My flatmate at Dublin came to visit Japan from 9th, Jan. On 10th, we went to Osaka. First we went to Yodobashi Umeda which is one the most attractive place for foreigners who want to buy electric equipment. She was happy to buy a brand new compact digital camera. Then we moved to Shinsaibashi which is the central of shopping, eating and entertainment in Osaka area. We walked "Shinsaibashi-suji" to "Do-ton-bori" which is famous for its sign call "Glico", "Kani-doraku" and bridge call "Ebisu-bashi." At Do-ton-bori, we ate one of the specialty of Osaka call "Takoyaki" which has octopus inside.
After hanging around the area, we went to watch "Kabuki" which is a traditional Japanese form of theater with its origins in the Edo period.
Kabuki plays are about historical events, moral conflicts, love relationships and the like. The actors use an old fashioned language which is difficult to understand even for some Japanese people. Actors speak in monotonous voices accompanied by traditional Japanese instruments.
After the Kabuki, we ate Ramen at "Kamukura" which is one of the most famous and delicious place.
Osaka has different culture from Tokyo, for example people are much more cheerful and funny. Just try as much food as you can in Osaka!!
15.1.10
11.1.10
Coming Of Age Day
The second Monday of January is "Seijin no hi" (Coming Of Age Day) in Japan. People celebrate this day to welcome the young men and women, who have turned or will turn the age of 20 during the current year, as new members of society!! Ceremonies are held in every city, town and village. The people who have reached the age of twenty get the right to vote and also allowed to smoke and drink.
Personally I was at Canada when I became 20, so we held a Coming Of Age Day ceremony at Canada with my friends.
Personally I was at Canada when I became 20, so we held a Coming Of Age Day ceremony at Canada with my friends.
4.1.10
Japanese New Year
How is New Year celebrated in Japan? Japanese New Year celebration called "shogatsu" takes place from January 1-3. New Year's Day on January 1 is called "gantan" and is a Japanese national holiday. It's the most important holiday in Japan.
Japanese people eat special dishes called osechi ryori during shogatsu. Osechi ryouri is packed in a Jubako box, which has several layers. The foods are colorful and artistically presented. Each dish has a particular meaning. For example, prawns for long life, kuromame (sweet black beans) for health, kazunoko (herring roe) for fertility, tazukuri (teriyaki taste small sardines) for a good harvest, kurikinton (sweet chestnuts and mashed sweet potato) for happiness, 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. The ingredients vary depending on regions and families. If you are lucky, you can taste many different zouni in Japan.
It's a Japanese tradition to eat osechi-ryori throughout the New Year's holidays (until Jan. 3.) Traditionally, people finish cooking osechi dishes by New Year's Eve so that they have food for a couple days without cooking. Most of the dishes can last a couple days in the refrigerator or at cool room temperature.
People usually spend New Year's holidays quietly at home eating various food. There is a custom of giving money to children during New Year's holidays in Japan. It's called "otoshidama." If you are going to family gatherings, it's good to prepare some money in small envelopes.
It is traditional for Japanese people to visit to a shrine or a temple during New Year's holidays. People pray for safety, health and good fortune. The first visit to a temple or shrine in a year is called "hatsumoude." It is not a very religious event but rather a custom. Many well-known temples and shrines are extremely crowded.
3.1.10
VISIT JAPAN Year 2010
After spent a year traveling around more than 20 countries, I realized how Japan is different from the other countries. I heard a lot of positive impression about Japan from people who have traveled or lived in Japan.
However at the same time, I heard that even they want to visit Japan, it is far away and expensive. In fact, Japan is popular distination but we are still not so good at attractting people from over the world to visit Japan.
Since few years ago, the government introduced "VISIT JAPAN Project" to focus on increase the number of inbound tourism to the country.
Therefore in this blog, I'm going to post some information about Japan such as culture, food, people and etc.
First of all, I'd like to introduce interesting site to know about Japan running by Japan Tourism Agency. It's a very convenient site and easy to know about the basics of Japan. You can find a tips to travel around Japan and also discount coupons.
