chocolate fountain

Hello everyone.
I really cannot wait for the time of sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms)!
It is one of my favorite time in Kyoto!
However, there was another my favorite time this week!

It is a Chocolate fountain!!
Who hates chocolate?

There was WINE NIGHT at Kyoto Hana Hostel.
Beautiful lady at Kyoto Hana made sangria and ginger ale for that party. They also prepared some snacks such as Spanish omelette and Deep fried takoyaki!



Ta-da!!


It is a time for Chocolate!!


At the beginning, chocolate was not smooth enough then there was no fountain.
But with a MR.H's work, finally there got flows of Chocolate!! I was super excited even though it was little bit less dynamic than I expected.

Join us for this FUN moment next time!! We always wait for your stay!!

Santa Claus @ Kyoto Station

Merry Christmas★

Although I do not have enthusiasm for Christmas that much individually, Christmas is one of the bi events for kids so we went to meet Santa Claus coming from Finland on the 24th.

The huge Christmas tree installed under the grand staircase of Kyoto Station. Wakasa Seikatsu which is well known as the product company of Blue Berry Eye. Since it was an outdoor event, it was very cold, but the staff were very kind to give hand warmers to the audience.

A petit concert played before Santa Claus appearance. From the right, guitar, accordion and nyckelharpa. Nyckelharpa is a traditional musical instrument of Sweden. It combines both of keyboard and stringed instrument's characters. It was a wonderful tone.

Santa Claus appearance! He took along a blond beauty (elf). He can speak Japanese a little and occasionally say jokes in Japanese. He plays the fool about the color of famous reindeer's nose, was is white ? blue ? or black? and kids tell him the color.

Ceremonial photography. Our daughter is in her favorite strawberry beanie having become tense to see the real Santa Claus even though she calls "Santa-san" whenever she finds vinyl Santa Claus in town. She refused to approach closer stubbornly.... Handshaking and a hug will subjects for next year.

By the way, we are planning to do rice-cake making in the traditional way on the 4th January.

International Exchange in Kyoto

~ Let's have tea with Japanese students ~

There is "Global Cafe" event will be held at Kyoto University of Art & Design on the 31st May.

+No appointment necessary

+Charge-free

+Coffee, tea and sweets

+If you wish you can practice Japanese

Why don't you chat with local students?

From Kyoto Hana Hostel:

Take bus No.5 at Kyoto station, or Karasuma Nanajo and get off at Kamihatecho Kyoto Zoukei Geidai-mae. It takes about 50 minutes.

Events and Festivals During the Golden Week in Kyoto

Here is some information on events and festivals during the golden week.

By the way, did you book a place to stay? If not, we, Kyoto Hana Hostel, have a few rooms available.

+Kamogawa Noryo Yuka Biraki
Where: On the west bank of Kamogawa river between Nijo-dori and Gojo-dori
When: 5/1-9/30
Details: http://www.kyoto-yuka.com/ (Japanese only)
*Cafes and restaurants along Kamogawa river offer open-air dining areas concept on a traditional terrace deck during the summer months. The banks of Kamogawa river is also popular with people strolling, sitting and fishing, enjoying the scenery, water and birds in the vicinity.

+Kamogawa Odori
Where: Ponto-cho Kaburenjo
When: 5/1-24
Details: http://www1.odn.ne.jp/~adw58490/english7.html
*Kamogawa Odori is a traditional dance and drama, performed by geisha and maiko in Pontocho, a famous section of Kyoto's geisha district. Beginning in 1872, this performance has run for over a hundred years and is set within a stunningly decorated stage. Famous people such as Charles Chaplin and Jean Cocteau have watched the show.


+Kakeuma Shinji
Where: Fujinomori Shrine
When: 5/5
Details: http://www.fujinomorijinjya.or.jp/fujinomorisai.htm (Japanese only)
*This shrine is known as a birthplace of the festival "Shobu no Sekku" (Iris Festival). Kakeuma Shinji is a thrilling religious event. The spectator is surprised by horseback riders with spectacular stunts.

+Ashizoroe-Shiki
Where: Kamigamo Shrine
When: 5/1
Details: http://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/index-e.html#04
*This ritual held to judge the order of Norijiri and horses for the coming horce racing ritual on May 5th. First riders on horse back line up in the order of province of origin and proceed in front of high officials concerned sitting at Baba-den (horse ground hall) and show them the teeth and the lie of hair of the horses. Then each rider performs the riding and the order is judged by the posture on horse back, way of pointing the whip and the running speed. After that, according to the judged order, races with two horses takes place to observe the horses and riders.

+Yabusame Shinji
Where: Shimogamo Shrine
When: 5/3 13:00-
Details: http://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/pg217.html
*This very old ritual starting features a man riding on a fast running horse who shoots arrows at a target. A type of Japanese archery, one that is performed while riding a horse. The archer shoots a special "turnip-headed" arrow at a wooden target.

