New year in Japan (Nytt År i Japan)

It is a bit late to say Happy New Year.
I was visiting Japan and had new years holiday in Japan.

 

We went to Mt.Takao in Tokyo for hiking and could enjoy a nice view of Mt. Fuji from the top of Mt. Takao.

 

 

Spring has already come !!

We went to a hill near my parents house.  Then it was full of flower of field mustard.

 

From the top of hill, it is the Pacific Ocean.

I wish all of  you a wonderful 2013.

Onsen (Hot springs)

It is colder and colder in Sweden.  When Swedish summer is over, I always miss Onsen (hot spring).  In Japan, there are so many osnen spots and it is very common to go to Onsen over weekends or even one day trip.  Every time I visit Japan, going to Onsen with my family and friends is highly prioritized. The picture above shows a view from outdoor Onsen. The hotel we stayed is located in front of Pacific ocean and it was wonderful moment. Onsen outside is called Rotenburo. I prefer Rotenburo to indoor onsen because I  can enjoy fresh air.

If you go to snow are in winter, you can enjoy Rotenburo with snow. One thing you should be careful is that the floor is a bit slippery. But I believe Swedish people are good at walking on snow and icy streets.  Chances are, you should try!    

Japansk kultur på Östasiatiska museet

I went to Östaistiska Museet where Japanese cultural events were held on 9th of September.

This is a mini Obento which mean small lunch box with several dishes. Obento is very common in Japan and you can easily access to get at supermarkets and convenience stores. Previously I wrote about Ekiben which is also one of Obento and sold at only stations.    

Above picture shows Kyudo, Japanese archery, which is one of traditional Japanese sports. As all Budo ( traditional Japanese sports) includes the idea of moral and spiritual development. I can not deny this interesting combination with the traditional Japanese sport and the typical Stockholm background.  

I can say that this is getting new Japanese culture called cospre. Two girls wear in Samurai costume and they really look like Samurai. I enjoyed many young peoples cospre shows.

Ekiben (måltid låda)

Ekiben is a specific type of  meal box, sold on trains and train stations in Japan. Each station sells different types of Ekiben so you can enjoy local food. They include several dishes like above picture such as Sushi,  Karaage, Boiled vegetable with soy source etc. Tasting Ekiben is one of enjoyable ways during domestic trip in Japan.
People normally eat Ekiben with tea on trains and enjoy view and talking with your friends or families.
I always enjoy the moment every time I visit Japan.
If you have a chance to travel to Japan, I strongly recommend to try Ekiben!

Japansk matlagningskurs: Picknick Lunch box (Obentou)

Today a teenage girl came to my Japanese cooking class. She is the youngest girl in my class. Surprisingly, she can speak Japanese pretty well. So we enjoyed talking in Japanese !

We cooked Obentou ( Japanese lunch box) with Chicken Karaage, Teriyaki hamburger, Japanese styled potato salad and Onigiri( rice ball). 

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We took out the Obento with us and enjoyed a small picnic near cherry blossom. It like Ohanami  (Cherry blooms viewing ).

Kungsträdgården

It was a beautiful weather today. I went to Kungsträdgården to see cherry blossom with my friends.
It was so breautiful. I always enjoy seeing cherry blossom because I can feel like being in Japan.

Cherry blossom in Japan - Sakura

Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese. Sakura is one of my favorite flowers and it is the most loved flower for Japanese.
My parents sent some pictures of cherry blossom last week.  Now Cherry blosson i Tokyo is almost over....and making pink carpet on the ground.

Cherry blossom vewing - Hanami

Cherry blossom viewing - Hanami in Japanaese- is very popular in Japan. People have a small party under cherry blossom trees with their friends and families. They bring some foods and drinks or have BBQ during the day or night. At very popular spots for Hanami, you may find it difficult to have a space, especially  Friday nights or weekends since some people reserve a spot before the party is held.

The blossom forecast is announced each year by the weather bureuau. So you can know the best spots and timing for enjoy Hanami.  

                                                      from japan wikipedia

                                                                                         

However, this year is a bit different since parties are being called off due to earthquake and tsunami occured March 11. There is a mode of self-restraint.

Cherry blossom - Sakura

Sakura means cherry blossom in Japanese.
It is one of my most favorite flowers.

Cherry blossom is somehow special for Japanese, which is not only its beauty but also feels the excitement about the beginning of a new year.
Since Japanese school year starts in April and newly graduated poeple starts working in April.
The entrace ceremony of a shcool is often held at fully open cherry blossom season.
The high school I went to has an ally of cherry blossoms leading from the gate to the shool buildings. I remeber that the enterance ceremony day was at the peak of cherry blossoms. They were so beautiful.  The cherry blossom welcomed new students this year as well as they did to me.