Wabi-Sabi Sole

Finding Beauty with Imperfection

Author: wabisabisole Page 43 of 54

New Sanno

By

On December 9, 2016

In Japan

Dave’s command Christmas party is being held on Saturday, 12/10 at the hotel New Sanno. It’s an American hotel in Tokyo. Actually, it’s an American military hotel. To gain access, you must show your military ID or be escorted by a card carrying person. It’s about 1.5 hours by train away from our house. Here was our route (with 2 pieces of luggage). 


Despite the distance, it’s totally worth it and amazing. It’s very American and acts as a nice oasis for a weekend in Tokyo. 

We arrived Friday evening and explored the local area. The Christmas Party is Saturday. Please forgive me. My post this weekend might not fall in chronological order. Here are a few Christmas scenes from the hotel. 


This hotel books up fast. When you visit, I will make plans for us to stay at least one night so we can explore Tokyo without having to go home. I’m looking forward to entertaining you! 

Japanese Hair Cut

By

On December 8, 2016

In Hair, Japan, Navy, Yokosuka

Several of my friends & blog followers have asked me about having my hair cut & highlighted. I’m not sure you have noticed from my pictures, the color and texture of my hair is very different from the Japanese. Those factors combined with the language barrier, I have been too scared to venture out in town for my cut and highlights. Fortunately, I have access to “little America” aka Yokosuka Naval Base and the Navy Exchange (NEX) Salon is fully staffed with hair stylists and nail technicians. This was my second time having my hair treated at the NEX Salon. The stylist I see for my appointments is Ari (pronounced “Airy”). She is Japanese and speaks very good English. Or at least she speaks very good English about what I want done to my hair. Other than that, we don’t speak.
If you remember back a little over a year ago, I had a wild hair (literally) and thought going red was a good idea. It wasn’t. All the processing really damaged my hair. Not only to go red but, to go back blonde. The ends were a frizzy mess last spring and prompted me to cut my hair. Over the summer, I had even more cut to shape it and help it look healthy again. I can tell it has grown and needed specific shaping at this appointment. I was a little stressed with the thought of trying to communicate this to Ari. It actually went rather well.
I asked for her to cut a little less than an inch off the back and only trim the top layers. I want to make the layers “longer.” “Hai” – “Yes” She continued to say. I also asked for her to weave my highlights a little thicker because it was “too blonde” last time. “Hai”
She was very methodical as she foiled my hair. Once the color was on, she diligently checked the time and the processing speed of the color. I had her complete attention. She didn’t try to “squeeze” in another client. Once my hair was finished processing, she shampooed and massaged my head while the shampoo was in my hair. It felt AMAZING. As I often do when I have my hair shampooed, I thought of my late Aunt Jan. I remember when I was young and she would wash and style my hair. She always said how much she loved to have her hair washed. She would have LOVED to have Ari wash her hair!!
Returning to the chair, Ari asked me if it was ok if she gave me a massage. Is it ok? YES, PLEASE! She massaged my shoulders, neck, head, and temples. Again, absolutely amazing. The part that makes me laugh – she said “thank you” when she finished. Seriously? Thank you!
She trimmed as per my request and then asked if she could straighten my hair. Of course. It is so much easier when you are not familiar with curls.
The whole evolution took about 2.5 hours – partial highlights, shampoo, cut and blowout – for only $105. Seriously. Cheap. Let’s not forget the two massages! I tipped her very nicely!
Oh! And as Holiday special, if you spend over $60 at the salon in December, you receive a FREE straightener ($50 value).  

I laughed and said, “is this a hint the Japanese don’t appreciate my curls?” Haha. Seriously straight and hopefully on the road to healthy.

Kannonzaki Park

By

On December 7, 2016

In Japan

Kannonzaki Park is located southeast of Yokosuka Naval base. The park is actually on the Kannonzaki Cape, which juts out of the Miura Peninsula into Tokyo Bay. I drove from our house in Ikego to Kannonzaki Park here was my route via the toll road. 


It took me about 30 minutes. Another thing to note, there was lots of parking and at least today – it was free!

 My research told me Kannonzaki is where Godzilla came out of the ocean to terrorize Tokyo. Fortunately, I had the place pretty much to myself and definitely not giant lizards.

 

I started my trek along the beach and slowly began my climb up the many and I must stress many, flights of stairs. I think Kannonzaki Park should translate to “Park with many stairs.” Up, up and away I stepped!