+Dainenbutsu Kyogen
Where: Senbon Enmado
When: 5/1-4
Details: http://www.geocities.jp/e_kyogen/
*This is one of the three greatest nenbutsu kyogen performances in Kyoto. The 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, was a great fan of a cherry tree in this temple; May 1st & 2nd: from 19:00; May 3rd & 4th: from 13:00, from 18:00; Admission: free.

+Dainenbutsu Kyogen
Where: Shinsen En
When: 5/1-4
Details: http://www.shinsenen.org/saiten.html (Japanese only)
*The kyogen plays performed at Shinsen-en Temple are based on the Mibu kyogen style. Different plays from around 30 plays in total will be performed on each day; May 1st & 2nd: from 13:30 to 18:00; May 3rd & 4th: from 13:30 to 18:00, from 19:00 to 21:30.

+Yambuki Festival
Where: Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
When: 4/10-5/5
Details: http://www.matsunoo.or.jp/index-1/index.html (Japanese only)
*About 3,000 yamabuki (kerria) trees along a stream that runs through the shrine precincts are resplendent.

+Secondhand Book Fair
Where: Miyakomesse
When: 5/1-5/5
Details: http://www.miyakomesse.jp/transportation/access.php
*More than 40 book shops from Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Okayama participate the fair. You may find antique books.

+Temple Lit Up
Shorenin Temple 4/23-5/8, 18:00-21:30
http://www.shorenin.com/english/index.html
Kodaiji Temple 3/15-5/8, 18:00-21:30
http://www.kodaiji.com/e_index.html

A Happy new year!!

A happy new year!!
How did spend your new year holiday?

Japanese people eat a special selection of dishes during the New Year celebration called osechi-ryōri. Another popular dish is ozōni, a soup with omochi and other ingredients that differ based on various regions of Japan.

I had a Zoni our boss made this time.
It was sooo good! I had 3 bowls of Zoni..I've put on a bit of weight....

Anyway,
I hope that you spent a great new years!!

Joya-no-Kane in Kyoto

There are only a few days left before the end of the year.

In general, we Japanese visit temples to hear Joya-no-Kane, or midnight tolling of the temple bells on New Year's Eve. About an hour before the new year, temple bells across Japan begin to toll slowly 108 times. People welcome the new year by listening to the sound of temple bells. It is said that the temple bell tolls purify ourselves of our 108 desires.

At some temples, you can strike Joya-no-Kane though you might need to arrive early to participate in tolling the bells. However, I recommend to WATCH the bell of Chionin Temple which has one of three biggest bells in Japan. The bell is 3.3 meters high, 2.8-caliber and 70 tons (154300 lb)!! One main striker and 16 support strikers are necessary to hit this bell.

This video is taken when the monks have a rehearsal. 108 desires must be vanished if they're hit such a strong!

Start at 22:40 on 31st December

Chionin Temple is about 10 minute walk from Shijo-Higashioji intersection in Gion district.

TIME for YOGA

It has been a lot cooler in the morning and evening in Hiroshima these few days!!

We have had a really long summer this year so I am very happy that the autumn has come!

We have many sports events at school in the autumn, even we have a national sports day in October!!

It is actually a very good season for going out and play sports this time of the year.

The air is stimulating and the leaves have changed the color. I like autumn!!

And I like practicing YOGA.

I know...Yoga is not really sports but practice of Ashtanga yoga is quit tough for me.

Balance, Flexibility, Concentration...And deep breath.

What you need to do is just feel your body condition and happiness.

I'm trying to feel it!

There is one more thing that I like is Aromatherapy.
It is very helpful when you really want to relax and refresh!
My favorite aroma is lavender and lemon.

I'm practicing Yoga at very cozy studio in Hiroshima near my house.

And there will be a big event coming in December!!

A very famous Ashtanga Yoga instructor will be coming to Hiroshima to hold 2 days Workshop☆

I'm excited to join the class, or rather, I can not wait to see the good-looking instructor (MAN)!?!? hehehe

An awesome night, cormorant fishing!

I went to Kintaikyo (Kintai bridge) in Iwakuni with my family on farther's day last week.
It was the first time I saw cormorant fishing up close.

Before the cormorant fishing, we went to a famous Japanese restaurant "Sanzoku".
It is about an hour drive from Hiroshima and only 10-15 minuets drive from Kintaikyo.

The restaurant was decorated in traditional Tanabata flags. They are so beautiful!!

After a lovely dinner, we were ready for the great night.

But when we arrived at Kintaikyo, the staff at the reception asked us to buy an Obentou (lunch box) for dinner. We have already eaten, which was a shame because it looked really good!!
We didn't have Obentou but I reccommend you to buy an Obentou there or you have the option of bringing your own obentou, but will have to take your rubbish away with you after.

On the tour we stopped in front of Kintaikyo for around 30 minuets. Perfect to have some food and a few beers on the boat if you bring them.
The young man who was punting the boat along looked very new and we thought he had not earned his traditional outfit, because of the bright colorful shorts he was wearing. We hope he keeps his job and passes on their ancient tradition to the next generation.

