Toshikoshi soba

This is soba (buckwheat noodle) that my father made. He sometimes makes soba as a hobby. It is a Japanese tradition having Soba on New Year's Eve. He opens an exclusive soba delivery shop for his friends and neighbors once a year on this day.

Wagashi for New Year

Wagashi (Japanese sweets) for New year. Finely detailed.

Each has a shape of a lucky charm. Komedawara (traditional rice back made of straw) on the lower right is a symbol of rich harvest. The letter on Ema (votive plate) shaped one on the lower left is Ne (mouse), which is the zodiac sige of coming new year. I am not sure about the upper one...

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Churaumi Aquarium is in Okinawa Ocean Expo Park. It is one of the hottest places in Japan, even though it is not convenient to get there from cities.

Ocean Expo Park

Flower turtles: Baby on the top.

Shiisa ( Lion shaped god in Okinawa area.)

Aquarium

We can touch starfish in the pool. I didn't...

Tropical fish

Small fish Colourful fishes
It is lunch time!

This is the largest acrylic window in the world.

Hello whale shark!: He is 7m long. He is very famous.

Hello Manta!
Teatime with whale sharks

Okinawa beach

I went on a trip to Okinawa. Okinawa is a southern island and it is still warm in December, maybe around 20-25 degree. It is perfect for relaxing days off.
Unfortunately, it was raining heavily, when I arrived at the hotel. I sat back and enjoyed the Christmas decoration inside the hotel.

The rain went away the next morning. The sea in Okinawa is beautiful emerald green.

Breakfast with ocean view.
I took a morning walk around the beach.

Mam and Dad are trying to take a good shot.

Crumbled corals are everywhere on the shore.

Sunset in the cloud.

Tropical flower

I am sure I will be back to Okinawa again!

Peko-chan

Peko-chan is Fujiya, candy maker's trademark. Peko-chan changes her dress with season. It is Christmas season now. She is popular as a character in some countries.

Packed Sushi

I bought a packed Sushi at a fishmonger for dinner. Not so good as Sushi at Sushi restaurants. But good enough as ready to eat. Tuna, Salmon roe, squid, scallop, prawn...