Halal Certified Restaurant

I think you would've a hard time finding Halal certified restaurant in Tokyo.The restaurant which I introduced here serves Halal certified noodles.so you can eat it without worries.

Access:

From Subway Jimbocho Station, A7 Exit.

Right

Right

The shop is located three minutes away on foot.

It seems to be Chinese chain restaurant.

https://lanzhou-lamian.com/english

Take your order at the entrance but we only have Mazulu halal beef noodle for 950 yen and then please select the thickness of the noodles.

Mazulu halal beef noodle is garnished with beef, radishes and Chinese chili oil as well as sprinkled with coriander and leaf garlic. 

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The town where John Lennon loved so well

Take the train Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station,heading to the south about one hour.There's a Train Station which named Tsujido. This is my hometown.

Yoko Ono,she was a John Lennon's wife.Her mother's home was in Tsujido. According to the people who lived there for a long time,John Lennon has  ever visited there with his family.

John Lennon has visited there every years since 1976.It seemed like John Lennon likes there very much. Chigasaki,the name of its town is a quiet place with facing the ocean.It used to be a holiday villa area for upper class people those who lived in Tokyo.

It is said that during the periods of his stay in Chigasaki, he enjoyed play tennis,strolled down to the beach and visited ancient city Kamakura.

I don't know that's true or not but there's a rumor that if John Lennon is still alive,he would've live in Chigasaki after his retirement life. You know that mean maybe I could be friend with John Lennon.I really wanted to enjoy surfing,fishing,cycling and watching fireworks at the beach in summer with him.

There's nothing other than the Beach in this town.but the people who lives there takes it easy and to be nice. Chigasaki is my kind of town.

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Going back to Cali

Driving on the freeway from LAX,I'm heading up 101 to the north. Every time I tried to change the lanes on the freeway,I made a same mistake over and over again to put windshields on instead of a blinker on because I just arrived from Tokyo but gradually reducing that kind of mistake when I driving around Thousand Oaks.The freeway 101 ascends steepy from there. I've been listening to KIIS-FM in the car radio since I've started driving from LAX but gradually faded out its voice and can listening to Spanish radio instead when my Chevy going downhill. I always afraid of driving when I going this downhill because I lost my sense of speed when I going down there.I can see the Camarillo Premium Outlet.I will be soon arrive at my destination.

I just arrived at Oxnard that takes about one and half hours which includes traffic jam.I think of Oxnard as my second home.Although there are nothing particular in this town but I love this town which surrounded farmland and greener grass.There are many Mexican so I had a opportunity to talk with Mexican people.sometime I felt that I shoud've study Spanish in order to lively conversations with them.

There was nothing to do aside from surfing. so I went to the K-MART or VONS to buy something that often. I loved a Baja Fresh's burrito and El Pollo Loco. Kampai is a typical American Japanese restaurant with sushi bar and teppan grill.my friend used to work at there.There's bar adjoining a Kampai.I used to watch Dodgers' game while drinking at the bar. It's really warm climate year round in there. If I lived rural area of Southern California like a Oxnard just once,I just wondering that can't live other places any more.

Usually I go surfing to Ventura but I asked my friend that I want to go to Silver Strand once in a while. He told me that I don't recommend to go surf in Silver Strand because it's hard to deal with localism. I accepted what he said so I'm going to Ventura as usual.Took the freeway to north and get off at California Street. Arrived at the beach in front of Crowne Plaza(ex Holiday Inn) and then turn right.There are any surf break over there.During the periods of staying in California, Surfing at the Ventura was my daily routine. Basically,it seems to be waves are subsided in the summer in here. but when it becomes winter,waves are big enough.The big storm near aleutian islands create the big waves on NorthShore Hawaii in the winter,big wave season begins in Ventura as well. I surfed Mondos Beach that often which located a bit north of the central Ventura.

Further drive freeway 101 to north,it takes about 15 minutes when you pass through Santa Barbara,you can see the pebble stone seashore.There are good waves along the cape,Rincon. Maybe Rincon is crowded surf spot than other area but crowd is interspersed at three distinctive take off spots,Indicator,River Mouth and cove. When the waves are perfect,riding wave at the Indicator can connect all the way to the inside of the Cove.

I'm going to take a short trip to hot springs.Sycamore is a place where a hot spring wells up. You can get there approximately three hours from LA by freeway 101 heading to north. Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort & Spa provides open-air naturally heated mineral spring hot tubs which surrounded by a beautiful rich wood fence with lattice to ensure your privacy from other guests. We are taking the hot springs which surrounded by nature,serene environment and fresh air. I really felt so happy that I was able to take the hot springs here in California. I realized like that when I looked up at the starry sky.

