WINTER WONDERLAND

I stayed at a hotel near Victoria Station from 24th of December to 26th.

Because, almost public transports close this period in the UK.


I visited to Christmas markets in Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland.

It was first time for me to visit Christmas markets !!

There ware a lot of people around Hyde Park.

I was so excited !!

Everyone enjoyed foods, games, music, drinking, ice skate, and other amusement attractions.

It looked like a huge entertainment park.

Fortunately, it was not cold and not rainy.

I had a really good Christmas in London.

 Winter Wonderland opens until 6th of January.

If you visit to London, I recommend that you walk and go there.

OUR HOUSE

Long time no see.

I came to the UK from a few weeks ago.

Our house is in London suburbs.

Our landlord gave us some gifts.

It's not usual in Japan so I was very surprised.

And "shortbread" is really tasty !! This is traditional to Scotland.

I will recommend my friends when they come to this country.


Next, we bought some electric products at Curry's.

This Delonghi's kettle is very cute !!

I have never seen like this design in Japan.

And Dyson's vacuum cleaner is really useful.

This is cordless and very light. It makes me happy !!


I start my life in the UK at last.

There are many difficult things for Japanese to live, but a lot of fun.

Many people here are very kindly.

I want to study English harder and harder to communicate with them !!

Besides, I keep this diary to remember my special experience.

BACK TO MY HOMETOWN

It was cool and windy today in Tokyo.

I came back to my hometown, Okayama Prefecture by aeroplane.

It takes about only one hour.
 
Okayama is western area but it was freezing today.


I want to introduce my hometown today.

There are a lot of famous great fruits, especially peaches, muscats and grapes are so delicious !!

If I buy them in Tokyo, they are so expensive but I can get them in Okayama easily.


Why does Okayama have many great fruits?

One of the reasons is that we have the most number of sunny days in Japan.

So they can fully grow up and be really sweet.

Unfortunately it is winter now, the best season is in summer.

If you like fruits, please taste them.


  

WARM ROOM WEAR

It was cloudy and cold today.

I went to the gym to do yoga.

I don't enough exercise recently.

I need to train my body core muscles!!


By the way, I will visit to the UK before Christmas day and I will stay at our new house for a month.

I bought some warm at-home clothes for my husband and me.

Because he always says that it is really cold and freezing in the UK.

When I visit there, I will bring them to him.

   
I bought it at "gelato pique"online shop.

Their clothes are very cute, really warm, and to be relaxed.

I think I will be able to spend comfortable winter in the UK wearing them.


I'll be enjoying myself there this time next month.

LOOKING FOR A FLAT

It is cloudy and cold today.


It has passed for a week since my huband arrived at the UK.

He found a great flat at last !!

It was little expensive so he asked the landlord to reduce the rent.

Fortunatlly he agreed.

My husband will move to the flat in the middle of Docember.

And I am going to visit there before Christmas.


I really want to move there as soon as possible.

I am waiting for the procedure of my husband's company now.
 
I heard that there are a lot of beautifuｌ Christmas illuminations in the UK.

I have to check some ivents and public transports to enjoy Christmas and New Year there !!

UNFORTUNATELY AND HAPPY

It was sunny and cloudy today.

My husband who lives in the UK said that it is much colder than Tokyo.


He was upset yesterday.

He took a driving lesson to get to work by car in the UK.

Unfortunately he couldn't pass the test so he has to try again.

He didn't use a car in Tokyo and roundabouts are little difficult for Japanese to drive.

Besides two teachers taught him at the same time so he was sometimes confused.

I hope him to pass next lesson !!
 

Then he went to see some flats to rent today.

He rode some buses for the first time in the UK !!

He asked some people how to get to his destination and everyone told him kindly.

I was very happy to hear that.

Before we visited to London this summer, I felt people in London were very kind and gentlemanly.

Actually a man helped me with my suitcase !!

I was very surprised and so pleased. 

AT LAST

It was cloudy and warm today.


My husband left Tokyo for the UK at last !!

I saw off him at Narita airport.

I took this photo there.


It takes about 12hours from Tokyo to the UK.

I was relieved to hear he had arrived safe and sound.

Actually it is very far between us but I talked to him used by iphone's Facetime.

It is very easy and really comfortable !!


After he decides where we live, I can go to the UK.

