Staff Blog of Backackers Hostel in Japan : Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and HidaTakayama

Hiroshima specialities!

2012-02-10T17:54:00.005+09:00

Hello there, this is Masa from J-Hoppers Hiroshima.

Japan is hit by a cold wave this winter. It snows a lot in Hiroshima as well. I heard the cold wave will stay for another few weeks...!

Oh well, the good thing in winter time is it is the oyster season! We have the biggest oyster farm in Japan and many oyster festivals are held in various locations in Hiroshima between January and February. Miyajima Oyster Festival is coming this weekend. Hiroshima's biggest and oldest oyster festival attracts huge crowds looking for raw and cooked oyster dishes at very cheap prices. ( You can try Oyster Miso Soup, Oyster Ramen and Oyster Okonomiyaki etc.)

You can have the fresh oysters in winter, but you are able to have oysters all year around on Miyajima island. And my favorite oyster restaurant is "KAKI-YA" on Omotesando street. I think they serve the best oysters on the island! Their special "Kaki-ya teishoku" (lunch set) is the best option if you want to try all the oyster menu from this restaurant. (This special lunch set is not even on their menu list!!!)

You would get grilled oysters, deep fried oysters, marinated oysters and oyster miso soup on this lunch set. The price is 2oooyen but even a deep fried oyster lunch set costs 1500yen, so I think it is pretty reasonable. If it is not so pricey for you, you should definitely try it!

We also have a very famous specialty in Hiroshima, of course it is OKONOMIYAKI!
There are some good Okonomiyaki restaurants around J-Hoppers Hiroshima.
I hope you enjoy the yummy local food on your visit!

International Party in J-hoppers Osaka

2012-01-31T20:32:00.001+09:00

We host an international party every Friday night.
Recently Aya, a leader of the party, has changed light meal for you to enjoy Japanese culture and food .

We had Osechi( new year dish ) party in the beginng of this year, Gyoza party in Chiese new year, and we are going to have Setsubun party on the day before the beginning of spring.
I took this picture in the last week 's party.

We were very happy that many people joined and had a great time here!
All of them were expecting to get to know each other.
No need to hesitate to introduce your self.
These spontaneous smiles prove everththing.

By the way, this is a video in the party :)
http://www.facebook.com/jhoppersosaka#!/jhoppersosaka
Admission fee is free if you are staying here.
1drink is 300yen, but light meals are free!
Party stars from 19:00.

If you visit Osaka, please do not miss this party!
This is the best chance to meet many travelers/friends :)
Branch hostels in Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama have this kind of events as well.
We hope we can help your trip to be wonderful!!!

Wachi

2012-01-31T19:00:00.000+09:00

Let me introduce you to a IZAKAYA that is like a select hideaway

Wachi (燻製と地ビール和知)

According to results compiled by Japan Beer Times,

Highlights:
* Delicious, smoked food
* Great selection of bottled imports (beer)
* Completely affordable prices (Smoking: yes)

Wachi is one of the finest craft beer establishments in Japan. While a great selection of craft beer, including rare imports, together with affordable prices can be matched by anyone, Wachi brings unusual varieties of......

Wachi is very popular in Japanese beer fan.
No wonder they have no seat (満席) even in a week day...

They don't have enough English menu... but they will show you the label of bottles, if necessary...

Access from J-Hoppers Kyoto : City subway to 'Shijo station' ⇒walk about 5min beside the DAIMARU department store

J-CUP

2012-01-30T18:30:00.008+09:00

Hello from freezing Kyoto !

What have you thought about this title?

We had a sports day with J-Hoppers Kyoto, Osaka ,Kyoto Hana Hostel staff
and some friends yesterday.

We did Futsal at Futsal square in Kyoto.
It was my first time to play futsal though, I had so much fun.
I guess most of them have got muscle ache in a day or more !!
I'm having a moderate aches today...

You'll see what we have done on pictures↓↓

First, warm-up!

Then , Mr. J made up 2 teams.

Now, here we started~♪

It was our first time to play sports together!
This was so virginal time as you could see smiles of all.
Hopefully, we often could keep doing this kind of events with
some other guests once a month.

BIG SMILE :)

Shimane one day trip!!

2012-01-30T15:51:00.006+09:00

Hi there!this is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima !!

The other day,I took a one day off and went bak home to meet my parents.
When I got bach home,my mum said"I made a reservation for one day trip to tour to Shimane!"

So I went to Shimane with my family.We left home around 6:30(so early!) and hop on the bus ,then going to Shimane.

Around 12:00,we arrived "Hawai Onsen place"I don't know why its called Hawai, but there were so many onsen placed and hostls.
But there were nt so many people there.It must be a resort place but it was so quiet.
(Maybe it was winter....)

At a japanese styke Ryokan, we had a really nice luch,I had crab hot pot,crab sashimi,crab tempura,and crab resotto....So many crab deshes!!Everything were so yummy!

After kunch,we went Chinese Garden whis is calles Encho-en.
We watched chinese acrobatic show.
It was fun and nice!!

If you have a chance to visit Shimane,why don't you go there??

Shirakawago light-up

2012-01-29T16:06:00.023+09:00

Hi,I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

I went to Shirakawa-go light-up.

Light-up schedule is below

* 4th Feb (Sat)
* 5th Feb. (Sun)
* 11th Feb. (Sat)
* 12th Feb. (Sun)
* 18th Feb. (Sat)

Nohi bus company organizes a tour for the light-up.

Time schedule for the tour

Takayama ・・・・・・・・・・Shirakawago・・・・・・・・・・・・Takayama
　　　16:15 ..................17:05~19:15 ......................20:05

Nohi Bus company

http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/new/fuyu_tour2011-shirakawago.html

TEL０５７７－３２－１６８８　　（９：００～１８：００）

Have you seen "Unkai"??

2012-01-23T17:34:00.009+09:00

I went snowboarding to Arkopia ski area last weekend.

I was so exited!!

I've heard new snowboard park has just opened!!

It was so fun, they had waves, ramps....and some jumps!!

When I got on the ski lift to the top, I saw the sun in a fog.

.......???????

"Unkai" ( Sea of clouds!!)

I couldn't believe it, because the bottom was so foggy.

Of course I've never seen heaven, but it was like a HEAVEN!!!!!

I was so lucky to see it :)

I love winter and snowboarding:)

Trip to Beppu and Hakata

2012-01-22T18:12:00.011+09:00

What the best thing in winter time in Japan is to soak and get relaxed in an Onsen (hot spring.) Beppu in Oita is one of Japan's Three Great Hot Springs. I went there for a new year's trip a couple weeks ago. It is a small town and you see steam of hot spring everywhere.

It is also famous for it's visually stunning hot springs (The Hells of Beppu).
The hells are too hot to be diluted into Onsen, and they emerge at temperatures ranging from 50 to 99.5 °C (122 to 210 °F). Look at those colors! Some of the hells have a natural smell of sulfur.

Here is how to make "Hot Spring boiled eggs."

There are some crocodiles too! Surprise!

I visited Hakata sity in Fukuoka on the second day.

Kushida shrine lies at the heart of old Hakata, the centre of the old city and is from here that the competitors in Fukuoka's most famous festival, the Yamagasa depart on their long early morning run. It was a nice small shrine to visit.

Fukuoka Asian Art Museum was very interesting.

And enjoyed the good city view from Fukuoka tour.

Then had some yummy Hakata Ramen of course!!

It was great fun visiting those diferent cities!
I would love to come back again!

the ideal housewives

2012-01-22T18:08:00.004+09:00

Greetings from behind the computer at quiet J-Hoppers Kyoto’s lobby.

It has been a while turned New Year, 2012.
We have put up decorative pine trees at the gate (called ‘Kadomatsu’). It is almost seasoned and that means St. Valentine’s Day is coming soon.

We have received new night staff here in J-Hoppers Kyoto since end of December.
She is the lady of ‘ the ideal housewives’.
Firstly she is young and pretty. Second, she is good at cleaning (Her bed is always neat and tidy.) And most importantly, she is a super talented chef!

She cooked;
・ soba noodles with fried vegetables for New Year’s eve
・ fresh spring roll (Goi cuon in Vietnamese)
・ Japanese style pilaf (rice seasoned and cooked with various ingredients)
・ Miso soup
・ Spaghettis
・ Sandwiches (better than Subway’s ones) and so on…

Before the cherry blossom season comes, we will put on our weight. I’m sure.

Talking about the food, I tried Kyoto style soup with rice cakes (Ozouni) for the first time for this New Year’s days. The soup is cooked with white miso while other regions’ soup made with red (dark) miso. It is sweeter and milder.

When you visit to Kyoto, please try white miso Ozouni and dishes cooked by our new night staff!

Winter Wind Protection

2012-01-21T17:56:00.004+09:00

Hello, this is Papi from J-hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

It's snowing every day and cold day every day..

We have wide door at main entrance.
When its opened in winter, cold wind come into the lobby.

So, we made this!

This curtain can protect from cold wind!

Now I am going to make some decoration for this.

A start to the season. Football and Skiing.

2012-01-21T11:14:00.008+09:00

So first of all we had a general meeting to discuss the coming season. Most position in club changed hands. And you are reading about the new team captain. My new role we be the same as when I was in England. Keeping everyone motivated whilst on the pitch and leading by example. However I do not think I will be able to be a strict as if I were playing in the UK. I might come as a bit of a shock if I spoke to people that way.

芸北国際

I have also been skiing a few times this season. I have also brought 10 season passes for this ski field 芸北国際 Geihoku Kokusai. I found them on line at Winterplus.jp

I look forward to going every week. Please give me a call if you want to come ;-)

vacation

2012-01-08T18:02:00.005+09:00

あけましておめでとうございます！
Happy New Year!　I wish you all the best.

First. I'd like to say thank you to Ranna and Keiko.
Thanks to them, I got 7 days vacation and off to Thailand.
it was my 4th time there but I pretty much enjoyed it as previous times!

We went to floating market, beaches, fancy hotel, tiger temple and tourist places.
food was amazing as burritos. I had 31 meals for 6 days. mostly, fried rice and larp with steam rice! so good.

countdown was so crazy. all people wasted their beers haha.

I had an awesome time! wanna go back there one day soon again!

2012 !!!

2012-01-01T17:45:00.004+09:00

Happy New Year!!!

We would love to thank everyone who made our 2011 so great! We hope your new year will be filled with lots of joy and happiness. We are looking forward to seeing you here at J-Hoppers Hiroshima! :)

J-Hoppers Hiroshima Team

Party Organizer, Kawa-chan and Night Staff,
Tsuru-san are also waiting for your visit too :)

Thank you a lot!!

2011-12-31T09:46:00.002+09:00

It was my last day of J-Hoppers Osaka yesterday.

It has been 4 years already since I started working as an opening staff,but I can't believe it past so quickly.
It's just because I've had so much fun there,to meet tuns of nice people, to try a lot of new things..

I can't finish writing this blog if I start telling about all guests who I met,everyone has stories and they are all my precious experience.

I left from J-Hoppers Osaka, but I and my husband will open our guesthouse in Matsuyama, Shikoku in early spring 2012, so please come and visit us!!(Please ask Osaka's staff for the details;)

I apology that I can't say "thank you" in person to everyone, but I do hope to see you all in the near future.

Hope everything is ok with everyone, and have a happy New Year!!

must have this in Winter ..

2011-12-30T20:17:00.004+09:00

Hello, this is PAPI from J-Hoppers Takayama.

Its snowing this few days.
We need to shovel out every day...

After that our boot get wet.
If your shoes get wet, this will help you!

It's called "shoes dryer" !!

Also, we have boots for lent.
You can enjoy snow!

Welcome Back Everyone!

2011-12-30T16:44:00.009+09:00

Only 2 more nights till 2012!