After we were refreshed by hot springs,we forgot that we are starving.we visited at Nipomo on our way back to Oxnard. Jacko's steak house is bustling with customers even though such a rural area like that. While we were waiting for our turn,we drunk some beer at the bar which adjoined a restaurant.I started a conversation with someone who sat next to me."I came all the way from Tokyo to eat steak which served here." He prourdly said that "The Best steak in the world." Actually I came to California to visit my friend who lives in Oxnard and I wanted enjoy surfing but it's true that I desperately wanted to come back to this steak restaurant.

A waitress called our name,our table is ready.We were wait for a long time but were not tired of waiting. I can see that so many steaks grilled over charcoal fire through the glass windows. The smell of steak grilled by charcoal fire make me hungry.We drunk California wine while waiting for a steak.presently our steaks are served on the table.A big steak which I ordered was grilled crispy outside and juicy inside.I think California wine is delicious that goes well with this steak.

There are so many restaurant which serves steak in the world.we can enjoy a good meal if we spend a lot of money.I don't know the steak which served here is the best in the world or not but apparently the one I ate here is the best ever to me. If I could come back to here,I would be very happy the rest of my life.

Driving on PCH 1 to south along the coast from Oxnard,I found a surf break so pulled over my car along the road near Neptune's Net which is well known as the shooting place for the movie "Point Break" by Keanu Reeves.A name of surf break there is County Line.I did surf for a while at there.When I was waiting for a wave at line up,someone or something came near to me from offshore. I looked at that carefully,Uh-oh,that was a seal.A seal passed through near me and keep swimming
for the shore. I've never seen the wild life seal so that was interesting to me.

Further down the PCH 1,we dropped in at Zuma Beach and Malibu.We didn't surf because there were no waves for surf that day so we gave up for surf but I love the atmosphere of Malibu because it remind me of my hometown.Next is Topanga Beach.I found the vicinity of Malibu that include Topanga Beach looks like Shonan which is my hometown in Japan.When I return to Japan,I would be nostalgic feeling when I watch the sea of Shonan. Pelicans are flying in the air. I've never seen that kind of birds in Japan.I see the Pelican at the zoo that was very strange to me.

Santa Monica is a very famous sightseeing spot but I felt good old days in America when I see an amusement park on the pier that remind of me that Santa Monica is a terminus of Route 66. We often came to Karaoke in Santa Monica from Oxnard at night because it provide tons Japanese song.

Venice Beach is right next door from Santa Monica. It's very commercialized place bustling with many people as well as Santa Monica.It feel like I was in the American TV dramas scene.What comes to my mind when I hear California Girl? A healthy blonde who enjoying a roller skates at Venice Beach but some of them I saw there were a bit overweight.

As I drove down on the PCH 1,The Los Angeles International Airport came into my view.Watching Japan Airlines' large airplane passed overhead of me while driving and touched down on the land of America.I had a happy feeling somehow to see that. I mean,I didn't see any Japanese people in America but definitely I'm not what I used to be. I don't know who were on the Japan Airlines' flight but when they are staying in America,we can share experience together in America. I've never thought of that before.Since I came to America,I gradually started thinking that I want to live my life as Japanese than American.

We dropped in at Hermosa Beach to surf.My friend made a proposal to has a meal at his favorite Japanese restaurant in Torrance after surfing.so we had a dinner at there.When it comes to the foods in America,it has add more seasoning like a sugar and salt compare to the one which served in Japan. Japanese restaurant in America are no exception.I think Japanese food is more healthy than any other
countries in the world.When it comes to the Japanese restaurant in America,it has a lot of seasoning that going to be ruin its taste.but the meal I ate at there were same taste that I ate in Japan. I guess there's many Japanese people lives in Torrance that why the Japanese restaurant in Torrance doesn't have to be suited to American tastes.

America food is really big and added more salt and sugar in it.I guess American food organization trying to promote purchase of ingredients to revitalize domestic economy.I wonder how do they tackle with wasted food and obese tendency?
My hometown in Japan is near the U.S military base.I watched American movie a lot.I have been inspired by wonderful American culture since I was a young boy. But when I actually came to America and see it with my own eyes,it seems to be many people those who living in there are suffer from obesity.Actual American were not movie star I watched in American movie in Japan.During the periods of staying in America,I ate whatever I want but didn't eat too much and eat left over in the next morning in order to stay my shape and to reduce food waste.
I really love American food.Burrito which has a lot of guacamole and sour cream,Reese's peanut butter chocolate and countlessly many kind of Gatorade.I don't see those stuff in Japan.Hamburger and pizza which served in America are much more delicious than the one which served in Japan.

