themselves, so they go to a beauty salon to dress and set their hair.

Aren't they pretty?

Men usually wear business suits or Hakama.

What is the age that is considered adult in your country? Is there a special ceremony?

FURUSATO MATSURI TOKYO 2011

By: Agu (2011/01/09 16:09) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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"FURUSATO MATSURI TOKYO 2011" is held in Tokyo Dome
from Jan 8th till Jan 16th.
It is the biggest event in Japan
that you can enjoy the folk entertainment and country dishes of Japan.

In general,
You have a chance to see the genuine festival only on that place on that time.
However,
the various festivals all over Japan is reproduced on a grand scale in this event.
They are certainly worth seeing.

More than 300 country dishes gather together in this event.
From Hokkaido to Okinawa,
you will see various food, sweets and beer over there.
It's a very good opportunity to enjoy specialty of each place.

< information >
*TIME*
January 8th (Sat) - January 16th (Sun)
10:00 AM - 20:00 PM
*PLACE*
Tokyo Dome
( It's about 20 minutes from Asakusa by train. )
*Entrance Fee*
1,500 yen

If you need more information, please visit their web-site
http://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/furusato/index.htm

You will find another charm of Japan through "FURUSATO MATSURI TOKYO 2011.

DARUMA in Sakura Hostel Asakusa

By: Agu (2011/01/06 15:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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´∀｀).☆.。.:*

Imado Shrine in Asakusa, Tokyo

By: Agu (2011/01/05 16:11) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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As for shrines and temples in Asakusa, what comes to mind first?
Sensoji Temple??

Don't forget about Imado Shrine !!

Enshrining two gods who are married couple,
it's known well as the place that is famous in connection with matchmaking.

In addition,
it is the birthplace of good-luck beckoning cat doll called "MANEKI NEKO".
You will see the big male and female MANEKI NEKO in the precincts.
It is said that they bring a lot of good luck by raising the right hand high.

Do you want to take the benefit of matchmaking?
Here are some nice items.

< KOI MIKUJI > 200 yen

It's cute, isn't it?
This is the written oracle, which is very popular.

< EN MUSUBI OMAMORI > 800 yen/each

There are 9 colors in total.
Which one do you want?

< EN MUSUBI KAGAMI OMAMORI > 800 yen

By the reflected light of the sun,
the principal image appears on the surface.
How mysterious it is!!

Imado Shrine gains strong support from women who look for a good match.

Have you found out your partner yet?
Let's go to Imado Shrine to worship!!

Lucky Bag : FUKUBUKURO in Japan

By: Agu (2011/01/02 18:45) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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New Year's holiday is a time for big sales.
When department stores open after the start of the new year,
they sell the sealed shopping bags called "FUKUBUKURO".

Are you interested in what the contents of FUKUBUKURO are?

It's full of various stuff such as

Cosmetics

Sweets

Clothes

The price of FUKUBUKURO is somewhere between 1,000 yen and 10,000 yen.

It's not a sale of miscellany !!
It often contains the fashionable items.
Actually,
FUKUBUKURO is considered to have 2-3 times more worth of the asking price.

That's why FUKUBUKURO is very popular in Japan.
Every year,
hundreds of people line up for hours in front of the department store.
Once the store opens, they rush to each shop for FUKUBUKURO.

Do you want to participate in this FUKUBUKURO race?
Grab the lucky one !!

Toshikoshi Soba

By: Agu (2010/12/31 16:50) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you do anything special in New Year's Eve?
In Japan,
there is a custom of eating soba ( buckwheat noodle ) at the very end of the year.
We call it "Toshikoshi Soba".

It is often said that the life is as thin and long as soba.
Because soba is easy to break,
it also has the meaning of cutting off the troubles.
We eat Toshikoshi Soba, wishing for longevity and happiness.

There's no regulation of how to eat Toshikoshi Soba.
You can put anything as topping in soba.

Tempura

Egg

Sansai ( Mountain Vegetable )

There's one thing to be careful.
Eating Toshikoshi Soba after New Year's Eve passes is considered ominous.
It's OK to eat soba for dinner or for night meal.
It just says you should finish eating before midnight.

It remains as one of the good old traditions of New Year's Eve.
How about eating soba tonight, expressing the gratitude for living in peace ?

Seasonal Greeting Card in Japan, "NENGAJO"

By: Agu (2010/12/29 20:48) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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"NENGAJO" is one of the traditional Japanese custom in New Year.
It's a postcard sent as a greeting for the New Year.
It is similar to Christmas cards in Western countries, though NENGAJO has no religious significance.

The New Year holidays are very important to Japanese people.
We express gratitude on NENGAJO, and use as the tool to maintain the friendship.

We often draw the present year's zodiacal animal on NENGAJO.
As you know by our staff blog written on December 26th,
the animal of the year 2011 is the rabbit.

Unlike Christmas cards, NENGAJO shouldn't arrive before New Year's Day.
The word "nenga （年賀）" should be written in red at the front (side with stamp and address).
By this manner, the post office recognizes NENGAJO.
They are stocked in the post office, and they all are delivered on January 1st at once.

Recently,
some people send NENGAJO in the form of e-mail.

No matter what form it takes, we keep this tradition.

I look forward to receiving NENGAJO from my friends.

Winter Solstice in Japan

By: Agu (2010/12/22 14:53) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The seasonal significance of the winter solstice is the reversal of
the gradually lengthening nights and shortening days.
This year, it's December 22nd.

Do you have any custom of winter solstice in your country?

In Japan, it is said that you don't catch a cold if you eat pumpkin on winter solstice.

Basically, pumpkin is summer vegetable.
It grows well, exposed to the sunshine in summer.
As long as it's not cut, pumpkin is in good state of preservation for a long time.
Then, it is eaten in winter,
when a lot of cold are going around and beta-carotene-rich vegetables are in short supply.
This came from the ancestor's wisdom.

There's one more thing to do on winter solstice in Japan.
It is to take a hot citron bath, called "YUZU-YU".
Put some small citrus fruits called "YUZU" in the bath, and soak in the bath.

YUZU-YU stimulates the circulation of the blood, and warms up the body.
Therefore, it is said to prevent us from catching a cold.

These customs give us the hint to be full of vigor even in hard winter.

Let's pass the winter vigorously !!

Lottery in Japan

By: Agu (2010/12/21 14:39) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you dream of a millionaire?
"Year-End Jumbo lottery" tickets went on sale nationwide.

This year,
the first prize : 200 million yen ( There are 74 winning tickets )
zengo-shou : 50 million yen for each
( it's secondary prizes awarded to those whose tickets come within one digit of the winning number )

The sum of the first prize and Zengo-shou is 300 million yen !!

the second prize : 100 million yen ( There are 370 winning tickets )

Therefore,
if we count up the winning ticket for the first and second prizes,
444 billionaires are going to be born, which is twice as much as last year.