I cannot believe how fast 2011 passed by. I hope everyone had a great year :)

Since the winter holidays began, we have been having familiar faces at J-Hoppers Hiroshima these weeks! I am so happy to see them all again and having so much fun!

Paul from Australia↓↓

His first stay at J-Hoppers Hiroshima was 4 years ago, then he came back in winter in 2009. He was supposed to be back last spring, so it was so good to see him after 2 years! He loves Karaoke as always.

Reece from Australia↓↓

He stayed with us a couple moths ago, then he went to Osaka and Kyoto for about a month. Then he came back to spend this Christmas and New Years with us in Hiroshima! He is a crazy and easy (lazy) guy. :P I know you love us!

Tarro from England (middle) and Miyoko (right)↓↓

Tarro stayed this hostel during the same period as Paul 4 years ago. At that time, there were some guests stayed at hostel most of their time in Hiroshima, so Paul and Tarro made up a "Team Lazy" with some other guests. So it was a small reunion. :)

Miyoko used to work here at J-Hoppers Hiroshima when they were staying. She lives in Australia now, but she is back to visit her family during the holidays. She is so much fun and enjoyed having her as always!

Ethan from the USA↓↓

He stayed with us for a long time this past summer. He has lived in Japan for 5 years and he speaks fluent Hiroshima Ben (Hiroshima dialect!) He lives in Tokyo now but he works an Okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima just for the holiday seasons.

We had so much fun together last weeks!!!

I will be looking forward to seeing you guys soon again!
Thank you for coming back!

2011

2011-12-25T20:45:00.005+09:00

It's typical that people saying time goes by so fast around this time.
but yeah, it does. can't believe it's already almost 2012.
looking back the past, 2011 was one of the best years for me.

I had so much fun and I saved lots of money somehow.
I still have to continue to do so though. I hope 2012 is gonna be more awesome than this year.
still my spanish is not good yet, so I will have to work on it.

there is still one more big event: Thailand!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New year everyone!

That fun time of the year is here again!!

2011-12-25T20:02:00.006+09:00

Hi there!This is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima guesthouse.
It's getting so cold.It is snowing even now when I am writing　 this blog. SAMUI!!!

I can not tostand a cold place,But I LOVE snowboard!!
I started it this January which means I am definitely　beginner.
however,I bought my own board this year!!yes!!!

I went to Geioku Kokusai Ski-resort last Friday and Saturday.
I just worried the snow level before I went there.Coz it was not so cold and snow last coupe of days.
However,as soon as I got off a bus and saw a mountain,it flee my brain!

I stayed at a lovely pension which is near the ski resort.so we had a plenty of time this time
So we spent all day snowboarding together and had a really good time.

We don't have a car.so I always book a ski bus.It cost around 400yen for return ticket.
Of cause you can hire a snowboard,ski and wear as well.
(If you hire some itmes when you book the seat,you will get a discount!)

All ski resort in Hiroshima has just opened this month,I'm just wondering how many time I do snowboard this season.

If you are interested in it,please come and ask us!

(I'm going to Oosa Ski resort coming friday with Kana from Hiroshima HANA hostel.
Can't wait!!!)

Christmas in Armenia

2011-12-24T17:05:00.008+09:00

Christmas day is said for the day of celebrating Christ’s birthday.
It is on Dec 25th in most of Christian countries, except using the Julian calendar. Armenia is one of those.
They celebrate their Christmas day on around Jan 6th or 7th.

I was in Armenia just during their Christmas holiday season without this information (I’ve never heard about Armenia before I went to Central Asian countries…) last year 2011.
I couldn’t have Christmas celebration in Iran.

Soon after turning to 2011, I cross the border between those two countries.
When I arrived at the immigration office of Armenian border, a young woman wearing amazingly shorten skirt welcomed me to her country.
She also wore Santa Claus hat.

I asked her why she wears ‘too Santa’ hat even after Dec 25th.
She looked shocked and almost yelled me ‘This is a Christmas season now!’.
I still couldn’t get the reason of her wearing Santa hat,
then arrived at Yerevan –the capital city of Armenia.

There was huge Christmas tree in front of the station. I thought Armenian people are too lazy to put it back to a storehouse.

‘ What a country… It never happens in Japan. We decorate our city with New Year’s ornaments on the morning of Dec 26th.’

Next day, I took a stroll. City hall, central post office, national museum(it was closed at that time) and so on… huge Christmas trees and Santa Clauses were everywhere!

?????

This question was solved when I got to Georgia, the next country of Armenia.
I was going to meet a man who is doing some research about central Asian countries there and he explained me about the Julian calendar.

Armenia is the oldest country that set the Christianity for their national religion on 301 BC. However the history of this country contains full of tragedy and much of those have not been reported in Japan.

Among backpackers, Armenia is famous for plenty of beautiful ladies, great wines and amazing scenery of Mt, Ararat.
If you miss the chance to have happy Christmas day in your place, you have a spare one in Armenia on January!

How to fight cold ?

2011-12-24T00:55:00.000+09:00

This summer we tried to save on electricity bill with our "eco-fan". Finally we haven't used air-con even once and reduced our bill of 30% on July-August compare to last year ! Nice shot.
Now we decided to fight with winter too !

The most disappointing thing in isolation of Japanese house is single layered window. These are huge surfaces from where heat can flew away immediately. Of course I can't ask for replacement of windows in my rental house, but we found another solution : shouji !
Shouji are sheets of thick paper on a wooden frame set up on the window. Even if it's very simple it improves greatly isolation ! Cheap, nature-friendly, traditional, ... it's perfect. You can buy shouji in specialized shop of course, but frame of windows is often irregular so it's hard to find the ones that fit perfectly your place. Order a custom-built one is too expensive. Then let's make it ourself ! For one window, it costed 2,300 yen of wood, paper, glue and metal fastening. We could make it in one hour and are very proud of the result, there is almost no space left between the wall and the frame of the shouji. Of course it's also a great pleasure to make something by our own. Now we are waiting to see how much it will change temperature in our house...
We've also found another interest in shouji. One of the bad point of using them is that room gets darker because the paper stops a little of light from outside. But in winter, this inconvenience becomes rather a advantage. Due to winter season, when we're at home it's still/yet night outside so we have no chance to enjoy sunlight at home anyway. On the contrary, if we turn on light inside the room, it reflects on white paper and the room gets much clearer compare with the window alone. That was a good surprise. By the way, I was very pleased by the name of the pattern of our paper. It's called 'unryu', it means 'dragons cloud'. Nice isn't it ?

Now I had another idea to fight cold. As a computer geek I know well how much computer can generate heat. Put your hand in front of the fan of your laptop and you'll be surprised if you haven't noticed yet. I was wondering how to re-use this heat instead of loosing it. The point is, it's very weak, no way to heat a whole room with one laptop. So I thought how could I concentrate and keep the generated heat where I need it : near me. Here again traditional furniture of japan gave me the solution ! I invented the 'kopyutatsu', which is a play on words 'konpyuta' (computer in japanese) and 'kotatsu'. Kotatsu is a japanese low table with a heating system inside and a kind of futon/skirt around it. The skirt avoid heat to escape from under the table and everybody enjoy putting his legs under the table. Some people eventually end up sleeping under it ! As I'm using my laptop as a central unit (with external screen, keyboard, ...), I don't need to have access to it. Then I put it under my low desk, and I've closed all four sides of the desk with thick fabric. It works like a charm, no more frozen feet ! The greatest pleasure is thinking of it like recycling energy. The weak point is it takes little time to heat up, and you need to use some heavy software to get your computer hot. So it's a good solution only for those who use a lot their computer. If you use it only one hour to look at your email you won't notice any change...

And you what are your tricks to fight cold ?

Sushi Trip!!!

2011-12-20T21:04:00.012+09:00

The yellow tail season has come!!!!!!

I am from from Hokkaido, so I had many chance to have fresh Sushi in my life.

To my surprise, I can have more good quality one here in Toyama!

Me and my friends went to Sushi restaurant called "Sushitama"
It is very popular place for locals.

"Yellow tail"⇒"White shrimp"⇒Heaped "Negitoro"

It was beautiful snowy day, so we visited Tanekura and Gokayama.

On the way to Tanekura⇒Tanekura⇒
They do double-cropping system, Rice and Soba
You can see beautiful rice terrace in Summer:)

Kokando(pharmaceutical company)⇒Cafe Kofukyo
⇒Northern Alps wiew⇒Gokayama

Toyama is famous for medicine,I visited the museum.

Cafe Kofukyo⇒I had Black shichimi Japanese pepper taste ice cream.

You can do same experience
if you get "Shirakawago, Gokayama World heritage Coupon"

November 1, 2011-March 29, 2012, Three straight days
(Excluding December 28, 2011-January 6, 2012)

From Nagoya Station　　Adalt:14,500 yen

Ryan Thomas Baeris in the national news paper!

2011-12-18T19:38:00.004+09:00

This is a big news! One of our guest, Ryan Thomas baer, appears in the famous national news paper on Dec 14, 2011!

I could not believe it! He has stayed here over 2 months this summer.
Although he has checked-out, he often visit us to talk to us.

Why am I surprised?
Because he is just a geek American guy.
He does not have special skill, experiences.

The newspaper introduce this item as international culture exchange as Ju-do.
Actually he came to Japan to learn Ju-do only.

I proud of him that he is interesting in Japanese culture and he decided to come here.

Good luck, Ryan!

Final sprint of 2011

2011-12-18T16:58:00.006+09:00

It has been pretty fast day by day in Dec.
I don't do much things though, time blows so quick.

Did you see on News about Kanji( a word) of this year? It was KIZUNA (bond).
It was announced at Kiyomizu Temple. They make one Kanji every year.
What do you think about yours?

The other day, I was doing a walk which my hobby these days since last a few weeks.
It makes me sometimes isolated , but good to think myself as fresh as I could.
I was thinking what I've done this year such as a personal growing stuff.
Well, I've realized that I haven't done anything special for me.

It might be only in Japan that we care of New Years holidays.
Everyone make a wish for next year ,and eat plenty of rice cakes.YUM!

Thus, I already made up my big wish for next year !!!!
I strongly hope my wish will be true.

Anyways, I've met a lot of guests in J-Hoppers Kyoto.
That was all memorable things for me. Thank you very much !
I hope everyone have a happy Merry Christmas and New year with your special one !

CIAO!

The reason why I love Osaka

2011-12-18T09:36:00.007+09:00

The guest came and talked to me when I was in the reception, and asked

"Are you from Osaka?"

"No,but I've been here for long time"

Then, she showed me this movie.

Yes, she wanted to try it!
But she was too shy to try random people on a street, so I suggested to try to Mr.Yano!!

Of course he did.. though she was still shy when he came.

Anyway, do you doubt whether Osakan people are really like that?!
Not everyone, but funny strange things has been happen on me often when I just walk on the street.
That's why I love Osakan people and I've lived for long time without being bored.

Do you wanna know if it's true or not?!
We are waiting for your visit!!

NU chayamachi CANDLE NIGHT

2011-12-15T21:07:00.007+09:00

NU CHAYAMACHI 　CANDLE NIGHT!

There was a special event in Umeda near LOFT on the 14th of December!
There were so many arts of candles, they were so heartful and beautiful.

It was only 2 days in a year, one is in Umeda on 7th of December
and the other one was 14th of December in NU chayamachi!

Don't miss it next winter!!!

2011-12-15T18:41:00.008+09:00

Bonenkai is an end of year party for companies and groups in Japan. In England we would say `any excuses for a knees up`. Which means that we just want any I guess you could say its just like a christmas party for non christians. But either way, we all love a gathering with our friends.

My Bonenkai was with the team I play football with. We all had a few beers, some food, gave out a few prizes and then went to Karaoke to sing the night away. I found my way home but had to go to training the next day and it was very tough.