Next destination is Huntington Beach.We stayed at Chinese owned motel along the Hwy 39.It's very convenient place to stay.We can go to the shopping mall,movie theatre and supermarket anytime we want.
Basically the waves were a bit dumping but Huntington Beach is a special place for surfer.we can surf in the morning only during the summer. A lifeguard who rode on a jet ski approaching to lined up surfer to force out of the water in the afternoon because there are so many beachgoers in Huntington Beach.

San Clemente,The beach located in front of the Amtrack Station and Amtrack running along the ocean in this area.The ocean is beautiful,I like the atmosphere of this place. I've heard that San Clemente has produced famous pro surfer one after another but I didn't see any pro surfer in the water.I think it's because the waves are small that day but I enjoyed the warmer water anyway.

We moved to Oceanside.The people who walking down on the street wearing a Padres cap.I can't see Angeles or Dodgers cap anymore. I've already visited Oceanside several times because I like unpretentious atmosphere of this town that made me visit there that often.I'm happy to hear that my friends like this town too.Oceanside is one of my favorite town in Southern California.

We were starving after surfing,so look for the place for lunch.I found IN-N-OUT but looked at carefully its sign.it shows Angelo's Burger that confusingly similar sign.Anyway,we had a lunch at Angelo's Burger. As it shown a sigh "Angelo's Burger". but it has not only Hamburger but also Mexican like a TacoBell, Fried chicken like a KFC, Sandwiches like a Subway,Hot dog and Gyro.I think Gyro is a Greek food. I just curious what kind of restaurant Angelo's Burger is. but it's funny,I liked it.

We moved to Carlsbad,Delmar and La Jolla is a final destination.And then,go back to Oxnard.

We've gone through surf trip to Southern California like that.I found that there's not a good waves everyday like a Hawaii or Bali. Every time I see a footage of surfing in California,I admired its quality of the waves.I think those kind of footage filmed in California are only good waves.They don't have to filmed bad waves.Even though some footage filmed bad waves,it looks good waves because expert surfer made it better. I was born and raised in Japan which surrounded by the ocean. I recognized that Japan is a ideal place for surfing as well as California.But California is a place of origin for surf culture.It is very important to see and feel its way of surfing and fashion that making progress every day.

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Oregon

Planning Snowboarding trip:
I'm just thinking of plan a Snowboarding trip in search of powder snow.
When should I going? January is the coldest in a year in order to improve the probability to seek the powder snow.

Where to go? Travel period is two weeks but I'd rather choose minimum traveling time for transportation as possible as I can.Hokkaido? I live near Tokyo so Hokkaido is the nearest ski resort to me but I've ever been there many times.Vancouver? I already visited there twice and is accessible because there are direct flights from Tokyo to Vancouver and I know there are direct shuttle bus services to Whistler from the airport.I understand what to do and where to stay in Whistler or downtown Vancouver that gonna be reduce my stress but I just wanna look for somethings to stir me up.

Oregon? I've heard from someone who I met in America last time,he said that if you are powder hounds I recommend you visit Mt.Bachelor.Gerry Lopez who is the famous Surfer was completely fascinated by powder snow in Mt.Bachelor and he decided to moved to Oregon.Those facts which I mentioned above made me interested in Oregon.I made up my mind to visit Oregon.I booked a Delta Airline's flight tickets to Portland from Tokyo immediately and started preparation for Snowboarding trip to Oregon.

Portland Oregon:
The plane which I boarded touch down on the runway safe and sound at the Portland International Airport in the United States of America.A Black man cabin attendant near me opened the plane window shade and looked out of the window.He lamented that Oh,I've never seen sunny Oregon.
Portland International Airport,its building unified with green carpet that make me feel to reduce my tension. Heading to Downtown Portland,I was looking for an accommodation and checked in the Indian own cheaper motel which located a little far from downtown area.I left my heavy backpack in the room and took a stroll around the Downtown area.