In addition,
the third prize : One million yen ( There are 7400 winning tickets )
year-end lucky prize : 30,000 yen ( There are 74000 winning tickets )

How gorgeous it is !!
It's the distinctive prize system of "Year-End Jumbo lottery".
The chance of winning has expanded greatly !!

On the first sale day,
more than 1,000 wannabe billionaires formed a line at the most popular lottery stand in Ginza.

The price of a lottery ticket is 300 yen, and it's on sale until December 24th.
The winning number will be announced on December 31st.

How about trying your luck to close this year?

Sakasa Sky Tree in Tokyo, Japan

By: Agu (2010/12/18 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever heard the word " Sakasa Fuji "?
"Sakasa Fuji " is the inverted image of Mt. Fuji which is reflected in the water.
Because it's very beautiful, Sakasa Fuji has been admired by Japanese for a long time.

Now,
a beautiful view which takes the place of Sakasa Fuji showed up in Asakusa.
That is " Sakasa Sky Tree ".

There's Kitajikken River just beside Tokyo Sky Tree.
The figure of Tokyo Sky Tree is reflected onto the water surface of this river.
Some bridges are laid over this river.
The most popular spot to see Sakasa Sky Tree is Jikken-bashi bridge.
On weekend, it is crowded with a lot of tourists who try to take the photo.
It's photographed between handrails of the bridge.

It is said that it's difficult to take a nice photo if it's windy.
The water surface wavers on the day when the wind blows.
Look !! It's also elegant, isn't it?

Do you want to take the photo of Sakasa Sky Tree?
The nearest station for Jikken-bashi bridge is Oshigami station.
You will reach the photo spot in 10 minutes walk from the station.

Catch the beautiful moment of Tokyo Sky Tree !!

The most popular name for babies in Japan!

By: Aki (2010/12/10 16:15) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The other day, the most popular name for babies in Japan 2010 has released.

【for boys】
No.1 大翔 (Hiroto)
No.2 悠真 (Yuuma)
No.3 翔 (Sho)
No.4 颯太 (Souta), 歩夢 (Ayumu)
No.6 颯真 (Souma), 蒼空 (Sora), 優斗(Yuuto)
No.9 大雅 (Taiga), 颯 (Hayate)

大翔 won first place for the fourth consecutive year.

No.3's 翔 is the same name with the idol group Arashi's Sho Sakurai.
Mothers of his fan naming his name for her childlen...???!
櫻井翔.jpg

【for girls】 Attention to the No.1!!!
No.1 さくら (Sakura)
No.2 陽菜 (Hina), 結愛 (Yua), 莉子(Riko)
No.5 美桜 (Mio)
No.6 美羽 (Miu)
No.7 葵 (Aoi), 結衣(Yui)
No.9 美咲(Misaki), 結菜(Yuna)

Yes, same as our company's name "Sakura" returned to the No.1 for the first time in 6 years!
Sakura (cherry blossom) has been the most beloved flower in Japan since ancient times :)
桜スカイツリー.JPG
Sakura and Tokyo Sky Tree in Spring

During the months of March and April, many people all over Japan go out to admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom!
*Staff blog about Hanami Party 2010*

Let's go to Aomori !!

By: Agu (2010/12/03 17:17) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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JR extended the railway line of Tohoku Shinkansen from Hachinohe up to Shin-Aomori.
On December 4th,
Tohoku Shinkansen will start to run from Tokyo station to Shin-Aomori station.

At this moment,
if you want to go to Aomori from Tokyo,
you go to Hachinoe by Shinkansen "HAYATE", and transfer to the express train for Aomori.
It takes about 4 hours.

The distance between Tokyo and Shin-Aomori is 713.7 km.
From December 4th,
Shinkansen "HAYATE" will link Tokyo with Shin-Aomori at full speed in 3 hours and 20 minutes.
You will save your time a lot.

You have enough time to enjoy one-day trip in Aomori.
In addition,
you have more alternatives for traveling by making the transportation in Aomori more convenient.

When you get to Aomori,
the landscape which gets totally different in each season comes out in front of you.

< Spring >
Including the oldest cherry tree "SOMEIYOSHINO"in Japan,
you can enjoy about 2,600 cherry blooming in Hirosaki castel.

< Summer >
You can enjoy Aomori Nebuta Festival, where the entire city throbs.

< Autumn >
In Oirasekeiryuu,
the sound in the clear stream merges in the clear air.
You can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves there.

< Winter >
Speaking of Mt. Hakkoda in winter,
the landscape like India-ink painting spread out in front of your eyes.

It's a good idea to visit the northern part of Japan !!

Tokyo Sky Tree is growing up !!

By: Agu (2010/12/02 20:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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As you probably know,
Tokyo Sky Tree is under construction now.
That "Tokyo Sky Tree" passed 500 meter height, and reached 511 meter height on December 1st !!

On the topmost part of the main body,
the vibration control device and the lightning rod were set temporarily.
Ｉn the latter half of November,
seemingly the height has already reached 511 meters.

These devices were considered as the temporality structure.
Accordingly, it was not counted as the update of the height.

When the antenna device was lifted up to 497 meters, it was joined to other two devices.
That's December 1st.

While the antenna installation, it keeps being lifted up.
At the end of February,
the height is expected to reach about 600 meters.
This means it's almost as high as Guangzhou Tower,
which is the highest in the world as an independent transmitter tower.

Next spring,
the height of Tokyo Sky Tree will be 634 meters !!

We look forward to seeing the complete Tokyo Sky Tree.

Monster Hunter on sale today!

By: Tomoe (2010/12/01 18:02) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The 1st December... this is the day PSP game "Monster Hunter Portable 3" comes out!

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"Monster Hunter" series are one of the most popular game that has sold a total of 6.5 million copies since its first release in 2004.
There were numerous long queue up for this game software in front of electric stores across Japan from late at night.

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Surprisingly, many people absent from the office or school just for playing this game today...!

This is an online game that you and friends help each other, and bring down the monsters.
Since it's portable, you would see people playing the game anywhere around the town or cafes.

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It might look really weird for you, but it is also the latest Japanese culture!

100 YEN SHOP

By: Tomoe (2010/11/25 21:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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

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

100 yen shop.JPG daiso giga.jpg

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

The largest store in Tokyo is Daiso Giga Machida, spans 5 floors!!

[Access] 30 minutes from Shinjuku to Machida station by Odakyu Railways (360 yen)

In the huge store, you can find almost everything you want from daily necessaries to novelty items, all for 100 yen. My reccommendation for souvenirs are the tabllewares such as chopstickes, Sake cups, rice bowls or lunch boxes.
If you'd miss Japanese food so much, what about "Sushi Maker"?