 

One of the main highlights of the park is the Kannonzaki Lighthouse. Seeing the Lighthouse was actually my main goal for going to the park. It was beautiful and the views of Tokyo Bay were spectacular.

 

Here is the current Kannonzaki Lighthouse. It was built in 1925 after the original lighthouse was destroyed in 1922 by an earthquake. The original Kannonzaki Lighthouse was built in 1867 by French engineer, Leonce Verny, right at the entrance to Tokyo Bay. It was the first Western style lighthouse to be built in Japan.

Check out how short the door was! And of course the giant light. 


 The park features a large network of trails to explore. I didn’t worry about getting lost, because there were maps boards located throughout the park as well as signs with distances. The only challenge was they were not written in English. I wouldn’t say I was ever “lost” maybe just “turned around.” I did have to double back once or twice and climb the stairs I just came down. I just chalked it up to getting a good quad workout today.


 

In the park there is a war memorial. There is both a statue and a large structure designed to look like the sail of a ship.

 

In the middle of the park is a large grassy field dotted with flower gardens and an orchard. I am sure this will look amazing in the spring and summer.  There were only a few flowers around. Rumor has it, that on a clear day… you can see Mount Fuji from this area.


After walking around the picnic area, I had to make the decision to either head back to my car or continue walking towards the children’s playground. I decided to head towards the playground. I was super excited when I came across this amazing 150m slide! I watched a Japanese mom take her two daughters down. The sound you hear is the not me farting. It is the piece of cardboard I am sitting on going over the rollers on the slide. When I got to the end, the mom was there with her daughters and she laughed with me! It was pretty funny. Totally worth walking around the entire park to ride!!



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After my slide, I walked back up and down many more stairs until I found my car!! 

Happy Pancakes & Money Washing

By

On December 6, 2016

In Hiking, Japan, Kamakura, Seven Lucky Gods, Temple

I am not sure I could think of a better start to a Tuesday morning than with a happy pancake. Dina and I set off for breakfast in Kamakura followed by a urban hike to the Zeniarai Benten Shrine. We arrived at Happy Pancake slightly before it opened and there was already a line!

Fortunately, we were early enough to be seated and selected our pancakes. We both opted for the original “happy pancakes” for our first tasting.

We when visit when you are here, I will encourage you to try one of the specialty happy pancake selections. They include options like fresh fruit, chocolate sauce, cream cheese and even a scoop of ice cream. To wash down my happy pancakes, I ordered a caramel vanilla latte.

That is a scoop of honey butter on top!! These pancakes are nothing like American pancakes. They are NOT made with buttermilk. They are not heavy nor do they absorb the syrup. The texture is light and fluffy. More like a crepe that has been inflated. The syrup had a hint of caramel and they were topped with a scoop of honey butter.

They were absolutely delicious! I did not feel nearly as full as I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, I wasn’t hungry for lunch. I just didn’t feel the lethargic pancake bloat one would expect when looking at these delicious monster-sized happy pancakes.

After we finished our meal, I had to take a picture of the check. Noticed it is placed on our table with a cute and tiny clothespin. Adorable.

We headed out on our urban hike. We had about a 25 minute walk to the Zeniarai Benten Shrine. Despite the December date, signs of fall are still around.

The Zeniarai Benten Shrine is commonly known as the “Money Washing Shrine.” The legend claims, money washed in the Shrine’s spring will double. Information from the temple provided the background for the legend. 1185 was the first year of the snake. (Think back to yesterday’s discussion about Chinese Zodiac. 1185 was the first year of the snake.) During this first year of the snake, on the day of the snake, in the month of the snake, Minamoto Yoritomo (founder of Kamakura government) had a dream in which the go Ugafukuji (one of the 7 lucky gods – God of fortune and happiness) delivered a message. Minamoto Yoritomo was told to go and find a spring in the northwest valley, worship the Shinto gods and peace would come to the people of Kamakura. He went, he discovered the spring and he built the shrine for Ugakukuji. It is believed, if you spend money that has been washed in the spring’s water, it will increase many times and come back to you.

To access the Shrine, you had to walk up a rather long hill and then through a small tunnel. It was lovely.

Inside the grounds of the Shrine, was a prayer wall, fortune wall and huge incense burner.

Walking further in, was the area for washing your money.

Dina snapped a few pictures as I washed my money from the spring.

And of course I took a few action shots of Dina. My favorite is her face when I said, “say, money!”