The ski season is also upon us and I will be heading out to as many of Hiroshima's ski fiels as the winter progresses. Its a bit early in the season now but rest assured, there will be plenty of good days to be had in the coming months.

Toyota　world cup

2011-12-15T17:01:00.008+09:00

Hello,I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

FIFA Toyota world cup is becoming a popular topic of conversation at the moment in Japan.

Yusuke and I went to see the soccer match Santos　vs Reysol at Toyota stadium in Aichi prefecture.

The main reason for me to go to the match was to see Neymar.
Neymar is said to be one of the best players in the world.

Neymars had a lot of fans at the stadium ↓

Luckily Neymar got the first goal of the game.Final score was 3-1

We became a big fan of him.I hope Santos will win the final

Go for Takao Area

2011-12-04T18:48:00.007+09:00

Hi this is minasyo from Kyoto!!

Yesterday, I went to salsa bar in Kyoto kiyamachi sanjo 'EL COYOTE' with J-Hoppers guest.
I'm ashamed to say, I couldn't step the salsa basic steps...
They have free lesson on Friday night(20:00~). I should go to the lesson until the next Kaomise Kabuki season(?).

Autum leaves season still goes on in Kyoto !?

The other day,I went to Takao(northwest side of Kyoto city) to see the autum leaves.
I went to some temples Kozanji, Saimyoji and Jingoji. the highest season had passed but it is still good !! I took some photos and update here !!

No.01 #Kozanji- Temple They have a national treasure Chouju-giga(鳥獣戯画図)
No.02 #Saimyoji-temple is well-known for Autum leaves.
I couldn't take a photo, but they show me a very nice Kannon statue.It is worth seeing!!

No.03 Jingoji-temple This temple sit on the top of the mountain.... I advice you that you should go there first with your full energy...They also have lots of national treasures. they show you those statues like a comic hero's figure in your Otaku friend's room :-).
(So sorry, I couldn't show you the statues photo, too...)

On this autum leaves season at Takao is almost over...but without leaves I recommend you to go up to Takao. Takao area is worth a trip anytime. When you go up, you should buy a reasonable ticket 'Takao free pass' at JRKyoto station. The cost is ¥800 for the round-trip.

J-hoppers Osaka ＋ECO

2011-11-30T23:20:00.002+09:00

We are correcting the used plastic bottle caps.

Do you know why?

Recyclers buy 400 caps as 10yen.

Then 20yen covers the polio vaccinations of one child.

How do you change caps to the polio?

You need to correct massive caps, so NPO companes do this work.

They donate money to UNICEF or developing countries.

How much CO2 comes out when caps are burnning?

400 caps come out about 3.15 kg CO2.

If you recycle them, it helps not only chileren, also the earth.

Recycling caps is very easy and fun.

You do not need to be patient so much. I am sure you would be glad to see putting on them

more and more.

Please remind YOU can save a lot of things by yourself.

How to be a photographer...

2011-11-30T18:21:00.003+09:00

When the cold season comes, I feel like reading books written by Michio Hoshino.
This adventure-hearted Japanese photographer used to live in Alaska for 20 years.
He died at the age of 44 (1996), because of being attacked by a bear at Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia.

The autumn leaves took long time to change their color this year in Kyoto.
People have been anxious about if they never will turn the color so much.
The online information has been up-dated every single day by a tourist bureau.
We could make collection of photographs with beautiful autumn leaves,
however still not be able to make them change to beautiful color for it.

Michio Hoshino traveled for 3000km to shoot the photos of a group of caribou for 1 month just by himself.
He just waited the time they come.
Some year they came and other time they didn’t.
He just traveled with his camera and tent even it is minus 50 degrees.

My mother and I visited one temple famous for autumn leaves the other day.
We made a big queue to see the leaves for long long time.
We were even not sure if we were making a queue for right place or not.
We just hold a camera and waited the time we could take one shot with leaves.
We made it finally, fortunately, with not only leaves but also many tourist (mostly old ladies) behind us.

The winter is coming. The wind gets colder and colder day-by-day.
This year's 'The winter slostice (Toji)' is Dec 22nd. From that day the hours of sunlight is longer even we will have the coldest time after that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michio_Hoshino
http://www.michio-hoshino.com/colle-photo.html

Local walking tour with Mr.Yano

2011-11-29T15:56:00.001+09:00

Ken had been thinking to organize a tour for our guests to show Japanese local experiences since we opened here.. and, this dream became true finally.. by Mr.Yano?!!

Every Wednesday morning, Mr. Yano takes guests to special places that could be difficult to find or try by yourself.

The schedule is like this:
1. Meet at 9:30 am in JH Osaka.
2. Get on a train and go to JR Tenma station
3. Walk around in Tenma market

4. Try "1 yen pachinko" !!

5. Have a coffe at Maid cafe
6. End the tour at Maid cafe

*Takes about 3 hours in total
*Free for the tour organizing, but you have to pay for transportation, entrance fee, food or anything else by yourself.

Come on Wednesday morning to J-Hoppers Osaka, and he will show you amazing or weird world..?!!!

24

2011-11-28T18:21:00.004+09:00

Hola. buongiorno!

I have just finished 24. it's an American TV show as its popular.
it took me forever to finish but I could enjoy it.
Jack Bauer is such a nice guy and maybe stronger than American troop itself(if you watch last 2 episodes, maybe you can agree with me) but people around him are so trashy! always betray him or they turn out to be terrorists!

season 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7: watched in Italian
season 5, 6 and 8: watched in English.

I promised myself that after i'm done with 24, I'll start studying spanish because my goal this year was to become fluent in Spanish. I'm such a quitter but I'm gonna try it again.

mm I dunno what to write but I'm excited about three things that I'm gonna do this year. first, go watch autumn leaves. second, snowboarding at the top of mt Rokko with my local friends and travel in Thailand.

2011 was surely a good year!!

Autumn in Kyoto

2011-11-28T16:40:00.010+09:00

Hello !

It has been pretty cold in Kyoto these days.
However, this time of the season is very popular for Autumn leaves in Kyoto.

You've probably heard once about Kyoto leaves.

I've visited some temples last my day off. They were adrable!!!
I'll show you some pictures.

TOFUKUJI TEMPLE

KODAIJI TEMPLE
(for night lit up)

I'm sure it worth to see them for this special season.
The lit up will be open till 4th Dec. 2011.

If you have a chance to come to Kyoto, I would highly recommend to visit both temples.

Ciao !

Party days!!

2011-11-28T09:21:00.008+09:00

I love drinking and parties!!

I always thinking if I have time,

I'd like to take our guest to nice Local Bar or Izakaya;)

We had some parties in November and

I had some chance to drink with guests.

Here are the pictures this month:)

★Drinking at Local Bar and Izakaya

★Parties!!!

★We had Sushi, Ramen, BBQ, Tacos, Takoyaki party;)

★J-hoppers crew

We hope you enjoy Takayama night life!!!

Leaf peeping at Miyaki temple

2011-11-28T08:38:00.006+09:00

Hi there!This is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima.

It's getting colder and colder which means it's good season Japanese SAKE:-)

In autumn many Japanese enjoy viewing the leaves change colors.

So I went to see the colorful autumn leaves with Masa.

After I finished my work,we went to Mitaki Temple by bicycle.

It took around 20 minutes from J-Hoppers Hirorshima.

(you can rental the bicycle at the hostel.of cause you can go there by local train.)

On the way to the temple,we have a luch box and japanese sweets at the store:-)

( I hadn't have anyting on the day.SO I was starved to death!!)

Mitaki-dera was founded in the year 809.

There are three falls, and the water will be used as an offering of water to the victims of the atomic bomb during the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony.

The tahoto was dismantled from Hiro-Hachiman-jinja in Hirogawa,Wakayama in 1951, to hold a memorial service for the victims of the atomic bomb.

It was a bit early for the best season.But we could see the beautil leaves and good atomosphere there.

If you are planning to come to Hiroshima,why don't go to Mitaki temple??

Saiho-ji-temple

2011-11-27T18:20:00.008+09:00

Hello this is Minasyo from little bit chills Kyoto
I can't stop sneezing at this moment...:-)
It' s getting winter now!!

The other day I went to Saiho-ji temple with our guests.
The temple is commonly known as "Koke-dera."
The garden is very famous for its luxuriant mossy growth.

The mossy green and the maple red made a nice contrast. I think one of the best season to visit for the Saiho-ji now.

Saiho-ji is declared a World Heritage site.

If you want to visit there you must need reservation in advance.
By e-mail ? By phone ?... No, you have to make it by reply-paid postcard at least one week before the date you require (and include your details name, number of visitor, address in Japan).

Saiho-ji (西芳寺)
open13:00~
fee : 3000yen
access : #28 Kyoto bus from Kyoto station

Wasyoku (Japanese Cuisine) Seasonal delights at Mikaki Sou..

2011-11-25T23:26:00.011+09:00

MITAKI SOU

Now we were lucky enough to get two free meal tickets to this wonderful culinary experience. All the best the autumn has to offer. From the ripest Kaki, Kuri and seasonal fish, to a plate that looked as pleasing on the eye as it was on the pallet.

Now I am a sucker for sushi, and this was what it is all about. I think that if we were to have poured water onto the plate, the fish would have sprung into life and tried to make a swim for it. It really was that fresh.

I really enjoyed this place and would recommend going there to all of my friends. Its very hard to find good restaurants now-a-days, but they have gone a long way to restoring my faith in food. Its all about the freshness of the seasons. There is no need to fly you food thousands of miles just to save and few yens. Especially not when you have to sacrifice on the flavor. For the ultimate Washoku experience, look no further.

Merry Meet, Merry Part and Merry Meet Again.

2011-11-25T20:16:00.004+09:00

Hello everyone!
It is Masa from J-Hoppers Hiroshima.

It is getting quit cold in Hiroshima towards the year end. How fast time flies.
How was your 2011? I think my year was full of "Merry Meet."

We had some guests from the US the other day. One of them, Eugenel was a brother of an old guest who stayed with us 3 years ago. He was traveling in Japan with some friends, and he took advice from his brother and stopped over here for a couple of days.

And Reece from Australia, he was staying with us for a long while and on his last night in Hiroshima, we all went out for some drinks!!

The other staff, Chika and I started drinking around 6pm in town, then everyone joined us in Nagarekawa (the night life district.) It was so good to hang out with everyone! Eugenel and his friends told me how his brother and sister-in-law are doing in the US. They just had a baby boy a few months ago, so it was very exciting to hear all the stories. And it brought back such good memories of the time they were here.

Reece was such a funny guy. He is pretty lazy and very easy going. All the staffs liked having him around at the hostel. It was such a fun night with everyone and we drunk so much...! (I am a light drinker, but I had my first Jägerbomb that night!!)

It was such a fun night out, and everyone left Hiroshima next morning.
One of the hardest part of this job is the time to say good-by to good friends...
But I believe that I will see them again somewhere on this planet in the future!

I keep meeting new people at J-Hoppers Hiroshima everyday.

Merry Meet, Merry Part....and Merry Meet Again!

Inuyama castle

2011-11-18T17:17:00.008+09:00

Hello,I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

I went to Inuyama castle located on the side of kiso River in Aichi prefecture,one of the four national treasure castles in Japan along with Himeji ,Matsumoto,Hikone.
I would say that the Inuyama castle is one of the top 3 ranked tourist places to visit in Aichi prefecture.

Inuyama castle
Open hours 9:00-16:30
Fee:500yen(Adult) 100yen(Child)
Access:It takes 30minutes from JR Nagoya station.

I also went to Momotaro shrine near the castle.
The structure of shrine looks strange.
However　it is famous for being the origin of famous Japanese fairy tale Momotaro.It is also known to ward off evil spirits from children.

Europe

2011-11-17T11:45:00.000+09:00

We went to Europe last month, to visit my family in France and have fun in London.

