In Japan, we are now enjoying one of the most comfortable seasons of the year. After the cherry blossoms, wisteria flowers bloom, and many beautiful flowers can be seen everywhere.
Now, I would like to share my highlights from April.
＜ Libera
I went to a concert by Libera, a boys’ choir from England.
When I was a junior high school student, I watched a movie about the Vienna Boys’ Choir, and since then I have loved boys’ voices.
(This photo is from the official website ↑)
Even now, I often go to their concerts. This time, I bought a good seat, but it was on the second floor and far away, so I could not see their faces.↑
However, the sound was very clear, and their voices were beautiful.
I listen to their music every night before going to bed. It always relaxes me.
The cherry blossoms along the Nagara River were in full bloom, and we drove through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
I really enjoyed the cherry blossoms again this year.
“Kodakara Onsen.”↓ had once been closed, but it reopened with support from crowdfunding.
It is now cleaner and more stylish. We love this hot spring very well.
(↑ This photo is from the official website )
I also enjoyed a delicious grilled eel bowl in Takasu town. The eel was freshly prepared and very tasty. ↓
In Hirugano, there was still some snow in the shade, but it was a perfect season for walking. The fresh green leaves and spring plants made me feel refreshed.
（Butterbur sprouts ）
On the way back, we had lunch at a restaurant in Omihachiman City where my second daughter works.
↑From the large windows, I could see cherry blossoms and Lake Biwa. It was a very beautiful place.
（Carpet of cherry blossoms↑）
<Watching a play
I went to see a play performed by a senior colleague.
My friend is three years older than me, and her performance, including long lines and local dialect, was wonderful. I couldn’t stop clapping.
This time, I also had the opportunity to support a blind woman who was looking forward to the theater performance. It was my first time doing this, but her charming smile and her “thank you” made me truly happy.
< Sore throat
Maybe I worked too hard taking care of my grandson with all my heart and soul, and I caught a cold again. I had a slight fever and then a bad cough. My sister told me that in our family, we often get sore throats when we are tired. I realized that we may have a weak throat as a family trait.
<Trip in Shiga
I stayed at my eldest daughter’s guesthouse, “Horitei 8” in Omihachiman City with some friends from Nara. We also visited a historic house named Nisikawa Jingoro’s Residence↑ and learned about its history.
<Grandson
I take care of my grandson every month.
He draws pictures for me. “Today, I’m going to draw your smiling face, Nosarin,” he said so casually—and got right to work. And the composition is always the same.
Right in the center… me! Around me are himself (on the left), his dad, his mom, his uncle, and Mi (our cat)…And for some reason, a tiny little grandpa tucked in there too (his usual spot!)
This time, he even added pink to the eyes. Looks like his style is getting more fashionable! Anyway, I somehow always stay in the center. I was glad to see that.
And recently he wrote his name for the first time.
<Baseball
The professional baseball season started in April. I enjoy watching games almost every day and cheering for the Hanshin Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers. It brings energy to my daily life.
Hello everyone! How are you? In Japan, the cold winter has finally come to an end, and the cherry blossom season is over.
This year’s Sakura were, as always, breathtakingly beautiful.
I hope you enjoy reading about my highlights from March.
🎿 A Longtime Dream Come True
I took a break from my studio and online exercise classes to join my grandson’s family on their first visit to the Hirugano ski resort. This was actually a long-held dream of mine. Thirteen years ago, we built a small lodge in Hirugano. In summer, it is a cool and refreshing paradise, but in winter, it becomes a quiet world covered in snow.
When I was a high school student, I joined a ski trip for the first time and fell in love with the crystal-clear scenery of white snow and blue sky. I remember thinking, “One day, I want to ski with my family.” That dream came true. Then I had another dream: “To ski with my grandchild one day.”
❄️ First Snow Experience in Hirugano
It was a 3-day, 2-night stay, and we were lucky to have wonderful weather. At the “Kids Land,” which felt almost like a private playground, my grandson had so much fun sledding and riding a snow bike. It was their first time seeing snow, and they were absolutely thrilled.
My husband and I also did a little skiing.
We think our grandson will want to try skiing next year, so we practiced a bit in preparation. For that, I need to keep my legs strong and healthy!
🌄 Bokka no Sato
On the afternoon of the third day, we visited Bokka no Sato during the winter season. The weather was perfect again, and we could clearly see the beautiful mountains— Mt. Hakusan, Mt. Bessan, and Mt. Dainichigatake. It was such a breathtaking panoramic view. My daughter’s family was also amazed and excited. I truly wish you could all see it too.
🦀 Crab Trip
We stayed at our favorite inn, “Kouya.” My husband has been visiting since he was 22 years old—that’s 53 years ago! And I have been going there for 45 years since we got married. It has been a very special family tradition, and we used to visit almost every year until COVID-19 happened.
The cheerful and warm landlady, who felt like another grandmother to us, passed away three years ago. We felt a little sadness, but the delicious crab and warm atmosphere remained the same, which made our hearts feel full.
And this time, I am proud of myself! For many years, I had the bad habit of eating too much crab and not being able to sleep…But this time, I managed to enjoy everything in moderation, and even had crab rice and miso soup for breakfast! ↑
The next morning, we took our usual walk along Satsu Beach and did radio exercises. And of course, I also collected a year’s supply of pinecones in the pine forest!
🏯 Izushi & Eirakukan Theater
On our way back, we stopped by Izushi as usual. We enjoyed the famous “Sara Soba,” and this time, we also took a relaxing walk around the old town. We visited the historic Eirakukan Theater, which has recently gained attention as a filming location for the movie Kokuhou. Even on a weekday, it was lively and full of visitors.
Many people seemed to be on an “excursion” to the film location, and everyone looked very excited! My son and I, who had seen the movie, kept saying, “This is that scene!” My husband, who hasn’t seen it, was also very interested.
We fully enjoyed the oldest traditional theater in the Kinki region.
As for the soba, we chose a restaurant called “Katsura” from among about 40 options. We waited for 30 minutes—quite rare for us—but it was absolutely worth it! It was the most delicious soba we’ve ever had.
＜My Grandson Learned to Ride Without Training Wheels＞
My grandson’s training wheels are finally off. On a peaceful riverside along the Kamogawa in Kyoto, watching him practice with his dad was so heartwarming that I found myself replaying the video over and over again. We had even borrowed the campus of Kyoto Institute of Technology (sorry about that!) to practice. So I had been thinking, “It’s only a matter of time,” but…
To our surprise, he managed to ride all by himself without anyone holding the bike even once.
Kids these days learn so quickly, probably because they grow up riding balance bikes without pedals. When we were children, there were no bikes made just for kids. We used to ride big, heavy bicycles, pedaling while standing. The joy and excitement I felt the moment I first learned to ride is still vivid in my heart even now.
< Punch-kun >
Lately, I watch a monkey named Punch-kun from Ichikawa City Zoo on Instagram. Once you start watching, you just can’t stop!
Thank you for reading today as well. I hope you’ll enjoy next month’s highlights too!
