Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Rokkaku-do

I visited Rokkaku-do Temple.  

You can view Rokkaku-do Temple from the elevator of the building next to the Temple.  I saw pigions basking in the sun on the roof.

The temple also sells food for pigeons and it has become a place for them to rest.

Even their omikuji (fortune telling) imitates pigeons.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Handmade Envelops

I occasionally spend my leisure time to make my own envelops because I don't like commercial, businesslike envelops.

The left is an envelop I made from a 17cm square Chiyogami paper, and the right is an envelop which I made from Nancy Seki's eraser stamp print on A5 size paper.

And someday, I want to challenge hand-painted envelops.  Illustrator Shinya Nishida makes very unique and artful "invoice envelops" by incorporating postage stamps!

Receiving bills in such envelops can make us smile!?!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Sushi Iwa

I was blessed with the opportunity to have dinner at Sushi Iwa, near Higashi Honganji Temple this winter.  It's very conveniently located, about a 10 minute walk away from Kyoto Station. 

I also learned that Steve Jobs said "This is the best sushi I've ever had!" when he visited Sushi Iwa.  The owner speaks English and the restaurant is visited by many foreign tourists. 

The appetizer, scallop sashimi with tomato and basil sauce was really tasty.

Next is sashimi plate.  The pink slices on the right are bonito.  I've never had bonito sashimi as delicious as this one.  I was amazed!!

Soup of a snapping turtle.

The taste of winter -- a snow crab.  And beautiful presentation.

Kabura-mushi (steamed grated turnip) made us very, very silent because it was too delicious.  The best kabura-mushi ever!!

Finally the sushi plate.  All of them were mouthwatering!

Dessert was warabi-mochi, a jelly-like bracken starch dumpling.  Texture and sweetness were sooo perfect, and I have to say "best ever" again!!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Aranzi Aronzo

The Aranzi Caravan came to the first floor of "LOFT"! 

There are wide variety of crafty characters in "ARANZI ARONZO" world.

By purchase of 3,000 yen or more, you can receive this cute bag! 
The caravan will stay till March 4 (Monday). 

Tuesday, February 05, 2013

Setsubun Festival in Shimane

February 3 is the day before the beginning of Spring and is called Setsubun.  This year, I visited Mononobe Shrine of Oda City in Shimane, to celebrate the Festival which started at 23:00.

Shrine's sacred rock "Kachi Ishi (winning rock)," the seat of God.

The night temperature was 3 degree C, and bonfire warmed us all up.

Purifying Fire Ceremony started right at 11PM as scheduled, with Shinto priest's Norito prayers.

Then two girls showed up who held bows and arrows with fire.  They shot two arrows each to light the offerings of worshipers.



After the ceremony, I had a bowl of buckwheat soba noodle (400 yen) served by the Shrine people.  It was so tasty and made me very warm!

And I received these lucky items of Setsubun beans and talisman.  
Happy Setsubun 2013!!