After we thoroughly soaked our money, we explored the rest of the temple. I observed more paper cranes. Since my visit to The White Lady of Ofuna, I have learned the meaning of the paper crane leis. Thanks to the help of a couple of my close friends and blog followers, Sara and Sue. During a conference call earlier this week they helped me piece together an understanding of their significance. The significance is based upon a story of a young Japanese girl, Sadako Sasaki (1943-1955). She was only two years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima very near to her home (~2km away from ground zero). She miraculously survived, only to develop swellings on her neck and behind her ears in 1954. The swellings turned out to be acute malignant lymph gland leukemia. She died less than a year later. It was during her time in the hospital she learned of the Japanese legend that a person who folds 1,000 cranes will be granted a wish. Legend holds she was 644 short when she passed away. Her family and friends folded the remaining cranes and buried all 1,000 cranes with her. Sadako became one of the most widely known hibakusha (bomb-affected person).

It was interesting to see all the tori gates in natural wood – not painted red.

We retrieved our temple books with the new stamp and headed back to Kamakura.

The hike back was beautiful as well. To get back, we had to go up before we went down!!

It was another delightful day exploring Kamakura. This last picture was one of my favorites from the day.  I took it as we were leaving the Shrine. I love the fall colors, the fortunes hanging and the trees framing the picture. It really spoke to me as “wabi-sabi” when I noticed the bright orange construction cone. Beauty in the imperfection.

2017 – Year of the Rooster

By

On December 5, 2016

In 2017, Customs, Japan, New Year, Rooster

According to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2017 is the “year of the Rooster.” Depending on the translation, the year of the rooster might be translated as, the “year of the chicken” or – wait for it – the “year of the cock.” Upon reading that at one of the stores, we laughed too loudly and quickly began referring to every rooster we saw as a cock. I know it’s silly middle school humor – grow up already. I can’t. And I won’t. 

The Chinese New Year starts on January 28, 2017. The Chinese Zodiac Calendar is a twelve year cycle and the Rooster is the only bird represented. Other Rooster years include: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017 and 2029. According to Chinese astrology, the year of one’s birth sign is very unlucky. Therefore, in 2017, all roosters will experience not as good fortune in all aspects of their life and should take great lengths to find luck. To all the roosters out there, heed this as a warning – don’t be a cock in 2017! 

I realize we are in Japan and not China, however, I must address the numbers of cocks being sold throughout the area. I was easily able to find a cock for my “lucky charm” tree.


As well as a bobble head cock. He is priceless. I knew the moment I saw him, I needed him in our home. He is prominently displayed in order to bring luck to our home throughout 2017.


Obviously, the jokes about the “year of the cock” and having a cock in the house are endless. Regardless if the rooster is lucky, he at least makes us laugh!

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Charcoal Green Grill -Yokohama 

By

On December 4, 2016

In Japan

Several people have told me about the Charcoal Green Grill restaurant in Yokohama. In fact, they have raved about the food.

After pounding out a 17-mile training run this morning, we thought we deserved a yummy meal! We caught the 10:46 train from our station to be there promptly when the restaurant opened. The restaurant was a short walk from our final train station. Check out the tiny car we passed on the way!

And here we are!!

The lunch menu was small, but offered sufficient delicious choices.

The restaurant was properly named as well. Check out the grill!!

Dave ordered the Char-grilled steak and I ordered the teriyaki burger. Both came with a salad and a small dessert.

After lunch we explored the Christmas Market in the Red Brick Warehouse. Complete with and a photo wall, ice rink, snowman, nutcracker, Santa and a nativity scene.

It was a lovely day and fun to see the different holiday displays around the market area.

Ja-pa-nees Job

By

On December 2, 2016

In Japan

My Friday started pretty great and only continued to get better. Mt Fuji was visible on my run with Dina today! 

After that, I went to meet my future Ja-pa-nees (how the Japanese prounouce Japanese) employer. I am happy to report, I’m officially employed. All it took was an introduction and a handshake. My “working” hours currently consist of 12:30-2:00 on Friday. With a train commute, add about 30 minutes to each end. I will be teaching conversational English one day week to a group of 4-5 Japanese women. I like to think of it as spending time with 4-5 of my Japanese grandmothers. It’s a pretty sweet deal. I only wish I could have a couple classes! 

