Japan

The view we could not see

We were so good at ‘treasure each encounter, because it will never recur’ theory that when we arrive at Yokoyama Visitor Centre, it was already dark. The place was strongly recommended by the lady…

Japan

A long established shop from all appearance

After great lunch at Kashikojima, as soon as we got out of the restaurant, we found this pearl shop. The look of the shop is dignified. It says ‘Founded in Meiji 38’, which means…

Japan

The aquarium, full of fun

We visited Toba Aquarium in Iseshima, Japan. Originally we planned to be there just for a while, but in the end we spent nearly a half day there. The most interesting thing was the…

Japan

Pearls

In Toba, we visited Mikimoto Pearl Island. Four Ama (professional female divers) jumped into the freezing sea to show us how they traditionally worked. This was my second time to see this, so I…

Iseshima

Appreciate fresh shellfish

Early in January, we had a short family trip to Iseshima in Japan. I do not mean that we payed a visit to the Ise Shrine, which would be very very crowded in…

Japan

People in the snowy country

In the morning of the day we left Niigata, the outside view was totally white. The rain yesterday turned into snow. From now on, they would have snow almost every day. The long snowy…

Japan

Warming up with sake tasting

One of the main special products in Niigata is Japanese Sake without any doubt.We visited Takarajima sake brewery without booking.This small brewery was founded in 1885 and seemed to be one of those which…

Japan

Visiting Yahiko Shrine, after eating manju

We ate Omokaru-manju, Japanese style bun, before going into Yahiko Shrine in Niigata, because my friend recommended this manju from Kameya shop.There were three tastes, soya sauce, brown sugar and sesame.I wanted to try…