Hello, everybody.
Today, I'm gonna write about the event which was taken place one month ago.

That event is called "Mamemaki".
It is explained by wikipedia, like below.

(Mamemaki (Bean-Throwing) is usually performed by the toshiotoko (年男) of the household (i.e., the male who was born on the corresponding animal year on the Chinese zodiac), or else the male head of the household.

Roasted soybeans (called fuku mame (福豆?)) are thrown either out the door or at a member of the family wearing an Oni (demon or ogre) mask, while the throwers chant "Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外! 福は内!).

The words roughly translate to "Demons out! Luck in!"
The beans are thought to symbolically purify the home by driving away the evil spirits that bring misfortune and bad health with them. Then, as part of bringing luck in, it is customary to eat roasted soybeans, one for each year of one's life, and in some areas, one for each year of one's life plus one more for bringing good luck for the year to come.")

Date: March 10, 2010

A happy new year 2010!

Did you spend good the beginning and the end of the year?
I hope you did.

I, Oakhotel staff Moto, took place the sightseeing tour of the count down event at Zoujouji-temple with our hotel guests.
Zoujouji-temple's monks hand 3000 balloons to visitors, and then, at the moment of new year, visitors fly those balloons into the midnight sky.
We participated in that event.

It was so beautiful!
If you would like to see how beautiful it was, please see this youtube movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xstB9hRj3qs

I uploaded some pictures of our hotel guests.
Thanks to them, my beginning of this year has started really nice!
We, all oak hotel staffs, always waiting your next stay.

Have a good year!

Oakhotel staff, Moto

A speech of Zoujouji-temple's head monk.

The participants of this tour.

We bought octopus ball at a night stand.

Date: January 14, 2010

続きを読む"YANESEN!!!" »

Date: December 23, 2009

The humid rainy season is over in Tokyo and what next?
We all know that the summer is just coming! I heard this year's first cicada singing this morning at home.
It is actually fortunate for me cause cicadas are already gone in my hometown south of Japan by now.
Do you guys have any plans for the summer yet? As for me, I hope to go to Nagano prefecture to avoid unexpected heat of the season for a couple of days though there is another reason to spend there. I also would like to go to a beach!
Hope you will have a good time in Tokyo, too.!

Date: July 18, 2009

Japan is far more lax on control of noise than you'd expect. Trucks with loudspeakers cruise the neighbourhoods blaring all kinds of rubish: war songs glorifing Imperial Japan, people running recycle shops asking for unwanted things, you name it. They have no respect for anything, and they'd be out any time of the day, as early as 7 or 8 am!!!

But the worst has come with Election Day nearing (Tokyo Representative Elections, 12th July). The trucks are shouting the names of candidates for hundred times till they turn your brain into pulp. They try to outyell each other, each supporting one or another candidate when all I wanna do is get a bit of sleep after the nightshift. It's nightmare really! Or in my case, since I have to sleep during the day, it's real daymare!!!

I'm so glad this bizarre noise invasion is going to abate slightly after tomorrow. We're gonna be back to the normal noise polution of recycle trucks and rabid nationalists from Moday. Hurray!

Date: July 11, 2009

I saw this funny car at Shibuya the other day. I have no idea what it was meant to be but it looked so shibuyish I had to take a picture. What do you make of it? I'd go with anyone's guess right now... :)

Date: June 8, 2009

More and more people are riding their bicycles to work or school lately.
It's a kind of a fad in Tokyo recentely. I got myself a bike as well...

I like to cruise along Arakawa river. It's bicycle friendly
and you can not say that for most of Tokyo unfortunately.

This is where the track ends. Behind that bridge is
Tokyo Bay and open sea.

Bike is a great way to explore Metropolis and
surroundings and I recommend it to all!

Date: June 4, 2009

At last we got refrigerators in any types of our rooms (except for the two dorms), which are actualy small but, we really hope that they will help our guests spend here more comfortably and pleasantly than ever.
One clear reason is that summer is around the corner because it is so humid as well as so hot in Tokyo in summer.
We welcome anyone who wants to experiece a side of Japan from here!

Date: May 16, 2009

This is the view from 46th floor of Caretta tower, next to Shiodome station on Oedo line. You can see Rainbow bridge and Odaiba in the back. The park at the bottom photo is Hamarikyu garden and it is also a pier for water bus that starts from Asakusa so you can easily access this place from Oak Hotel both by subway or by water. Also, seen here on the upper pic but in reality just to the left of Hamarikyu garden is famous Tsukiji fish market's inner market place. Really nice area!

Date: April 29, 2009

I visited this restaurant named after Bulgarian capital the other day. It's at Shiodome, right next to Oedo line station and easily accessible from Oak Hotel also. It offers wider variety for diner (after 17h) than during the lunchtime but it's also a bit more expensive in the evening. If you're hungry for something new or simply enjoy ethnic cusine I definitely recommend it.

