Goose Bumps Happenings while Wondering Matsumoto Castle in Nagano Japan

A lot's of the beautiful place in this world but there are few of those places that people choose to travel a million miles to visit, and one on that list is JAPAN. today I just want to share my unforgettable experience while exploring Matsumoto castle in Nagano Japan. Matsumoto Castle a.k.a the "Crow Castle" can be found in the city of Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture. it is my first castle invading since I decide to visit each castle prefecture of Japan to learned their history.

 (credit for accesj.com)

The Matsumoto Castle has a wonderful observation deck on the each floor. at the backyard Nearby the Matsumoto castle, there's a small water pond with many Ducks and Swan swimming below the red bridge.

 (credit for flowvella.com)

at the main front of the Matsumoto castle, a big space of grass yard who makes the castle looks more Beautiful.

 (credit for changeiswhatweare.com)

the overcast skies cleared up the moment I stepped into Matsumoto castle. As if God wanted to help me out take the best angle of Matsumoto Castle at that time. When I finally got to the inside, I was surprised. It was much bigger and keep it awesome than I thought it would be. The Beautiful castle keep, eh? It is also relatively new.

They had an entire floor dedicated to the ancient Japanese tools and Samurai with armors, guns, spears, and countless swords that were all authentic. There was also a large wooden model of the entire Matsumoto castle. such a wonderful historical experience wondering the site until happenings break my moments.
 while taking some shot of the best-armored samurai inside, I accidentally captured the cleared image of a little girl beside the armored samurai. I was so shocked and goose bump seeing my first paranormal shot in my whole life.

 "Ghost in my Shot"

Other Details:

Hours
8:30 to 17:00 (until 18:00 around Obon and Golden Week)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time. 

Closed
December 29 to January 3 

Fees
610 yen

Access:
The castle is a 15 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride on the "Town Sneaker" Northern Course bus loop line from JR Matsumoto Station.

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Selfie with the Biggest Statue of the World "Ushiku Daibutsu"

Like all good statues,  Japan has a lot of impressive Buddha statues, probably a lot more than you’d think.

(credit from Punditfromanotherplanet)

A lot of them claim to be the largest, tallest, heaviest etc. of their type, but Ushiku Daibutsu used to be the tallest statue in the WORLD until recently and is noted in the Guinness Book of Records.

You can go inside the Ushiku Daibutsu, with four levels open to the public. These include prayer and study halls, but for the non-devout like myself, there's the attraction of the observation deck located 85 metres up, embedded in Amitabha's chest.

As a long-time fan of going up tall buildings, this is a good thing. The statue also appears to be the highest point for quite some distance, being visible from all the surrounding area, therefore commanding an impressive view.

below and surround the statue ground, there is a small zoo park of few animals such as rabbit, squirrels, goats, piggery who available to touch and play with. such an amazing experienced for animal lovers like me.

Access:
Get off at JR Ushiku Station, head to the East Exit (東口) and from bus gate #2 take the bus heading to “Ushiku Daibutsu” (牛久大仏). The bus ride will take about 20-30 mins.

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Honoring my Favorite Japanese Ancestor "Nezumi Kozō Grave" at the Ekō-in Ryōgoku Tokyo

First Let me Introduced you about 'Nezumi Kozo' of Japan, from googling it on the web about him, Nezumi Kozo' are the name of Japan's famous thief from the 19th century. he stole money from rich people who earned in dirty ways and offered to poor people the long time ago. he regarded as the hero at that time.

 (credit from Pingmag)

last Obon in Japan which means "honor the spirits of one's ancestors"  (a.k.a お盆),  I give him a first visit of His gravestone in Eko-in temple around Tokyo,

 (credit from mapio.net)

and shave a piece of stone from his grave because it was thought and believed by many to to bring good fortune if you shaved off a piece of his stone grave. But now it is banned Since it gets smaller for a lot of people doing it on.

he also known as the Robin Hoods of Japan? because he risks his lives to help the common people.

he might not have the popularity in the World like we all know about Robin Hood in the cartoon and movie we used to enjoy, but he make up for it with awesome ninja skills and bags of rats.

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Throwback: My Owakudani 大涌谷 Memories

 (me, waiting the Sky Gondola to Owakudani site)

 (Sky Gondola Station)

(I took a short video while riding on the Gondola)

with a lots of destination surround Japan, Owakudani adventure is one of my favorite moments.
back on my 2012 life, We visit to see the famous Owakudani Valley (a.k.a, The Hell Valley); in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. an ancient crater with sulfurous hot springs in which eggs are cooked. You can see steam rising from holes in the ground, do not know why they call it ‘Big Hell’.

