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Local Info Yomiuriland-mae #1: Happiness Burger :)

Local Info Yomiuriland-mae pt.1

Happiness Burger #1

There are many shops and restaurants outside the south gate of Odakyu Yomiuriland-mae station, but what can you find around the north gate? Though fewer, there are very good restaurants and cafes on this side– that can be such a temptation on the way back to my sharehouse, Glan Yomiuriland-mae

People who come here for the theme park Yomiuriland usually take a bus to go straight to their destination, so they do not realize those hidden spots. So here we go, I am going to share the spots I’ve explored in this series!

From one minute from the north gate is Happiness Burger, an American-style burger shop. They have a variety of burgers, fries, drinks and snacks which I’m going to share in future posts. This time I’d like to share my favorite way of spending time there.

They have table seats too, but I usually like to drop by the shop after work, sit at the counter, and finish up work while munching on some yummyums. Currently because of covid, the hours are shorter (close around 8-9pm), but if not they will let you stay there as long as you want. There are some electric outlets and wifi (you do need to ask for the password however). More than anything, I like the coziness and spaciousness!

I stop by a few times every month, usually for a quick snack. Below is my favorite, Chili Cheese Fries (450 yen). The cheese is a little thick and sweet, chili isn’t so spicy, but when you are hungry and in need of quick remedy, it’s such a good way to fill your stomach! Look at this smily face, this one always puts a smile on my face too 🙂

Beginning in Spring

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When I moved into SR Kichijoji, it was a cold February. Walking around the streets I could still see the mountains of snow that had been pushed to the sides of the pathways. Thinking back now, it’s hard for me to remember how cold it was then, since I am now sitting under my AC right now trying to hide from the Summer heat that’s outside. So far I’ve experienced two seasons here in my sharehouse, and it’s been so interesting to see the contrast of Spring and Summer in Kichijoji.

At the beginning of Spring, it was still cold; but you could tell people were starting to come out of their Winter caves. The grass was getting greener, the plants were suddenly bursting into a lush colour and everyone was waiting with anticipation as the cherry blossoms started to bud.

Indeed, cherry blossom season is one of the best times to be in Kichijoji. Just like the explosion of blossoms, people come and cover every square inch of Inokashira park. I feel quite lucky with my home, since it only takes me 20 minutes to stroll over to the park. Needless to say, I ended up visiting the park during cherry blossom season everyday. Just like all the visitors to Inokashira park, I too had caught sakura fever.

Social Events with Share House Friends!

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The part I most looked forward to about living in a share house was making friends and getting to spend time with each other. Whilst the house is very quiet and you hardly ever see anyone, when you do cross paths you always end up having a lovely conversation or even meeting someone new. At Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa, we also have a LINE chat where we can contact each other and organise events. Since I’ve been at the house (approximately one month now), we’ve been to the fireworks together, had a hand rolled sushi party and watched movies together!

The first social event since I moved in was especially fun since I finally got to meet more of the people I was living with. On this occasion we went to the fireworks at Yamashita Park in Yokohama and then went to have dinner together afterwards. We spent the time getting to know each other better, admiring the pretty fireworks over the bay and laughing at each other’s funny stories.

After that we decided a few weeks later to have a hand rolled sushi party. Only five of us attended but it was so much fun! We rolled our own sushi, learnt about our different interests and chatted for a while after. Not only did I get to spend some fun time with friends but I got to experience another part of Japanese culture too! I’ve never made my own sushi before so rolling the sushi was as close as I’ve gotten – it was super cool and delicious!

A few days later, one of my friends and I met in the kitchen area to share cake and watch a movie together. We just relaxed in our comfy clothes, ate scrumptious cake (which my friend had made in our share kitchen) and watched a romance/drama movie till late at night. Living here with friends means you don’t even have to leave your house to have fun!

It’s times like these where I’m so thankful for living in a share house because if I had have been living by myself, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to hang out and enjoy time with these awesome people, let alone even meet them!

We plan to have many more social events where the residents of Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa can come together and meet each other, whilst having fun and enjoying our time in Yokohama. You never who you’ll meet when people are moving in and out all of the time!

Annie

My blog: lostwithannie.wordpress.com

My photos: instagram.com/lostwithannie

Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa: https://www.oakhouse.jp/eng/house/kanagawa/yokohama/flora-hoshikawa

One Month in Japan!

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Yesterday I celebrated being in Japan for one month by heading to Tokyo for the day! Living in Kawabecho means one short train ride to Yokohama Station and then catching one of the JR lines to Tokyo. It took only around 40 minutes to get to Ueno Station which flies by when you’re listening to music and peering out the train window. Moving into Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa, I thought it would be such a hassle to get to Tokyo but it is actually very simple! Closer than what you think!

