blog#9: Tsujido, my neighborhood (Tomoki)

I want to introduce you around my house. There is the Midori park behind my house.
 The park is covered with many pine trees. I used to play there with my friends all day.  Crows make nests every season. They are noisy in the morning.

 from my veranda

There is a field too in front of my house. Many kinds of vegetables and fruits are planted. And the vegetables and fruits are sold in a small box. They are all 100yen. The field's owner is a regular customer at my part-time camera shop. He sometimes gives us many vegetables. He really is a nice guy.

very small field. eggplant is growing now.

I live in Tsujido station's south side. South side is not flourishing. But the station's north side is flourishing, I have told once in this blog. There is a large shopping mall, terrace mall and taller buildings and mansions.

Tsujido become so nice and useful place now. Please come!

this is Tsujido station's plat home.

Blog#9: Takaido my neighborhood (Takehiko)

Hi, I am Takehiko. I have told Takaido's information once. Today, I will tell you new information. Takaido is part of Suginami. My house is located 5 minutes from Takaido station and in front of ring road No.8 (環状八号線). So my house is convenient for go out.Takaido is 17 minutes to Shibuya for Keio Inokashira Line, and go with 9 minutes to Kichijoji. And, Kanto bus is running. The platform of takaido station used by railway fans to take photos of the train. This spot is also used in the filming of the movie and CM.

Ring road No.8's photo which took at Takaido station

Railways fans with taking picture

There is commercial facility called " Keio Retnade Takaido " in the station building. For example, restaurant, barber shop, DPE (photo) shop, dental clinic, bookstore, convenience store. The word 'Retnade' is coin word that combines 'retoño' means young sprout in Spanish word, and 'Promenade' in French word. I often use 'Coco-Ichibanya' of this facilities. (I like little hot curry rice)

Coco-Ichibanya

My neighborhood is much convenient, but there is no cheap supermarket near my house,  so I always go to good supermarket by bicycle. It takes 15 minutes. Please tell me good solution of my shopping!!

Brog#9 my neighborhood (Masaki)

Hello, I introduce my group member my neighborhood.  I have lived in Musashi-kosugi in Kawasaki city since I was born.

Do you kwon this? Maybe I think Musashi-kosugi is well-known as developing town. Musashi-kosugi is called "musako" or "kosugi" etc. I call kosugi. I think kosugi is convenience because there are many shops in "EKIBIRU"  TOKYU  SQUARE
 near station for exampe UNIQLO , ABCMART , YURINDOU. TOKYUHANDS, MARUETU, MR,DOUGHNUT,KENTUCKY and so on. There are many kind of shops.  It is very useful for me so I like Musashi-kosugi.  Please come here Thank you!!!

Blog #8: Kawaguchi, my neighbourhood! (Thao Nguyen)

     For this blog, I'm going to introduce you my neighborhood, where I live, Kawaguchi.
Do you know Kawaguchi City of Saitama? I am sure that you must have heard about the name before.
   "Kawaguchi city is the second most populated city in Saitama Prefecture after its capital city - Saitama City", briefly described Wikipedia. Yes, it is quite a big city, the second largest in Saitama Prefecture, and a quite young one too, where the rate of people over the age of 65 is approximately 18.5%, lower than the national average (around 24%). Around the Kawaguchi  station, you will probably find it really clamorous with many groups of people who are busy with their own business. Especially in front of the station, it is common to see there are many young people who play music and sing, some other people donating small animals for ones who want them as pets.

A horse club was enrolling new members.

    There are also two big banks: Mitsui Sumitomo and Resona, a shopping center called Sogo and an entertainment building called Casty. Casty is one of my favourite buildings because it is located in front of the station and has lots of interesting things inside it. There are a gym, a massage center, some language classes, restaurants, coffee shops, fashion shops, a 100yen shop, a drug store and a barbershop too. And all are good and cheap.
  Although I have lots of things to do around Kawaguchi station, my neighborhood is not exactly there. My house is located in front of Nishi-kawaguchi Station and it just takes me less than 3 minutes to catch a train. There is just only one line you can use from this station and it is Keihin-Tohoku Line, one of the busiest and most crowded line in Kanto area.
   I live in the seventh floor of a mansion and the scene outside the window of my room is always ｌight and makes me feel calm.
   Although around my mansion there are lots of  supermarkets, restaurants, drug stores, convenient stores of all kinds as well, I usually use my bicycle to travel farther to the rest of the city. Sometimes, I stop at a restaurant I don't know, even never heard about its name, to enjoy my meal and then continue my journey. Cycling around Kawaguchi every week is one of my favourite activities. It helps me understand much more about the city where I live. Now I know where I can buy good stationery or furniture cheapest, where I can have a great Pizza 'Tabehodai' course with just 1000yen, where I can enjoy the best Udon for my taste, and etc...