I'm going to do the packing little by little staring now.

I hope to spend Christmas in the UK !!

LEARNING SOMETHING NEW

It was a really nice day today.


My husband will depart in 3 days for the United Kingdom.

He came back to his hometown to meet his parents this weekend.

So I spent alone and I had a lot of time today !!


I looked up English schools and golf schools in Windsor on the Internet.

We are going to stay near Windsor and I feel like learning something new there.

I have never played golf, but many people recommend me to play it.

Some friends gave me a golf glove and balls as a gift.

I think there are a lot of interesting things in the UK.

I want to try many kinds of new things.

If you know good schools or good lessons to enjoy life in the UK, please tell me !!

HIS DEPARTURE

It was sunny and warm today.



My husband got a mail from his company and the date of his departure was decided at last !!

He is going to go to the UK in a week, 21st of November.

We are excited and so busy preparing for a new life there.

I will move there after he can find our house.

I have to study English harder and harder !!

I use 'Rosetta stone' to study and I take online lesson twice a week.

I think it is pretty good to study.

I think I will move in the UK last of December.

I can't wait !!

I trust every experience helps us grow.

SALON DU CHOCOLAT PARIS

It was sunny and warm today.


I watched TV and I got glad news that Japanese patissier, Mr.Koyama was selected to the Most Outstanding Foreign Chocolarier Award in the 2012 Salond du Chocolat Awards.

He was selected it in the 2011 too.

He uses some Japanese ingredients, Japanese Sake, ginger and the like.

He said that he wanted to inform many people about the goodness and qualities of Japan.

I was really moved.


I have been to his shops in Sanda, Hyogo Prefecture once.

They are near from my husband's hometown !!

There are a cake shop, a bakery, a cafe, some other shops and beautiful gardens.

 

When I went there, I bought some cakes and a roll cake.

The most famous sweet in his shops is a roll cake, 'Koyama Roll' !!

But there are a lot of excellent sweets so I'd like to try others.

I like his sweets and I respect for his concept.

If you are interested in sweets or his shops, please check an official website.

↓official website
http://www.es-koyama.com/global/index.html

DOING YOGA

It was cloudy and started raining early in the evening today.


I went to do yoga today, because I don't get enough exercise.

I was going to run after yoga, but it started raining so I didn't go.

I will run tomorrow!!


While doing yoga, my mind is calm and I feel refreshing.

And I think it is also good for increasing my muscle.

Doing yoga and running or walking are popular work out in Japan.

I didn't use to do sport  when I was a teenager.

Actually I often had a stiff shoulder and sometimes had a headache after I started to work.

So I understand that doing some sports or exercises are really important for my health and mind.


I bought a new sportswear today !!

It was Under Armour's parka for sports.

Pretty wears make me motivated !!

I am looking forward to running waring it.

 

GOOD NEWS

It was sunny and little warm today.


We had good news!!

My husband got a detailed exam at a big hospital last week.

Because he had a inflammation berry button so he was postponed his departure.

We went to see a doctor and were told to be able to go to the UK.

My husband will move there by late of November.

We are very happy today!!

By the way, we cooked and had "takoyaki" for dinner.

It was my first time to cook at home so the shape was not good.


It tastes like Japanese pizza, "okonomiyaki".

But the shape and ingredients are little different.

"Tako" manes octopus, and  it has a diced octopus in each ball.

We eat it with source and　mayonnaise.

I heard that we are able to get its ingredients in the UK.

I hope that people in other countries know a lot of Japanese food !!

OKONOMIYAKI

It was rainy today.

I rained heavily, so I decided not to go out.



I will go to eat Japanese pizza, "okonomiyaki" tomorrow.

It has cabbage, bean sprout, egg, pan-fried noodles, boiled well beef sinew ,and some seasoning in it.

It is called "Gyusuzi Modan".

"Gyusuzi" means beef sinew, and "Modan" means pan-fried noodles in it.

And there are many kinds of menu like pizza.


It is sizzling on the iron plate.

There are a lot of famous "okonomiyaki" shops in Osaka.

My favourite restaurant is　KIJI.

They has one shop in Osaka and two in Tokyo.

I always eat too much.

If you come to Japan, please try it !! 


http://www.o-kizi.jp/menu.html
 

I GOT A iPad mini

It was sunny and the sun was really bright.