When I arrived, I walked around Ueno Park and checked out a special event which was being held for the Olympics. The enticing sound of drums and cheering lead me to where the event was being held and after free entry, I got to watch Brazilian dancers making their way through the crowds to the sounds of drums. The atmosphere was unreal!

Being an incredibly hot day, I decided it was a perfect time to check out the ‘Masterpieces from the Centre Pompidou: Timeline 1906-1977’ exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum! With pieces from well-known artists like Picasso and Matisse, it was well worth the entry fee. I have never been so in love with an art exhibition.

After that I went in to Ikebukuro to have a stroll around Sunshine City since I had never been before. I was so amazed at how big and beautiful the entertainment precinct is. I walked around the shops, watched the water display, sipped on fresh strawberry milk and enjoyed the atmosphere of a busy Saturday.

Being a book lover, I had also heard how amazing Junkudo Bookstore was so I had to go and have a look. After taking the elevator to the 9th floor, I discovered the foreign books section and spent around an hour admiring all that was on offer. Their variety of English Young Adult, General Fiction and Japanese Literature books was overwhelming. If you love reading, please check out this fantastic bookstore located near Ikebukuro Station!

I was exhausted after fitting all of that into one afternoon so I headed back to the share house after visiting the bookstore. Nearly falling asleep on the last train, I was surprised to hear my name called, especially after not knowing many people in Japan yet. I turned around and it was one of my share house mates! It made my day getting to randomly catch up with someone and walk home together. You never know who you’re going to bump into on a peak hour train! After having a nice hot shower, I retreated to my single room and relaxed. It is so quiet here that you won’t be disturbed when wanting to rest. So far I love living at Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa!

Check out my blogs to see more of what I’ve been up to:

lostwithannie.wordpress.com

instagram.com/lostwithannie

Interested in the share house I live at? Check it out: https://www.oakhouse.jp/eng/house/kanagawa/yokohama/flora-hoshikawa

Hello for the first time!

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Hello for the first time!

My name is Annie and I’m now living in Oakhouse’s very own Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa. Being new to the whole living in Japan thing, I can’t wait to share my experiences with you. Three weeks ago I hopped on a plane and came to Tokyo to begin my working holiday. I grew up on the Gold Coast in Australia and have had a never ending love for everything Japan has to offer. Travelling around the country three times before, I finally decided to make this trip a bit more than a holiday and incorporate living like a local into it. So far, it has been just that and more!

When I first got here I had booked one week in a hotel and from then on I had no clue where I would be living. That’s when I discovered Oakhouse. During that week of living in a hotel with endless nights of research, I rocked up to the information centre in Shibuya and spoke to Filip about moving into one of their places. Having a scroll through the many options, I decided on checking out Gran Tachikawa and Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa.

Spending my first weekend in Japan looking at both of these houses and attending a tea party at the one in Yokohama, I met so many new people and discovered a whole different side to living in Japan.

On the Sunday evening I applied for a spot in Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa and three days later got the approval that I could move in that Thursday! I was beyond excited about finally having a place to settle in to. Then I was off: buying bedding, packing my suitcase again, getting all of the necessities and organising my way to the share house.

Now I’m sitting in my cosy room writing this blog post and bursting with excitement to share my stories with you all.

So basically I can’t thank the wonderful staff at Oakhouse enough for their courteous, quick service and for going above and beyond in helping me to find a place and settle in.

Whilst I’ve been living in the share house, adjusting to my new way of life, I’ve met some lovely people who have been willing to help me even with the simplest things like registering my residency at the ward office. I’ve also been to so many different places I probably wouldn’t have visited on a normal holiday – Minato Mirai area, Enoshima, around Yokohama station and more. I’ve even been lucky enough to hang out with people from my share house and attend the fireworks together.

So much has happened in these last three weeks and time is flying by. Next up on my agenda is finding a job! I’ll update you with what I’ve been up to every week from now on so here’s some pictures to enjoy in the mean time!

And don’t forget to check out more info about the share house I’m staying in – Flora Yokohama Yoshikawa at https://www.oakhouse.jp/eng/house/kanagawa/yokohama/flora-hoshikawa

PHOTO DIARY:

Heading off from Gold Coast Airport, on my way to Narita Airport!

View of Tokyo from Tokyo Tower – stood for ages admiring the concrete jungle

The wonderful Tokyo Tower itself

Walking to Flora Yokohama Hoshikawa from the station

My new room! Absolutely love it.

Loved getting to put my personal touch to my room – I love reading so was happy to have a spot for all of my books!

New bedding, new books – just settled into my very first room in Japan!

More photos to come next week or see more on lostwithannie.wordpress.com

Thank you for reading,

Annie