Donkihote

   The price in Kawaguchi is much cheaper than in Tokyo.

   The place that I enjoyed the most is a shopping mall called Ario.

 It is located in the middle between Kawaguchi and Nishi-Kawaguchi station. Ario is very large, it has lots of fashion shops, pet shop, supermarkets, food courts and a cinema in it as well.
My neiborhood is pretty good for me and I feel satisfied living there.

   

Blog #8: My neighborhood(Sumire)

 I live in Shinanomati, Shinjyuku. It has no good shopping place or restaurant but there are many famous places and great natural surroundings. One of the most famous palace is my next, Koumeitou. This is a party of Japan and effects to Japanese politics. In the past, when Japanese president changed to Mr.Abe, I could see he was coming into the Koumeitou building from the entrance of my house. I think it was the really unique experience.

The back of my house, there is Meijikinennkan which is one of the most traditional marriage ceremony place in Japan. That links to Meijijingu. And it is also my place of work. It has a large  beautiful garden in front of the hole for ceremonies.

There are so many place I want to introduce more for example the National stadium, a national museum, Akasaka Imperial Palace and so on. However, the row of ginkgo trees is my favorite. Here it is.

 It is superb,isn't it. But the real scene is much more wonderful. Recently it lasted cold days so the leaves will turn yellow well this year. I believe it is worth of coming so you could try to see it! :) I cannot say my neighborhood is useful because of the lack of convenience store and so on but here is the most wonderful place in Japan I believe.

Blog#7: A cool thing I can do with my cellphone? (Thao Nguyen)

 Hello everyboby!
 The topic this week is:  What is a cool thing that you can do with your cellphone? and my answer is Evernote. Evernote is a Notes application that I often use with my Iphone. Here is Evernote 's Symbol!

  With an Evernote application, I can use my Iphone to take a memo or write down some new ideas about my report every time and everywhere I want. And then, I can easy check the contents by signing in to my Evernote homepage from my laptop, save important memos into my computer.
  You can also take pictures or record something and show your feelings at the time by writing some comment under the pictures or audio files.
  Furthermore, Evernote Web has a lot of interesting features. For example, with Evernote Recommend Conner, you would know about new good books, movies, applications etc...

  Well, in conclusion, I really recommend you this application. It is really convinient for your study! There are many versions of Evernote that you can choose too, so Have fun with it!!!

#7: My greatest assistant(Sumire)

Nowadays we can do anything by the smartphone, especially most of us use iphone. I have also used iphone4S since I was in a high school so this is certainly a part of my life. Generally saying, a main feature of iphone is that we can customize our own cellphone by various kinds of app. However, there is a grater function in iphone. This is Siri. If you want to summon Siri, you can push a home butfton longer then usual. Siri help you well for example if you want to make a phone call and you tell the name of the person to Siri, she will suddenly bring the number of the person's phone from your address book or i f you want to know how to make cookies, she will also search it on the Internet. In addition, sometimes she will be a someone to talk to. To my surprise, she can give me a really smart reply like this. 

This is why Siri is smart enough to ask our requests. And thus iphone by Apple is loved by people all over the world. 

Blog#7: Ramen Checker (Takehiko)

Hello. I like ramen. You like too, isn't it? I think all Japanese loves ramen. Today I recommend one useful apps for ramen lovers.

This apps is called 'Ramen Checker'. Using this app, it is possible to find a near ramen shop. As an example, I am looking for a ramen shop near the Mejiro station this time.

 

 This is the result. This time, I can find 4 ramen shops near the Mejiro station. And, I want to go one ramen shop. Tap the icon of ramen shop, can watch its information. This time, I choose 'Sankaku'.

This is detail of the Sankaku. Sankaku is ramen shop near the Mejiro station. I can watch reviews of the shop, and opening hours, and etc. on this screen.

I have eat shoyu ramen on this shop at once. I recommend for you to eat on this shop in lunchtime. I remember that shoyu ramen is 700 yen. It is not to expensive, so wallet-friendly. Of course, taste is good. Check it out!

In addition, you can search in a variety of conditions. You can when you want to eat, to search in any conditions the ramen shop. If you find a good ramen shop, please tell me.