I was really excited yesterday because I got a iPad mini !!

I ordered a white one online before.

I compared the prices of in Japan with in the UK.

The price in the UK is more expensive than Japan.

So I bought it now.

We have 4 iPads,every model at home.

I think iPad mini is the best of these.

Because it is very light !!

I was really looking forward to it.

First model of iPad is black one in this photo.

Mini is really useful for me to study and post blogs.

And I'd like to get a iPhone5 after I move to the UK.

I think products of Apple are exciting more and more.

MUSE'S MUSIC VIDEO

It was sunny and cool today.


I bought a really moved music video of MUSE, Exogenesis: Symphony Part 3 (Redemption) on iTunes.

I knew it by online Japanese news.

Japanese comedian,Tekken made this music video. 

He draws pictures and cartoons very well.

It's the original cartoon.

↓

 


It is really moved and inspired.


According to the online news, MUSE members watched it on You Tube and decided to adopt it as their official music video.

It is really good story and the music is also brilliant.

I hope many people see and listen to it.

And I want to listen to MUSE's songs more.


Now you can buy it on iTunes, please check it. 

 

MY MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY

It was sunny and warm today.


It was my mother's birthday !!
 
I sent a birthday present for her by express service because she doesn't live in my neighbourhood now.

I live in Tokyo and it takes about 2 hours to my hometown by aeroplane.

The present is Canon compact photo printer !!

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Printers/Direct_Photo/SELPHY_CP810/


Many people recommend it on the review sites.

It is easy to print photos and it doesn't need to use a computer.
  
She is not good at using computers. So I chose it.

It costs about 8,000 JPN , the price is also good.

I hope she likes it. 

TOKYO DISNEYLAND

It rained heavily and　the wind was strong.

So I was at home all day.


The weather was nice and refreshing yesterday.

I went to Tokyo Disneyland with my husband.

He likes there the most in Japan !!

Actually we had our wedding at Disney Ambassador Hotel in Tokyo Disney Resort.


It was not weekend but crowded yesterday ,because Tokyo Disneyland produces interesting Halloween this year again.

We rode some amusement attractions, saw the night parade and had special dinner.

Of course, all of these were brilliant and really enjoyable !!

I had a fulfilling day.

I had never been to Disneyland in abroad.

I'm planning to go to Disneyland Paris after I move to UK.

I'm looking forward to it already.



http://www.tokyodisneyresort.co.jp/en/index.html

http://www.disneyhotels.jp/dah/index_e.html

TOKYO STATION

It was sunny and warm today.

It is autumn now and it's the best season for sightseeing in Japan.


I went to a Chinese restaurant for lunch in Ginza.

After that, I walked to the Tokyo Station.

It takes about 15 minutes from Ginza.

The area around Tokyo Station is not so crowded.

But there are a great number of people today !!

They took pictures of Tokyo Station.

On October 1st, it was reopened.

It is very beautiful building !!

And it looks like old design because it was restored to its original condition,1914

I think it is worth visiting.


http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html

TAIYAKI

It was rainy today.

The rain got heavier and heavier.


I went to the "taiyaki" store in Azabu, Tokyo.


Below is the quotation of the store, Naniwaya's introduction.

Established in 1909, Naniwaya Confectionery specialises in "taiyaki", a unique Japanese pastry shaped like a red snapper("tai") with a pancake-like outer shell filled with sweetened bean paste.

The store has been sold "taiyaki" over 100 years !!

Of course the taste is really good.

Eating area available inside the store.

I also like to eat it  with ice cream.

It is absolutely scrumptious !!

http://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1307/A130702/13002775/dtlphotolst/4/

I GOT A NEW CAMERA

It was sunny and warm today.

We went to see a doctor in the morning.

Because my husband is sick now and he postponed his departure to UK.

I hope he will recover soon.


By the way, I got a digital single-lens reflex camera today !!

My father gave me it to take a lot of pictures in UK.

My father likes cameras.

He used to take pictures when he was young.

I can't wait to use it in UK !!

I have to learn how to use it...

I am so excited !!

MATCHA PARFAIT

It was cloudy and cool today.

It started raining early in the evening.


I had a matcha(Japanese green tea) parfait at Tsujiri.

"Tsujiri" is very famous traditional retailer of Japanese tea.