You can have a sushi party with those tools at home!
Looks yummy ;-)

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

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

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

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

House Illumination

By: Tomoe (2010/11/24 22:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Winter is coming, and I feel night is much longer these days.
You can see many places already got illumination in Tokyo.

There were only a few famous place that you can see the illumination in Japan not so long time ago,
but since LED comes more common recently, we can enjoy the bright night a lot in town and houses.

Since more people enjoy the house illumination, the self-help stores have dedicated section for that, and variety of the items are attracting people.

Hmmm, imagining of the pretty illumination is so excited.
Would you like to purchase some?

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18,900 JPY (Santa girl is NOT included!)

10,800 JPY

11,000 JPY

Have you decorated your house yet?
I want Winnie-the-Pooh at our hostel! ;-)

Hato Bus Tour

By: Agu (2010/11/21 17:00) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shinjyuku Expressway Bus Terminal(way to Mt.Fuji area)

By: Ebi (2010/11/18 15:15) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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

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

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Late Autumn Mountains!

By: Ebi (2010/11/17 20:44) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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

Lake Chuzenji - NIKKO

Mt.Takao

Of course you also enjoy autumn in Tokyo.

Aoyama area

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

Peace!

Shichi-Go-San

By: Agu (2010/11/12 15:28) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good News for Ramen Lovers

By: Agu (2010/10/26 15:31) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever eaten Ramen?
Ramen is Chinese noodle arranged in Japanese-style.
There are mainly 4 kinds of soup : Soy Sauce (Shohyu), Soy Bean Paste (Miso), Salt (Shio), Pork Broth(Tonkotsu).

Ramen is very popular among not only Japanese people but also foreign people.

Here is a good news for you.

Tokyo Ramen Show will be held in Komazawa Olympics Park from Nov 3rd till Nov 7th.
Local ramen all over Japan and collaborative ramen by popular chefs gather there.
More than 100 ramen restaurants participate in this event.
There are many ramen that you can enjoy only in this time.
Besides, you can eat any ramen by 750 yen per bowl
It's only Tokyo Ramen Show that has such a wonderful chance.

I introduce some of ramen to you.

< TOYAMA BLACK MENYA IROHA >
The soup is made from dried sardines and black soy sauce secretly handed down.

< TOCHIGI HANANOKI >
The soup is made from their original spicy soy bean paste.

< HAKODATE RAMEN JIROCHOU >
The soup is made from plenty of local food such as scallop and seaweed.

< HAKATA DARUMA >
The soup is made from pork bone simmered for 12 hours.

If you want more information, please visit their web-site.
http://www.ramenshow.com/index.html

Did you find the one you want to eat?

Sightseeing in Hakone ( 2 )

By: Agu (2010/10/25 15:10) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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If you are nature lover, I recommend you to visit Owakudani.

In the middle of Hakone's lush greenery, Owakudani is like an entirely different dimension.
The volcanic landscape created 400 thousand years ago spreads before you.
Owakudani was formed as a result of the eruption and subsequent collapse of Kamiyama Mountain.
Even now, there are volcanic fumes of hydrogen sulfide being emitted.
As a result, smell of sulfur is spreading all over the area.
You might not be able to help holding your nose in Owakudani.

Trees have been dead and rocks have turned to clay, exposing a bronze-colored hillside.
On the other hand,
there are some plants with strong resistance to high ground temperature and acidic soil.

When you walk up Owakudani nature trail,
you can see many activities of the dynamic volcano such as the boiling pools and steam-spewing vents.

In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful view of Mt. Fuji from there.
When I visited Owakudani, it was drizzling.
Unfortunately, I could not see Mt. Fuji.

What do you think it is?

This is the speciality of Owakudani, which is Black Egg.
These black eggs are boiled in hot sulfurous mud water which is very specific to Owakudani.
According to Japanese legend,
you will prolong your life by 7 years if you eat one black egg.
This time, I ate three black eggs in total.
21 years might be added to my life span!?

I'll be happy if Owakudani arouse your interest in visiting Japan.

Sightseeing in Hakone ( 1 )

By: Agu (2010/10/24 15:23) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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I took two days off, and made an overnight trip to Hakone.
Hakone is a good place to be relaxed.

There are two ways to go to Hakone from Tokyo area.
1) Take a train "Odakyu-line" from Shinjuku station, and get off at Hakoneyumoto station.
2) Take a train "JR Tokaido-line" from Tokyo station, and get off at Odawara station.
Both ways take about 2 hours to get to Hakone.

If you want to enjoy Onsen ( hot spring ) fully, I recomend "HAKONE KOWAKI-EN YUNESSUN".
There are two main zones, which are called "Mori No Yu" and "Yunessun".

[ Mori No Yu ]
　　　
This is the spa zone you can enjoy leisurely with naked.
You can enjoy Onsen in the traditional Japanese style.
While viewing the magnificent nature of Hakone, you will relax in the open-air bath.
Cypress bath and Large Cask bath will also relieve your mind and body.

[ YUNESSUN ]

This is the amusement spa zone where you can play in your swimsuit.
You can enjoy more than 25 different kinds of spa attraction.
In addition, you can enjoy some unique baths containing Japanese sake, green tea, etc.
Because everyone wears swimsuits there, families and couples can enjoy amusement spa together.

If you are interested in it, please visit their website for the detail.
http://www.yunessun.com/english/

I'll be very happy if this recommendation helps you enjoy Japan.

Japanese Popular Songs

By: Aki (2010/10/22 16:26) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Are you interested in Japanese popular songs?
Now I introduce some of those.

【Album sales ranking in 2009】

The best selling album in 2009 is "All the BEST! 1999-2009" by Arashi.
view video http://pv6pvnewspv6pv.blog102.fc2.com/blog-entry-1510.html
Arashi, which means "storm" in Japanese, debuted in 1999 as part of Johnny's Entertainment.
They consist of 5 boys whose musical style covers a wide range,
which includes pop, hip-hop and influences of rock.

The 2nd most selling album in 2009 is "SUPERMARKET FANTASY" by Mr.Children.
Mr.Children is a famous Japanese rock band group formed in 1989.
They are one of the most popular bands in Japan.

The 3rd most selling album in 2009 is "SALT and PEPPER" by GReeeeN.
GReeeeN is a J-Pop band consisting of four members. Their major label debut is in 2007.

The 4th is "AISUBEKIMIRAIE" and the 5th is "BALLAD BEST" by EXILE.
EXILE is a Japanese pop group consisting of 14 members formed in 1999.