It's raining today.Every time I came to a region in northwestern America like a Seattle or Vancouver,it always rains.Portland is no exception. I've heard that the air crosses from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains that forces the moist air into the atmosphere,enhancing the thick clouds and steady rainfall in northwest of America that why bring heavy snow fall on the mountains.
Even though it's rainy,the local people doesn't carry an umbrella.It's really cold in there but they wearing a T-shirt without warm jacket.I just wondering that Japanese and White men are different anatomy.

The city that covered by thick clouds is rainy in the semi dark all day long but make me feel better when I feel a nice flavor of coffee.I think its taste in the northwestern region much better than any other cities.Running cars in the city turning on its headlights from the daytime that was strange thing to me.In Japan,we rarely turn on the vehicle headlights during the daytime even though it's in the dark. I think the American are more practical than Japanese.

I was impressed at the Powell's book store and nearby stores such a Cafe or Deli that feels like I was at the Notting Hill.Though I've never been to Notting Hill.Anyway I loved at there.Apparently American read a lot of books than Japanese.We are not read as much books as you think.It's very common the one wearing business suits reading a comic magazines which pervasive sex and violence in the commuter trains in Japan.American books are very big like a phone book with thick hardcover but Japanese books are very small like a pocket notebook because we have 130 million population in the small land.Japan's land is a little smaller than California.so we need to downsize everything in Japan.

I took a bus,it's already dark.I saw the night view in the rain from the window of the moving bus.Raindrops on window are shinning by night view. I like the idea of Purple Rain.The bus driver turned on the radio and let the passenger listen to the local FM station.I just listening to Boyz II Men - On Bended Knee from FM station.
The bus stopped in front of the Hawthorne bridge. I was surprising to see the bridge suddenly raised to let the ship pass through.I was the only one to surprise to see that.Eventually the bus passed through on the Hawthorne bridge as if nothing had happened.I dropped off the bus in front of the Youth hostel on the Hawthorne Blvd and checked in the hostel.

Portland Hawthorne hostel is a old big house but very cozy which surrounded by green.Hawthorne district is a fantastic town that in the suburb of Downtown Portland.I really loved at the atmosphere of the Hawthorne district.

I'm staying at the dormitory room in the Youth Hostel that meas have no choice in the shared living room other than go to bed.Backpackers,Students and a Business man who taking a business trip.There were all sorts of people showed up in the living room.I found the American to be very friendly, making strangers feel at home and immediately welcome.Sometime I feel that when I being with American,they seems to be acting their role in the movie scene.I wonder that I was able to play a role of Japanese snowboarder who came from Tokyo in this movie scene?

In Tokyo,Basically we don't talk with stranger.we gonna have to behave special care when we talk with older one that not going to be functional that city.but I feel very comfortable since I came to America because I don't have to hesitate to start a conversation with stranger and I can say whatever I want to say.

Snowboarding in Oregon:
I took a Greyhound bus from Portland to Bend.The bus driver let me off at the bus depot in Bend but nothing stands around there.I didn't know how to get to the youth hostel in Bend.I should have ride in a taxicab from bus depot but I'm not rich enough everywhere go by taxi and I didn't know any amount was suitable for a tip because Japanese don't custom for a tip that discourage me from take a taxi.
so I asked someone for a direction to Downtown Bend and started to heading to
Downtown to carry heavy back-pack on my back.

I was able to get to Downtown Bend anyway but have to take a walk over again to the youth hostel.Maybe I walked through to the youth hostel from Greyhound's bus depot for an hour with carried heavy back-pack.

I rang the doorbell at the youth hostel in Bend,A tall manager opened the door and appeared in front of me and said Thank you for going out of your way from Tokyo.He welcomed me warmly.I'm going to stay there for a week.

There is a bus stop near youth hostel for free shuttle bus to Mt.Bachelor. I bought one week pass lift ticket.lift tickets in America are incredibly expensive nowadays but I was able to buy it cheaper two decades ago.I might not go snowboarding in America anymore but I was lucky to able to snowboarding in Colorado, Utah, California and Oregon.

Mt.Bachelor is a big scale ski resort.Especially I like near the top of the mountain which surrounded untouched nature.It's gonna be wonderful if I had a powder snow but I haven't had any new snow so far.

On my way back to youth hostel, I found a take out pizza shop which lined up many people.Its smell from the pizza shop was tempting so I bought a pizza which contain lots of mushrooms in it.That pizza was the best pizza I've ever had.
Mt.Bachelor wasn't developed long stay ski resort like a Vail or Whistler that time. so there was nothing to do at night.I didn't have a rent-a-car so I had a trouble to go to the Supermarket but sometimes someone who stay at the hostel asked me to take me to the Supermarket by car that was really pleased about that.

