wawawita

Personal Blog Currently taking a year out to explore the world, both externally and internally. Someone told me: "Love leaves its footprint in every picture you took and everything you wrote." So, I snap and write. x

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LumieLune Wine Bar Shimo-Kitazawa

Looking for a wine bar with a nice course meal in Setagaya? This one got you covered! 

LumieLune offers great variety of Champagne and Wine. The course meal allows you to try variety of ingredients that are perfectly mixed and matched in beautiful display. I dropped “oohh” and “woww” every now and then. 

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Yakitori Brochet - Japanese Chicken Skewers with a French Twist

Off the busy street in Kagurazaka lies a small bar “Yakitori Brochet”.

At a glance, Yakitori Brochet seems like a typical Yakitori bar, but at a closer look, it is a bit more than that. It’s a Japanese restaurant with a French menu, French speaking staffs that offers you variety of French wine.

“Come here and you can talk to the staff in French,” said a friend of a friend who recommended the place. Well, it is partly true, because the lady at the restaurant is a lovely French (later Japanese) citizen, so she’s fluent. I, on the other hand, cannot manage to speak any full sentence.

We asked for a recommendation of wine to go along with course meal. I went with white wine, and the guy went with red. Both went well with our choice of the skewers.

The biggest surprise for me is seseri (セセリ）or the neck meat of the chicken. I had a few bad experience so I was reluctant to try. However, after a few discussion with the staff, they ensured that this is the most tender part of the chicken. I wasn’t disappointed, and I would love to recommend this dish to everyone.

C’etait Délicieux!

Fun Facts:

Yakitori is one of many Japanese Otsumami（おつまみ) or light meals that you can enjoy while drinking. Otsumami is usually something easy to eat, like beans (枝豆ーedamame), grilled Japanese omelette (卵焼きーtamagoyaki), and skewers like yakitori or yakibuta. Simply speaking, otsumami is menus you commonly see in Izakaya.

You can spot many European restaurants in Kagurazaka-Iidabashi. The area is home to many European-related organizations such as the Institut Français du Japon, British Council, and Hosei University. Known as one of many drinking streets in Tokyo, the area also has many cafes and bookstores you can chill at in day time.

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Shinshuen Garden: Hidden Gem in Kawasaki Daishi

So, recently I went on a school trip (社会科見学) to Kawasaki Daishi Temple（川崎大師). I had been to the temple 3-4 times and even walked around Daishi Park, but I never knew that there is a Chinese Garden hidden in the little corner of the lively venue.

Shinshuen Park (瀋秀園) is a Chinese style garden built based on the designs of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was built to celebrate the friendship between Kawasaki and the Chinese city of Shenyang. It’s name 瀋秀園 combines kanji that refer to the city of Shenyang (審) and the relationship (秀) and man-made garden (園).

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The other Onsen Town that Inspires a Scene in Spirited Away… Shima Onsen

It’s been controversial whether which exact location is the true inspiration for the street full of red lanterns and the red wooden bridge town appearing in the famous anime, Spirited Away. Some say it is Ginzan Onsen town in Yamagata prefecture, and some say it is the city of Juifen in Taiwan. Some say it is this small onsen town in Gunma prefecture, Shima Onsen.

(Shima Onsen Entrance by Day)

(Shima Onsen Entrance by Night)

The name Shima Onsen is written in Kanji as 四万温泉, which means 40,000 onsens. The name can be misleading and difficult to read as the Kanji 四万 can be read as シマ and ヨンマン. No, the town doesn’t have as many onsens as 40,000 locations (though that might be possible). However, the name, according to the onsen, derives from the history that this little onsen town used to be a retreat spot for people seeking ways to cure their illness. When western medicine was still not existing, many Japanese believed that Onsen can be a miracle treatment. The onsen retreat is believed to have cured more than 40,000 diseases in the past. Therefore, it was given the name 四万温泉.

I visited the hotel in mid-February. It felt a little late for winter as the weather started to be warmer in Tokyo. It seemed that winter ended early this year. Yet, we were able to see some snow in the middle of the mountains in North Kanto region.

(Still Very Cold at Nearby Shimagawa Dam)

Shima Onsen is a photogenic place, not only because of its outstanding red wooden bridge at the entrance but also because of the building complex itself. The main onsen hall, which includes 5 small onsen tubs, is the main location where patients were receiving treatments in the old days. The whole complex is comprised of 3 buildings connected through 3 separate lifts. The lowest complex was a shared room built to serve budget travelers, while the second and third complexes are more luxurious, respectively.

The other onsen location, as well as the private onsen room, are located in the garden on top of the mountain. To access the private onsen room, a walk through a snowy path is required. I found this to be amazing - especially on the way back - as the cold weather could cool me down after the hot onsen bath.