We've been welcomed by Mom's delicious food. Here, some 'gesier de canards' with potatoes and salad.

The next day we visited a cheese factory. Look at these thousands of cheese 'livarot' waiting to be eaten ! It's also sometimes called 'colonel' as the army rank. That's because five blades of grass are put around it, giving the aspect of the french army colonel insignia.

This was my grand parents' house. It's the last time I could see it. Three days later it's been sold.

It was first time I could meet my first niece, Elea.

Then we moved to London. The architecture of the city is very interesting. Buildings are colorful and refined.

The London Tower Bridge. Main tourist attractions are located in the right center of the city. But this bridge is a little bit farther in the east. This district has a completely different atmosphere, so it was still interesting to visit. It's easy to go from a tourist spot to another by bus, and I recommend enjoyed the top of two storied bus, and using a one day pass for bus and subway.

The famous Big Ben...

... and English Parliament. It's a very beautiful and old building next to the Thames.

Eating in England is definitely an adventure, but at least we wanted to try the famous Fish&Chips. Even if it's been amazingly hard to find, we finally found one in middle of nowhere, with the most beautiful view on the Thames, parliament and Big Ben. If you wish to enjoy this perfect spot, here comes the location.

We wanted to visit Westminster Abbey, but didn't knew it was closed on Sunday. Very disappointing. Instead we went to London Eye. The top of it is really high, the view is spectacular !

A Ginkgo Tree

2011-11-12T19:31:00.004+09:00

Hello , this is PAPI from J-G|Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

There is a big ginkgo tree in Takayama.
Its estimated to be over 1250 years old.

When its full changed, and the leaf start falling down.
It looks like yellow carpet all around.
If you would like to see , please go there in early morning.

J-hoppers Osaka Halloween Party!

2011-11-01T17:41:00.002+09:00

We had a Halloween party this year!
Staff dressed up as below, we had a lot of fun!

The left is Kyohei, middle is Nori , ｒight is free-accommodation staff, Jose.
Their hats are very nice, especially Jose, ha ha!

This is real Jose. You are a tiger, but looks rabbit. ( Pretty!) I gonna bite you ! haha

The left is me, middle is Aya , ｒight is Nori.
J-hoppers Girls staff♪

He is Mr Yano, one of our staff.
Do you think he looks like a chef? He has never cooked ever. He pretend it just as Halloween! haha

We have a lot of fun like this. Please join our Christmas party on 23rd of December!
Welcome to J-hoppers anytime :) Thank you!

October. Autumn, my favorite season.

2011-10-31T19:47:00.009+09:00

Here is the lovely Matsutake mushroom we got from our friend who found it in the mountains. And to think that this would cost the same as a 10 kg joint of beef in the UK. It was tasty though.

Looking at this picture, my nose looks a bit like a mushroom. All be it an upside down one.

The trees are slightly changing color. Not long until we see some

red maple trees at Mikati Temple.

And here's some of our dried Kaki (Persimmon fruit). I almost look french.

never never never surrender !!

2011-10-31T17:05:00.007+09:00

Hello!! every football fan!!
This is minasyo in the exciting Kyoto SANGA Stands.

We are getting to the good part to go back to the devision 1!!
We still have 5 very very easy games and maybe we will get 15 win points !!...
We believe that we can jump up to the 3rd place on the devision2!???

Why don't you join us to watch the exciting game ?
We still have 2 home games in Kyoto (Nov 12th and Dec 3rd)
Unfortunately we still have many many seat ... we cannot fill up a lot of seats in stands (even in the supporters seat...)

And I hope someday I want to see the stands full of fans.
Like the Hanshin Tigers(Baseball team) Koshien Stadium

We never never never surrender !!

CITY

2011-10-29T19:24:00.006+09:00

Hello from Kyoto!

It has been pretty warm at daytime around 25℃ though I know winter is coming quite soon.

The other day, I got some days off and went to Tokyo with my co-worker Shizuka.

Our plan for Tokyo was going to Shin-Okubo (little korean town).
It is getting popular for middle aged women about Korean dramas and idols as like my mom.
Unfortunately, I'm not much into the idols though I do love Korean food.

That is fabulous for sure ! I love Higashi kujo(little korea) which is in J-Hoppers Kyoto as well.

Most of my firends are in Tokyo, then we did a kind of small reunion at one of Korean restaurant. It was so much fun with talking about resent life and girls stuff.

We did not have enough time to talk !!! That's how girls like chatting :)

After that fun night, I went back my hometown.
Every time I see Mt. Fuji, I feel like home sweet home.
I miss it deeply which means I could do my best here in Kyoto.

Ciao ! :)

Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

2011-10-27T20:18:00.004+09:00

Someone told me 3 days ago
There’s a fire festival in Kurama Village
I know;
It’s been coming for
What if it’s raining, so they say;
It’ll still go on;
I know;
It’s a very sacred festival

I want to know; Have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know; Have you ever seen the rain
Coming down on a fire festival?

Yesterday, and days before,
Sun is hot and rain is none,
I know;
Been that way for all my time.
'Til forever, on it goes
Everytime I go to the festival,
I know;
It can't stop, I wonder

I want to know; have you ever seen the rain?
I want to know; have you ever seen the rain
Coming on a fire festival?

Well, we (I and my new flat mates) went to see the fire festival in Kurama village on Oct 22nd.
The weather forecast kept telling us it’ll rain heavily in the evening for last 3 days.
I thought if it rains, the festival would be canceled or postponed for another day.
However this festival is so holy stuff and it is meaningless if they held it on another day.

When we got the village, the rain had already started.
I could see only the umbrellas.
No fire, no smoke.

The rain got gentle, then men wore Fundoshi (loincloth) walked down the street with torches. We were so glad to see the fire and smoke. It was the highlight of the festival for me.

After 5 minutes, the rain started again and became heavier and heavier. The men still came on the street, but the fire on the touches was almost gone.
Even in that hard rain, they did not stop the festival.

Mexico!!

2011-10-27T19:31:00.003+09:00

http://r.gnavi.co.jp/k541100/

Burritoooos tacooos.
oh man, can't help eating Mexican food. it's legendary!!!
soooooo gooood. the other day, when i was downtown, I got a call from my stomach saying gimme a burrito and tacos, amigo! so, I was like yes, sir.

I went to El poncho in shinsaibashi. it's a pretty much authentic Mexican restaurant. stll not as good asSan Diego burritos though.

ok, it's random but I'm gonna be a Mexican guy for Halloween this year. the party is this Saturday.
I got a sombrero, un pancho y mustache! Also 2 water guns that tequila inside haha
people might appreciate me.

I'm so psyched!!

▲Autumn festivals▲

2011-10-26T20:33:00.005+09:00

Hi there!This is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima gusthouse.
The other day,Some autumn festivals ware held in my area.
That's why I went to the festival with my friends!

There were some stalls around the shrine and there was a stage for Kagura dace.
Have you heard and seen Kagura before??

Kagura ("god-entertainment") is a japanese word referring to a specific type of shinto theatrical dance—with roots arguably predating those of Noh. Once strictly a ceremonial art derived from kami'gakari ( "oracular divination") and chinkon ( "spirit pacification"), Kagura has evolved in many directions over the span of a millennium. Today it is very much a living tradition, with rituals tied to the rhythms of the agricultural calendar, as well as vibrant kabuki-esque theatre, thriving primarily in parts of shimane purefecture, and urban centers such as Hiroshima.

I have seen the Kagura many times since i was a child.
Every time I see the performance,I was so impressed.
If you haven't see Kagura yet,I really wanna you to see it during you are in Japan!!

The food festival will be held this weekend near Hiroshima castle in Hiroshima.
If you haven't decided your plan,come and see Kagura!!

Kanazawa trip !!

2011-10-26T17:55:00.013+09:00

I went to Kanazawa to see exhibition last weekend.

I stayed 2 days in Kanazawa.

⇒ Or-ita is the name of the tool to bend cardboard

⇒It looks like The Leaning Tower of Pisa
(Artist:Makoto Orisaki)

⇒The cow is made of cardboard

The exhibition was great!!

I also enjoyed Kanazawa town:)

At the Ohmicho-market

⇒You need to try fish if you go to Kanazawa, so Fresh!!

⇒I found "okara" doughnut!!
( Okara is Grounded soybean curd)

At the Higashi Chaya District

⇒Chaya means Geisha-house in Japanese

⇒There are lot of shops here.

I found nice cafe at Kazue Chaya area.

At Cafe Tsuchiya

⇒You can enjoy sweets with Wajima Lacquer ware.

⇒He is the owner:) He renovated old tea house.

⇒Beautiful river view from second floor.

Big Map

⇒You can find information about cute Machiya style cafe and shop.

⇒I stayed "Pongyi" guest house, and made cranes with guests

⇒It is called "Hanton rice" , the local food in Kanazawa

As Kanazawa can be reached in 2h 30 min by bus from Takayama,

so many visitors drop in after visit to Takayama.

A day to Fukui

2011-10-23T17:07:00.010+09:00

Hi ,I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

I went to Fukui prefecture last month.

What is Fukui famous for ?

Eiheiji temple and Toujinbo are ones of the famous places to visit.

Eiheiji, the "temple of eternal peace" is one of Soto Zen's two head temples and ranked most influential Zen centres in the world . It is located deep in the mountains, not far from Fukui City.

Tojinbo is on the coast about 25km northwest of Fukui and a series of interesting and bizarre cliffs on the sea of Japan.

Tojinbo is also a well-know place to commit suicide.According to statics 25 people commit suicide annually

When I went there ,I didn't feel that way. Tojinbo is very peaceful place

Since motorway between kanazawa and Takayama was completed 5years ago ,you can travel to northwest easily.
I am so happy to travel to any place I haven't been to .I am wondering where I am going to next.

The Kannonsho temple

2011-10-22T15:36:00.001+09:00

Yesterday we visited another temple of our pilgrimage : the Kannonsho temple in Azuchi city (Google map) near lake Biwa. You can go to Azuchi by train from Kyoto using the Biwako line in 50mn. It costs 740 yen. From the station there is a nice hiking course up to the temple in the mountain. It's not very difficult but some part in the woods are quite steep and it takes 5h30, without visiting the Azuchi museum and the castle ruins. You can see the hiking course we followed here :
http://maps.google.co.jp/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=ja&brcurrent=3,0x60017eaba3e13773:0x27b90de8555238f0,0&msa=0&msid=211452046396621152072.00049f5ff9eb81a3dedc6&z=15">http://maps.google.co.jp/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=ja&brcurrent=3,0x60017eaba3e13773:0x27b90de8555238f0,0&msa=0&msid=211452046396621152072.00049f5ff9eb81a3dedc6&z=15

Here comes some photos :

The mountain from Azuchi city, around 400meters high.

There was a lot of insects, in particular a lot of manta.

This guy seems to have a very difficult life ...

The main hall of Kannonsho temple. The legend says Kannon appeared here as a mermaid. Inside you can see an impressive statue of Kannon with all of her 1042 hands, made of rare Indian tree.

The course is easy to follow, except when you go out of the temple (when you hike the itinerary anti-clockwise). The road out of the temple leads toward a parking, but you have to get out of the road and enter a very small path in the wood approximately halfway between the parking and the temple. There is a small board but not easy at all to see.

This one was making beautiful sound by vibrating his wings.

The second half of the hike is blessed with a permanent view on lake Biwa (on the foreground) and lake Nishinoko (the "small" one in the middle). Ensure to hike the course anti-clockwise or you will loose the best part.

Japan The Strange Country

2011-10-21T08:55:00.006+09:00

Here is the interesting video..
It was made by the Japanese student in Japanese, then translated in English.
It's cute animation and funny, but telling sometimes shocking facts for people who doesn't know yet

Japan The Strange Country

English Version

Japanese Version

Lion Dance

2011-10-20T21:46:00.005+09:00

Hello, this is Papi from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

I went to see "Lion dance" in Syokawa.
There are many lion dance in Japan but this is special!