Date: April 26, 2009

Hanami is favourite past time for Japanese in spring. Mostly, it's just an excuse to eat and drink and get together, but it was meant to show apreciation for the beauty of nature and ephemeral transcience of life. Anyway, this weekend was the best for Hanami and I went on one myself, although there was another one event organised by the hotel. Some pics from my private one :)

Date: April 6, 2009

May Ｉ have your attention, please? Listen! We are having a cherry-blossom viewing (Hanami) party on Sunday, April 5th, 2009 near Sakura bridge on the Daito ward side by the sumida river at 1:00 pm. We welcome anyone who can come join us. The fee is totally FREE and we will have some food and drinks, but please bring your own, too. That would be so good!

Date: April 2, 2009

For the next trip to Japan in winter, I would recommend you " Zao", Yamagata pref. Although it takes about 4hours to get there from Tokyo, as far as I'm concerned, it would be the best place in Japan I've ever been!! you can ski or snowbord, and yet there are some hot springs near the ski places! Highly recommended!!

Date: March 13, 2009

Today, we received a post card from Montreal, Canada. One of the guests who stayed here sent it to us.
Well, it's brilliant to have post cards from all over the world. cos I would feel as if I was traveling there. I wish I could have plenty of money and time.... so that I could visit all of them. maybe, sometime.....

Merci beaucoup Monsieur Donald :)

Date: March 7, 2009

The Japan Meteorological Agency annouced on March 4th that cherry blossoms will come in bloom in Tokyo around March 25th. Personally It was 3 years ago, when I was 24 years old, that I had a picnic under a cherry blossom tree for the first time. Cherry-blossom viewing was nothing rare for someone like me but, on the contrary, why did I miss such great and beautiful scenes untill then?
After all. we are located well enough to go enjoy cherry blossoms.
I hope to go for them this spring.

Date: March 7, 2009

One of the rare good things about being an expat is that you get invited to annual parties at your embassy and to mingle with different people that you're not likely to have met otherwise. Here are couple of pictures of the foodstuff they've chosen to represent traditional Serbian dishes, although there was sushi and Chinese as well. When in Rome... I suppose.
Bon apetit :)

Date: March 6, 2009

One of the Tokyo's landmarks - Tokyo tower had it's 50th anniversary couple of months ago. These pics are taken from Soujouji Temple, and you can see the main hall in the center. You can also go up the tower to see the panorama but not during the night though.

Date: March 2, 2009

When I opened the front door of my appartment two days ago, i saw it snowing while it was raining. I got a little excited about it because little I did dream that it would snow in Tokyo this winter and since I am originally from south of Japan, snow is just as rare as a chocolate from a girl on Valentine's day to me. Sounds sentimental but it sure does make me happy when I see it snowing. Unlike every year I got three presents for that day this year. :>
It is likely to snow in Tokyo again soon so, I will wait and see what I can do when it doeas. maybe snowballing!!!!!

Date: March 1, 2009

Yesterday was snowing for the first time in Tokyo this winter. It's gonna be March soon but that didn't stop it... Anyway, I took the chance to go to open-air bath they have at a sports club I go to and it was really something. Relaxing in hot bath (43C) while it snows, vapors hazing from the surface against the cold, fantastic! And the best thing of all, I got that experience just minutes from my house, in the middle of metropolis. For all interested, I'm afraid you're gonna have to go to some onsen on the surrounding mountains cause I don't think it'll snow again this season in the city center anymore.

Date: February 28, 2009

Winter does not always leave us cold and make us feel like '' I do not want to go out''.
Here is the thing. People from Australia visit our hotel not only to travel around in Japan but also something else. Some of them come to go snowboarding somewhere in Japan.
I definitely like snowboarding better than skiing personally. I am going snowboarding very very soon for the first slopes in this season so. i am so, so excited and can not concentrate on work at all. Just kidding!!!!! :) (Sorry to my staff.....)
Maybe some people would wait for spring to come as soon as possible, but some still want to have some fun.
After all, it is something seasonal.
Let's make a plan and take off now.

Date: February 22, 2009

You must have noticed pachinko parlors if you've been to Tokyo. Garish blinking lights. Overwhelming noise. Suffocating smoke. Zombified patrons. Pretty much sums it up but the good side of the whole thing has been elusive for me for a long time. That is, until I found one artice of introduction on Japan Today and an entry in Wiki. So I'd like to leave links to these two enlightening pieces for all of you who like pachinko, detest it or are simply mindboggled by it's very existence. Have a look:

http://www.japantoday.com/category/lifestyle/view/an-addict%e2%80%99s-guide-to-pachinko