If you are planning to visit Japan or even you are just interested in Japan, you should check it out.
VISIT JAPAN Year 2010
However at the same time, I heard that even they want to visit Japan, it is far away and expensive. In fact, Japan is popular distination but we are still not so good at attractting people from over the world to visit Japan.
Since few years ago, the government introduced "VISIT JAPAN Project" to focus on increase the number of inbound tourism to the country.
Therefore in this blog, I'm going to post some information about Japan such as culture, food, people and etc.
First of all, I'd like to introduce interesting site to know about Japan running by Japan Tourism Agency. It's a very convenient site and easy to know about the basics of Japan. You can find a tips to travel around Japan and also discount coupons.
If you are planning to visit Japan or even you are just interested in Japan, you should check it out.
VISIT JAPAN Year 2010
5.8.09
Tips for enjoy traveling Japan
I wrote an e-mail to the person who are going to travel in Japan.
I thought it may also good to help for someone who are going to travel in Japan, so I reprint it here. Sorry it's just an e-mail so the context and structure are not so well organized.
One of the best thing to enjoy summer in Japan is Firework.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it, but the place is soO crowded, so you should be prepare for it. Following is detail for one of it.
- "Tokyo Bay Fireworks"
Date: August 8, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
Location: Harumi Undojo Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Subway Kachidoki, or Tsukishima Stations
Fireworks: About 12,000
I assume that you also searched for some of places to visit, so I just tell you the places I
personally think interesting in Tokyo.
- "Asakusa" is old Japanese town. I guess it's interesting for you to visit.
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/tokyosightseeing/a/asakusatour.htm
Access: Tokyo Subway Asakusa station
- "Shibuya" and "Shinjuku" is the most crowded place in Tokyo.
You can feel the atomosphere of busy Japan.
If you are interested in fashion, you can see many outrageous people
walking in "Harajuku" and "Akihabara." Akihabara is also famous for
Electronics, manga, anime, and games shops.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
- "Ropongi" is one of the most urbanized area in Tokyo and famous
for night clubs. You can find many foreigners.
- "Nikko Toshogu" is the world heritage shrine in Japan.
One day trip from Tokyo. About 2hours by train.
You can experience both old shrine architecture and nature of Japan.
http://www.city.nikko.lg.jp/fl/english/access/tokyo.html
About food, there're tons of restaurants in Japan, so it's difficult to introduce the specific one, so I may introduce some dishes you may like to try.
-"Kaiten Sushi（回転すし）" Cheap and good quality of sushi.
-"Donburi（丼ぶり）" is bowl with rice and different kinds of meat.
You should try "Gyu-don（牛丼）" at one of the most famous first food chain
restaurant call "Yoshinoya.（吉野家）" You can find almost everywhere in Tokyo.
At following URL you can find different kinds of Donburi. All of them
are taste so good!!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2342.html
-"Okonomiyaki（お好み焼き）" is Japanese style pancake. One of my favorite!
If you visit Hiroshima you may find many Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki.
-"Gyoza（餃子）" - Japanese style dumplins.
-"Yakitori（焼き鳥）" is grilled chicken speared on sticks. SoO yummy.
-"Udon(うどん）", "Soba（そば）" and "Ramen（ラーメン）" are all different kind of
noodles in Japan. It's cheap, tasty, and you can find everywhere near station or
so on.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html
At convinience store such as "Lawson" and "Family Mart" try "Onigiri" （おにぎり）
it's a rice ball with different kinds of flavour.
Hiroshima is famous for atomic bomb dome and Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki.
Also "Miyajima" is famous to visit from Hiroshima by ferry. I've been there three times!!
It's a small island but good for sightseeing.
To tell you the truth I didn't know about Tsuwano well, I found that it's one of the great city
in Japan graded by "Blue guide" in France. I should visit there as well!! haha.
You go Himeji because of famous Himeji castle right?
But actually not so many things to see at Himeji so usually people don't stay at Himeji
instead of that they book the hostels in Kobe or Osaka. If you are using rail pass, I
recommend you to stay at Osaka. I think it's much easier to find cheap place to stay.