30 lions dance together.

At the end of the dance, the lion "bites" the heads of some watchers, to bring luck.

It was the first time to see the tongue of the lion.
I hope it bring luck too.

It's Autumn!!!

2011-10-17T17:37:00.009+09:00

I had a great time last weekend!!

There are a lot of things to do around here.

I enjoyed Food, Sake, Festival, Onsen and Autumn leaves:)

⇒Go driving to Hirayu!!
⇒Choshi waterfalls
⇒Hirayu Onsen
⇒Natural Onsen, Hirayu Folk Village

⇒I went to "Doburoku festival" at night.
⇒Lion Dance!!
⇒Doburoku is kind of sake, the yeast is still alive:)

These are the pictures of
"Lion dance and food festival in Kamioka"

⇒Japanese Drum!!
⇒Lion dance from Toyama
⇒Hyottoko
⇒He gave me so many candies:)

⇒Near Shinhotaka no yu
⇒Mountain view footbath
⇒Autumn leaves!!

⇒Shinhotaka Ropeway
⇒That way!!
⇒He pointed this mountain, Mt.Nishihotakadake!!
⇒Sunset from observation deck

It's still not too late for enjoying Autumn leaves,

Please come to Takayama and let's enjoy day trip!!

Welcome Back!

2011-10-16T20:37:00.004+09:00

The other day, I got a call from Yuko (Tom's beautiful wife) and she asked me to dinner that night. She told me that her friend, Kalpesh was in town for the first time in 4 years and she was thinking about taking him out for dinner. I have not met him before, but it sounded an exciting plan.

We were supposed to meet at 6pm at J-Hoppers Hiroshima and when I arrived, I heard a familiar voice calling my name...

It was Miyoko !!!!!!

She used to work at J-Hoppers Hiroshima but she moved to Australia 3 years ago. I worked with her just for a short time, but she is such a funny and sweet person and I really like her. So it was a big happy surprise that she was there!

And I met Yuko's friend, Kalpesh as well. He was from England and he stayed in the hostel for 3 weeks 4 years ago. He seemed very happy to be back and see his old friends in Hiroshima.

So Yuko, Miyoko, Kalpesh and I went to Organza cafe bar for dinner. It is a very cool and cozy place and it is J-Hoppers Hiroshima's favorite as well! Tomoko (the manager of Hiroshima Hana Hostel) joined as at the restaurant and we all enjoyed catching up for many hours... Then we went back to the hostel to drink for a few more hours with Chika.

It is always great to see people again at the hostel.
That is why I like this job!

Tenjin san Treasure Hunt

2011-09-30T18:30:00.001+09:00

Hello This is minasyo writing!!

The other day, I went to Kitanotenmangu-shrine(we call Tenjinn san) to search for the something special.

At the early morning, I found the price reduction negotiations everywhere.

left : Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa's name plate I guess it on the Edo Castle...(?)
right : 「幸福」 means happiness, the key for the door of happiness

Japanese shop curtains
Supper discount 12000yen ⇒ 1500yen (WAo!! 80%off!!)

Day Trip to Okayama

2011-09-29T10:59:00.006+09:00

I had a day trip to Okayama with my friends the other day.

We were planning this trip for over a month, but on the day, a typhoon hit Hiroshima and Okayama area....! We were bit worried at the beginning but we knew we would have fun anyway and headed out.

We drove about 2 hours from my hometown, Fukuyama (in Eastern Hiroshima) to Tsuyama city first.

They have a famous Horumon Udon dish (fried Udon Noodle with stomach intestine) in Tsuyama and we found a good restaurant on a guide book. So we would like to try it.

It was a small old restaurant and very busy with families and local workmen for the lunch time. The fried noodle was pretty simple but very good.

After lunch, we drove another 1 hour to Hiruzen Plateau. It is a very beautiful place with farms and famous for good milk. You can go for skiing in winter as well.

Hiruzen Plateau (on a sunny day)

It begun to rain on the way there, and was getting windy as well... So we went to a cafe to have some hot drinks first. I tried a cup of tea with the local milk. It was very good. Then we drove around the plateau and got some fresh local vegetables, then went home.

We couldn't enjoy much the outdoor fun on the day, but it was good to have a day trip with my girls. We have known each other for 10 years now and one of them is getting married soon. So we will enjoy the time of single together! :P

Kooza and reunion.

2011-09-27T16:41:00.005+09:00

somewhere in between Kobe and Sanda. When I drive, I sometimes stop bu here to chill out.

Reunion ( suppose to be a bachelor party but not happened )
One of my friends just got married and we all celebrate him. He is the first left.

Around Arima Onsen. 15 mins drive from my house.

Kooza. me and Jose, we went to see the show. Thanks Jose. It was simply legendary! I have never ever seen the show like this. so amazing. I strongly recommend this. if you buy a ticket, it's quite expensive but I think its still worth to see.

Our information borad :)

2011-09-25T19:43:00.003+09:00

We put a lot of information on our board.
Our famous staff, Kyohei updated it yesterday.
( He often updates Osaka and Kobe's info here:))

↑This bar's info is his favorite.
He knows about this kind of info very well:) Anyway this broad is very nice for drinkers, ha ha.

This broad also works:)♪
Unfortunately cosmos's info paper which I made was robbed by someone・・・・（TmT)　
Please ask me directly if you are curious about cosmos....

By the way, these are today's photos.
I am sure you won't get lost!!!!!!!

Have a nice trip with her-----------------------------!

Grazie :)

2011-09-25T16:25:00.010+09:00

It has been chilly in Kyoto.

I guess Autumn has arrived :) Sayonara Summer!
Every the end of the season, I feel something isolated. I can't figure out it ever.

Well, we had a special farewell for our staff Federica.
She came here as a helping staff and to study Japanese at language school .

We would surely say that she is such a lovely girl.
Most of the guests became fan of her smile.

Before she left, I made a big project for her as called

" Let's make Federica's dreams come true"

We did...

COSPLAY!

PURIKURA ! ( picture stickers)

SUSHI ROLLS!

We could not have done many other things though,
everything was so much fun with you!

She said " Thank you " to us all the time.
But, many thanks to you, Fede-chan.

As you know that we work at the hostel , and we see many guests come and leave everyday.It's kind of getting used to; however, we never should be.

To meet some is to grow you up!

We always welcome you back.

Grazie :)

Gyoza Party!!

2011-09-24T10:43:00.007+09:00

We had Gyoza party last night.

I think most of people have had meat one.

So I made original Gyoza this time in addition to normal one.

Left: Original ⇒"Italian" (Tomato, Egg plant, and Cheese)
and "Natto" Gyoza !! (Challenge menu;P)

Right: We also cooked "Boiled Dumplings"
Because it was cold yesterday!!

One of guests cooked "Steam fish rice" for us.
It is called " Tai (Name of the fish)-Meshi (Rice)!!

Thank you very much for joining us!!

the time and tide wait for no one

2011-09-23T19:25:00.003+09:00

Just after I tear the calendar I have got e-mail. It was from Singapore.
I met him in Mongolia last summer and he announced me our first anniversary since we met.
He says; Time fleets, we all wish to slow it down sometimes, entrap and contain it in a glass bottle, to forever savour the moments in a time locked bubble. Unfortunately, no one can do that so I guess the next best thing would be to keep enjoying life for what it's worth.
He is not a poet. He is just a boy who like to take photos a lot.

One morning, I had a calling. It was from Uzbekistan.
I was accommodated by Uzbek family in Tashkent (capital of Uzbekistan) while I was there for more than 2 weeks. The daughter studies Japanese in the University. She said that she is coming to Japan the end of September to study. She needed 1,400USD for the flying ticket and I covered it for her.
I’m not sure if she really needs it, it doesn’t matter for me; anyway she can come to Japan and have opportunity to study Japanese in Tokyo. It’s worth it.

When I went home, I got e-mail. It was from Nepal.
He runs his little teashop in Kathmandu with his mother. He passed the test and got a chance to work in Korea for a few years. Time and tide wait for no one he said. So, if he gives up this opportunity this time, he has to wait for the next year.

We have got a guest at J-Hoppers Kyoto guesthouse. She is from Italy. She stays with us for three months. She will fly out to her country tomorrow. Time fries.

Only the time flows equally between us.

Trip to Osaka.

2011-09-22T18:46:00.008+09:00

Hello , this is PAPAI from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

In early September, I went to Osaka with my husband.

At first day, we went to Universal Studio in Japan!!
The park was decorated with Halloween .

There was special parade for Halloween.

In the parade, performer throw necklace to the audience.
I could catch 7 of them because one of the performer gave to me directory when she saw my "Happy birthday" sticker.

Next day,
We went to Kaiyu-kan to see the wheel shark !

We tried to go to J-Hoppers Osaka but we couldn't go...
It was too difficult to drive in the city.

Osaka and Kyoto Tripppp!!!!

2011-09-19T17:02:00.005+09:00

Hi there!!This is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima guesthouse.

It's getting colder everyday....
I bought　a new swimming suit this summer.But I have no chance to go beach this summer.
That's do sad!!I have to make a plan for next summer vacation.

Anyway,I took s days off and went to Osaka to see circus!
Have you heard "Cirque du Soleil"before??

Cirque du Soleil (English: "Circus of the Sun") is a Canadian entertainment company, self-described as a "dramatic mix of circus atrs and street entertainment." Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, and located in the inner-city area ofSaint-Michel, it was founded inBaie-Saint-Paul in 1984 by two former street performers,Guy Laliberte and Daniel Gauthier.

It was first time to see the cirsus.IT was so exciting and Cool!!
I could see the show so close.That's why I could feel a sense of tension from them.

The ticket is abit expensive but it worth to see it.
I got a ticket from my mother for free but I will get it by myself net time.

After the show,We were just working around Osaka City.
And then,we went to Kyoto net day.

We went to Nishi-Honganji,Nijoujo ans Seimei shrine.
Osaka and kyoto,both cities are so close but they have totally different　atmosphere.

I often go to Kyoto.But I find out something new everytime.

I'm planing to go to Kyoto next month with Kana from Hiroshima HanaHostel.
Can't waitttttt!!!!

Jose was on a TV show!

2011-09-11T21:04:00.004+09:00

We have a volunteer staff since this August, he is a Spanish, and his name is Jose.
Originally, he was a guest of J-Hoppers Osaka about 5 months ago.
He came to Japan to walk 88 temples in Shikoku, and stayed in Osaka before he went there.

He went back to Spain after that, traveling Korea, Russia and some Europe countries.. then,he came back to Japan as a volunteer staff of J-Hoppers!

He has been here only about 3 weeks, but he's been helping us a lot and we're glad to be with him.
I think you might saw him in event's photos or somewhere, but he was interviewed by Japanese comedians and on TV show last week!
It's a local TV show in Kansai area, but kinda popular one.The name is Chi Chin Pui Pui.
Please watch it to know how he looks like, but sorry to disturb with some our loud voice.. :((

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tpb66HD5v0&feature=channel_video_title

Do you want to be on a show, too? Then, try to be near JR Osaka station on every Tuesday morning, they might talk to you ;)

Also, it's just information, this Jose organizes an event on the 17th of September, it's "Spanish omellet VS Japanese Sushi" !!
Please read this for more details, we're waiting for you!
http://osaka-hostel.blogspot.com/2011/09/spanish-omelett-vs-japanese-sushi-world.html

!!MANY THANKS!!

2011-08-31T19:08:00.017+09:00

It's been really hot and humid in Hiroshima...I'm wondering when is it going to be end..