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachinko

Date: February 15, 2009

Today was the hottest day on record for February with temperatures going up to 24C in Tokyo or even 27C in Shizuoka!!! These are normally late June or early July figures... I don't know if it's global or local warming or what is it, but if it's gonna keep getting hotter this way we Tokyoites would be better off moving to Hokkaido or somewhere.
On the other hand, they say it's going to go back to winter time in a day or two so you might as well enjoy this weekend cause from next week it's February back again. Or Febury (Homer S.) :)

Date: February 14, 2009

Maybe you've noticed that in Japan you don't see kiosks at all. Here we have in lieu ... wait for it ... CONVENIENCE STORES! Banzai :)
They're on every block, work 24/7 and you can get everything from food, press, basic nessessities, in a word kiosk indoors. ;)
And like with so many other things you only notice them once they've gone. The Lawson in my building is closed since the 1st and Family Mart across the street is going through a remake and that leaves my intersection without, virtually without any convenience stores around!
FamiMa will be back in a couple of weeks and in place of Lawson there's going to be another similar thing, or so it seems, but in the meantime what am I supposed to do when I get a craving for just about anything coming back from late shift or going to the graveyard (night) shift... :(
Combinis please come back!

Date: February 12, 2009

Silvia who was working with us left for her own country Italy last month. It was very helpful of her and we all loved her smile. She was also learning Japanese here in Japan. It's so cute if she speaks Japanese!! We all wait for her coming back from Italy. Grazie Silvia!!

Date: January 12, 2009

The 2009 January Grand Sumo Tournament has just begun.
It is so cold and windy in Tokyo these days. You might want to stay at home or indoors, but there is something exciting to see going on. Our ｎational sport, SUMO is seen to the public now.
Sumo is one of the things for you to know more about Japan when you visit Tokyo.
Tickets are available for only \2,100 per seat for an adult.

You can go very easily by train to the nearest station from Oak Hotel
1. Inaricho - Ueno - Akihabara - Ryogoku for \390., 20-min ride
2. Ueno - Akihabara - Ryogoku for \150, 10-min ride
The place is just a hop, skip and a jump from Ryogoku station.

The tournament is going to be held January 11 - January 25 at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.

Check below for more information.
http://www.sumo.or.jp/eng/index.html

Date: January 11, 2009

What's the symbol of Tokyo?? For the question. I would like to answer "The Neon Lights."
I love the one of Ginza. Ginza is one of the most luxurious gorgeous shopping areas in Tokyo. The reason why I like the Neon of Ginza is that if I get there, I could have such a feeling as if I could get some vital power for living. You can say that Ginza might be a symbol of the prosprity of Japan. It might give you the positive thinking for your successful life in the next future.
Of course, there could be some other symbols of this city, like Sensoji Temple in Asakusa or Imperial Palace. But The Neon is somehow special for me!!

Date: December 13, 2008

We had a very first Japanese food party last month and made "Okonomiyaki " =( Japanese pizzas ) and " Takoyaki" = ( octopus balls ) this time. We wanted the guests to try the Japanese food and get on well with each other. After the party, some of them went out to do karaoke, apparently...
Hope everybody who joined the party had a good time with us ;)

And yet, let me inform you that we are having a Christmas party on the 25th this month! also we are going to make some Japanese food again! Why don't you come and join us next time :D

Date: December 10, 2008

繝€繧ｦ繝ｳ繝ｭ繝ｼ繝峨＠縺溘ヵ繧｡繧､繝ｫ

30th November 18PM start

Japnese Food Party at Oak Hotel!

Let's have a party with us!

Date: November 28, 2008

As you expect, sushi is one of the most popular food and also most important cuisine in daily life for Japanese people. I even eat sushi once all three days actually.( BUT I eat taking out sushi from casual sushi shops in most of cases...)
A couple of days ago I went to Tsukiji where the biggest fish market of Tokyo is to eat good sushi!! I mean real traditional Sushi! In Tsukiji there are unbelievably many sushi restaurants around the fish market. It was awesome!
Sushi has been gaining popularities also in oversea. But if you would like to have real ones, in Tsukiji is the best!!

Date: November 20, 2008

This weekend was marked by a festival called shichi-go-san (meaning seven-five-three) which celebrates children turning that many years of age in a given year. A lot of Shinto shrines were full with little ones dressed up in kimonos etc.
For more about this festival look at this link at wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shichi-Go-San

Date: November 17, 2008

Today on my lunch break I went to check the Indian place that's just opened next to our hotel. Around noon it was completely full and I hardly found a table. You get to chose between three lunch courses, A, B and C and they are 850, 950 and 1.200 yen respectivelly. I was warned that it is pretty spicy but because I love hot that was one more reason to go. There are 5 levels of "spicity" and even though I got level 4 I didn't find it particularly hot. Also, you get free drink and salad with that so if you're up for some Indian while you're here it might not be such a bad choice. After all, for those in the know, as Death told Rincewind: "I could murder a curry."