And Osaka is really interesting city to walk. If you have chance to stay in Osaka,
visit "Tsutenkaku." Near "Tsutenkaku" you can find many "Kushikatsu（串カツ）" restaurant.
"Kushikatsu" is fried meat and vegetables eat with special source. It's soO yummy!!
Finally, I think it's difficult for you to visit Kyoto this time, but actually my favorite place
in Japan is Kyoto. Traditional city with many temples.
I thought it may also good to help for someone who are going to travel in Japan, so I reprint it here. Sorry it's just an e-mail so the context and structure are not so well organized.
One of the best thing to enjoy summer in Japan is Firework.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it, but the place is soO crowded, so you should be prepare for it. Following is detail for one of it.
- "Tokyo Bay Fireworks"
Date: August 8, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
Location: Harumi Undojo Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access: Subway Kachidoki, or Tsukishima Stations
Fireworks: About 12,000
I assume that you also searched for some of places to visit, so I just tell you the places I
personally think interesting in Tokyo.
- "Asakusa" is old Japanese town. I guess it's interesting for you to visit.
http://gojapan.about.com/cs/tokyosightseeing/a/asakusatour.htm
Access: Tokyo Subway Asakusa station
- "Shibuya" and "Shinjuku" is the most crowded place in Tokyo.
You can feel the atomosphere of busy Japan.
If you are interested in fashion, you can see many outrageous people
walking in "Harajuku" and "Akihabara." Akihabara is also famous for
Electronics, manga, anime, and games shops.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
- "Ropongi" is one of the most urbanized area in Tokyo and famous
for night clubs. You can find many foreigners.
- "Nikko Toshogu" is the world heritage shrine in Japan.
One day trip from Tokyo. About 2hours by train.
You can experience both old shrine architecture and nature of Japan.
http://www.city.nikko.lg.jp/fl/english/access/tokyo.html
About food, there're tons of restaurants in Japan, so it's difficult to introduce the specific one, so I may introduce some dishes you may like to try.
-"Kaiten Sushi（回転すし）" Cheap and good quality of sushi.
-"Donburi（丼ぶり）" is bowl with rice and different kinds of meat.
You should try "Gyu-don（牛丼）" at one of the most famous first food chain
restaurant call "Yoshinoya.（吉野家）" You can find almost everywhere in Tokyo.
At following URL you can find different kinds of Donburi. All of them
are taste so good!!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2342.html
-"Okonomiyaki（お好み焼き）" is Japanese style pancake. One of my favorite!
If you visit Hiroshima you may find many Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki.
-"Gyoza（餃子）" - Japanese style dumplins.
-"Yakitori（焼き鳥）" is grilled chicken speared on sticks. SoO yummy.
-"Udon(うどん）", "Soba（そば）" and "Ramen（ラーメン）" are all different kind of
noodles in Japan. It's cheap, tasty, and you can find everywhere near station or
so on.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e620.html
At convinience store such as "Lawson" and "Family Mart" try "Onigiri" （おにぎり）
it's a rice ball with different kinds of flavour.
Hiroshima is famous for atomic bomb dome and Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki.
Also "Miyajima" is famous to visit from Hiroshima by ferry. I've been there three times!!
It's a small island but good for sightseeing.
To tell you the truth I didn't know about Tsuwano well, I found that it's one of the great city
in Japan graded by "Blue guide" in France. I should visit there as well!! haha.
You go Himeji because of famous Himeji castle right?
But actually not so many things to see at Himeji so usually people don't stay at Himeji
instead of that they book the hostels in Kobe or Osaka. If you are using rail pass, I
recommend you to stay at Osaka. I think it's much easier to find cheap place to stay.
And Osaka is really interesting city to walk. If you have chance to stay in Osaka,
visit "Tsutenkaku." Near "Tsutenkaku" you can find many "Kushikatsu（串カツ）" restaurant.
"Kushikatsu" is fried meat and vegetables eat with special source. It's soO yummy!!
Finally, I think it's difficult for you to visit Kyoto this time, but actually my favorite place
in Japan is Kyoto. Traditional city with many temples.