Brog:7 Clipbox (Masaki)

 Hello, I introduce everyone my favorote Appli. This is "Clipbox". It is datefolder  that could save many music,move and picture. You can downroad music and move at many site for example youtube.  It can divite many folder. So you can make your favorite library.

the good thing of is operation is very easy.  And it is very speedy. So it is very useful for everyone.

It is Clipbox`s icon.  Have you watched it? I think it have not been fomous yet. So I want you to use Clipbox and introduce your friends. Please and Thank you!!!!!!

Blog#7: fantastic app (Tomoki)

 Have you ever gone through that this song is really nice, but who sing this song and what name is this song? But you want to know the song's name.
 Sooner or later you have to guess the song name and use the Internet. It takes much time to find the name or nothing sometimes.
 If you download "Shazam", you release that stress. This app can listen the song, search and tell you the song's name and the YouTube link. It surely adapts almost all languages. I always use Shazam, for examples, when I meet the songs I like in the shops and restaurants.

Touch the mark, and then start listening the music .

I could get really nice songs many times and my favorite musician. You just touch the mark, and would find your favorite musician. It doesn't need to register any site and any money, so useful. Its simple design is very cool. Please download it and search some songs!

#5: My hometown(Sumire)

My hometown has a lot of tall buildings and a huge amount of people are coming and going in my town. So my hometown is Shinjuku. I have lived here since I was born and moved twice. First, I had lived in Nishhishinjyuku until the first grade of junior high school. This is near from the metropolitan government office. This place is used as the start point of Tokyo marathon every year.

And my hometown is also near from the head office of LOTTE, famous snack maker. LOTTE offered my neighborhood association so when I participated in the local festival, I could eat

many chocolates, candies, tips, and cookies. In another words, I was brought up by LOTTE's snack. My second hometown is Shinanomachi, this is near an Imperial Place.

 So sometimes an Imperial princes, Ms.Masako is jogging around here in the morning. And Shinanomachi is also near form the Gakushuin elementary school. I sometimes use that to practice a table tennis club I belonged to when I was in junior and high school student. 

 The taste of these town are different. But both town have a lot of place to see and long history. I think Shinjuku is the most interesting place in Tokyo. I really love my hometowns.

Blog#6: This is my first trip alone (Tomoki)

 I tripped Thailand for a week. It was the first time to travel alone. Before going to Thailand,  I bought only airplane tickets. Reservations of hotels were made in Thailand. It was rainy season in Thailand, so hot and wet. During my stay, it was almost sunny days, very lucky. I could make some friends, hotel manager, Sheff, and backpacker. We always used English when we talked. I couldn't speak and read Thai. But Thais can speak English very well, so I was not hard to tell my mind.
 I was so bored at hotels. I judged to be outside as possible as. Thai land's shops were opened at 24:00. I could play all day with my friends!
 Someone says Thais rip foreign people off. But I was ripped off only once. Tuktuks and taxis always try to rip off, but restaurants and any other shops does never try to rip off, I thought. If you are careful only taking tuktuks, your trip will be nice.

This is the reclining bud. Really big!

Thailand national railways use Japanese trains which were retired in Japan.

#6:My wonderful Hawaii vacation.

This summer vacation was one of the most wonderful in my life because it was first time for me to visit Hawaii. Have you ever been to Hawaii? Hawaii is composed of several islands; mainly Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii island. In this time, I stayed in Oahu island which is one of the most famous islands among visitors all over the world because of beautiful Waikiki beach. From my room of the hotel I could see the ocean clearly. The blue sky and the ocean made me excited.

In the first day of the trip, we went to famous restaurant to have lunch. That is Wolfgang Stake house.

Many famous people have been there. Ofcouse this is famous for the delicious stake which have been matured for whole 4 weeks! Eventually, we ordered hamburgers with stake and a salad. That was really delicious but American size so it was too big to eat for us.  Second day, I went to snorkeling to Waianae which is located in west shore of Oahu island. Waianae ocean was much more clear than Waikiki beach so we could see the bottom of the sea and there is so calm. I actually love this shore than Waikiki beach.

 In addition, wild dolphins called spinner dolphin which can spine while they are jumping without any teaching live here. I was lucky. I can swam with them!

The term when I went is childbirth rush so many dolphin family swam under the sea. The sight seemed dream. And to my surprise, I could also meet a big sea turtle like this.We could see it very closer. 