Date: November 14, 2008

Last week I went to the Observatory at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building!! I have been there a couple of times but it was my first time to go up to the observatory on the 45th floor!
The building has two towers and I have chosen the southern tower. It takes only 55 seconds from the ground floor to the 45th floor. How fast!! And there is no entrance fee. How nice:)
I fear of the height actually....Do you know how high it is? The height is 202 meter from the ground! WOW. From there you can see Tokyo Tower, Roppongi Hills, Tokyo Dome, even Mt Fuji if you go there on a sunny day.
There is a cafe on the same floor. How about drinking caffee with beautiful view?

Date: October 19, 2008

Busy Japanese salarymen, families going out on picknick, and why not, busy hotel staff on our short breaks, that's it - obentou is the word. They can range from 300 yen onwards, all the way to the expensive one on this picture, available to yours truely only by personal kindness of one of our guests the other day. People without experience in Japanese food would be hard pressed to figure just what is it that this stuff is made of. Even myself can not name (nor fathom) what some of the items might be, but the visual effect is there all the same I presume. Ohh, food, one of the big reasons I find it harder and harder to imagine living anywhere but here...

Date: October 11, 2008

If you come to Tokyo and walk around in the city, you can find many many flags canpaigning for it. For what? The Beijing again!! Do you know that Tokyo might hold the Olympic Games in 2016? If Tokyo is chosen as the host city, it will be the second time after 52 years since 1964. Tokyo's competitors are Chicago (United States), Madrid (Spain), and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The winning bid will be announced in October 2009. Please support us!!

Date: September 29, 2008

Do you know that there is a hot spring in Odaiba, Tokyo's No.1 entertainment district? It's a kind of theme park, but the quality of the facility is very serious and nice. You can enjoy 16 various baths including outdoor bath called "roten-buro" and feet bath called "ashi-yu". Bisides bathing, you can enjoy dining, shopping even playing a japanese-style shooting game in Yukata which is traditional bath gown. It would be a very nice experience, if you would visit there!!

Date: September 14, 2008

As some of you might know the Autumn Sumo Tournament will start in Tokyo on 14th of September. These days, in Japan, the main news are about a couple of wrestlers who allegedly smoked marijuana, only weeks after one was dismissed for the same reason. So, for locals and hard-core fans, this tournament will most likely be coloured by scandals, but the rest might just sit back and simply enjoy good wrestling. You need to go to the venue, two stations away from Oak Hotel, and buy tickets directly on the day of event, starting from 8:30. The tournaments go on for a fortnight usualy.

Date: September 7, 2008

Yesterday I went to the National Art Museum Tokyo. The art museum is opend recently it is one of the newest spot in Tokyo. Even if you don't know a lot about art, I'm sure that you will enjoy in the building, becouse of that extremely modern futuristic archtecture. Inside of the building there are a fancy restaurant and Cafe.

Date: September 6, 2008

Yesterday I attended an emergency drill in case an earthquake hit Tokyo. I learned there that 20% of the world's earthquakes happen in Japan! So don't be surprised if you feel small tremors during your stay here, it's normal for us. The drill was very educative. I know now that all trains would stop, mobile phones wouldn't work as well, exept for emergency numbers, the power would be down and we would all basically needed to go home on foot, in the dark probably, with all the streets crowded with people and traffic restricted, dreadfull thought really! On the other hand, when you give it a moment's thought it is better to prepare in advance for what's waiting than to panic on spot. If you're only staying for couple of days or a week chances are you wouldn't notice anything but better safe than sorry is what I say. Take care...

Date: September 5, 2008

I've been to Korea for 4days as my summer holiday. It was second time that I'd been, but I had really brilliant time there much more than I'd expected. Actually, I've got a friend there and he took us everywhere not only the tourist spots but the local places as well. Also, All food that I had were fantastic and the people I met were very friendly. If you come to Japan, how about visiting there too? It takes only 2 hours to get there!!

Date: September 4, 2008

For all of our guests who are interested in architecture or in developement of housing in Japan throughout the ages this is a must see exibition. It's a bit far from the city but offers a nice day out in the open. If you're interested see more here: http://www.tatemonoen.jp/index.html (only in Japanese)

Date: August 19, 2008

After having grading, we had a farewell party,
Pic on the left side is Sensei Karl and Sonia, right side is Senpai Mark.
Bruised man is me. I will miss you guys, see you next year hopefully !!
Osu !

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

Last Jun, I challenged Kyokushin Karateblack belt grading which called 10men kumite.
I had to do kumite(full contact sparring) with 10 opponents, preferably a different one for each round.
It was very special event for my Karate life. My best mates Karl and Mark from NewZealand they came to Japan for my grading.
I fought with Mark on the 3rd match. he was still tough and fast as used to be.
I knew him since he became light weigh champion of NZ national tournament 2001and 2002
Sensei Karl was the 10th men. I put forth all my strength to challenge him. I knew he was going to do the same. Last fight was the toughest but also most impressed fight I have ever had before.
They made my grading to be a special memory for sure.
Next time when you do 20 men kumite(Senpai Mark) and 40men kumite(Sensei Karl)
I will definitely come over for you guys !!