I accompanied Meghann to the class today. My only job today was to meet Yasuko (the class leader). I put on my biggest smile and my flattest shoes. She still commented on how tall I am. “You have very long legs.” Was the exact comment. So, funny. Trust me when I tell you, the table and chairs we sat around were not designed for my 32 inch inseam that’s for sure! In fact, my feet kept falling asleep. I must have looked like I had ants in my pants I was shifting so much. Plus, I kept hitting the table every time I shifted. Awkwardly, hilarious. And I attempted several times to slide the chair back. But wouldn’t scoot. Ugh. My legs were achy when I finally stood. 

Back to the class. They asked all about me. I answered with my standard responses: I moved here from Chicago. I have a stepson (he’s grown) and we two grand boys. In America, I was a Science teacher. Oh! A sensei (teacher in Japanese)!?! Direct quote, “you have pretty smile and smart.” Haha. At this point, my face is bright red. Yasuko continues with “you smile so happy.” Best compliment ever. Yes, she probably meant “your smile” but, I’m taking the other interpretation and ignoring the fact I know the Japanese can’t pronounce “r”. 

Since this was Meghann’s last class, they had a surprise lunch for her. Bento box! My favorite!! 

There is something that’s meant to be when I’m served tiramisu for dessert… 


Best I’ve had since I’ve been in Japan! I can’t wait to share more about my experiences. Kanpie! 

December Ikebana

By

On December 1, 2016

In Japan

The December meeting of Ikebana was held at the Kamakura Prince Hotel. The hotel is right on the water and talk about an amazing view. Unfortunately, the morning was rainy which did stop mid morning, but the clouds remained. Because on a clear day, you can see Mt.Fuji. 

At the luncheon, there was a display of an American Christmas table setting and a Japanese New Year table setting. I only photographed the Japanese setting. We all know what Americans eat! 

One place setting

In the center is a double decker Benton box!

Tea pot. A Japanese lady explained to me the three plates are for tea. A person takes three sips from each plate for luck.


The feature “entertainment” was a Chinese Mask changing show. It was performed by Ryu Ken, a Peking opera actor. She has been studying the Classical Chinese opera since age 11. She is a highly reputable and renowned performer worldwide. She and her husband established a performing art institute here in Japan dedicated to promoting and teaching traditional Chinese “drama” and mask changing. In her performance today, she changed her mask 17 times. A lucky number for 2017. The secret to “how” the mask changes is part of the cultural heritage. Here are a few pictures from her performance. Please notice the different masks! 


At the end, she reveals her face. 

Here is a short video of her performance. 

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After her performance, she changed out of her costume and spoke to us about Chinese Mask changing. She then performed a song from her opera. 

I took a quick video of her speaking Japanese. 

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And then a video of her singing opera. Her voice was completely unexpected. 
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It was impressive to say the least. After her performance, we had the opportunity to create our own floral arrangement. We were given materials and no instructions. 


I think mine was as lovely. Next up, lunch. 

Pumpkin soup (amazing)


Fish, potato & crunchy fried thing (delicious)


Salad with fried fish bait (meh) 


Ice cream and coffee (yummmmm)


Check out the china! It has the name of the hotel on the bottom. 


This was yet another wonderful cultural experience. Not only the mask changing, but to also have the opportunity to eat at the hotel!  


I’m so happy I joined Ikebana. Sending peace through flowers! 

Gotokuji Temple

By

On November 30, 2016

In Japan, Maneki Neko, Temple

A neighbor friend told me about a very special Temple. Or perhaps a more appropriate name is the “The Mecca of the Lucky Cat” – The official name is the Gotokuji Temple and it is known casually as the Lucky Cat Temple.

My research about Gotokuji Temple informed me of the supposed origin of the Maneki Neko or Lucky Cat. Legend holds the maneki neko originated during the Edo period.

Important side note: My research for various things keeps referring to the Edo Period. Being a Science enthusiast and not so much a history buff, I decided to research the Edo Period a little bit. The cliff note version of the Edo Period: 1603-1868.  During this time there was economic growth, strict social order, an isolated foreign policy, stable population and prevalent arts and entertainment.

Back to our story – A feudal Lord from Hakone was passing the temple in Edo (now Tokyo) when a dangerous thunderstorm rolled through the area. Seeking shelter, the Lord paused under a tree outside the temple. While he was huddled under the tree, a cat beckoned him into the temple. Curious and in dire need of safety, the Lord followed the cat into the temple. It was while he was seeking shelter and visiting the temple, the Lord made friends with the priest of the temple. Together they watched the tree he was huddled under be struck by lightning. Realizing the cat saved his life, the Lord was overcome with gratitude for the cat. He dedicated funds and time to rebuild the temple. Eventually, he was able to claim the temple as his family temple and it became Gotokuji. As the legend was passed through generations, people began to visit the Gotokuji with maneki neko figurines as an offering for their gratitude when they experienced good fortune.