2.8.09
i'm stuffed...
7/26 Kimchi
After softball practice, we went to Kimchi to have a dinner.
We ordered Purukogi, kimichi pancake, vivinpa, cha-pu-che, and hot tofu soup. Every meal was delitious!
7/31 Korean dinner
One of Korean friends Hyun-ji invited us for a dinner.
She made Purukogi and kyu-choru-pa?. Purukogi's meat was thick and big so my stomach became so full.
8/1 Ara-ziru(Salmon boiled soup?)
Japanese friend made Ara-ziru which is kind of soup usually when we eat in cold day like in winter to get warm. Although still August, Dublin is already getting cold these days, so it was good to have Ara-ziru. It's impossible to have it in summer in Japan...
After softball practice, we went to Kimchi to have a dinner.
We ordered Purukogi, kimichi pancake, vivinpa, cha-pu-che, and hot tofu soup. Every meal was delitious!
7/31 Korean dinner
One of Korean friends Hyun-ji invited us for a dinner.
She made Purukogi and kyu-choru-pa?. Purukogi's meat was thick and big so my stomach became so full.
8/1 Ara-ziru(Salmon boiled soup?)
Japanese friend made Ara-ziru which is kind of soup usually when we eat in cold day like in winter to get warm. Although still August, Dublin is already getting cold these days, so it was good to have Ara-ziru. It's impossible to have it in summer in Japan...
23.7.09
Irish movie "The Magdalene Sisters."
I watched Irish movie "The Magdalene Sisters."
The plot is based on the true story about Catholic Church in 1960's Ireland. Features four women who were taken to the Magdalene Sisterhood Asylum known as the Magdalene Laundries in order to atone for their "sins." The reason why they were taken to there doesn't seem reasonable, but that shows how Catholic Churh dominated the Irish society in that time.
It's not a delight plot at all and makes you feel bad a bit. But it's a good movie to know about the recent Irish society.
The plot is based on the true story about Catholic Church in 1960's Ireland. Features four women who were taken to the Magdalene Sisterhood Asylum known as the Magdalene Laundries in order to atone for their "sins." The reason why they were taken to there doesn't seem reasonable, but that shows how Catholic Churh dominated the Irish society in that time.
It's not a delight plot at all and makes you feel bad a bit. But it's a good movie to know about the recent Irish society.
21.7.09
Amazing Real Madrid...
7/16
Visited one of the most attractive tourist attraction in Dublin "GUINNESS Store House." You can know how Guinness are maken and its history. At the end of the tour, you can drink a pint of Guinness at the unique observatory bar with 360° view of Dublin city and beyond.
In the evening I went to watch Europa league match between St.Patricks(Ireland) v.s. Valeta FC (Malta) at Richmond Park near my house. It was my first time to watch the live soccer game in Europe. Stand seat is close to the pitch so it's exciting!!
7/17
Walking day at south part of Dublin, Bray to Greystone. Good nature, green, cliff, and sea.
7/18
Practice day for softball.
7/20
Today in Dublin, we had a match between Shamrock Rovers v.s. Real Madrid at Tallaght Stadium. Although I didn't have ticket, I went to the stadium just to see how it's going on. As expected, there were lots of fan gathering at the stadium. We could watch the Real players getting off the bus to the stadium, but I couldn't see them well...
Visited one of the most attractive tourist attraction in Dublin "GUINNESS Store House." You can know how Guinness are maken and its history. At the end of the tour, you can drink a pint of Guinness at the unique observatory bar with 360° view of Dublin city and beyond.
In the evening I went to watch Europa league match between St.Patricks(Ireland) v.s. Valeta FC (Malta) at Richmond Park near my house. It was my first time to watch the live soccer game in Europe. Stand seat is close to the pitch so it's exciting!!
7/17
Walking day at south part of Dublin, Bray to Greystone. Good nature, green, cliff, and sea.
7/18
Practice day for softball.