Osu !

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

T has been doing martial arts for ages so I asked him if he wants to try Kyokushin Style Karate which I do.
He said he was keen so I took him to the one of our Dojo. We had a good training there. T had a good high kicks. Keeping up your training T !
I look forward to having a spar with you next time.

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

It was beautiful day so we decide to take a water bus from ASAKUSA to go to the ODAIBA.
We had a local beer on the ship, it was very nice. You can do and see a lot in ODAIBA.
We tried the Muscle Park, it was just far out ! You'd better try this one I totally recommend !

Tokyo Cruise

ODAIBA

Muscle Park

JOY POLIS

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

I went to Omiya Bonsai Village with my Kiwi mates.
It was my first time and I thought it was cool , especially when I felt like being Miyagi from Karate kid.

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

Thank you guys I had a good Sushi night with you.
I hope you liked that sushi restaurant.
Don't forget to tell your friends about secret HOYA Sashimi
and that special sushi mate !

Hide.

Date: August 18, 2008

Located just five minutes' stroll from Oak Hotel, Shitaya Jinja Shinto Shrine is famous throughout Japan all the way back from Edo era for it hosts the first festival in whole of Edo (now Tokyo) in any lunar year. It's a quiet spot amidst asphalt jungle that is Tokyo today, a calm place to ponder on contrast between modern and ancient that is so vivid in Japan and to admire the architecture of old that prides itself on building whole temples without a single nail, just by fitting wood together. You might drop by and have a look on your way to Ueno station or park.

Date: August 8, 2008

Some more photoes from the Fireworks Festival held recently close to Oak Hotel. You can see ladies in traditional clothes, spreading sheets in the street, eating, drinking, in a word, having a good time. This is what Japanese summer is all about :)
Looking forward to next year's alredy!!!

Date: August 5, 2008

Asakusa, besides representing what still remains of old Edo downtown, is also a very international part of Tokyo. From huge variety of national and local cuisines for this time I've chosen to introduce to you Turkish fast food place, Saray Kebab. It's only ten minutes walk from the hotel and besides kebab you can also taste a lot of Turkish specialities, like local ice cream (only during summer heats). You can enjoy decorations that include map of Turkey, it's flag, picture of Mustapha Kemal, known as Ataturk, Father of modern Turkey. If you like Orient don't miss it.

Date: July 29, 2008

Yesterday, on the 26th of July, there was a big fireworks just 5 minutes from Oak Hotel. This is the famous Sumida River Grand Fireworks Festival that is being held every year in July or August ever since 1733 and is one of the vestiges of Edo Period. This is the best opportunity to see a lot of Japanese in their traditional clothes, summer kimono called yukata, as well as to taste many of traditional delicacies. I've got couple of pictures for you all to see the atmosphere so you might want to join us next year!

Date: July 27, 2008

it's getting hotter in Japan!
did you know 'May sick'? in Japan, may is rainy season and many ppl get sick or feel bad, nurvous...
but the season of that will finish soon.
summer is coming^^

to forget the illness, Why don't you go clubbing?
thesedays megu and akemi are mad on the clubs.
we always go to roppongi.
there r so many foreigners. Of course many japanese r there as well.
it is like not in Japan, you can use English and Japanese***

if you wanna go clubbing, pls feel free to ask us!!

Date: May 26, 2008

hello there,
this week, i went to HongKng by myself.
this is the second time for me to visit there.

it was very fun.
i became shopperholic!!
very cheap and cute clothes are there!!!!!
the food and sweets are awesome.
my hit was WANTAN NOODLE this time.

so yummy++

you can go shoppin, eat a lot and see a nice night view in HK.
women loves it.

megu

Date: May 10, 2008

the orimpic in beijin will start soon.
the fire came to Japan this morning from Australia!!

I like to watch the orimpic games cos many people gather to one country
and play for the same aim..."TO WIN".
everyone is fair in the Orimpic game.
thats why i like the sports!
only watching though..

megu

Date: April 26, 2008

today, we got a new member^^
its a... bicycle!
we named him SAMURAI!
he is from "DONKI".
do u know DONKI? its a discount shop and u can get anything u want at the shop.
also u can find out cheap things there.
Lets have a look DONKI when u come to japan.

anyway, todays star is SA mU RA I !!!

Date: April 11, 2008

hello!
spring has come to Japan!
im really happy.
this week, we had a new staff^^
his name is ISHIKAWAsan.
He loves ice cream!!!!!!!!!