(A Trace of Snow in Mid-February)

It is undeniable that what makes ryokan experience special is the food. I love both the dinner and the breakfast sets provided by the ryokan. All of them are Japanese food, cooked with famous ingredients from various parts of Japan, especially rice and seafood from Niigata prefecture. I also love the Omotenashi (おもてなし）service of the staff who took care of us. He was very kind and share the same feeling of being a foreigner away from home like me.

(A Part of a 10-Course Dinner Set)

(Grilled Fish for Breakfast)

If you have a car, Shima Onsen is about 2 hours away from Tokyo. If you use the train, make sure that you spare some time for the local train and check your bus schedule. It is advised that you check with the hotel about the weather condition before you travel.

(An Onsen Village Seemed Quiet on Weekday)

(First Time Playing This Retro Marble Game)

(A Public Onsen that Wasn't Open to Public on the Day)

(Steam from Hot Onsen)

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The Art of Fixing Things: Kintsugi (Affordable Alternative)

Having valuable things broken can be devastating, especially when the items hold a lot of endearing memories. In many countries, people are used to throwing broken items away and move on. However, for a lot of Japanese people, throwing away such ardent items is not an option and they tend to fix the items with this traditional form of craft, Kintsugi.

Kintsugi is the art of fixing broken items with gold. The technique has been existing in Japan for around 400 years, and you can see broken potteries fixed with the technique from museums. However, recently the technique may not be practiced popularly and considered expensive, but there are some alternatives for Kintsugi with affordable tools.

(Cemedine, Glue, Paints, and Dissolutions are used in this Kintsugi workshop)

I happened to be able to attend a Kintsugi workshop held at Oribe Shimotikazawa in mid-October, where the alternative method was taught. For the event, we gathered broken items and fix them using tools found in art and craft store.

(The broken cup is one of the two items I worked on)

First, we polished the surface of the wounds with sandpaper before patching it with cemidine or glue. Then, after the cemidine dried, we used sand papers to smooth the surface once again. In the final stage, we painted the fixed wounds with gold paint or any other colour of paints to your liking. I chose gold because it fits everything.

(Sandpaper is used to smooth the surface)

I talked to other event attendees about why they would like to fix the items they had brought on the day, and many give the same answer that the items hold some endearing memories for them. Some were given by special people in their lives, and some were being used for a long time that the strong bond was forged between the item and the owners. It is also said that in Japan, people choose their own personal rice bowl, and they tend to use it for a long time.

(Final Stage, finish it with gold paint)

Having valuable things broken can be devastating, yes. Before attending the event, I had a bit of a disagreement with one of my good friends. Though we apologised and tried to fix to things, but it will never be the same. We will have to learn to either embrace the imperfection of life, let the past be our lesson and hope that the wound will decorate our friendship as Kintsugi does to potteries.

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For A Moment, We Lit ... We Shine ... (かまくら)

A life abroad would be dull without great friends. And I’m glad I’ve got them. ❤️

Last month, nearly before summer ended, my friends and I made a trip to Kamakura. Though it was a rainy day, we went to the beach according to our plan. (Poor them, I picked the date 😭).

None of the member in our group is Japanese. One from Thailand (me), one from Nepal, one from China, two from Korea, and two from Indonesia. Guess what language we speak... broken Japanese and English. Lol

Well, we’ve been knowing each other since our Japanese were super poor and we only nodded at each other’s words (we weren’t even able to create a full sentence) until now that we can talk about our lives and things (though it’s still broken Japanese). We understand each other - or so I guess - and truly, having them around means a lot to me.

Thus, Japanese summer beach day wouldn’t be completed without fireworks. So, we did light some! I love the hopeful and happy faces they had, it’s just... so great to see people being inspired, and it’s inspiring to me.

I am honestly surprised how my Japanese has developed during a year I have been living in Japan. I am not the best student, of course, and I never study hard (barely do homework or re-read anything I studied in a day). Still, a year of using the language daily and having great friends, my Japanese is improving, though still far from perfect.

Happy moments are like fireworks - vivid, bright, but short-lived - yet last long in memories.

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Cute kitties in Enoshima ❤️🐈

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Quiet time in Enoshima

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Enoshima once again. The scene of quiet streets shocked me as the once cheerful island becomes so empty of visitors.

(Ginger Observes Empty Street of Enoshina, a Once Cheerful Island Full of Tourists)

However, I was lucky enough to meet some meow fellows who popped by to say hello. They seemed to miss human touches, so I gave them some rubs-and-scratches. Tender, love, and care are probably something we all need in this hard time.

(This little one loves to be rubbed near its tail)

Before coming to Enoshima, I stopped by at Kamakura for a bit, strolling around its empty streets. This seaside town reminds me of southern British beach towns like Brighton and Dorset.