When right fell the fishing began. The boat was led by fire light and 8 birds were working busily to catch anything that moved.
You could see the birds swimming underwater.

It really was a wonderful sight. And a terrific evening!

After the tour finished and we were back on dry land, the birds line up on the gunwale of the boat and dry their wings. Perfect for a few pictures.

Well done guys!!

Thank you for your work!!

SAKE tasting event at Hiroshima Hana hostel♪

Hi there ! The rainy season , known as "Tsuyu "in Japan ,has begun.
I have been feeling a little down,but this year's rainy season will endearlier than normal.

Summer is just around the corner. Today,I would like to introduce to you our'SAKE tasting event' which we organize every Sunday night.
Have you ever heard of Saijo? (It is the name of place in Hiroshima)

Sake has been brewed in Saijo, a basin surrounded by 300 to 500meter-high mountains, since about 1650, but the region began to flourishas a brewing center about a century ago. Saijo has also benefited from premium brewing techniques developed locally. We would like you to enjoy tasty Hiroshima local Saijo saketogether,because of that thought,we started to have this sake tasting.


On this day, many guests joined this event and I met two nice guests whoare from Netherlands 'Manuel' and 'Marineke'.

They are both artists.
Manuel is a painter and Marineke is a ceramics artists.







They liked Saijo sake very much. At first,
they said that they drink onlya cup of Sake but at the end they said that they will have some more,with red-faces. hahaha:)



Hiroshima has 2 notable sites which are Peace park and MiyajimaIsland.
but there are another great place where i would like you to visit.
Saijo ,Onomich,Tomonoura,etc... I will introduce you to them next time!

It is Christmas EVE today♪

Hi there!
It is Christmas EVE today.
I am listening to Christmas songs on the radio now.

Where will you spend Christmas Eve and Day and who with?

We will have a Christmas Eve Party at　sister hostel’ J-hoppers Hiroshima’ today and Christmas Party at HANA HOSTEL　tomorrow in Hiroshima.

I hope that you have a merry Christmas Eve and Day !!

Hiroshima Dreamination♪

Dreamination has been started from November 6.

it is one of Hiroshima's biggest draws of the winter season and becoming a one of the city's biggest yearly attractions.

Peace Boulevard and parts of city center will be illuminated with thousands of colored light bulbs to what some think are somewhat tasteless effect and to others are exciting and fun!!

17:30-23:00
November 6 , 2009-January 3 ,2010

YUKATA FESTIVAL is coming this weekend!!

Why don't you vist to hiroshima??

Yukata de kinsai main events

Friday June 5

• Shareo 13:00-20:00
  Have a go at making maccha green tea and learn about yukata. Get your hair and make up done too.

• Hon-dori parade
  Yukata parade down the shopping arcade with a giant lantern

• Chuo-dori 19:30-21:15 Yukata de odorinsai
  Japanese dances from around the prefecture and a chance for everyone to get involved (Send a fax (082-245-1899) or call (082-245-1448) Yukata de kinsai Office ahead of time (before May 31) and get a free gift

• Shintenchi-koen 19:00-21:30
  The classic japanese songs crackling out of the PA on the central tower and street stalls in Shintenchi-koen make this feel much more like a local festival of days gone by than the maddness just a few meters away on Chuo-dori. The local groups dancing welcome anyone to join in. Great fun and our recommendation if you are heading down to the festival with kids.

Saturday June 6

• Shareo 13:00-20:00
  Have a go at making maccha green tea and learn about yukata. Get your hair and make up done too.

• Fukuromachi-koen 16:00-16:40
  Family friendly yukata fashion contest

• Chuo-dori 19:30-21:15 Yukata de odorinsai
  Japanese dances from around the prefecture and a chance for everyone to get involved (Send a fax (082-245-1899) or call (082-245-1448) Yukata de kinsai Office ahead of time (before May 31) and get a free gift.

• Shintenchi-koen 19:00-21:30
  The classic japanese songs crackling out of the PA on the central tower and street stalls in Shintenchi-koen make this feel much more like a local festival of days gone by than the maddness just a few meters away on Chuo-dori. The local groups dancing welcome anyone to join in. Great fun and our recommendation if you are heading down to the festival with kids.
  

Sunday June 7

• Chuo-dori 19:30-21:15 Yukata de odorinsai
  Japanese dances from around the prefecture and a chance for everyone to get involved (Send a fax (082-245-1899) or call (082-245-1448) Yukata de kinsai Office ahead of time (before May 31) and get a free gift.

• Shintenchi-koen 19:00-21:30
  The classic japanese songs crackling out of the PA on the central tower and street stalls in Shintenchi-koen make this feel much more like a local festival of days gone by than the maddness just a few meters away on Chuo-dori. The local groups dancing welcome anyone to join in. Great fun and our recommendation if you are heading down to the festival with kids.