Date: April 7, 2008

today, we went to UENO park and AMEYOKO by bike.
u can rent the bikes near shinokachimachi station.
it costs only 200 yen!! wow! cheap!
in Ueno park both sides of the street are lined with stalls. its a sakura festival~~~!
u should go there! u can feel japanese life by that festival.
in AMEYOKO,
we found a gooooooood shop. its a nuts shop. good for suvenir.
u can also try to taste of the nuts. the shop is the most populer in AMEYOKO street...... as the shop ower says.
haha

oh!
we(meg and akemi) r also new staffs of OAK hotel.
we r looking forward to seeing you^^
free to talk to us!

chao-

Date: April 6, 2008

The cherry blossoms are in full bloom now.
We Japanese love Cherry blossoms. Because we can have Ohanami party under thee Cherry trees in this season.
We enjoy drinking and eating at Ohanami party.
Please enjoy seeing cherry blossoms and crazy ohanami people, when you come to Japan.

Date: March 29, 2008

Pollen allergies are a problem for many people. When you come to Japan, you would see a lot of people who have a mask. I am often asked by our customers. " Why do many people have a mask?" Yes, they are Pollen allergies. Please take care , if you visit to Japan in spring.
We call Pollen allergies Kafun-syo in Japanese.

Date: March 17, 2008

Benzaiten is a temple at the centre of Sinobazu Pond in Ueno Park. It's a pleasant stroll of 15 minutes from our hotel to there. Ueno Park also has many museums, a zoo and plenty of other tourist atractions and I definitely recommend it to all of our guests.

Date: March 7, 2008

Nowadays, it is so windy. Today, i took one picture of blossom buds. Spring is only just around corner!!!!
Cherry blossoms are so beautiful in April. Let you come to Japan in縲€begining of April.

Date: February 27, 2008

On Sunday, 17th of February, the 2nd Tokyo Marathon took place. The runners started from The Building of Metropolitan Government, turned in front of Asakusa Thunder Gate and finished at bayside part of Tokyo called Odaiba. Since Asakusa is very close to our hotel I took advantage of my lunch-break and went to have a look. Here are two photoes to see what it felt like to host 370.000 runners, and that was only one fifth of all who wished to participate. The number of bystanders can only be guessed. Maybe next year I'll try and see how far can I get... Luka

Date: February 18, 2008

The second report from Edo Tokyo Museum. The first photo represents a 'picture card' store selling, among other things, Ukiyoe or Paintings of the Floating World as they are also known in the West. You can think of it as an Edo equivalent of today's manga cafes. The other is the first taxi in late Meiji Tokyo. Early Ford model would take you anywhere within city limits for 1 yen. The contrast with cabs nowadays could not be more striking. All this and whole lot more awaits guests of the Museum as well as individual guides in most world languages, to take you through the maze of distant, not so distant and recent past of this part of our little planet. Take the most of it. Luka...

Date: February 14, 2008

Edo Tokyo Museum is located at Ryokoku district, right next to Kokugikan or Sumo Tournament Hall. It is huge edifice that displays entire streets from Edo and Meiji periods in their natural size. I've uploaded two pictures, the first is Kabuki theatre of Edo period seen from the outside and the second one is a scene from famous Kabuki play Sukeroku recreated. The museum is just two metro stations away from our hotel and I would definitely recommend it too all history lovers. I've taken a lot of pictures there and will upload them in my next blog entries. Enjoy! Luka...

Date: February 7, 2008

There is Udon restaurant(Name is 春仙) neaｒby here. Kagawa prefecture in Shikoku is famous of Udon noodle.
Yes, Udon is Japanese traditional noodle. But Sikoku is very far from Tokyo. But if you come OakHotel, you can eat very delicious UdonNoodle!!!

For Person who wants to know more about Udon↓↓↓↓

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udon

Date: January 31, 2008

Kagamiwari ceremony: the ritual breaking open of a barrel of sake, the Japanese rice wine. The Kagamiwari ceremony is a popular custom, performed at special celebrations in Japan such as the New Year, a wedding, an anniversary or the opening of a new business, in which a cask of Sake is cracked open with a wooden mallet. The sake is ladled to wooden masu (cup) and given to the participants who then toast in Japanese saying, KAMPAI!! Literally translated Kagamiwari means the opening of a mirror or breaking the mirror open. Here are some photoes from this year's Kagamiwari ceremony which took place at the lobby of Oak Hotel on January the 1st around noon. We had a lot of guests participating and we would hereby like to thank all of you who contributed to the fabulous atmosphere that day. There will hopefully be another ceremony next year and everybody's invited!

Date: January 27, 2008

I hate cold weather like now... It has been soooooooooooo freeeeezing!!!! I can't take it, However, every time it is snowing, I always get excited even I'm getting old.........!!! About 4 days ago, when I woke up the street was covered with snow!! It was the first snow in Tokyo this year. Although the snow thawed soon and turned into the cold rain, i was really chuffed to see the snow just for a little while :D

Date: January 27, 2008

Me, one of my co-workers and his girlfriend went to see the pro wrestling match at the Korakuen hall last Wednsday. It was very exciting show!! It was the first time that I saw the pro wrestling, but to my surprise, there were many young ladies watching the match and cheering for their favourite fighters!!
Also, I was totally astonished by their acrobatic performances. As you can see the pics, it was so amazing!!