(Colourful Post Office in Kamakura)

I also boarded the Enoshima Electric Rail for the first time. The beach side was fascinating, though I am never a big fan of the sea. Series of waves struck the shore, and I wonder how great power nature holds over us human.

(Enoshima Electric Rail connects between Fujisawa and Kamakura)

(Beach Side View from the Train)

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Sakura Blossom - Enjoy it while it lasts

It’s a little late, I know.

(Pink Sakura Spreads under a Clear Blue Sky)

About a month ago, sakura started to blossom in many parts of Japan, including the area I’m living in (Tokyo Metropolitan Area).

(Before You Go...)

It’s a little unfortunate this year that the spread of the Covid-19 has interrupted an annual event, which is the flower watching picnic known in Japanese as Ohanami (お花見). The event is looked forward to by many, and it’s a bit of a traditional thing where people go out in groups to do a picnic in a park with friends, families, and colleagues.

(Kinshicho Park Welcomed Many Visitors in One Saturday Evening)

However, many were fortunate enough to go out before Japan announced the State of Emergency and closed many parks. I, too, was lucky enough to go out to enjoy Spring Season before the city went quiet.

(Enjoying Ohanami During Sunset at Yoyogi Park)

The flower blooms only around two weeks in a year, so it was nice I got to enjoy it while it lasted. In fact, I should mention here that I appreciate how the volatile weather - 3 days raining, 2 days of sunshine - has taught me to appreciate life as it is. You cannot control everything, but you can choose to appreciate things life has thrown your way and enjoy the ride.

Love X

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Peaceful Retreat in Akita

I recently just had the “first experience” of many things; the first Shinkansen trip, the first outdoor natural onsen, and the first time staying at Japanese Ryokan. All of these happened for and at one of Akita’s finest and oldest Onsen Ryokans; Tsuru No Yu Onsen (鶴の湯温泉）

My trip was 3 days, 2 nights and I had a chance to try four meals of the “mountain food”, the Ryokan’s food cooked with local ingredients. Everything was irresistible. The taste of local ingredients, as well as the river-fish served along with the meal, gave the taste of home slow-cooking, tenderness and umami. According to one of my Japanese friends, Japanese food is a combination of various things. The sentence is proved true as I get to eat a wide range of food containing vegetables, white meat, red meat, beans, and rice. (Question: Is mushroom vegetable?)

It was snowing during my stay. As a person coming from a country that never snows, it is very fascinating to see snow falling and hanging on trees and roofs. Bathing in a hot spring under the snow was quite an experience. Your body is warm, but your head is cold from the snow on your head, you feel wide awake, but yet relax and focus.

(This Cozy A.House Gallery Cafe also Offers Great Atmosphere)

On the last day, my friend and I have also encountered a very friendly local who offered to drive us 15 km for us to catch a bus and see the statue of Tetsuka, the beauty of Tazawako. I am so shocked, yet very much thankful. I hope that one day I can pay the kindness forward to other people.

(Tetsuka Statue at A Shrine by Tazawa Lake)

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A Little Walk

I once read in one of Murakami’s novels, where the protagonist strolls the streets of Tokyo with his love interest. The walk was merely pointless, yet it was enjoyable. 

My walk was slightly different. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon and one of my friends was hoping to find a fun way to exercise. Therefore, our excursion begins.

(A Man enjoying his solitude near Ochanomizu Station (御茶ノ水駅))

We started walking from Waseda University in Shinjuku, east along the Edogawa river to Akihabara. It was mid-November and the weather was mild. We discovered small cafes, bookstores, and several things along the way. 

(Tree leaves are changing colours)

I am fond of walking and I’ve let it be known to many. I got lost many times and I enjoy being lost every time. For me, being lost means something is being found, either about yourself or your surroundings. 

(Tokyo Dome Themepark. Last light of the day.)

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Sensōji Temple at twilight.

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Little Red Cherry Coffee Beans...

ああああっ！(<<That sounds satisfying).

I went coffee picking in Sangkhlaburi. It was unplanned though, but I did join in after I made friends with the owners of the coffee shop where my friend often goes to. The coffee trees were grown on the hill along with rubber trees. And by the hill, there is a narrow little creek where the family nearby uses as their main water resource.

It took a while to collect the beans… and it was much more difficult that I expected. Before arriving at the place, I imagined the coffee trees are grown well in order with lots of bright red coffee bean for me to easily pick. Poor me! The reality was (quite) horrifying and ruin all the unicorny dreams I had it my head! Each coffee tree grows so high and we needed to bend it down to be able to collect the beans. What’s more, whenever you spotted bright red cherry beans, ants were always there to protect their precious. It was a war between us, 3 humans and army of ants! I ended up getting several bites and spilled tons of curse words that I even get a new nickname from it as “a girl who dances, sings, and curses”.