I have been working as a J-Hoppers Hiroshima staff member since January and I really love my job!
The reason for that is the many opportunities I get to meet awesome guests everyday, and also people who work with me!!
I have never worked in this kind of environment before. Everyone is so kind and super friendly. I have learn`t many things from them. It is not only about work but many other things which helps me to improve in a good way.
We have shared many things too. I really appreciate that.

I am going to move to Hiroshima HANA Hostel(Sister hostel) this September which is...TOMORROW!
I am half sad and excited about it. And also I will miss J-Hoppers...actually I`m missing it already..

I'm going to be a HANA hostel staff member from tomorrow!
so... MANY THANKS to all J-hoppers guests and staff and HELLO to all HANA hostel guests and staff!
Great Times!!!!!!

And J-Hoppers Hiroshima has new staff member Tom!He is really cool although you would not thing that from looking at his picture. He will take my place and work harder than me!

ARIGATOU~~

Who told you that?・・・

2011-08-31T17:52:00.006+09:00

They said that 'If you come to Japan you have to enjoy this noodle!!'...
That's an exaggeration or not...

If you have the chance, you should try to enjoy this noodle!!
Brand-new noodle house just opened!!
This noodle is nice ! lots of veges and lots of pork,very big volume!!

（But there's only one thing I don't like about them...
The noodle house plays smooth jazz...
Jazz...with Noodle... I'm not good with this comb (Jazz with noodle).
But years before it becomes fashionable to play jazz in noodle house....）

Place @ Kawaramachi main street, beween Sanjo and Shijo, nearby ROUND 1 bldｇ
from J-Hoppers Kyoto G.H. take city bus no.207　⇒　ShijoKawaramachi bus stop　⇒walk up to 5min

Trip to Europe

2011-08-30T14:13:00.005+09:00

It has been a while since I posted the last blog... Hello again!

I took a 2-month vacation in June and July and backpacked around Europe. It was my first trip there and I visited 5 countries (plus one) - Germany, Luxemburg, Switzerland, UK (London) and Ireland + France (I went to France offically, crossed the border for a grocery shopping from Germany...!) It was my dream trip because I have always wanted to visit friends in the world and I met some of them at J-Hoppers Hiroshima. They are all my good friends now.

Hannah (Hamburg-Germany)

I stayed with us at J-Hoppers Hiroshima last summer. She was living in Japan that time and visited Hiroshima with her brother. She is such a fun person and we went for dinner and some drinks while she was in Hiroshima. She is a German but grew up in New Zealand. Now she is living in Hamburg and teaching English.

Dennis (Weil am Rhein-Germany)

I met this guy on my third month of work at J-Hoppers Hiroshima. He was traveling all around Japan by car, so we drove together to my hometown and stayed at my parent's. He was the first German for my family and they enjoyed having him. So I brought a message card from my family to him this time. While I was in Weil am Rhein, his family invited me for a dinner and we had a road trip to Swiss Alps!

Jessica (Zurich-Switzerland)

I met Jessica last winter. It seemed like she fell in love with Hiroshima and stayed with us for a while. This time, we did not plan to meet but we found out I was coming to Zurich for a day trip and she has free time in the morning of the day as well! I was really happy that she came to see me! I got a message from her after I came back to Japan and she told me that she is planning coming back to Japan in September to study Japanese! I am very looking forward to seeing her again!

Regula, Christian and Celina (Basel-Switzerland)

This loving family came to Hiroshima this past April. They LOVE Japan and have been here 12 times already!! The doughter, Celina is such a sweet girl. While they were staying with us, she made paper cranes everyday to pray for Tohoku region which affected by the massive earthquake. We all were very touched by it.

They welcomed me to stay over at their place this time. It was such a nice house with lots of Japanese stuff and they have a perfect Japanese room! I had a very good time with them.

Ger (London-UK)

He walked in J-Hoppers Hiroshima without a reservation last summer, and stayed with us for a month! He was traveling Asia for one year that time and he loves the different cultures. I think he is very good at enjoying travels and always tried to talk to local people while he was here. Now he is missing real Japanese food!

Kelly (London-UK

She stayed with us last Golden Week. J-Hoppers Hiroshima staff's friend, Houribe LOU played Dulcimer at a night club on her first night in Hiroshima and we all went to see his performance together. It was such a fun night. So we had another night out in London! I had my fist Lebanese dinner with her, so everytime I have it I will remember her :) I really hope to see her soon again!

It was wonderful to see all of them! I realised again how great my job is. I am enjoying working at the hostel again and meeting new people everyday!

Night market on AUG 26

2011-08-29T19:36:00.004+09:00

J-hoppers Osaka is located in shopping & food street, Uranai st.
The street hold a night market once a year in August!
Each store sells the original items like special dessert, groceries, fried chicken or anything.

J-hoppers made chocolate- bananas!
( Just cut it half, put them in the freezer and paste chocolate)

100yen, but if you win the game, you can get 2 !
Our staff played the game with kids seriously, then we almost lose... ha ha ha!

No dancing, no music, no fireworks, but many people looked up this market.
Please stop over next year :)

Mt.Fuji

2011-08-29T18:55:00.009+09:00

Hello,everybody. I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

I went to climb up Mt.Fuji the other day.

We went there in my car. I arrived at 5th station (which is 2400m from the sea level)
I started climbing at 10pm. I prepared for warm clothes.Howver it wasn’t enough.

The lowest temperature was about 1℃.
It took me 6 hours to go up on top.

I managed to see a sunrise.

permanent snow　↓

How expensive a can of beer is (800yen)!!!!↓

It was first time for me to climb such a high mountain.
I nearly gave up climbing along the way and managed to do it.
It was really good experience for sure!!

I am wondering where to go climbing next?

2011 Summer

2011-08-28T17:26:00.004+09:00

Hello, This is PAPI from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

I went to Noto & Himi for my summer vacation.

@ Wajima morning market

I fund a "Saiya-jin" from Dragon Ball!!

We went to "Notojima Aquarium"
You can see whale shark at there.

http://www.notoaqua.jp/english/

In Japan, there are 5 aquariums where we can see the whale shark.
Next time, I would like to go to Kaiyu-kan at Osaka.

Summer vacation

2011-08-28T13:00:00.000+09:00

I took few days of summer vacation and used them to go once again to Tanegashima. I was waiting impatiently to swim again in the sea.

We went to places I haven't yet, and discovered this beautiful landscape. The coast has impressive cliffs in several locations, and lot of them hides caves to explore. Also there is nobody at all so you can feel like having a private beach !

Going to Tanegashima without visiting something related to space is impossible ! This time we went to the tracking center. The big antenna you can see is used to track the rocket during the launch and to communicate with the probes in the space.

All the island is covered with luxurious nature. Flowers, mangrove, falls, and so many insects ! By the way do you know that it's smaller than lake Biwa ?

Even if there was no waves at all, some surfers were out. One had his dog as passenger, which seemed to enjoy the sea.

A very strange sea-frog ... ;-)
I swam three times and came back with lot of sunburns ! The water is around 29 degrees there, it's so easy to get in.

We made some engineering for a new rocket propulsion system too, but the visual effect was the only successful part of the attempt ;-)

When you have holidays, visit south Japan too ! Kagoshima and Sakurajima, Tanegashima and Yakushima...

KAGURA night tour!!

2011-08-25T13:18:00.005+09:00

Hi there!!This is Chika from J-Hoppers Hiroshima.

The other day,I joined a KAGURA tour with my co-worker　Tomoko.
Have you seen KAGURA before?
Kagura dance traces its roots back to Shinto and was performed in rituals in ancient times. Over the ages, Kagura has evolved into several variations and styles. In particular, the area around the northern part of Hiroshima, Kagura was developed into a popular form of entertainment by adding dramatic performances.

we went to KAGURA Monzen toji Mura to see the KAGURA dance.
It took around 1 hour and half from center of Hiroshima city by car.
I have seen Kagura dance since I was a child.
That's why it's so familiar for me.
We met some foreigners　at the tour,and they said it was the first time to see Kagura dance.Everyone looked so excited with it!!

This tour is included a meal coupon.so we went to Japanese restaurant together.
We had a dinner and talked a lot !It was so much fun!!

The Kagur dance was so gorgeous and great!!
After the performance、we could try on the Kagura costume　and take a photo with performers on the stage.

we joined the Kagura tour this time.But they still have lots of one day trip tour!
If you are interested to take a tour in Hiroshima,please check the following link.
http://www.hiroshimatours.info/index.html

mother visited me in Kyoto

2011-08-22T20:18:00.009+09:00

The summer days are gone too soon.

One rainy day my mother visited me in Kyoto. She took the train departs at 6:30 from my hometown and arrived at Kyoto just after 9:00.

Soon after she found me in the crowd, ` Well, I checked this book on the train, and Shisen-do temple seems nice place to go.’
We took Eizan train, it is not the tram however it runs through narrow streets along local houses. We quite enjoyed watching an old lady hung her laundry through the window.

Shisen-do temple locates on a hill. We had to walk a slope. It was held Jizo bon festival (Obon festival for the children) on that day in this area.

We were satisfied with the peaceful atmosphere, mother got hungry. ‘ Well, I checked this restaurant in this book…’

‘ Well, I saw a picture of delicious sweets in this book. Can you take me to there?’’ she said after lunch. It is a rice cake store, ‘Futaba’. It is famous for a rice cake with a pea. She was happy even she had to make a big queue!

‘ Well, I always wanted to see this!’ she said eating a cake. It is Fushimi Inari shrine with thousands of red gate. We took another train. When we got there, the rain stopped. We tried to count the number of the gate, but soon gave up. There were too much mosquitoes to do it.

This rainy day was gone to soon. A pleasant time always flies.
It is just like the summer days.

Bye Bye Our Chef :(

2011-08-21T18:25:00.008+09:00

Our special staff, Mathis left here a few days ago.
It was very hard to say good-bye to him.

Sometimes, he was our head chef.
Sometimes, he was our comfort.
Sometimes, he was our brother.
Sometimes, he was a Shogi Master.
Sometimes, he was a man of his girlfriend.

Everytime he managed events, most of guests enjoyed pretty much.
The last party he managed was Mushroom Party.
We love your imagination !

We had a great time with you here!
Thank you very much for being our special staff !

We'll miss you :(

FIFA ranking-16

2011-08-13T20:44:00.004+09:00

I watched the soccer match Japan VS Korea on the 10th.
we beat Korea 3-0. We were doing soooo well. kagawa, Honda, and Hasebe did great job. I now love watching Japan international match. Their way to attack is pretty well and its more like European team. I'll be so excited to see Japan playing in the next world cup in Brazil. hope they can make it next one as well though. I will def wanna go watch some matches in Brazil.

Speaking of soccer, this coming Monday, me and my soccer friends(team mate) are going to play soccer!!! it's been since we were high school student. sooooo excited!

FIFA ranking;
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ranking/lastranking/gender=m/fullranking.html

can't wait to watch Serie A. the first match is on the Aug 28th!!!!!!

TO-KAE 2011

2011-08-12T12:04:00.005+09:00

TO-KAE is the event which held in Nara every year since 1999 to celebrate the ancient capital city of Nara.
"TOKA"means a lump of flower shape on the top of a candlewick after lighting a candle. It is said to be good fortune when the flower shape is made.
Since I went there 3 years ago, I really like it and now it's my favorite event in Nara.

Twenty thousand burning candles will light up the area creating a festive atmosphere. You can start walking anywhere, just follow candles - Sarusawa ike pond, Ukimido, Asajigahara, Ukigumo enchi(Nara park)- they are all popular areas for sightseeing, but you would discover totally different atmosphere and I think you would like Nara more.
There are some lights up events in Japan, but I'm sure this is the absolutely great and special one.

NARA TO-KAE
*English, French, Chinese and Korean
Date: 5th to the 14th of August
Time : 7-9:45 pm
Fee: Free
Access: Walk from Kintetsu or JR Nara station

P.S.　When you are hungry before/after this event, please try this ramen restaurant.
Almost everytime when I went to Nara, I went there and always ate "Tonyu ramen(豆乳ラーメン/soi milk ramen) 750 yen.
It's very delicious and healthy.
It's about 3 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara station.
English menu available.

