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!    

Mont Blanc (chestnut cream cake)

Mont Blanc is one of my favorite cakes.  I am not talking about a tall mountain in Alps.
Unfortunately, I have never seen my favorite cake in Sweden...

Mont Blanc is a chestnut cream cake which is very popular in Japan. Where it came from is not clear but it seems it originally came from France, but the first Mont Blanc cake sold in Japan was in 1933. So it was quite long time ago.

Mont  Blanc is a soft layer of cake with a pillowy mound of chestnut cream, all topped with strands of sweet nutty chestnut puree. It’s creamy, sweet and earthy with a few different textures in each bite.

Inarizushi

 Inarizushi is one of popular sushi and often made at home in Japan. Because it is easy kind of sushi to make with food results.

Inarisushi is a clump of sushi rice in a fried tofu pocket. Raw fish is not used for Inarizushi, therefore it is common food for picnic as well.

The picture is Obento I made with my nephew when I visited Japan and we took out Obento for a picnic. To make it fun we decorated with Japanese and Swedish flags.

Obento includes Inarisushi, Edamame(soybeans), Kamaboko( made of pureed white fish), Rolled pork with vegetable and Kyoho (Japanese Grape). Kyoho is one of my favorite fruits, it is extremely sweet..

It is important how to decorate to make it beautiful even it is not easy though.  For kids lunch box, mothers try to decorate Obento with animal or character goods to intrigues kids and motivate to eat. 

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!

Italiensk mat

I visited my Italian friend and tried to cook gnocchi.  The first time I had gnocchi was in Rome long time ago. After that I have not had a chance to have it. Finally I did and it was very good. One is with tomato source with   mozzarella, the other one is with gorgonzola and wholenuts.

My friend made my favorite Tiramisu!