7/20
Today in Dublin, we had a match between Shamrock Rovers v.s. Real Madrid at Tallaght Stadium. Although I didn't have ticket, I went to the stadium just to see how it's going on. As expected, there were lots of fan gathering at the stadium. We could watch the Real players getting off the bus to the stadium, but I couldn't see them well...
16.7.09
UK travel and Riverdance
7/8~14
Friend of mine lives in Bristol, UK, so I visited her place and spent a week in UK. I went to Bath, Stonehenge, Cardiff, Oxford and London. In each city, I could learn about history happened in those places. Life of Roman era from Roman Bath, mysterious Stonehenge, Academical city Oxford, and one of the famous city for economic, history, arts in the world "London."
In Bristol I joined fantastic day of "Wine and Food fair" with friends. I tasted more than ten different kinds of wine.
London was much more interesting than what I thought. Especially, if you are interested in architecture and arts, there are lots of things to see. Even I don't have good sense of arts, I could enjoy and feel something from it.
7/15
Unexpectedly, I was invited to watch Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre. "Riverdance" is one of the famous theater consist of Irish dance and music. Actually it was my first time to watch in a live show, but it was hilarious!! I really enjoyed how they make a step so quickly, how day play their music, and how they create their dances and stories.
After the show we went to have a pint to the PUB with person who sitted besides me and others together.
Friend of mine lives in Bristol, UK, so I visited her place and spent a week in UK. I went to Bath, Stonehenge, Cardiff, Oxford and London. In each city, I could learn about history happened in those places. Life of Roman era from Roman Bath, mysterious Stonehenge, Academical city Oxford, and one of the famous city for economic, history, arts in the world "London."
In Bristol I joined fantastic day of "Wine and Food fair" with friends. I tasted more than ten different kinds of wine.
London was much more interesting than what I thought. Especially, if you are interested in architecture and arts, there are lots of things to see. Even I don't have good sense of arts, I could enjoy and feel something from it.
7/15
Unexpectedly, I was invited to watch Riverdance at the Gaiety Theatre. "Riverdance" is one of the famous theater consist of Irish dance and music. Actually it was my first time to watch in a live show, but it was hilarious!! I really enjoyed how they make a step so quickly, how day play their music, and how they create their dances and stories.
After the show we went to have a pint to the PUB with person who sitted besides me and others together.
5.7.09
Party night
7/3
My house mate JP took me to his friends birthday party at "CAPITOL LOUNGE" in City centre. She is Korean and she's been in Dublin for 6 years. Her ambition is to be a writer.
After that, We bought some beers at the lounge in front of our house and moved to another friends house. I met with German women, Argentina guy, and Irish couple who loves Japan. The couple have never been to Japan yet, but they really wanna visit in one day. They know lots about Japan like anime, movie, history etc... He said he watched all series of GIBULI. Everytime it's glad to meet with people who likes Japan.
7/4
Unexpectedly, I didn't drink so much yesterday, but I had a bit headache in this morning. That's why I couldn't make it to go to play softball. In the afternoon, Chika called me that Su Minj gonna leave Dublin tomorrow, so she gonna have a dinner party at her place. I felt better at that time so I went to her house and had delicious "Do-ri-ya." It was good to meet him and it was a enjoyable night.
My house mate JP took me to his friends birthday party at "CAPITOL LOUNGE" in City centre. She is Korean and she's been in Dublin for 6 years. Her ambition is to be a writer.
After that, We bought some beers at the lounge in front of our house and moved to another friends house. I met with German women, Argentina guy, and Irish couple who loves Japan. The couple have never been to Japan yet, but they really wanna visit in one day. They know lots about Japan like anime, movie, history etc... He said he watched all series of GIBULI. Everytime it's glad to meet with people who likes Japan.
7/4
Unexpectedly, I didn't drink so much yesterday, but I had a bit headache in this morning. That's why I couldn't make it to go to play softball. In the afternoon, Chika called me that Su Minj gonna leave Dublin tomorrow, so she gonna have a dinner party at her place. I felt better at that time so I went to her house and had delicious "Do-ri-ya." It was good to meet him and it was a enjoyable night.