I wanted to say thank you to Daniel!! I really enjoyed that :D

Date: January 20, 2008

Koukyo or Imperial Palace is a great place to observe contrast between modern and traditional Tokyo. As the photo of the moat shows, old castle co-exist with surrounding skyscrapers with ease only orient provides. The other picture is that of Nijuubashi or Double Bridge, probably the most famous part of the Palace and ubiquitous on various souvenirs of the place. The tours of the inside gardens are also possible if you make a reservation. They make a nice day out. Luka

Date: January 19, 2008

Have you ever tried Japanese Noodle of Ramen?
Nowadays new Ramen shop opened very close to us.
Rame has three important points, Fast, Cheep and Dｅｌｉｃｉｏｕｓ!!!!
Japanese love Ramen.
When you come to Japan, please CHECK IT OUT!!!!!!!!!!　

Waht is Ramen? ↓↓↓↓

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramen

Date: January 12, 2008

Last week I've been to see a baby mammoth currently on display in Marunouchi Building, right next to Tokyo Station (picture). It was discovered in Siberia last year and this is the first time it is on public display. For 800 yen you too can see the creature that has trodden this very earth as long as 37 thousands years ago! And it is preserved remarkably well. Exibiton lasts until February the 3rd but photoes were not allowed, so no pictures this time... Luka.

Date: January 12, 2008

I've been to a museum dedicated to Japanese caligrapher, Zen poet and philosopher Aida Mitsuo. It's in the basement of Tokyo Interational Forum. It was a profound experience I would definitely recommend to all of you interested in Japanese thought, Zen, Budhism in it's Japanese form, caligraphy or Aida san himself. All the exibits have English translation although somewhat is always lost in the proccess. If you find yourself near Tokyo station or International Forum you might want to check it out.
Luka

Date: January 10, 2008

When I walk on off-strret, I met cattle mans.
In this time, India was summer season.　temperature is 40℃ to 50℃.
But They was runing around outside.
It was very good encounter for me.

mochida

Date: January 8, 2008| Comment (0)

This is how Mt Fuji looked like on Christmas Day as seen from Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture. It was so cold that now I'm back in Tokyo January here feels just like late autumn. Admittedly it is not for everybody, but I would recommend it to all of you who like outdoor activities, winter, mountains, lakes and the likes... There's only one Mt Fuji after all, go for it.

Date: January 3, 2008

（Top Pic）　With Sam little karate master at Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills

（Middle Pic） Sam and his father Karl who is my kiwi sensei in Karate.
He looked after me well when I was his Uchideshi(apprentice) in NewZealand
Karl also once had the Guinness World Record of kicking through 30 baseball bats in under 1 minute.

（Bottom Pic） Light weight champion Mark and we went to see Sosai Masutatsu Oyama's grave because 29th April is the anniversary of Sosai's death. I prayed for the sosai's soul and let him know that I met so many nice people from all over the world because of Karate. With Karate, we are one big family. Doesn't matter which country you are from, we are the karate family.
I thank sosai to give me such a nice opportunity to have a relationship with many nationality
of people by doing karate. OSU !!

Date: December 27, 2007

Oak Hotel has decided to pay more attention to the needs of our foreign guests and as a result here I am, the first foreigner ever employed in Oak. My name is Luka and I will be more than glad if I can be of any assistance. Welcome!

Date: December 23, 2007

Ichiro has left his job at the Oak to work at the new hotel in Singapore.

We hope everything will be ok with him.

GOOD LUCK !!!!

Date: December 16, 2007

Our friendly, English speaking staff are awaiting your call and will be happy to provide any information you need.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping to make your stay in Tokyo a pleasant and memorable experience.

Date: December 2, 2007

Rie will start for glorious future.

We appreciate your hard work,Rie. See U again!!

Date: October 30, 2007

Petronas Twin Tower -Highest Tower in Southeast Asia

A lot of hot & spicy!! but little sweet...

Sunset seen from the beach - My best lovely landscape

Date: October 30, 2007

The symbols of Singapore

Can you guess what kind of meat it is in the porridge...?

Ichiro with my Singaporean friends

Date: October 30, 2007

Big dinner☆

Fresh!

Tasty!!

Bueno!!!

Date: June 11, 2007

As travelled around Vancouver in Canada by myself in May,
please let me introduce some photos I took there. Ichiro.N

Steam Clock Tower @ Gas Town
Here is one of the most famous place to take photos in Vancouver.