And I also met the Octopus! When my instructor showed it to me, I was really surprised but finally we ate it raw. He was delicious :DD

Moreover, there were also many events on the boat. We sung a traditional Hawaiian songs and learn dance. The tutor sung many famous songs with a ukulele and made hamburgers to us. I had really good time on the ocean. Shopping and eating is good but the outdoor activity is more exciting for me! So when you visit Hawaii, I recommend you to try this tour. That is why my Hawaii summer vacation was wonderful. And this memory is one of my precious experiences.

Blog#6 My favorite TV program (Masaki)

Hello everyone!  I want to introduce my favorite TV program. Tｈis is 「AME-TALK」. This TV show is doing to 11:15 every Thursday at TV Asahi. This is talk variety show that is many comedian talk a common theme. For example 「Consumer electronics love comedian」、「Bad moter nerve comedian」　etc. In particular I like 「Consumer electronics love comedian」 this is many comedian talks many consumer electronics`s information. So I can know it it is useful for my life and very interesting. Please watch it!!!

Blog#6: Short trip(Takehiko)

Hello everyone. In this summer vacation, I went to my grandparents house in Chiba for three days. Three days are short for me... But I enjoyed trip. My grandparents house is located South Chiba (called Boso-Peninsula). I arrived at Chiba in midnight on First day. So I couldn't go out on first day. Second day, I went to Otaki-Castle with my cousins by car. Otaki-Castle was built in Sengoku-era. Inside of this castle is history museum of it. I saw some paleography at the castle. But can't take the picture in this museum, I couldn't take the picture.

 

In front of the castle

I can wear the samurai helmet(兜) in this castle.

In same day, I went to Iwafune-Jizo with my family. At that time, a small festival was done at there. Children had dancing Bon Odori. We visited Jizo, and went home. Didn't dance. At night, I drank along with the grandfather and cousin. I had good time.

 

Small festival

Last day, we set out at afternoon because I had overslept. We arrived at Tokyo at the evening.
I had little tired for transportation snarls caused by people making family visits during the holidays, the day was able to sleep well. :)

I enjoy summer vacation now, but a lot of homework is left to me...... I must clean up to the homework.

Blog#6 : My summer vacation in Taiwan (Thao Nguyen)

    Hello everyone! 

    What have you been doing lately? Are you enjoying your summer vacation?

    I had an extremely wonderful summer vacation this year and I am going to share with you now: "My three-week study in Taipei, Taiwan".

    The purpose of this summer vacation was to study Chinese language and the culture of Taiwan. Just three weeks? Yeah! It's not long but it was enough for me to know generally about Taiwanese people and their culture. Spending this vacation with me were eight students: three from Gakushuin University, four from Gakushuin Women College, two high school students: one from Mie province and one from Fukushima. We lived together like a big family in a dormitory of Togo University and spent three weeks there with joy and peace. This was probably the happiest summer vacation in my life. Here we are:

In a Japanese room of Togo University
(with 1 senior, 2 teachers and 2 Taiwanese students.)

Pineapple Cake Lesson

     We had Chinese lessons five times a week, in the morning from Monday to Friday. In the afternoon of Monday, Wednesday and Friday we had Cultural lessons learning about, for example, how to make Rice dumplings 粽子 for Tango Festival, make 凤梨酥 - the famous Pineapple Cake of Taiwan, or do the famous Chinese 'paper-cut' etc...In Tuesday and Thursday, we studied Taiwanese children 's fairy tales and songs.

     On the first Sunday of our trip, we visited Gugong ‘故宫‘ - Taiwan National Museum. It is one of the biggest museums in the world with more than 690,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artworks. All of us were very excited to see the famous 翠玉白菜‘Jadeite Cabbage‘. There were so many tourists who came from the China main land that we had to line up for about thirteen minutes to reach the place of the Cabbage. It was a pity that we could not use our cameras, therefore I have nothing to show you now.
    

Gugong 's Main Gate

    Next, have you ever heard about Night Market in Taiwan ? If you visit Taiwan, people there will probably guide you to a night market. Night market 夜市 is one of the most popular traits in Taiwanese culture. Every night, night markets are liven up with light and noises, and the special smell of the famous Bean Curd 臭豆腐 ( called 'choudoufu' in Chinese ). Some of us could not stand the smell of it, but to tell you the truth, I am in love with this Choudoufu. Although Night market has everything you want, food, drinks, clothes, shoes, daily essential items...it is still the market of the youth. Taiwanese young people always go there with friends.