 (大涌谷 Owakudani)

(some moments inside the Sky Gondola station and Owakudani Ashi Lake Pier)

Many people lined up for the black eggs (Kuro-Tamago) so we are too and we bought a packet too at a cost of 500 yen for 6 eggs and eat it. The eggs smell slightly sulphuric and they believe that eating these eggs increase longevity. Eating one egg is said to add seven years to your life.

I bought 2 pack more and brought at home and give to some friends,

We supposed to ride and wondered more on the place by cruising Ashi lake but we couldn't make it to the right time of an hour by hour voyage so (so, disappointed) so we decided to explore only the entire pier.

ACCESS: 
Walk to Odawara Station
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara Station to Gora (45 min) (interval of 10 ~ 15 min)
Take Cable Car to Sounzan (9 min) (interval of 20 min) Board Ropeway to Togendai (was under repair and took substitute bus instead) Take Pleasure Boat across Lake Ashi. Alight at Hakone-machi.

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Checking out my Expired Beauty Products

hey, guys, I've done a little research about how to determined the shelf life of our make up. because like you also there I probably don't pay attention to little logos on my beauty products because they'd just so vague.

have you noticed a little symbol on a jar or tub of your beauty products? hey!  that’s your beauty products expiration date, From when we open that product for the first time, that number is how many months that the product is usable.

It won’t necessarily rot or disintegrate past that time, but that is how long the company can claim the product is effective, basically (by stylecaster.com).

It occurred to me that I might not be alone in this habit, so I wanted to share what I'd found with you but first, let me tell you the bad effect for using an expired cosmetics below.  



 
* Mascara - using expired mascara Mascara can be a ground for bacteria, so it's not surprising if you've found your eyes getting getting itchy, watery and red eyes.     

 

* Lipstick - using an expired lipstick can be caused your lips super dry.

(tampabay.com)

 

* Foundation - using an expired foundation can caused your skin a damage like pimples and freckles.

(sheknows.com)

 


* Nail Polish - expired nail color can make your nails texture unstable.

(koreadepart.com)

 

* Perfume - expired perfume can cause your neck irritated.

(popsugar.com)

 

* Eye shadow - using expired eye shadow can cause itchy and more.

(sleekmakeup.com)

if you care your skin throw away that expired cosmetic to save your skin for any bad reaction.

-here are the shelf lives of cosmetic product-
Oil-Free Foundation: 1 year
Cream or Compact Foundation: 18 months
Concealer: 12-18 months
face Powder: 2 years
Blush and Bronzer: 2 years
Cream Blush: 12-18 months
Powder Eye shadow: 2 years
cream Eyeshadow: 12-18 months
Eyeliner: 2 years
Liquid eyeliner: 3-6 months
Mascara: 3 months
Lipstick: 2 years
Lip liner: 2 years
Lip gloss: 18-24 months
Nail Color: 1 year
source:www.ourvanity.com

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My Philippine Vacation: There is no Place Like home

Aside from tired and stress reason, I wanted to take a vacation from this cold freezing world here In the Japan where I base, it only lasts for about 2 weeks since the last vacation I've had back in 2014. today I just want to share my previous vacation on that time through an image of me with my family in the Philippines.

(from left is my sister,nephew,me,nephew, my father,elder sister and sitting below is my mother)

It doesn’t matter what I have brought or nothing something for them, as long as we seeing each other, it is home.

 (me eating Jollibee with my nephew and sisters)

In a way, spending time with my family is kind of like taking a breath in a middle of a long swim. Since I am so far away from home now that I am in living and working for a decade here in Japan, I might need a vacation sometimes.

 (ケイトのお母さんとお姉さん)

This way, when I go back into the village, I can do things as what I did on my childhood before.

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Throwback: First Ever French Restaurant Experience in Yokohama

my first Dinner on a French restaurant (Hanzoya located in Yokohama japan)was a truly wonderful experience. I remember I was taking a delicious bite of Chateaubriand steak when my friend leaned over and said in a gentle voice, Keep your hands on the table (hahahaha).

Table manners could be considered sacred, especially when you're on a class restaurant.
but certainly never mind for others as like me. Did you know that knowing our table manners gives us more confidence in embracing new dining experiences, whether It's dinner at a fancy restaurant, job interviews over a meal, or a meal at a friend's home.

Note to remember before having a meal to this kind of place base on my experience

-Dress code-
In order to get a proper treatment, you need to come in a proper attire in this kind of dining place. business casual attire, jackets are preferred.
taboo here are: jeans, sneakers, shorts, t-shirts or flip-flops. if you arrive wearing with this, doorman unfortunately not letting you in.

-Sitting-
Sit a comfortable distance away from the table, so that with the elbows bent the hands are level with the knives and forks.
Sit up straight, sit square with hands in the lap and do not fidget. Do not put elbows on the table.