Gotokuji is located in the quiet Setagaya Ward of Tokyo, away from the hustle and the bustle of the city. Dina agreed to join me on this excursion to visit Gotokuji Temple. It took us about an hour and a half to get to the temple on the train and then another 15 minutes to walk from the train station. It was well worth the journey. Just me enjoying a rest along the way. 


Despite being a bit later in the fall season, the leaves were spectacular! 

Entrance Gate

Incense burner


One the the beautiful features of the temple was the large pagoda. 


The obvious feature was the maneki neko shrine. They were arranged in a beautiful collection. Absolutely, adorable. 

The maneki neko! The Japanese Maple!



A few close up pictures. 


Some had writing & faces!


This one might be my favorite. The maneki neko with a maneki neko balanced on his head!! 


After our obligatory selfie…


 we pulled ourselves away from the maneki neko shrine and ventured around the temple grounds. 

The cemetery was the biggest one I’ve ever seen and not on a hill! 

The prayer walls were super cute as well! Unfortunately, they were sold out of the prayer plaques! At a temple!!  Seriously!?! Guess that means I will need to go back when you come visit! Yay! 


Eventually, we made our way to the “gift store” for a temple stamp and a maneki neko. I love my new maneki neko. He is a pretty good size and only a size 7. They had up to the size 10 which are the really big ones in the pictures. 

Another tourist shot of us! 


We both bought a smaller maneki neko to contribute to the shrine. We are holding them in the picture. I wrote a prayer on mine for peace, happiness and love. The one I placed is the center of the three at the bottom. 


A few more pictures of the shrine and temple as we were leaving. 


Here the origin of the maneki neko according to the information sheet given to me when my temple book was stamped, it is a story about a Monk and a waving cat. Still during the Edo period, the poor Monk could barely live on the small income he received at the temple. His residence was a shabby hut on the temple premises. He had a cat who he cared for like a child and shared what little food he had with it. One day he told the cat, “if you are grateful to me, bring some fortune to the temple.” Several months later, the monk was surprised to see 5 samurai warriors outside the temple. The monk questioned the warriors and they stated they were passing the temple and saw the cat in front of the gate waving to them. They were curious and decided to stop and seek rest. The monk offered them tea and the warriors rested. A little while later, a dangerous thunderstorm rolled through the area. It was during this time, the monk was able to preach “Sannei-inga-no-hou” (past, present and future reasoning sermons). The samurai were intrigued by the sermon and one was immediately converted and were convinced the cat led them to the monk to follow Buddha’s will. The samurais returned home and donated rice fields and crop lands to help make the temple grand like it is today. The good fortune brought to the temple is contributed to the cat. When the original cat passed, the grave was blessed by the monk. The maneki neko has become a symbol of household serenity, business prosperity and fulfillment of wishes. 

After we explored the temple, we were ready for lunch. Ramen!

Princess Coffee

By

On November 29, 2016

In Japan

Dina and I had a few errands to accomplish in Kamakura today and decided while we were there we should have lunch and coffee. We walked around looking for a spot to eat that wasn’t super busy during lunch time. Good luck. Ha! 

We found a nice Italian place on the second floor of a building. That is a secret to finding a place to eat, by the way. Look up. If you only focus on the restaurants on street level you will find crowded restaurants. Look up and you will see many restaurants with ample available seating. We ordered a set lunch which included a salad and crab pasta. 

Here was my salad. 


Looks nice, right. Until you realize those are “bait fish” on top. Ugh. No where did on the broken English menu did it say bait fish. Fortunately, the taste better than corn and the salad was tiny. 


The pasta and crab was just as described. And tasted pretty good. 


For dessert, we opted for a special princess coffee from Cafe Sizuku. What is a princess coffee, you ask. Well, it is exactly that, a coffee with a character drawn on top. Dina received her cafe mocha first. It had Mickey. 


When my caramel latte arrived it had Minnie! Kawaii! 


They were drawn so they faced one another. 


Who knew coffee could be so cute!?! 


When you visit, I promise we will go to the “princess coffee” place. Also, for my cat loving friends, while we were walking around Kamakura we realized there is a cat cafe in Kamakura!! It is actually owned by the same people as the princess coffee, I think. In the restroom of Cafe Sikuku was an advertisement for a cat cafe located across the street. No worries, I will investigate further and report back! 

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