      Not only in night markets, you can enjoy fabulous Taiwanese food on the street. My favourite is 麵線 'mianxian' or 'misua', one type of soup noodles with pork intestines. This one was incredibly delicious. I still remember the first time I ate mianxian is on August 10th, when we eight people went to Taipei River to watch the Firework Festival. I believe both mianxian and fireworks are unforgettable to me.

lol great!great!great!

     Here is my video about this firework festival. I am so sorry because this video is not clear, but I hope at least it could show you how it was.
      Thank you. Hope to see you soon!

   
      

Blog#5: My hometown - Nhatrang City (Thao Nguyen)

  Hello everyone! Glad to meet you again!
  I am going to introduce my hometown, Nhatrang City in Vietnam. Nhatrang is famous for its long white seashore and many beautiful beaches which include a main beach long along the city and the others belonging to many islands around. The main beach like in the picture below is always full with white sand and green trees.

Nhatrang has about 200 islands, many of them are famous destination for resorts, aquariums, entertainment activities and diving. The biggest island lies in front of the city and shields it, which makes Nhatrang bay always calm with gently flowing waves. This island now became the biggest resort of the city with a luxury hotel and many amusement grounds. Foreign tourists call it 'Vinpearl Land'. Thanks to Vinpearl Land, Nhatrang hardly meet no storms.

Mia Resort in Nhatrang

  Nhatrang has many universities, academic institutes in which people mainly study about the sea, marine ecosystems, and irrigation systems as well. Besides, the city also is called 'the city of hotels' because hotels are everywhere.
  You can also enjoy fresh seafood at the beach and many tropical fruits. The price is acceptable.


  Watch the video below to know more about my hometown:

Thank You.

Blog#5: Takaido(Takehiko)

Hello, today I introduce My hometown. I live in Takaido. Takaido is in Tokyo, Suginami-ku. Takaido is famous for waste incineration plant. This waste incineration plant has a very tall chimney. I think it is landmark of Takaido. This plant burned many wastes everyday.(But now, this waste incineration plant has been stopping because to prepare for rebuilding the new waste incineration plant)
Thanks to burning the wastes, we can swim in the pool. Why?? Heat is produced by burning the waste. This heat is used to warm the water of pool. That's why we can swim in the pool. Pool is called "Takaido indoor pool", is in near the waste incineration plant. Adults 250 yen, up to junior high school students will cost 130 yen for the use of the pool.
These two buildings are near the Takaido station. Takaido is served by Keio Inokashira Line. It has only one line of the train.

The chimney of Takaido waste incineration plant

The river is flowing in Takaido. The name of the river is called the Kanda River. It is very clear river, so the Kanda River is class A river! In spring, cherry blossoms near the Kanda river blooms very beautiful! Some people do the cherry blossoms viewing. This is called "Hanami" in Japanese.

The cherry blossoms of Kanda River(Night landscape)

If you go to Takaido, you should go to hot spring! Takaido is also famous for hot spring. This is called "Utsukushino-yu". Utsukushino-yu is in near the Takaido station. In addition,it is in front of ring road No.8. Utsukushino-yu has some kind of baths.  Large bath, open-air bath and sauna are in this place. This hot spring has the effect of recovery to fatigue, relax muscle, improve bad circulation and more. On weekdays, adult 900 yen, children are available at 700 yen. When it comes to holiday, entrance fee will be a little high. So I recommend to go to this hot spring in weekdays. :)

If you come to Takaido, you had better go to the these three spots! Thank you :)

Blog#5 My home town (Masaki)

 I want to introduce group F my home town. This is Musashi Kosugi in Kanagawa prefecture Kawasaki city. Do you kwow Musashi Kosugi? I have been living there since I was born so I love Musashi kosugi. Musashi Kosugi is called "Kosugi" or "Musako". I usually call it "Kosugi". Kosugi is useful for train. Kosugi is between Shibuya and Yokohama so I can go in about 20 minites both.

Kosugi is 5 lines "Tokyu Toyoko" "Tokyu Meguro" "Syounan Shinjyuku" "JR Nanbu" "Tokaido".

                                    And there are many high building near the station. 

They were made recently. I feel Kosugi `s growth because there was no such thing before. But I want more movie theater , game center ,bowring alley. There is no play place.  

                   If you go to Kosugi, please go to "Todoroki Stadium" ! This is Kawasaki Frontale`s home stadium. I have not watched Frontale`s games but I want you to see it! And There is baseball stadium  I have played baseball there! You can see the high school baseball.  And you can play in the near park.

 Kosugi is very interesting place! Please come on!  Thank you!