【The ranking of best selling artist (total sales of Albums, singles and DVDs) in 2009】

No.1 is Arashi

Exile+NEW.png
No.2 is Exile

No.3 is Tohoshinki
They are 5-member Korean male group.
Its five members specialize in the areas of dance, a cappella, acting, and pop with a R&B vibe
as well as other various genres ranging from electronica to ballad and even elements of rock.

No.4 is B'z
view video http://pv6pvnewspv6pv.blog102.fc2.com/blog-entry-2082.html
B'z is the most popular rock group in all of Japan.
They have produced a consecutive string of number one hits since their fifth single was released in 1990.

The+Beatles+altAbbeyRoadwalk.png
And No.5 is... The Beatles !!

Knack of Claw Crane

By: Agu (2010/10/20 16:12) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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You will see so many kinds of claw cranes when you go to the amusement arcade in Japan.
Because claw cranes have various prizes such as dolls and snacks,
it's a very popular game among young people.

Actually, it's quite difficult to catch a prize
There are 12 techniques in order to succeed in playing claw crane.

1) Triangle
The point is two claws and the arm itself.
Lift up the prize while keeping balance of 3 points by using leverage.

2) Kesa-dori
The arm firmly captures the prize by catching obliquely.
It's easy to get the prize by keeping the center of gravity.

3) Yokoshihou-dori ( Horizontal all sides )
If the prize is a doll, this technique works well.
Have a nip between the legs and head, and the prize is fixed firmly while lifting.

4) Space Hook
Hang the arm in the space such as the cover of a box.

5) Himo-kake ( String hook )
Hang the arm in the string of the prize.

6) Tag-kake ( Tag hook )
Hang the arm in the tag attached to a doll.

7) Hole hook
This technique works well on a box-shape prize.
Hang the arm in any holes of the prize that can be caught.

8) Tsubame-gaeshi
When you try to get a big-size prize, this technique is effective.
Lift up the heavy part of the prize.
The prize will move forward under the influence of falling down.

9) Hikiotoshi ( Pulling down )
This technique is also effective on a big-size prize.
Hang the arm in one part of the prize, and bring it close to the goal gradually.

10) Chabudai-gaeshi
When the prize is too big to hang the arm, this technique is useful.
Lift up the edge of the prize, and turn it over.

11) Niagara Fall
When the prizes are piled up, it's a good idea to use this technique.
Don't aim at the prize directly.
Just lower the arm, and destroy the pile dynamically.

12) Push Get
When the prize is caught in the corner of goal, it is a big chance!!
Don't lift up the prize, but push it into the goal by the arm.
Make sure the best part of the prize to add the weight.

In order to see how these techniques work, please visit this site.
http://www.aou.or.jp/douga/main.html

Now, you might be a claw crane master!?

Bathing Etiquette in Sento

By: Agu (2010/10/19 15:32) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know the word "SENTO"?
SENTO is Japanese style public bathhouse.

This sign means bath or bathing facilities.
When you head to Sento, it's a good idea to try to find this sign.

In general, Sento does not allow that male and female take a bath together.
( children under 10 are excepted )

You want to enjoy Sento comfotably, don't you?
Here are some bathing etiquette that you should keep in your mind.

First of all, you must take off your clothes.
You are not allowed to wear the swimming suit or the underwear.
Don't hesitate to be naked !!

Before getting into the bathtub,
please wash out the sweat of your body slightly with a pailful of hot water.

When you get in the bathtub,
please do not soak your towel in it.
It's OK to put your towel on the head like this monkey.

If you have long hair, you should do up your hair with rubber band, towel, or shower cap.
Otherwise, it gets insanitary that the hair is floating in the bathtub.

In Japan, you are supposed to wash yourselves outside the bathtub.

When you take a shower,
pay attention not to splash water on other people.

You are not supposed to do the laundry in Sento.
Also, you are not supposed to swim or dive in the bathtub.

Please don't forget to dry yourselves on a towel before returning to the dressing room,
Otherwise, the floor of the dressing room gets soaked by water.
It becomes slippery, and there's a risk of tumble.

One more thing to tell you.
Almost all Sento don't allow people with tatoo to enter.
People who got drunk are not allowed to enter as well.

Now, you have knowledge of bathing etiquette.
Enjoy Sento in Japan !!

Regional Characteristic of Okonomiyaki

By: Agu (2010/10/17 17:47) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever eaten Okonomiyaki before?
OKONOMIYAKI is Japanese traditional food, that is an unsweetened pancake with various ingredients.

Do you know the fact that the ingredients of Okonomiyaki varies according to the locality?

There are two major styles of Okonomiyaki in Japan.

[ KANSAI (Osaka Area) Style ]

First of all, the dough mixed with cabbage and other ingredients is put on the hot plate.
Sometimes, grated yam is added to the dough.
It makes the texture softer.
Sweet & spicy thick source is used by preference.
Most Okonomiyaki restaurants in Osaka area put mayonnaise on it.
In Osaka area, Okonomiyaki is considered as the side dish.
Therefore, they eat Okonomiyaki with rice in general.　　　

[ HIROSHIMA Style ]

The dough and the ingredients are cooked separately, and the ingredients are put on the dough.
Popular ingredients are a lot of cabbage, bean sprouts, fish meal, sliced pork. noodle, and egg.
Squid-taste cracker and some seafood such as squid and shrimp are added as a topping.
Since the source manufacturer"OTAFUKU" is in Horoshima,
they prefer using OTAFUKU source, which has sweet taste.
In general, mayonnaise is never put on Hiroshima style of Okonomiyaki .

In Kansai style Okonomiyaki restaurant,
the dough mixed with some ingredients is just served, which means you cook it by yourself.
High cooking technique is not required.
You can control how you like your Okonomiyaki done.

On the other hand,
completely cooked Okonomiyaki is served in Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki restaurant.
Because Hiroshima style one is very thick pancake with a lot of ingredients, it's quite difficult to cook.
Therefore, the professional chef better cook it.

Futhermore,
it is said that some pickled vegetables such as ginger and radish are put in Okonomiyaki in Shizuoka area.

Which style of Okonomiyaki did you eat?

Manga Cafe

By: Agu (2010/10/16 15:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever heard of Manga Cafe in Japan?
It is the facility where not only the food service but also the amusement service is provided.
We call it "MANGA KISSA", and the shortened word is "MAN-KITSU".

MAN-KITSU is not just a cafe with some books.
It has as many comics, magazines and newspaper as the library and the book store.
You can enjoy free drink bar, free internet access, TV, DVD, and TV game in MAN-KITSU.

Almost all MAN-KITSU have the private booths, and the couple seat booths.
You can enjoy Manga without any interruption in the private booth.
In the coupe seat booth, you can spend time together with your friend.