Anyhow, the operation was a success and we laid the beans to dry the next day for future process. We celebrated the victory over the ants by brewing a few cups of coffee. I’ve never been a farm girl, but the experience wasn’t unbearable. And the scene of sunset over the hill after a long tired day is truly divine that it made me forget all the ant bites I’d gained in the day.

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My thoughts: Audubon’s Prayer by Kotaro Isaka

Audubon’s Prayer (オーヂュボンの祈り) is a Japanese literature about a fictional island that has shut itself from external contact for a very long time. The protagonist, however, is a new comer whose journey to the island wasn’t explained. Yet, as he learned more about the story, readers learned along with him... and discover the powerful truth behind the island’s most beloved character, a scarecrow man.

I finished this book within 3-4 days, and I cried a lot upon learning about the scarecrow’s past and history. I admire the character’s determination and sacrifice for greater goods. The narrative of the scene, where the scarecrow’s creator was dying, his dying moment, and his last wish was tormenting, yet powerful, and have led me to asking myself if I ever have any strong desire to fulfill anything for anyone (here, his community, his world) as much as the character did.

To add, my favorite character appears only through 3-4 pages (or slightly more), but it was my favorite part of the book. And this part, time and again, makes me cry (inside) when I see this book. The reason I am writing about it now, despite that I read it almost a year ago, is to tribute to the love I have for the book, and the sea of emotions it has given me.

Another impressive book I read last year was “Red Bean Paste” (あん) but it was a little bit predictable. Yet, it is sad, super sad, and slightly depressing. However, I don’t think I will read as many book this year since I am starting to read in furigana. So, it will take me quite some time to finish one book. I’m now reading 君の名は。

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Tonight, At Romance Theatre... จะไม่มีใครหายไปจากความทรงจำ (มีสปอยล์)

หนังรักที่มีเส้นเรื่องอยู่กับการเปลี่ยนผ่านของอุตสาหกรรมภาพยนตร์ ที่มีพบก็ต้องมีจาก และการเสียสละบางอย่างเพื่อรักษาสิ่งที่มีค่าที่สุดเอาไว้

หนังเล่าเรื่องชายหนุ่มผู้ใฝ่ฝันอยากเป็นผู้กำกับ ที่ไปตกหลุมรักเจ้าหญิงจอมแก่นในหนังเก่าขาวดำเรื่องหนึ่ง จนปาฏิหารทำให้เจ้าหญิงข้ามมาสู่โลกความจริงที่เต็มไปด้วยสีสัน แลกกับการห้ามสัมผัสไออุ่นจากมนุษย์ไม่ว่าใครก็ตาม ไม่อย่างนั้นจะต้องจากไปตลอดกาล

หนังเล่าเรื่องของอุตสาหกรรมภาพยนตร์ที่เปลี่ยนผ่าน ในแต่ละปีมีหนังใหม่เข้าสู่ตลาดหลายสิบถึงหลายร้อยเรื่อง แต่จะมีสักกี่เรื่องที่ตราตรึงและเป็นที่จดจำ หากมองจากสายตาของหนัง คงเป็นเรื่องน่าเศร้าที่ต้องมองดูคนดูที่เคยมีหลักพัน ลดลงเหลือหลักร้อย-สิบ-หน่วย จนถึงไม่มีเลย โดยไม่มีสิทธิจะมาประท้วงหรือเรียกร้องความสนใจใด ๆ

หนังยังฉายภาพทับซ้อนกับสถานการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นในโลกความจริงของเรา เพราะในขณะที่อุตสาหกรรมภาพยนตร์ที่โรงถ่ายและโรงหนังทยอยปิดตัวกันไป โรงหนังที่เราไปดูเรื่องนี้ก็กำลังจะปิดตัวเหมือนกัน ฉากที่หนังเสนอภาพเครื่องฉายหนังฟิล์มที่ฉายทะลุกระจกจากห้องควบคุมลงมาสู่จอ ชวนให้เราอดไม่ได้ที่จะแหงนหน้าไปดูของจริงในโรง แล้วก็อดไม่ได้จริง ๆ ที่จะร้องไห้โฮอีกครั้งเมื่อคิดว่าแสงจากเครื่องฉายหนังที่อยู่ตรงนั้น ต้องดับไปตลอดกาล

ขอบคุณที่ทำให้ได้สัมผัสกับอีกมุมหนึ่งของความรัก... และการจากลา

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Flowers for Dad: Bangkok Flower Market Pays Tribute to King Rama IX.

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Bangkok City, February 2017