Next morning, I put some pizza in the microwave which leftover yesterday at the kitchen.someone said out of the kitchen that what a nice smell.he said to me that you must be a very good at cooking.To be honest,I just heated leftover pizza in the microwave,I'm not good at cooking but I didn't say that.

I know that Mt.Bachelor is well known for its powder snow in America.I came all the way from Tokyo in search of powder snow.I came to Oregon in the best ski season in January.I bought an one week pass and staying there for four days but basically snow condition has been icy.The weather forecast said that will not be expect new snow for a while,so I made a decision to leave Mt.Bachelor and move to Mt.Hood.

I told a manager of the hostel that I'm going to leave this hostel ahead of schedule for move to Mt.Hood.He inquired me with concern that Do you have any idea how to get there or where are you going to stay? You know I've ever traveled many countries by myself,it's peace of cake for me those kind of preparation.I didn't say that to him but I told him that I already checked there's a Greyhound bus to Mt.Hood from Bend and I already made a reservation for accommodation near Mt.Hood.

Next day,I came back to Government Camp,the base of Mt.Hood.What do I mean to came back? Actually this is the second times to come to Mt.Hood.I was here a couple years ago to join the snowboarding summer camp so I'm already familiar with this town.I still remember everything about that.I know there's a restaurant,
grocery stores and bar those all are in walking distance.

I checked in at the Huckleberry Inn which has the dormitory rooms so I can stay there cheaper but a manager will kick me out on weekend because already booked up on weekend for group travelers.I accepted what he said because I came here on Monday and go back to Tokyo on this weekend.

Skibowl is a really close from Huckleberry Inn.It's in the town.It is said that America's largest night ski area.Indeed,all terrain are lit for night skiing but I doubt about it because I went to Snow Summit in southern California which was same scale as Skibowl.I don't care which one is the largest night ski area but I don't believe "America's best".For example,I was gather some tourist pamphlet at the tourist information in SF,many of them emphasized that the best place to visit in USA.and then,I did the same thing in LA,the tourist pamphlet said that the best place to visit in USA.I saw a lot of the best hamburger in USA,I saw a lot of the best pizza in USA.I don't literally believe that the define of "America's best" anymore.

Timberline Lodge,its building is well known as the shooting place for the movie "Shining" by Jack Nicholson.The snow never melt even in the summer.Like I said, I've ever joined Snowboarding summer camp about a couple of years ago at there.
We learned the half-pipe or slalom lessons in the morning.Its program offers not only snowboarding lessons.After the snowboarding lessons,they offer another activities like a MTB,Wakeboarding,River rafting and so on.Snowboarding summer camp also to providing for children's program.I definitely think the summer camp in America is really wonderful.

Since I've started to write this article that bring me back the memories while I was there.I began to think that I want to let my daughter to participate the summer camp in America regardless snowboarding camp.Even though with a different language and culture that sometimes made her uncomfortable but eventually those experience while she was young must be has a rich imagination and expand her possibility.The experience in Oregon gave me a new dream.

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Kugenuma Beach / Kugenuma Kaigan, Kanagawa

Kugenuma Beach is well known as birthplace of Beach Volleyball,Beach tennis and Surfing in Japan.It has a shallow seashore has waves for surfing everyday,There are many Beach volleyball courts and Beach Tennis courts on the beach which has a 150 meters width.Many people coming to Kugenuma Beach to enjoy each sports.

Access:
Take Odakyu Line to Kugenuma Kaigan Station.
It takes about 10 minute on foot from Kugenuma Kaigan Station.

When you pass through a ticket gate at Kugenuma Kaigan Station,you can see a view like this,please take a walk along this arrow.

Turn your left.

Turn your right.

When you turn your left,you can see an underpass.

Go through an underpass.

Go straight till pass through that building.

Finally, we are arrived at the beach.

You can see the Mt.Fuji on your right.

You can see the Enoshima on your left.

Kugenuma is famous for surfing.Its shallow seashore being suitable for beginners.No matter there were no waves for surfing other area,this place has waves so you could be surfing anyway. Kugenuma Beach provides a large parking lot and efficient access from the train station that going to be crowded with many surfers.

Please relax in the greenery park.

There is a cafeteria.

I recommend to get Taco which given lots of vegetables for 350yen.

When you go back to the roadside,you can find a McDonald's.There's so many surf shops around there,each shop rents surfboards and surf school.

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