Some MAN-KITSU have other amusement service such as darts, billiards, massage chair, etc.

To the surprise, some have the nail salon.
It's possible for you to have your nails polished with free of charge.

Almost all MAN-KITSU is open for 24 hours.
Because it's cheaper than taking a taxi,
some people who miss the last train go to MAN-KITSU to take a rest until the first train runs.

In addition, there are shower rooms.
Therefore, there's a case that homeless people use it as the temporary residence.

Don't worry.
Since problem like this appeared,
MAN-KITSU have the obligation to confirm the ID card of every visitor now.
It's a safe place.

Why don't you visit MAN-KITSU, and feel Japanese Pop Culture?

How much is this

By: Aki (2010/10/04 17:54) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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We often get this question from our guests.
"How much is this?"

5円玉！.JPG
This is 5 Yen.

Japanese can tell it just by looking.
But non-Japanese would not know how much it is, because there is only 'kanji' written on the coin.

There are two coins that has a hole in the middle in Japan.

The reason why there is a hole in the middle,.
50yen ... To know the difference from 100yen coin made by the same material.
5yen ... This coin was made in 1949. Japanese had to save the material by inflation after the end of the World War.

My friend got a 5yen coin and the hole was a little bit off from the center..
It's very rare and you would not see it often.

5neu!.jpg

My friend checked how much these "rare coins" or "error coins" worth.
They said that those coins worth from 1,000 yen to 10,000 yen!

The other error coins... （These are sold for over 100,000 yen...

5-yen called "GOEN" in Japanese and the word also means that you can have a good relationship
with the one you like.

5円お守り.jpg

Coupon Paradise in Japan

By: Agu (2010/10/03 14:28) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you want to do the luxury during your travel?
Do you want to save money, and have a big fun?

There are many coupon magazines in Japan.
Mainly, the restaurant coupons are in it.
In addition,
there are the beauty coupons such as hair salon, and the culture coupons such as language lesson.

I introduce some of popular coupon magazines.

[ HOT PEPPER ]

[ Coupon Land ]

You can get discount at the nice restaurant.
You can take excellent massage in the luxury spa at the lower price.

Do you want to know where to find these coupon magazines?
You can get them in the convenience store or at the station.

You can get the coupon on their web-site, too.
HOT PEPPER
http://www.hotpepper.jp/A_30300/svcSA11.html
COUPON LAND
http://http://www.c-pon.com/

Please enjoy staying in Japan smartly.

Naoshima

By: Tomoe (2010/09/23 15:08) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The Naoshima island is one of the hot spots in Japan for art and nature lovers.

There are modern art museums, and also some art projects such as remaking an abandoned house into an art or so in the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, which has been attracting a lot of interest around the world.

This is the place, art and the beautiful nature of the island coexistent, I think.
You will be in love with the relaxing experience :)

Naoshima >> http://www.benesse-artsite.jp/en

Naoshima is one of the sites of "Setouchi International Art Festival 2010" that is taking place from July 19th through October 31st, featuring 75 Artists and Projects and 16 Events from 18 countries and Regions
Let's walk around the islands, then you will bump into the artworks!

Access:
By flight >> from Tokyo to Takamatsu (70 mins), and ferry to Miyanoura Port (50 mins)
By train >> JR Shinkansen from Tokyo to Okayama (5 hours),
and ferry from Uno Port to ferry to Miyanoura Port (20 mins)

It's actually a bit far from Tokyo, but why don't you feel the artistic breeze in the island? ;)

Sumo trivia

By: Aki (2010/09/17 20:16) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Q: How large is the ring?
A: The ring in the middle has a diameter of 4.55 meters.
In the centre of the ring there are two white "face-off lines" of white enamel paint.
They are with 70cm between them.

kokugikan's dohyo.jpg

Q: When is the Kokugikan ring made?
A: All "yobidashi" (ushers) assemble to make the ring.
The project takes 3days. Only the top 20cm of dirt is replaced.
The yobidashi use a number of special tools for the job, but no machinery.

Q: Are women allowed in the ring?
A: No. According to custom, the ring is sacred, and no women are allowed in it.

dohyo woman.jpg

Q: Why do "rikishi" (sumo wrestler) wear a topknot?
A: In 1871, all men were required to cut off their topknots, but the sumo world was exempted,
and rikishi were allowed to retain the ancient hairstyle.

Q: When do rikishi wash their hair?
A: There are no rules, but they rarely wash it daily.

Q: Can rikishi compete even if they do not have enough hair for a topknot?
A: A rikishi would probably retire if he were no longer capable of achieving topknots.
No rikishi has ever listed this as a reason for retiring, but there have been rumors.

Q: Do rikishi wear anything under their belts?
A: No, they don't. They are not allowed to wear anything under their belts.

Q: What is strength water?
A: Water symbolizes purification.
Rikishi must rinse out their mouths to purify themselves before stepping into the sacred ring.

Q: What is the meaning of the salt?
A: It is a prayer to the gods to purify the ring from evil sprits and protect the rikishi from injury.
it also disinfects cuts. It is used 45kg a day.

Q: How much are bout incentive prizes worth?
A: Each sponsor pays 60,000 yen. The JSA deducts 5,000 yen for handling and 25,000 yen for income tax.
The winner receives the remaining 30,000 yen.

Q: Are there any foreign sumo wrestlers?
A: As of August 2010, there are 56 foreign wrestlers from 11 countries registered in Japan.
Mongolia(33), China(7), Russia(3), Georgia(3), Brazil(2), South Korea(2), Bulgaria(2), Czech(1),
Kazakhstan(1), Estonia(1), Hungary(1)

(reference: Sumo 258 key questions & Official Grand Sumo Homepage)

Panda is so cute!!

By: Tomoe (2010/09/08 13:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you ever seen a real Giant Panda?
They are so cute!!

Twin pandas

Mother and child

Baby pandas

Sporty panda

Panda only lives in China, but did you know you can meet them in Japan as well?

Those twin baby pandas that born last month are recentely shown to the pablic in Adventure World in Wakayama prefecture.

They have grown 5 times bigger than their birth 3 weeks ago, but I think they are still so small. I can't believe how tiny the newborn babies are!

Wanna see panda, but Wakayama is too far from Tokyo?

Then, good news for you :)
Panda couples are coming to Tokyo, Ueno Zoo next spring.
We are so excited about that!

By the way, the rental fee for Panda that Tokyo will pay to China is USD 950,000 every year. WOW!

Anyways, it's just 5 minutes ride on subway from Asakusa to Ueno Zoo.
Why not going to see the lovely panda? I can't wait for their arrival in Tokyo :D

Wanna beach??

