Travelog for: Buxi

Say Good bye to 2012
Japanese people have many parties called "Bo-nen kai" in December. Bo-nen kai is a drinking party where they begin to forget about the problems in this past year and look forward to the new year.


(oops, the battery of camera is empty...)
We were just about to eat Shabu-shabu... (Only boiled water in the pot at that time)

Happy New Year! - Akemashite Omedetou!
Osechi Ryouri & Ozouni
Hi
The new year day in Japan is very calm. Family people meet together at their parents' house to celebrate the New Year, wishing for the future health of everyone.
The first meal in the new day is Osechi Ryouri and Ozouni. The New Year's food arranged in the lacquer boxes and special soup with rice cakes, vegetables, etc.

Melon Pan - a type of sweet bun from Japan
In Japan, western food is often developed and changed in its own way by fusing with Japanese original culture.
It's interesting. What do you think?

P.S. Oh, I know I always eat... 

Yashima Shrine
This shrine was built in 1651 by Matsudaira Yorishige, the first Feudal Load of Takamatsu. It is the place where to worship his grandfather Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
When we visit the shrine, first we wash hands. I know that old tap is often decorated everywhere in the world. In Japan lots of shrine and temples have "Doragons" like this.
Then we went up to the long steps of stone and looked back... wow!

I saw lots of the written oracles tied to the wires pulled between poles in the shrine grounds. When the result is bad, it is a custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a pine tree or a wall of metal wires.
Good luck!

Izakaya --- A kind of Tavern, Brewpub... I think. Izakaya is popular for drinking. You can also have good food with non-alcohol drinks there.
Today we enjoy Torinabe. Nabe-ryouri is popular cuisine in Japan.
It's a little like our "fondue"? It's cooking various things in a pot.
Nabe-Ryouri(Nabemono)
Torinabe is also called "Mizutaki", Chicken meat and vegetables stewed in a chicken soup.
Yakitori (chicken BBQ) is also tasty. 

Origami box
I made a cute box covered with Sakura pattern.
It's easy to make.
The last one step is making round arch by pushing inside the box-cover. It gives the box "Japanese taste". 

Sayonara, Japan!
haha... I gained a lot of weight...

Buxi has arrived back safely at home.
I just wanted to thank each has been a home for Buxi and for the lovely gifts.
Thank you and maybe see you next time

Buxi