We spent our Christmas in Kyoto, which was once upon a time the capital of Japan. Kiyomizu-dera Temple ‘Pure Water Temple’, founded in 780 became a UNESCO world heritage site in 1994, and is well known for its wooden stage that projects over the hillside. It was only when I viewed this platform from a distance that I questioned its safety! And leaving the temple … Ryozen Kwan-on On our way elsewhere, we noticed this massive figure jutting into the…
Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, but many children hang out their stockings on Christmas Eve and are rewarded with presents just like children in West. And although it is a working/school day, many families allow their children to take the day off. New Year is a big family celebration whilst Christmas has evolved into a celebration for young couples, with romantic meals out. But probably the most unique part of Christmas in Japan, is the tradition of…
We managed a couple of nights in Osaka the weekend before Christmas, taking the opportunity to travel before the next Covid wave. Osaka is the second largest metropolitan area after Tokyo and is renown for its food. Shop Frontages The crazy 3D shop fronts add fun in the areas offering cheap eats High Up Anyone who knows Geoff, will know that we always head to the highest viewing point. In Osaka, this is the Abeno Harukas, 300 metres high. The…
Making friends Tokyo Dome City Masks Koi Show The first time I have come across a Fish Show! Unfortunately judging was taking place so we couldn’t see the exhibits. Raffles I had agreed to run a raffle at a Christmas event put on by a British expats group. No problem. Except it was … I couldn’t find raffle / cloakroom tickets. I started off in cheapie shops but a customer at one of the stores suggested I tried stationers. Armed…
Looking for a suitably sized mince pie tin, we headed to this area where there are dozens and dozens of shops selling everything to do with food preparation. It is mainly aimed at restaurant operators but the shops also sell to individuals.
I made some yuzu marmalade …. yuzu is one of the many citrus fruits grown here in Japan. It tastes like a cross between a lime, lemon and grapefruit and is incredibly pippy. One of the contestants on GBBO (Great British Bake off) used yuzu curd so I made some. Maybe not a great idea since eating eggs gives me itchy skin these days. Staying with GBBO, I made some mince pies using a Paul Hollywood pastry recipe. I think…
I feel as if I have landed somewhere new …. I have met more people during these last two weeks than I managed in a year. The first in-person meeting with some but I have also met very many new people. I am hoping that I will manage to build friendships that will help me through any future lockdowns. Everyone continues to wear masks whenever outside their homes, but restaurants and cafes are now fully open Thankfully Covid cases have…
With no posts since early September and an increasing number of messages asking if I’m OK, I ought to explain. This Welsh Wondering Woman wandered off to the UK. Not, of course, that it is possible to casually wander during these times; the flight and all the testing require lots of money & meticulous planning! But after 16 months away, it was delightful to catch up with family and lots of friends. Thank you all for your fabulous welcomes and…
Interesting Seating I think I’d find it odd to sit on salmon cutlets! Rainwear When you haven’t unpacked all those cartons in the corner of the lounge – Model shoot I did ask permission! More manhole covers … in Tokyo! Strange signs in Ginza (indoors) but at least the lions are rule followers Fabulous shaped leaves Fashion in Japan 1945 – 2020 I thought the sign was especially for me … I sneaked back to find that it was held…
Reflections Our residential block reflected in the canal waters – Paralympics These opened yesterday evening, unfortunately at a time when Covid cases are rising rapidly in Tokyo & throughout Japan. This time there was no information on the team responsible for the opening ceremony – when the people involved in the Olympics opening were announced, skeletons in the cupboard of two were revealed and their contributions to the ceremony were cut out. Wishing all athletes a good and safe games…