A panorama for down town seen from Ronsdale Quay Market

Climbing Mt.Grouse
I really appreciated a Canadian couple who gave me a banana for making my energy.

Brilliant!! Night view from Stanley Park

Date: June 11, 2007

Good day,mate!!

Here is not anywhere in AUSTRALIA...but actually somewhere in JAPAN!

Ichiro

Date: March 27, 2007

I recommend you to visit "Kasai Rinkai Aquarium"during your stay in Japan.Totally 1,250 distincts of fish swim in each of fish tank.Also,there is an observation wheel next to the aquarium in the park.This goes around by 17 minutes.
[How to get to the aquarium]
　Oak Hotel
　　 ↓10 min(on foot)
Ueno　Station
　 ↓10 min (by Hibiya Subway line)
Hacchobori Station
　 ↓12 min (by JR Keiyo line)
Kasai Rinkai Koen Station
　 ↓5 min(on foot)
Aquarium & observation wheel

Ichiro

Date: March 12, 2007

I had a dinner with some classmates of my junior high school in a multinational dining restaurant last weekend.We ordered Asian,Mexican,Italian.....how tasty!! the photo attached herewith is Hawaiian fruit salad.

Ichiro

Date: March 5, 2007

I came around to see my friend yesterday. It had been about 3 months since we saw each other last time. As you can see the photo, he made dinner for me. At the begining, he made a source for the right one on the photo then put peanuts butter into the source!!!!! So I was a bit afraid what was going on.........
To my surprise, it turned out all right and they were really yummy :) !!! Thanks Jonnie :)
Satsuki

Date: February 19, 2007

Last week, I took 4 days off and was planing to go somewhere with my mate. Badly, I got a high fever, sore throat, runny nose stuff like that....... So I had to keep quiet in bed and wasn't able to hang out at all except for seeing a doctor then they gave me drip infusions...

I would recommend when u come back from outside, wash your hands and gargle to prevent a cold :)

Satsuki

Date: February 15, 2007

Have you ever seen such a snowdome in the world?? We call this "Kamakura"in Japanese.In fact,I visited "Kamakura"festival which is taking place at Yunishigawa Springs in Tochigi till the end of February. As long as I saw,about 5 people can be occupied in a snowdome.縲€縲€縲€縲€縲€Ichiro

Date: February 11, 2007

Gestern war ein guter Tag um Broetchen zu backen! Ich habe versucht, "Bagels" zu backen, weil ich damit bis jetzt noch keinen Erfolg hatte...
Aber dieses Mal hat endlich alles geklappt!!! Und natuerlich hat das mir gut geschmeckt!!
Es ist echt sehr schade, dass Ihr die Bagels nicht probieren koennt.

Rie

Date: January 30, 2007

In general,NAGOYA is called "The Navel of Japan"..But actually,this city is well known as one of the famous gourmet cities in this country.As attached the photo(upper one) herewith,if you go to any small cafe around the city in the morning,you may be served such a big breakfast.In addition to that,there are many kind of foods which typify the city. I was fascinated the taste of Fried Wing of chiken (lower photo) when I visited Nagoya last year and had them at the Izakaya. Therefore, I recommend you to try any foods as special product during your stay in NAGOYA.

Date: January 20, 2007

Sunrise along the coast in Miyazaki.....relaxed stroll with a dog on the beach...
If you have enough time in the big city Tokyo and you want to relax by nature,
then you should go to the countryside Miyazaki!!
There in Summer, you can enjoy some marine sports like Surfing, fishing and camping as well.
Rie

Date: January 17, 2007

2007 has been coming!!
What did you do on the new year's day?
I headed back to my hometown, Nagano after working on the 31st of December and spent the day with my family. We went to a shrine called "Suwa Taisha" on that day. It is the one of the oldest shrines of the Shinto religion of Japan.
Tons of people visited there and made wishes for their health, business, study, love ,,,, stuff like that. What did you make a wish for this year?

I hope this year will be a lovely year for you :)

Satsuki

Date: January 5, 2007

Thank you for join a Kagamiwari Ceremony.

TAKASHI

Date: January 4, 2007| Comment (0)

Date: January 3, 2007

It has been 5 years since Tokyo Disney Sea opened,so I visited there on X'mas eve of last year.I saw that this is quite different from Tokyo Disney Land because SEA contains lots of romantic and European style spots. In my case, I prefer SEA than LAND. Please just feel the difference between two of them and let us know anything about them you will have discovered during your stay of our hotel.

Attached the photo of Micky mouse monument I took.

Ichiro

Date: January 3, 2007

Merry Christmas !!!
Frohe Weihnachten !!!

Wo und mit wem verbringen Sie den Weihnachtsabend?
Ich wuensche Ihnen eine wunderschoene Weihnachtszeit ＼（＾▽＾）／
I wish you a happy merry Christmas.....

Rie

Date: December 24, 2006