Nara ramen Aoniyoshi

the bird of happiness is・・・

2011-07-31T22:39:00.008+09:00

Good evening from hot summer Kyoto!!
How are you doin' 　Where are you going for this summer vacation?

I same as always go to football stadium on the week end.
On this weekend our team Kyoto Sanga F.C. got 3 point on the J2(division 2・・・)
But we still on the 17th place・・・even in the J2 league・・・What's gonna happen??

I seemed to Sanga will win this game because I found some goddess bird of victory around stadium today.they brought us a small happiness.

The first pic is very famous couple in Kyoto.

Parsa and Kotono, they are Sanga F.C.'s team mascot.
They are kind of 'YURUKYARA（heartwarming character）'

And, he(She ?) from Tottori, We call him 'TORIPY' a kind of YURUKYARA, too ...

And one more !! Mr. Kitai(キタイくん)　He is from Kitaku, Kyoto city.
He isn't YURUKYARA・・・He is TSUYOKYARA(very strong character)

And they brought me some small happiness, too !? Do you know the Japanese toto ?
I will go to the Yakitori house in the near future :-)

Fine noodles Festival in J-hoppers

2011-07-31T19:22:00.004+09:00

Japanese have fine noodles in summer.
Usually we put them in a bowl with ice, but we flow and catch them in a small flume on the special day. This is it;

Somebody flow and others catch them very quickly!
It's so funny that they pass through us and go to the bye-bye box.
You are very serious and immature, shouting out "Ohhhh!! my goodness!!" "Shit!"

By the way, fine noodles are very simple taste, so you need seasoned food as well.
They are different from home to home.

Seasoned food in my home is just laver seaweed and baked egg.
Shiso green perilla leaves, Japanese plum and yam will be are good seasoning too!
Tempura must be the best one, ha ha!

Please try this funny Japanese traditional event in your home :)

Sumo tournament in Nagoya

2011-07-31T17:18:00.011+09:00

Hello,everybody How are things?

I went to see Sumo tournament in Nagoya( 9th~23rd July).

I didn’t know that the Sumo tournament starts from around 9am,so if you are a big fan of sumo ,you can watch all day long.

The day　I went was a very important day when the sumo wrestler called Kaio broke the record for most victories

I was lucky to see him win and achieve the most victories in Sumo history.

Unfortunately he finished his playing career 1 week after he had broken the record.

It is shame that these days Japanese sumo wrestlers are not as strong as foreign wrestlers.

Actually foreign wrestlers rank high so that sumo popularity is not as big as it was ten years ago.

I hope a Japanese new hero will appear in the near future to revive the popularity of sumo.

Next sumo tournament will be held in Tokyo 11th~25th September.

If you are traveling around Japan during that time,it is a good chance to check it out.

Lily garden at Ski resort

2011-07-29T22:03:00.005+09:00

Hot humid weather continued for the few day.
So, I escaped to ski resort !
However , there is no snow in summer.

There are ....

Full of lily!

You can try lily ice cream.

More information is below,

http://www.dynaland.co.jp/yuri/pdf/english.pdf

A travel writer was born?!

2011-07-29T08:59:00.011+09:00

We had the guest who stayed in J-Hoppers Osaka for 1 month, and he went back home yesterday.. we felt like losing one of our staff.
He was very friendly and talked with everybody, really everybody, because he spoke very good Japanese. He also knew about Japanese culture and sightseeing and history.. actually we were taught a lot of Japanese stories..

He always woke up in the early morning and went somewhere, sometimes Nagoya, Shimanami Kaido(Hiroshima and Ehime prefecture) ,Okayama prefecture etc. etc. He used his time very well,
and always gave a lot of information to other guests, so I told him that he could be a good tour guide.
But he was not a tour guide, but he was curious about a travel writer, and luckily he got a chance and he wrote an article in Japan times!

Here is his article :
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fv20110724a1.html

I hope it would help his new step, and see him next year again !!

mt.Fuji

2011-07-28T20:28:00.004+09:00

me and my friend climbed mt fuji on the 17th.

I thought it was going to be very easy. I didn't almost prepare for it at all.

i should have listened to what my manager, Nori, said though.

I just brought a sport jersey for the night....

We started to climb like 2:30Pm from the 5th station and got to the top at like 8:30 PM. It was much harder than I expected...I even felt dizzy. ahhh I don't wanna go climb up there any more haha

anyway, when we got to the top, the mountain hut was already closed so we had to sleep outside...so freezing!!! I was just wearing a T shirt and a jersey lol
so we ended up sheltering in the bathroom with like 10 other foreigners who were ill-prepared hahaha...coldest night of my life!

I hate typhoon!! we could not see the sunrise well.

great experience though.

Arigato & Amedeto Party

2011-07-25T17:06:00.006+09:00

Hello from Kyoto!

I finally knocked out cause of this HOT HUMID weather.

In fact, I do eat Somen (noodle) every day.
It is easy and always ready to eat.
It doesn't have much energy though makes me Summer has come.

Well, we had farewell and birthday party at J-Hoppers Kyoto GH the other day.
We have a very nice Flowing Somen kit.

We used real bamboo for the pole.
This is originally from Shizuka(Kyoto Hana Hostel staff)'s granpa!
Thank you so much for such a precious one.

AND

We also did Takoyaki (octopas ball).

I'm not from Kansai district and
I get excited every time I do Takoyaki. It was fun!

Anyways,
our staff ' Fede-chan"(left) 's Birthday and "Yohei"(right) 's farewell was FUN!

Last shot is J-Hoppers Kyoto Crew!

I am very glad we have many staff here now!

☆★☆Hiroshima Minato Yume Fireworks Display☆★☆

2011-07-25T10:09:00.010+09:00

The rain season has finished and it's getting hotter and hotter these days in Hiroshima.
The temperature during day time is always more than 30℃...　Even it is still in July now, I have no idea how am I gonna deal with this hotness in August which is the hottest month of the year..

One of the best thing s to do in Japan is going to Fireworks display!!!

There was one of biggest fireworks display at Hiroshima port on July 23rd. J-Hoppers Party organizer Mr. Kawase escorted guests from both J-Hoppers and HANA Hostel to there!
People in Japan love to dress up in Kimono and enjoy Fireworks display.

Not only Japanese of cause!

In Both July and August there are lots of Fireworks Display held in Hiroshima! You should not miss it if you are traveling in Japan! Next Firework display in Hiroshima is ..

July 30th

Onomichi city: Onomichi Fireworks Fes 19:30-21:30
Kure city: Kure Firewoks Fes 20:00-21:00

Let's enjoy Japanese style summer together in Hiroshima!!

To the sea

2011-07-23T20:59:00.006+09:00

I was woken up by the hardest noise of knocking on the door 7 o’clock in the morning. Of course I had not forgotten about our plan but didn’t expect such an early departure. To the sea.

Six of us (one 5 year –old-boy include) got on the car and headed for the north. There is no beach in Kyoto city. We wanted to see clear water, so decided to go to Takahama beach, Fukui Prefecture. It takes 2 hours drive more or less.

When we arrived at the beach, it was raining. The wave was massive after a typhoon. Tabi-chan, a 5 year-old-boy was the first person. He did not really matter the monster waves and dive into the water. Other four big men (over 30 years old) followed a boy.

A boy and four over 30 years old men stayed in the water until their lips got purple. The summer makes people a little more happy and the time we go back to our childhood .

Hieizan by bicycle

2011-07-18T16:16:00.000+09:00

The three highest mountains around Kyoto are Minakoyama (972m), Atagoyama (924m) and Hieizan (848m). I haven't went to Minakoyama yet, but I could enjoy hiking and cycling on the two others several times. However I've never reach the top but by foot. Going there by bicycle was a challenge I was thinking about since long time ago. Then last week I finally decided to fight with the Hieizan !
So I searched an itinerary to the top. As expected there wasn't any road as no one is expecting someone to climb by bicycle. The nearest I could get was Hieidara (400m) on the road 30. After that this is a driveway, forbidden to bicycles. I've actually never ride on the road 30, and always used the road 143 through Yamashina, much easier but ugly, to reach Otsu. So I decided to ride up to Hieidara, and see where to go next once there.
As guessed from the map, the road 30 is a quite beautiful road in the mountain along a river. The traffic was not very dense and I felt reasonably safe with my bicycle. The way up to Hieidara is not very steep but long on the west side of Hieizan, while the east side is much steeper and shorter. Surprisingly there are no beautiful points of view on Kyoto.
At the entrance of the driveway, of course I've been refused to go farther even if I tried. Talking with the men about how to reach the top he told me about another road from Otsu. But he wasn't really clear at all if it was just a hiking course or enough to pass through by bicycle, or even where it was precisely. Also it was quite a pain to go down half the mountain I've climbed so far, and it was a big detour. But I was determined to go as nearer as I can.
From the information I could get through Internet, the only option seemed to me to go down to Otsu, go to the Sakamoto cable car, and climb through the hiking course, hoping it would be not so harsh.
Then I ride down to Otsu. As I said, the east side is steeper than the west. It's been a very fast ride, with several tight curves, on a somehow bumpy road. My brakes were yelling like crazy horses ! I had to take care to the road so it wasn't the most comfortable but still could enjoy the wonderful view on Biwa lake.
In Otsu, the road 47 brought easily to the cable car. This road is a little bit higher than the city, then you can almost always see the lake. It's very nice. And finally I started again to climb through the hiking course along the cable car. Start point altitude is at 80m, top of the mountain is 848m. It's going to be long ! So I took a little rest and refueled myself with fruits and sugar things.
At the beginning the road was ok, made of concrete. Then I've entered the woods but it was still ok. Then rocky parts started to appear and I had to carry my bicycle on my shoulder but it was still ok. And it became more and more rocky, with some sections heavily damaged by the rain. It wasn't ok anymore ! But I could still continue my way up by carrying my bicycle on my shoulder and the path wasn't dangerous. So I keep on fighting with the mountain.
At around 3/4 of the course I was completely exhausted. I took a long break and checked precisely how long lasted to the top. To have access to maps through my Galaxy Tab has been infinitely precious. If I couldn't check my way I would have probably gave up for safety, because it was getting too late. And I was wondering how I would come back !
And finally, I completed slowly the last meters of the course and reached the Enryakuji !

I took once again a long break, ate and drunk a lot, and enjoyed fresh air and peaceful atmosphere of the place. But I had to come back and couldn't loose time. Also I was taking care that my body doesn't get cold or it would have killed me on the way back.
Being very tired I haven't taken the good decision about how to come back. I first thought about using a taxi to bring me to the entrance of the driveway. It would have been easy for me to ride down to Kyoto from there. However there was no taxi at all, I wonder if I called someone would come, and what would be the cost because of the charge for the driveway. So I changed my mind and went to the cable car. At first the man refused to let me enter with my bicycle, but as it is a small foldable one, and because it was clean, he has been kind enough to accept me.
And so I went down by cable car to Otsu.

I said it wasn't the good decision, because once I get back home and look again to the maps, I got convinced that going down through the hiking courses on the west side of Hieizan would have been a much better option. This is shorter to reach Yase, the steep is probably less difficult than what I've climbed, I would have been on the good side for the sun so would have been less worry about getting late, and it would have been a much more pleasant course to ride both side of the mountain. Also, it was too hard, I don't think I would do this itinerary again, then I've missed the chance to do it. Yet I feel more comfortable now to try the climb on the west side only.
Thanks to the cable car I reach Otsu quickly but I still had to climb once again half the mountain up to Hieidara, and then finally down to Kyoto. But there was no difficulties anymore, so I took my time, taking break, eating, drinking. The way between Otsu and Hieidara is not nice to climb, traffic is dangerous. But on the other side, this is a very long and pleasant slope. Curves are smooths and road is in good condition, I could let the speed increase a lot. It gave me a lot of pleasure to end up the day, before entering back into the bustling, noisy, dirty, stinky city...
Estimation of the ride : 7 hours and a half, a little less than 50km long, around 1.400 meter of ascent.

