Friday 31 August 2012

The Japan Sea

The beautiful scenery at 6 a.m. before sailing the Japan sea from Kyotango.  I often go fishing in Summer, the Kumihama Bay is located in nortern Kyoto.  I suppose that tourists visiting Japan has less opportunities to go to a nature place.  When you go to Japan next time, please discover the different places from famous places such as metropolitan and historical areas.

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Thursday 30 August 2012

Japanese Hot Springs

Hot springs seems a famous tourism place in Japan.  The Japanese feel relax when we have it, even only legs put in it.  Arima ( http://www.arima-onsen.com/eng/index.html ) located behind Mt. Rokko is a famous place of hot springs.

 <Quote> The history of Tousen Jinja (Shrine) which is familiarly known as the protecting god of Arima Hot Springs says that Onamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunahikona-nomikoto discovered Arima Hot Springs. When the two gods visited Arima, three injured crows drank water from a pool. A few days later, they found the pool curing their injuries, which proved the pool was a Spa.  Only these three crows who found the place of the Spa were permitted to live in Arima and are called “Three crows of Arima” <Unquote>. 

However, many hot springs places reduced visitors due to increasing of various leisure in the recent decade.  Eventually, some organisers attempt to improve the situation and invest facilities in order to invite new targets from inland and overseas.  For example, they build fashionable cafes and provide beauty salon treatments for young women.  Arima seems to be an appropriate place to retreat because the location is not so far from Osaka taking one hour by bus or car.

Thank you foryour reading to the end.



Tuesday 28 August 2012

Japanese dishes


I went to a Japanese restaurant in name of Kaishoku Shimizu ( http://tabelog.com/osaka/A2702/A270201/27015533/ ) with my friend in Osaka, Japan.  Those dishes, sea urchins from Amakusa, red sea bream from Awaji... were marvelous!
 
I believe that the Japanese food industry lies at high levels not only Japanese dishes but also various country dishes, because many of us are interested in eating and would like to have seasonal ingredients and sensitive decoration.  According to JF net ( http://www.jfnet.or.jp/ ), Japanese market of restaurant creates GBP1.9bin, market including take-out sells GBP2.3bin in 2009 (GBP1=JPY125, as of 2012).  number of payrolls is 441 million as of 2008.  I have to compare with other countries though..., whilst it can be considered that the customer needs are also high levels not only price and taste but also service.  In fact, the number of restaurant receiving Michelin three star is the largest in the world.   Anyway, Japanese dishes in Japan is surely best for me.

Thank you foryour reading to the end.
 
 

Friday 24 August 2012

Superdry.

Superdry. ( http://www.superdry.com/ ) is an British apparel company accelerating 79 standalone UK stores, as well as concessions in 71 department stores. Internationally, Superdry. has stores across the USA, Australia, Europe, South America and Asia. They are also a listed company at the London market ( http://www.supergroup.co.uk/investors/share-analysis ). Almost of the Japanese may surprise regarding Japanese language which is drawn strangely "極度乾燥(しなさい)". However, I guess that they must be prefer the balance of these words as a calligraphy, because nowadays, the meaning of this can be confirmed easily since the Japanese exists anywhere... Additionally, it is doubt the correct meaning of "Super dry" used a beer brand in English as well..

Thank you for your reading to the end.

Sunday 19 August 2012

Schloss Gobelsburg

The destination winery was Schloss Gobelsburg ( http://www.gobelsburg.com/index.html ) located in Niederosterreich, Austry. I visited there to see Ms. Yukari Iwashiro, a wine journalist, living in the castle which combined Baroque and Renaissance styles has been since 1100s. If you wish, you can have a wedding ceremony here! I tasted many kinds of Austria wines mainly Gruner Veltliner and reisling. Having a private lesson by Ms. Iwashiro was great experience.
 
This winery, Schloss Gobelsburg (Schloss means Castle) imports their wines to the UK, mainly BBR, Fortnum and Mason or other shops. If you can visit the winery, you can taste an inexpensive bottle, Gruner Veltliner, from EUR6.00 per 75 cl.

Fortunately, I could meet the head of Schloss Gobelsburg, Michael. Amphorae used by Celts and contemporary arts have been collected and decorated by Sir Michael in the cave.

Thank you for your reading to the end.
 
 
 
 


Thursday 16 August 2012

Vienna

Vieena (Wein) was a slightly different from Saltzburg due to the capital.  There has also many traditional and exclusive places.  For example, Palace and Gardens of Schonbrunn ( http://www.schoenbrunn.at/en/things-to-know/gardens.html ) copied Versailles was a prestigious place for Hapsburg Monarchy.  I could observe carefully since the palace prohibited to take photo and provided a guide in many language.  It was not so good (by British English!), and felt their pride.  Hapsburg's assets is over my imagination...  Also, The film festival 2012 was held in front of the Rathaus during summer. I spent a good time with many fancy stools and the movie.  I suppose that the levels of food in Austria was great!  I cannot compare with British....
 
Thank you for your reading to the end.
 
   


Salzburg

This is the first time to visit Austria.  My initial purpose was to go to Winery, Schloss Gobelsburg, though, I took a side trip to Salzburg, because the SALZBURGER FESTSPIELE ( http://www.salzburgerfestspiele.at/ ) was held during summer.  Firstly, I was surprized by fantastic scenery, mountains, river and architecture.  Also, Austrian people seem to appreciate for classical music in comparison with other nationalities.  Salzburg is famous for the movie as a locale, "Sound of Music", Mozart as well.  After spending here for two days, I travelled to Wein by train.  The view from the train in summer was also marvellous.  It takes about three hours from Salzburg to Wein, so I strongly reccomend to this course.
 
Thank you for your reading to the end.
     
 
 



 

Saturday 11 August 2012

The Brecon Beacons National Park

The Brecon Beacons National Park ( http://www.breconbeacons.org/ )  is located in northern parts taking 1 hour from Cardiff.  The nature scenery seems to remind me Japan and New Zealand.  The water falls such a picture would refresh people who are tired have stress... The town held the Jazz festival, so we could enjoy listening music all over the place.
 
If I have next opportunity, I'd like to trek.
 
Thank you for your reading to the end.