By: Tomoe (2010/07/30 21:33) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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What's summer for you?
Summer = beach !?
I recommend some nice beaches in Japan today :)

If you have enough time and money, Okinawa is definitely the best to visit!

Okinawa is southen islands about 1,600 km away from Tokyo.
Especially, the small islands are great to relax, and the coral reef are amazing!!

The flight from Tokyo to Okinawa (main island) takes 2.5 hours, and costs about 33,000 yen (one way). Okinawa has many cheap hostels, budget hotels, and of cource gorgeous hotels as well ;)

OKINAWA >> http://www.okinawa-information.com/content/okinawa-beach-guide

If you have time, but not enough money to fly, I recommend Izu area which is the closest paradise from Tokyo!
Izu is a peninsula, and there're many beautiful beaches in the south part of it.
You can enjoy variety of marine sports such as diving, surfing, fishing, sea kayaking and so on.

If you take express trains, takes 2.5 hours from Tokyo, and costs about 7,000 yen (one way).
If you take local trains, takes 3.5 hours, and costs only 4,000 yen.

Izu is also known for hot spa.
Swim in the lovely beach, have sea food BBQ, and take hot spa! It would make you so much refreshed :)

IZU >> http://www.izu-kankou.or.jp/en/index.html

If you want to go for 1 day trip to lay down, or feel the sea breeze, Shonan beach would be nice.

It's just 1 hour ride on the train from Tokyo, and costs about 1,000 yen to get there. Near Kamakura, and nice to explore the city too.
Many cool beach houses are recently built in summer only, and they're having parties during the holiday =)
Yuigahama beach houses >> http://yuigahama.shonan-clip.jp/shops (sorry, only in Japanese)

Everyone, don't work too hard!
It's time for beaches ;D

Win

By: Benjamin (2010/07/23 15:13) | Permalink | Comment (4) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know "Kit Kat"?

In Japanese, "Kit Kat" is pronounced "kitto katto".
Because it sounds similar to "kitto katsu", which means something like "You will surely win", it became a custom for parents to buy "Kit Kat" as good luck charm before an important test at school.

Now there are a lot of different flavors. Some of which are only sold for a limited time:

Nikkou

By: Benjamin (2010/07/13 13:37) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you know the Toushouguu in Nikkou? The shrine is dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, who is also entombed there.
The place is so breathtaking that you can not describe it. I took a lot of photos and videos, but it is impossible to even remotely catch the atmosphere.

first gate

To get to the actual tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu (which is - typically Japanese - kept very minimalistic), you first have to go through a huge temple complex with beautiful buildings and huge courtyards and climb endless stairs.

tomb

You also go through several torii and gates - you can imagine how sacred the place is.

torii

Did you know that the three wise monkeys come from there too?

3wise

Nikkou is also very popular among our guests:

guests

Feel free to ask at our front desk if you plan to go to Nikkou and need help.

National Anthem Trivia

By: Ryoko (2010/06/18 10:36) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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The Japanese anthem, 君が代 (Kimi ga yo) has the oldest (9th century) lyrics,
It was written to praise the Emperor system of Japan.
And also it is the one of the world's shortest national anthems.

The lyrics of Kimi ga yo:

Kimi ga yo wa / Chiyo ni yachiyo ni / Sazare ishi no /
Iwao to nari te / Koke no musu made.

English translation:

May the reign of the Emperor/ continue for a thousand, eight thousand generations
and for the eternity / that it takes for small pebbles /to grow into a great rock
/and become covered with moss.

Let's listen with melody.
http://www.lyrics5.com/videos.html?vid=-L4C4b0RitY

By the way, do you know the world's oldest national anthem
though the words of the Japanese national anthem (not the music)
date back to the 9 th century?

The answer is...

Holland!
Their national anthem music was made in 1572.
The melody of Japanese anthem was added in the late 19th century.
Holland's national anthem, ''Het Wilhelmus'''s Wilhelmus is Germany actually.
Does anyone know why Germany is appeared on the Holland's national anthem???

So tomorrow, you should focus on listening both Japan & Holland's national anthem.

Even though Holland has the oldest national anthem music,
we have 2 world's record (oldest & shortest lyrics).
That means, we already beat you up! lol
beat you up.JPG

Well, our hope is that we can get a draw.

Go go Japan!!

Crazy Packed Train in Tokyo

By: Ryoko (2010/06/17 19:18) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Have you experienced to get on jam-packed train?
Jam-packed train can be described as percentage.
100% You can have a seat, hang on a strap, or grab on to a handhold.
150% You can still read newspaper or books.
200% People are very close to each other for a long time. Awkward. Pervert cases happen sometimes. Men should be careful about their hands. You had better avoid standing behind women not to be misunderstood.
250% Feel extremely tight. If you are short women like me, you can barely breathe even your bodies are likely to rise with surrounded by taller people. Even if you are tall enough, looking at each other very closely for minutes is embarrassing.

If you would like to experience the most terrible one, I would say you should get on the JR Keihin Tohoku line from Ueno station to Okachimachi station around 8 am. You can experience 225% of crowdness. Why don’t you get on the train to explore the suffer from a crowd of humans?

満員電車.jpg

Paradice of Soy sauce

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

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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?

Love football?

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

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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

Japan's new faces:D

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

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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

Moshi moshi

By: Tomo (2009/09/27 15:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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It used to be a lot easier to buy a prepaid mobile phone in Japan.
As they now require some other registration cards than your passport, today it is not quite realistic for visitors to buy a phone in Japan.

We cannot guarantee that you can use your mobile phone from your country since we don't use GSM phone system in Japan.

We recommend you RENT one, not to buy one if you stay in Japan as a visitor for less than 3 months.

The rental fees vary, depending on the period of length, but it wouldn't be more expensive than 7,000 yen for a month.
We provide you with more information at the front desk.

Rest in peace...

By: Tomo (2009/09/25 10:30) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

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It was a sudden news.

The author of the nationally (and internationally) popular manga "Crayon Shin-chan" was found dead last week.
He went to climb a mountain and apparently fell off a cliff when he tried to take a photo.

Have you watched the manga? It's been one of the most popular manga in Japan since we were little kids.

Japan lost a great creator.

Mexican rap on a Japanese TV commercial

By: Tomo (2009/04/28 10:43) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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I was surprised to hear this music from a TV commercial.

This is a TV commercial of QP Mayonnaise (our local brand of mayonnaise).
It is very rare to hear Mexican music from TV hear. I wonder who sings this.

Another version.

How golden is your Golden Week?

By: Tomo (2009/04/26 13:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Look at the calendars of April and May.

Every year, from the end of April to the beginning of May, we have a special period of holidays.