28.6.09
gay parade and softball
unexpectedly, there was a Gay Parade inside the city centre in Dublin today.
Many people were parading, some looks normal, some looks weird...
There were traffic regulation, so that's why bus was little bit late.
Anyway, we enjoyed practicing softball under the good weather.
Many people were parading, some looks normal, some looks weird...
There were traffic regulation, so that's why bus was little bit late.
Anyway, we enjoyed practicing softball under the good weather.
27.6.09
All about the Pop Legend...
Today, Michael Jackson's sudden death at the age of 50 brought reactions from across the music world and elsewhere.
Undoubtedly, most of the media around the world reported as the top story.
It reminds us how much impact he had all over the world.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of him but still of course I know how famous he is.
I remembered that I did moon walk at the camp fire when I was a junior high student.
May his soul rest in peace.
Undoubtedly, most of the media around the world reported as the top story.
It reminds us how much impact he had all over the world.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of him but still of course I know how famous he is.
I remembered that I did moon walk at the camp fire when I was a junior high student.
May his soul rest in peace.
25.6.09
It's a Small World...
Yesterday I went to join Japan Ireland community meeting at Karma bar.
Surprisingly, I met with the student who I counselled before when I used to work at agent in Japan.
Actually, I didn't remember so much what we talked at that time, but he's been in Dublin since
April to study English for a year.
Furthermore, he was a friend with one of my client who went to Brisben.
Well, I worked for these study abroad area, so there's a possibily to happen these kinda
situation, but even so I was surprised about it.
I also met with Brazilian guy who used to live in Japan for 6 years, One Japanese women by
working holiday visa like me, and other students in DCU who are going to study abroad in
University in Japan from Sep 2009. One girl is going to Kyoto gaidai, so I felt really familiar
about it, even I wasn't a student at there.
Surprisingly, I met with the student who I counselled before when I used to work at agent in Japan.
Actually, I didn't remember so much what we talked at that time, but he's been in Dublin since
April to study English for a year.
Furthermore, he was a friend with one of my client who went to Brisben.
Well, I worked for these study abroad area, so there's a possibily to happen these kinda
situation, but even so I was surprised about it.
I also met with Brazilian guy who used to live in Japan for 6 years, One Japanese women by
working holiday visa like me, and other students in DCU who are going to study abroad in
University in Japan from Sep 2009. One girl is going to Kyoto gaidai, so I felt really familiar
about it, even I wasn't a student at there.
21.6.09
New flat mate from Hongkong
Finally new flat mate Barly from Hongkong came to our house, so now our new life with four of us gonna start!
Today, I searched for business course, but it made me to think about what am I gonna do in the future...
I don't think it is a good idea to start studying psycology for four years...
Two year is also seems long for me...
But if I really want to find professional job, it might be necessary for me to study?!
I don't know what should I do...
I guess I need more time to think about it.
Anyway, I also think about my travel plan inside Ireland.
I should visit as many place as I can during my stay in Ireland!!
Today, I searched for business course, but it made me to think about what am I gonna do in the future...
I don't think it is a good idea to start studying psycology for four years...
Two year is also seems long for me...
But if I really want to find professional job, it might be necessary for me to study?!
I don't know what should I do...
I guess I need more time to think about it.
Anyway, I also think about my travel plan inside Ireland.
I should visit as many place as I can during my stay in Ireland!!
15.6.09
Broken Lock...
It suddenly happened last mid night...
After my room mate put the key to open the front door, it didn't turn around and even it couldn't pull out.
We had no choice but to take off the lock from the door to get the key out.
Successfully we could get the key out from the lock, but problem was that we couldn't put the lock back properly to the door.
After struggling for an hour, we gave up and decide to buy new lock tomorrow...
What a pitty incident...
After my room mate put the key to open the front door, it didn't turn around and even it couldn't pull out.
We had no choice but to take off the lock from the door to get the key out.
Successfully we could get the key out from the lock, but problem was that we couldn't put the lock back properly to the door.
After struggling for an hour, we gave up and decide to buy new lock tomorrow...
What a pitty incident...
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