Keichan!!

2011-07-04T19:55:00.011+09:00

Hello!!
Do you know about "Keichan"??
It is Chicken BBQ and flavored with the use of Miso
( sometimes soy sauce ), and local food around here!
I went to Keichan conference last weekend.

There are many kind of taste of Keichan around here,
especially Gero and Gujo is famous for it.

I tasted 12 different type of Keichan!!
They used original Miso and seasoning and sometimes
different part of chicken.

I recommend beer if you have Keichan,
but it was conference so I couldn't have beer>.<

Instead of it, there were free riceballs!!

The rice was taste so good!!
because it is made of "Ryu no Hitomi"
(It means Dragon Eyes in English!!)

It is kind of brand rice and uses it for making Sake!!

If you come to Takayama, Gero and Gujo,
Let's try "Keichan"

Lunch Travel for ICHIJO-Ji

2011-06-30T22:17:00.004+09:00

Day by day It will be hot summer ...
Survive this hot summer, my favorite good snow winter season will be coming soon!!

What will you do on this summer? I will go to the summer rock festival, it call Mission Impossible in Kyoto-Get ready to come and have fun again this year!-(京都大作戦)

It was good sunny day, and I went for a bike ride.

Cross the Eizan rail track, there are a lot of Ramen House face on the street.
I can't decide where to enter. Here is a kind of battleground area about Ramen House.

On this lunch time, I went to the one of the front runner,'Yume wo Katare(夢を語れ) '

The lunch time special menu is 'Buta Don(Pork rice bowl)'with nice flavor garlic!!
It is gooood for the hot summer!! If you eat this, you can get energy for this summer !!
￥650- until 12th of Jul

I will make out this summer with garlic power!! Uhhh....with nice flavor ...

Hike tour in Japan

2011-06-30T19:57:00.004+09:00

Really nice Australian family stayed in J-Hoppers Osaka around Christmas season in 2010, and we enjoyed our Christmas party together.. we remember them clearly, as it's only 6 month ago!

Yes, they stayed only 6 months ago, but they came back about 1 week ago!!
We were so surprised but of course very happy to see them in such a short time !
Their plan is very flexible this time, as they stayed for about 3 weeks last time and they will have 3 weeks this time, too. So, I recommended them to join the hike tour which my friend's started recently.

He has been in Japan for long time and loves hiking, so he started to be a mountain guide for foreigners.
He has now 2 course, one is around Arashiyama in Kyoto, and another one is Yamazaki, it's between Kyoto and Osaka. He will show beautiful and local scenery with nice talk, so I'm sure that people can see and feel Japan more.

If you're fed up with typical sightseeing, or visiting too much temples, or tired to be in a lot of people.. then, GET OUT FROM THE CITIES !!

He has been offering FREE tour till the 6th of July.
Japan Outdoors
http://japanoutdoors.com/index.html

Beer Garden

2011-06-30T18:01:00.002+09:00

Last Sunday, me and my friends went to a beer garden in Kobe.

Beer garden is one of my favorite things to do in Summer in Japan.

I love traveling but I'm very sure thy only Japan has all we can drink!!

If USA has the same service, they will lose their money a looooot.

We were so worried that we could not make it because the weather was suck.
It was so cloudy and rainy...it was not canceled but there were not lots of people up there:(
There should be lots of people there!! It was still fun though.
We hit some bars afterwords....I'm pretty sure I spend my money on booze the most:((
I don't go shopping and I sometimes cut my hair myself. If I go hair cut, it's just 1500yen.

Anyway, We will definitely make up for it I'm Osaka. We are planing to go next month.

P.S. I'm going to climb mt Fuji next month!!!! So excited.
I'll write about it next month.

P.P.S. I might be going climb up there in sandals. At least I try.

J-hoppers is filmied by TV program!

2011-06-28T22:28:00.005+09:00

Hey! J-hoppers Osaka is located in Fukushima city in Osaka.

(No Fukushima power station atomic bom here).

One day, a TV program staff visited us without an appointment and took a film of us.

They intervied us and saw the mixed dormitory room.

This is local TV program. They take a film only in Kansai area.

The TV program of Fukushima is available on the internet by the middle of July.

If you are interested in, please watch this.

http://eonet.jp/vitapedia/archive/2nd_058/

* Sorry they speak only Japanese, but you know our city well. :)

Kanazawa trip !!

2011-06-27T10:10:00.015+09:00

Hello!!
This is moco*:)
I went to Kanazawa last weekend.

⇒Take a walk in Kanazawa town

The hydrangea in full bloom!!/ Beautiful stone wall

I love art!!

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art/ Himito( Peelart)
Enjoyed food!!!
I recommend these restaurants ;)

Shinanoya(Ochazuke) / Mori Mori sushi

Shinanoya was unique place.

Kanazawa can easily be covered as a day trip from Takayama!!

☆★☆RICE BALL PARTY☆★☆

2011-06-26T18:09:00.007+09:00

It's been raining and humid in Hiroshima..I just keep sweating a lot even though I do nothing...It will be getting much more hotter towards August...

We had a RICE BALL PARTY last night at J-Hoppers Hiroshima! Rice ball..??and Party..?? I know..sounds very weired but we had it!!and it was just AWESOME party!
Party organizer Mr Kawase started preparing for Rice ball party. He cooked 8cups!!8cups of rice and a pod of Miso soup.

We are suppose to start at 7o'clock..but guess what...there were only 2...2 guests there..Don't let it get us down!!let's get started!!!woo!
after while there were more and more guest joined us!

Choose any seasonings you like!(I put all seasonings) wrap it and just dig into your mouse!!
That was just...AWESOME!!
8cups of rice gone very fast and we cooked another extra 10cups of rice!!
We ate them all.

J-Hoppers Hiroshima has regular small party like this now!Please join us! We will have OKONOMIYAKI party on June 29th! Please feel free to call us for more details!!

To refresh your body and your mind

2011-06-26T14:35:00.000+09:00

As the summer's heat arrived I needed to refresh my body. As it was long time I haven't get out of the city's pollution I needed to refresh my mind. Here comes how I'm doing. And you ?

Planted some basil. Fresh leaves on top of a pasta salad is a perfect combination when heat decreases my appetite.

Some tomatoes too. But still waiting for them.
And "morning glory" under my window. The stems are growing up very quickly, and it will cover the window in few weeks. Then leaves will provide natural shade to refresh my living room.

I went once again toward Atago mountain. A customer asked me about trails around Kyoto. I knew there was one passing there, that goes far away south and north of Kyoto. But I didn't remember the name, so couldn't find information on Internet. Thus I decided to go there to read the name. There are actually two trails. One is Kyouto-isshuu-toreiru (京都一周トレイル), 70km long around Kyoto, detailed information are available HERE. The other one, which has common section with the first one is Toukai-shizen-hodou (東海自然歩道), linking Kyoto to Tokyo through 22 hiking courses, detailed information HERE (japanese only, sorry).

Picnic in the woods looking at Atago mountain and Otsu river. Feel the wind, listen to the nature sounds, look for animals.

Take time for this kind of lucky shot. Last year I could take the same shot with an egret at the same place. This year it's a crow. Do you ever wonder at crows' language ? It looks so complex. What are they speaking about... ?

Look at the rock in the pure water.

Look at the water flow. Wash my arms and head with the cold water immoderately.

On the 21st I went to the Toji flea market. More to see than to buy, but came back with this little dragonfly made of bamboo. Even well known, the optical illusion of this artificial thing floating smoothly in the air is always a delight for the mind. On my working desk it gives me inspiration, and has a refreshing effect by materializing the wind in the room, just like a wind-bell.
I've also 'invented' a eco-air-conditionner. Have you ever noticed how the air inside the house keep hot even if the air is getting much cooler during the night ? Wide opening the windows doesn't help much. I wished the fresh air of the night enter my house. Then I've thought about putting air fan not inside the room but outside, on the balcony, blowing the outside cool air toward the inside. It works incredibly well, just like if I've turned on the air-conditionner ! We're doing it every night, and probably saving a lot on electricity... Also the natural air is better for the health than air conditioner one.

Nagoya Aquarium

2011-06-25T21:40:00.010+09:00

Hello,I am Matsu from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama.

I went to Nagoya Aquarium last week.

http://www.nagoyaaqua.jp/aqua/othe/engl/English.pdf

The aquarium is very big and has lots of unique marine creatures all over the world.
There are many sections such as deep sea gallery, marine life around Japan.

I liked jelly fishes.

Sometimes guests ask us what Nagoya is famous for?

I would say that Nagoya castle and Inuyama castle are worth going.

Foreigners skip Nagoya

I found a interesting spot. That is 　Nagoya Aquarium.

If you travel with your children or your partner, you have good fun.

Why don't you cool down in the aquarium if it is too hot to walk outside?

Access: 30minutes from Nagoya station.
Fee :2000yen for adult .1000yen for child
Opening hours:9:30~20:00

Zen meditation

2011-06-25T19:45:00.007+09:00

When I was in Iran, I was asked 'What is your religion? Are you taking it very seriously?' by every single person! I MUST pretend to be a super serious religious person. 'Yes, I am Buddhist.' Any hesitation is not allowed here.
...Well, you know, I have no particular religion I believe in.

One Sunday gloomy morning, I joined 'Zazen' = 'Zen meditation' at one of the most beautiful temple in Kyoto, Tofukuji.
I woke up 5 am (it was super hard try!), rode a bicycle and stop over at my friend's place to shake her up. This Zen meditation is open for the public only once a month. And it is free.

When we arrived at the Zen meditation hall, there were already quite a lot of people. From old men (Ojisan) to foreigners, various kinds of people sat with Zazen style. Suddenly two monks came and explained us the way to Zen meditation. Sounded easy but it wasn't. We sat 30 minuets and rest far a little while then for another half hour.
At the beginning I could concentrate on the meditation well, however after 10 or 15 minuets (I'm not sure because there were no clocks in the hall) I only could think about my legs. It hurts more than I imagined.
If people want to be hit by the monks, you just join your hands in front of your chest and wait. They will come to you and hit on your shoulder two times each.

When we came out from the hall, the cloud had gone and sky was clear. 'It was so painful when the monks hit me, but the tiredness was scattered out in a moment' my friend said.

Thank you for staying at J-hoppers Hiroshima ♪

2011-06-25T11:21:00.006+09:00

Hi!
In Japan, it is rainy season from the beginning of June to the middle of July.
Today and yesterday is very hot with the temperature reaching over 30 degrees...tooo hot.....
no rain,though....

a few days ago, 2 oh sorry they are 3 guys who are from England stayed J-hoppers Hiroshima.
Akim (in the middle) has never been to Japan and could not come this time.so they brought his head along instead.

then,matthew was surprised one of his best friends has stayed here before!!
They loved it ,too!!

I remember them,they stayed here about 3 years ago.It was so fun to talked them.

What a small world!
I hope to see them again!!!!

Candle night in Takayama

2011-06-24T16:19:00.005+09:00

Hello , this is PAPI from J-Hoppers Hida Takayama Guest House.

22nd June, it was the summer solstice.
There was an event for the saving electric power and put the candle at one of the hotel in Takayama.

It looks little bit scared ...
My friend said its cute...

There was some art work .

Also, live music (piano and erhu(Chinese music instrument)

This event will come again on the 7th July.

Date: 7th July 2011
Time: 20:00-22:00
Place: Hida Hotel Plaza (about 7min walk from J-hoppers.)