April 29th is the Day of Showa (the birthday of our late Emperor).
May 3rd is Constitution Day.
May 4th is Greenery Day (I don't know what Greeney means...)
May 5th is Children's Day

We have these four national holidyas within a week during this period, which we call "Golden Week."

This year, because Constitution Day falls on Sunday, we get May 6th off, as well.

Look at the calendars very well.
If you successfully get April 27th, 28th, 30th and May 1st off, you will get a vacation of 12 days!
Wow! Wow!

If you are even better at negotiating with your boss and get May 7th and 8th off, your vacation would be 16 days!!! That is a real "Golden Week."

But this could happen only if you are woking for a company which doesn't work on Saturdays and Sundays. Never happens to us because.... we are Sakura Hostel♪

Do you have this kind of special holiday weeks in your countries, too??

I used to be a JK.

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

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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.

Koban -Police Box

By: Tomo (2009/04/09 15:07) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Koban (交番) is a small building with uniformed police officers.
They keep watching the community, give people directions and react to the emergencies
that happen in the community.
It shares the same idea with "police box."

You can find one in front of Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa.
The police officers of this koban always look pretty busy
with many visitors including Japanese and foreigners.

Don't hesitate to ask them for directions when you got lost.
They don't smile a lot and are very kind.
We heard that there is an officer who speaks Thai in this koban.

Obama-shi.

By: Yuri (2009/01/21 13:59) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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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☆

Hastumode -the New Year's Shrine/Temple Visit

By: Tomo (2009/01/04 01:42) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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What is this line for??

sensoji jan 1.jpg

This photo was taken after 11:00PM on January 2nd.

This is a line of people of "hatsumode" (the New Year's visit to shrines/temples) waiting to pray at the Sensoji Temple.

For the first three days of each year, we see this long line of people in front of Sensoji Temple.
During the daytime, the line is more than 200m up until Kaminarimon Gate.

Hatsumode is still such an important custom for Japanese people even in this modern time. Why don't you join the line and try the custom with these people?

forget-the-year party

By: Yuri (2008/12/27 14:35) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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;)

Oseibo -Year End Gifts

By: Tomo (2008/12/09 14:14) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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If you are interested in Japanese culture, Oseibo is one of the things that you should know about.

My Japanese-English discionary translates Oseibo to "year-end gift."
Does it make sense to you? I hope it does.

Usually, you send gifts to those who have important (mostly business) relationships with you. For examle, you send a box of beer to your business partners, boss, teachers or someone who you want to thank a lot.

Do you have such kind of custom in your country?

Food Heaven.

By: Yuri (2008/11/15 14:36) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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These are what I had during my trip to Hiroshima★
Just SOME of them, though:P
food1 food2
food3 food4
food5 food6
food7 food8
food9

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;)★

My trip to Hiroshima Vol.2

By: Yuri (2008/11/12 14:21) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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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.
hiroshima2-1

After a short time, I found this famous Torii, shrine gate, built in the sea.
hiroshima2-2

There is also well-known Itsukushima shrine in the island.
It was really solemn and I was touched.
hiroshima2-3
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.
hiroshima2-4
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!

My trip to Hiroshima Vol.1

By: Yuri (2008/11/11 08:45) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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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.

hiroshima1-1
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.
hiroshima1-2

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.

Trip to Kawaguchiko

By: Tomo (2008/11/05 18:25) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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I visited the Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchiko) last weekend with one of my best friends from Sakura House☆

mt fuji.jpg

Can you see the beautiful mountain behind us? (I know there is too much backlight and it is hard to see it...)
It is Mt. Fuji, and my only purpose of visiting the lake was to see the mountain.

When our guests ask us for a good place to see Mt. Fuji, we usually recommend Kawaguchiko. One reason is the easy acess from Tokyo. There is a highway bus from Shinjuku going direcly to the lake, which only takes 1h 50min. Why don't you go there for a day trip?

There are many nice restaurants of houtou around the lake.

Houtou is one of the most popular local dishes of the area. It is miso-based soup with udon noodles and lots of vegetables. I tried this restaurant and loved it! We walked 20 min. to the restaurant because we didn't have a car, tired... but it was worth doing that!

Watch TV dramas?

By: Tomo (2008/10/24 22:39) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

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Recently, I bought a new TV for a good price.

Well, let's watch some TV dramas on it (because I haven't bought a DVD player yet...)

What are TV dramas like in your countries?

In Japan, a TV drama is usually a series of 10 to 12 episodes
and appears on the TV for 3 months (one episode per week).
If you want to watch this drama, you have to sit in front of the TV
at 9:00PM on every Monday, for example.
One episode is one hour including CMs. "Including CMs" is important.
The actual story in an episode is only about 40+ minutes
and all the rest is commercial messages.

(Popular titles from this year and last year)

You will see the same story novelized and filmized if it is successfull
as a TV drama, and vice versa.
When you have such a popular actor, you will see him
in two different TV dramas at the same time.
He plays a simple elementary school teacher on Saturdays
and a poor farther with 3 kids on Tuesdays, like him ↓↓↓　

Wow, how busy he is.

Yusuke Kamiji (We see him on TV everyday this year.)

snake?

By: Yuri (2008/10/21 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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.

Do you know?

By: Yuri (2008/09/29 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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?

Gold Medal!!

By: Yuri (2008/09/16 14:48) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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;)

I'm back♪

By: Yuri (2008/09/13 15:58) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

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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?

September Grand Sumo Tournament

By: Yuri (2008/09/07 15:13) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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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★

Shinkansen bullet trains

By: Tomo (2008/08/22 15:01) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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One of our guests asked me an interesting question.

"I just want to try how a shinkansen ride is. What is the nearest destination from Tokyo by shinkansen?"

Shinkansen is translated as "bullet train" because it runs fast like a bullet.
I don't know how fast a bullet is, but a shinkansen bullet train sometimes runs at 300 km/r.

The nearest shinkansen destination from Tokyo is probably Shin-yokohama, but it is too close for them to run at 300 km/r... Maybe you should go somewhere like Nagoya and come back to Tokyo if you want to experience their speed.

Last year, I rode shinkansen for the first time in a few years, but I felt asleep just a few minutes after the train left Tokyo. And then the next moment, I was in Kyoto. I will try not to sleep next time.

Judo.

By: Yuri (2008/08/10 08:57) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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.

McDonalds.

By: Yuri (2008/08/08 14:12) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

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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:)

Have you tried Japanese beer?

By: Tomo (2008/08/05 15:06) | Permalink | Comment (1) | TrackBack (0)

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We have two vending machines inside the hostel.
The left one is for alcohol and the right one is for non-alcohol drinks.