-Ordering-
In the French restaurant, dinners don’t always order their entire meal at once. Instead, the waiter will often go around taking appetizer orders first, then go around again for the main course. Only, after all, food orders have been taken will drinks be ordered.

-Napkin-
Other French restaurants will immediately put their napkin on their lap, and some will not. after many times dining in their restaurant, I still have not quite figured it out. I have come to understand that is has nothing to do with class or education, you will not be poorly looked upon for not placing a napkin on your knees immediately.

-Hands-
in a french restaurant, it is important to see your hands at all times. Otherwise, who knows what you might be doing with them. but elbows and hands-Do do not place them on the table. It's considered unsanitary. And keep your hands out of your lap and up where they can be seen always.

-Wine, Champagne or any Drinks-
you don’t have to force yourself to drink it, if you don’t like alcohol and don’t feel guilty if you don’t. Wine drinking in France was optional. others are happy to drink for the cause.The French only fill the glass half way. A full glass is simply bad manners. To the French it does not make sense to put more liquid in a glass that is not almost empty. If you are not yet finished with what you are drinking, why to add more.

-Proper way of eating soup-
Hold the soup spoon by resting the end of the handle on your middle finger, with your thumb on top. Dip the spoon sideways into the soup at the near edge of the bowl, then skim from the front of the bowl to the back. Sip from the side of the spoon, avoid improper table manners and do not to slurp. To retrieve the last spoonful of soup, slightly tip the bowl away from you and spoon in the way that works best.

-Eating-
Do not begin eating until everyone has been served, unless the host or hostess gives their permission for diners to start.
Eat at a relaxed pace and pace yourself to match your fellow diners.
Keep your mouth closed and try to avoid making noises of any kind while eating, either with implements against the plate or teeth or with actual ingestion of the food.

-Sharing food-
I think "You just HAVE to taste..." sharing of small amounts is acceptable if only because it's so complimentary. Trading halfway through a course needs to be done quietly to be acceptable.

-After meal-
When you have finished, place your knife and fork - with the tines facing upwards - together on your plate, something like the image below.

If you are confronted with a plateful that is not to your taste, try to soldier on to avoid hurt feelings. Always compliment the cook.

Hopefully, this basic tutorial on French table manners will help you feel confident and comfortable during at your mealtime.

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IL PINOLO: What About Lunch?

The food has been good to great during every visit that I’ve made in recent days to IL PINOLO kawasaki branch. I would be in love with this restaurant based upon looks alone.

We visited during the day, but I just couldn’t help but show you this gorgeous dishes of IL PINOLO at day time lunch. In the front, there is a small fountain, lined with a wall Italian type, that is perfect.

 (最初のデッシュ)

(フォアグラ at the day)

 (my very first cream pasta with prawn クルマエビ)

(メインデッシュ)

(my favorite dessert)

 If you’ve had the pleasure of a trip to Japan,kawasaki. you will probably have eaten in (or at least seen) a spot that looks Just. Like. This.

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My Sweet Place to Eat: the Royal Host Family Restaurant

 Had a Date, you’re looking for a place to eat, you don’t have reservations. What’s the first thing you do? Check on your mobile phone for nearby hot restaurants. it's an hassle things to do right? Royal Host of Japan doesn't need a reservation at all. just come and your table is waiting anytime.

Since living here in Japan, Royal Host restaurant is one of my favorite places to eat breakfast,lunch and dinner. When coming here every time and Reading over their menu, I couldn't barely control my excitement for much good food to choose from. below dishes are some of my recommend food I love and I propose you to try when your stepping on to the Royal Host restaurant  here in Japan.

(あなたが一緒にいたいのがだれですか？)なんちゃって。。。。。。

(seafood and vegetable saute)

 (thai fish with spinach)

I honestly wanted to try nearly every single item listed and have never seen so much of this on other dining places around.

 (グラタンスープ)

my favorite brunch of dessert offered after the meal. from breakfast Coffee, pancake, and afternoon beer with sausage, chicken wing bowl, are just some of the mouth-watering items you have to choose from this restaurant.  image are one of my favorite new listed menu of Royal Host that every girl has to eat.

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My 5 Selfies Everywhere that Should not be Taken

My Selfies have come a long way this time, and, for better or worse, a lot of ladies and girls out there also nobody seems to think twice about taking them anymore. Ever since facebook and Instagram, we used to see a lots of selfies from funerals and bathrooms. me, too,  I've been snapping selfies pretty much everywhere. I know It's really not okay but my smartphone keep on inviting me to click on the shutter button (laughs )every time when I'm reaching on and doing this things below.

1. Shopping

 5. Drinking

  
3. Bathroom

4. Sleeping

5. Eating

 I've taken a look into my old selfies before and now and realize that this image above is hilarious selfies by me that never should been taken (lols).

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