And they have some Japanese style cafes in Kyoto and Tokyo.

I love their green tea sweets.

Of course their sweets are delicious beyond words.

They are moderately sweet.

The cafes always have a long queue of people waiting.

But I didn't wait so long today.

I was so lucky !!


Official website ( only in Japanese)
↓
http://www.giontsujiri.co.jp/saryo/ 

DIVERCITY TOKYO

It was little hot for October.

Today's high was 26℃ in Tokyo.


I went shopping to DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba.

It is near from my house so I often go having lunch or shopping.

It is famous for Gundam entertainment facility, Gundam Front Tokyo.

Many Gundam's fans come to see the 18m-high Gundam statue and they take a lot of pictures.

My husband also like Gundam. He is always excited here.

We can see Gundam statue from directly below.

Night viewing of illuminated of it is also popular.

And nearest hotel, Grand Pacific Le Daiba provides a Gundam special room.

If you are interested in it, please check it !!


http://www.divercity-tokyo.com/en/

http://www.grandpacific.jp/

TOKYO SKY TREE

The wather was refreshing last weekend.

My husband's parents came to Tokyo the day before yesterday.

So we went to see Tokyo Sky Tree.

This tower was opened this March.

It is 634m high, the tallest free-standing broadcasting tower in the world !!

I had seen it in so many pictures and on television that to see it with my own eyes was really overwhelming.

Unfortunately, we couldn't get the tickets to go up to the tower's observation decks.

But I was satisfied with this view and enjoyed shopping.

There are a lot of traditional shops, restaurants, and other interesting entertainments.

 

 

If you visit Tokyo, I recommend Tokyo Sky Tree and aroud complex town the most.

I'd like to visit here and go up to the tower's observation decks before I leave Japan.

I think Tokyo is always changed and really exciting city.


Official website↓
http://www.tokyo-skytree.jp/en/

THE WIND WAS COLD.

It stopped raining in the afternoon.

The wind was cold today.

I took a lesson at the yoga studio near my house after lunch.

I do yoga every Sunday. While doing it, my mind is calm.

After that, I cleaned up everything because my husband's parents will come here tomorrow !!

I also dusted the furniture.

They live in Hyogo, western Japan.

It takes about one hour by aeroplane to Tokyo.

We will go to Tokyo Sky Tree !!

It is the world's highest freestanding tower.

I've never been there so I'm excited.

I hope the weather is nice tomorrow.

ENJOY THE THREE-DAY WEEKEND

Today was the first day of three days off in a row.

It was sunny and warm for October.

I ate Indian curry for lunch.

It was really spicy and so delicious !! I ate too much.

Indian chefs cook them, so we can taste authentic Indian and Nepalese cuisine.


After lunch, we went shopping in Ginza and Yurakucho.

My husband bought three clothes.

And I got a white pretty kettle !!

I'm totally satisfied today.


Indian and Nepal　Restaurant

Interior Shop FrancFranc

TODAY'S LUNCH

I ate ramen noodles for lunch.

It's one of my favourite foods.

The soup was really rich and flavorful !!

The restaurant is "Ramen Dining Keisuke" in Shinagawa.

http://www.grandcuisine.jp/keisuke/

They have many chain restaurants in Tokyo and Singapore.


There are various kinds of ramen restaurants in Japan.

If you want to eat cheep and tasty Japanese food , I recommend them.


When I visited UK this summer, I found some noodles restaurants.

I want to try them !!

IT'S ALREADY AUTUMN IN JAPAN.

It was a really nice day today in Tokyo !

There wasn't a single cloud in the clear, blue sky.

I took pictures from my balcony.

I can see the Rainbow Bridge far away.


I like autumn in Japan.

I think it is the best season for travel,  sports, and enjoying the arts.

Also everything tastes great in the autumn.

Now I really want to eat a grilled saury with Japanese radish !!

TODAY IS START☆

I've decided to write my blog in English !!

Today is my introduction.

I'm from Okayama in Japan.

After I graduated from the university, I started working as a system engineer in Osaka.

Then, I decided to find another job in Tokyo. So I worked for a Japanese securities company and an accounting firm in Tokyo.


I've decided to write my blog in English because my husband was transferred from Tokyo to UK branch.

I'm going to live in UK from this winter together.

Anyway, I'm really excited about life in UK and I have to study English !!