↓↓↓In the alcoholic one, the drinks on the top two columns are beer.
(From left to right) Premium MALTS, MALTS and low-malt beer (happo-shu).

The ones on the bottom are chu-hi (shochu-based bevarage).

They are all from SUNTORY.

Try some Japanese beer while in Japan. The legal age of drinking here is 20, by the way.

When you buy cigarettes in Japan...

By: Tomo (2008/08/04 18:39) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Such a controversial system of cigarette vending machines has been recently started throughout Japan.

You might have seen many cigarette vending machines on the steet in Japan. We still have them.

But, if the machine says something in Japanese to you next time you try to buy cigarettes from a machine, it is saying "show me your TASPO."

You need your own TASPO card to verify your age when you buy a box of cigarettes from a machine. The goal of the system is to prevent underage smoking, but many people doubt if it will make any difference.

Our oni-chan (Tsuyoshi) smokes but hasn't applied for a TASPO card yet. He has to go to a store to buy cigarrets now altough he used to buy them from the nearest vending machines on the street. I hope it will make him smoke less or quit it.

Hayao Miyazaki's latest film

By: Tomo (2008/07/30 17:38) | Permalink | Comment (3) | TrackBack (0)

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Do you like Hayao Miyazaki? He is the movie director who made many popular animation films such as "My neighbor Totoro", "Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind" and "Luputa: Castle in the Sky."

His brandnew film "Gake no ue no Ponyo (Ponyo on the Cliff)" is now in the theater.
The title tune of the movie is so impressive that it sticks in your head. These days, me and Naoto often sing it to ourselves while working.

Listen to it↓↓↓　You can never get the song out of your head.

Hanabi?the Japanese night?

By: Yuri (2008/07/16 14:06) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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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:)

Japan VS Bahrain

By: Yuri (2008/06/23 14:46) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Japan survived third-round elimination in first place last night.
They moved ahead to play in the final one and a drawing for group placements
will be hold on 27th of June.

Ebi-chan got a ticket for the game last night and watched it at the stadium.
Though it was rain, he seemed enjoyed himself there:)

I do hope Japan can go to South Africa in 2010!

Even though...

By: Yuri (2008/06/16 15:08) | Permalink | Comment (2) | TrackBack (0)

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It's rainy season right now, we have beautiful days these days.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it started on the 2nd
and will last for a month and half.

But, please don't hesitate to come to Tokyo.
You may have sunny days like today if you are lucky★
The proper moisture is good for your skin;)

Earthquake today -Tokyo is ok

By: Tomo (2008/06/14 00:33) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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This morning, I felt a big earthquake when I was at the front desk. It wasn't big enough to seriously damage anything in Tokyo. But, as some of you might know, there have been some people dead, missing or injured because of this earthquake in Miyagi, the area where the focus was.

We received a phone call from a parent of one of our guests staying at the hostel now.
Please don't worry. Tokyo is ok. We are far from the center of the earthquake. We are just deeply sorry for the loss. Hope that next week we won't hear negative news like those of this week.

Geisha san☆

By: Yuri (2008/05/30 21:22) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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Eirou's mother used to be a Geisha and now,
she owns her Ryoutei( fancy Japanese-style restaurant) and her disciples.
コピー ? kawamurasan.jpg

I don't know much about Geisha but if you have seen the movie "Sayuri",
it will help you to imagine it.
Do you have any question about her or geisha?
Eirou is willing to answer for it;)

A tuna went to slaughter

By: Hiro (2006/12/21 02:43) | Permalink | Comment (0) | TrackBack (0)

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We went to Tsukiji Fish Market on Monday, and saw wholesale middlemen slaughtering a tuna.
Not only tuna auction, but slautering of the tuna is also fascinating.

Asakusa Diary - The Staff Blog

>>Sakura Hostel Main Website

2012/02/04 13:57

Ice fishing at Matsubara lakeside in Nagano! Really coooool! :D

2012/02/02 13:16

"Running Service" at Sakura Hostel Asakusa - refreshing showers for all sweating runners around here! ^^

2012/01/31 13:49

Eating sushi for good luck - Ehomaki (恵方巻)! ^^

2012/01/30 14:50

Caution! Flying beans around! Setsubun is coming :D

2012/01/26 14:04

A really real otaku shopping day with Tokyo Metro One-Day Open Ticket! ^^

2012/01/25 14:04

Have a great day in Tokyo with the Toei One-Day Economy Pass! ^^

2012/01/24 14:16

Wah, what's that...SNOW! ^^

2012/01/22 10:47

I'm not afraid of rain - I have a transparent umbrella! ^^

2012/01/21 13:44

Itasha (痛車) - you'll find them in Akihabara! ^^

2012/01/20 12:16

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Gema from Mexico! ^^

2012/01/18 13:00

Do you need some luck in love? ^^

2012/01/14 12:11

How to find halal food stores, restaurants and Mosques in Tokyo!

2012/01/12 09:19

Mission Impossible and a little touch of romance - our Sumo Tour January 2012! ^^

2012/01/09 10:43

Woah, world heritage...Nikko!

2012/01/08 16:01

My trip to Enoshima and Kamakura :)

Yeah, life-size Gundam headed to Odaiba again! ^^

2012/01/07 17:40

2012 EVENT CALENDAR

2012/01/03 15:45

Kairo (Hand warmer)

2012/01/01 14:33

Japanese New Year arrived! It's Ganjitsu! ^^

2011/12/30 20:32

New Year's Eve in Japan (and in Germany)! ^^

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Thomas from the USA! ^^

2011/12/28 14:17

Information of Count Down Event

2011/12/25 13:59

How to spend a great Christmas Day in Japan! ^^

2011/12/23 10:13

Weekly series: "Pssst. Now our guests are speaking!" This week: Michael from Australia! ^^

2011/10/18 11:40

Akihabara

2011/10/11 18:06

Japanese Convenience Store

2011/10/05 18:40

Hanafuda - Japanese playing card

2011/09/29 14:17

Let's go to see Panda on October 1st !!

2011/09/25 15:35

Jigokudani Monkey's Onsen

2011/09/22 21:32

Kouyou - Fall foliage

2011/08/20 14:56

Gundam in Odaiba Now

2011/08/10 23:22

O-Bon

2011/08/08 15:29

Sunrise from Mt. Fuji

2011/08/01 17:06

Movie Service Day !!

2011/07/25 20:32

Analog TV Broadcasting ends

2011/07/21 19:38

Doyo Ushi-no-Hi （土用丑の日）

2011/07/11 17:55

Message from Japan by Arashi

2011/06/27 15:35

World Heritage : Ogasawara Islands

2011/06/22 16:31

Ajisai （紫陽花）

2011/05/30 18:11

Refugee Otter from Fukushima