Sweet home? Oita

It sounds weird, but I don't really have hometown. My parents are both from Osaka and I was born in Osaka (the second largest city in Japan), grew up there until I was 4, then moved to Oita. I left Oita when I was 18 to study at university. I live in Tokyo (and Copenhagen, Malmoe) more than in Oita...over 20 years!

But still, I can probably say Oita is my hometown, as my parents and sisters' families still live there.

We don't celebrate Christmas here in Japan and the time families get together is New year. The problem is flight tickets to Oita around New Year are super expensive and we cannot afford to them. So we decide to go to Oita last weekends.

Oita is very minor city. I guess no one who reads this blog does not know Oita (if there are some readers ;). ...It's  amazing that wilipedia has a page about Oita... Oita is famous for hot springs, good fishes and mild weather. Actually, Oita is very beautiful place. There are even several camping places for free in summer.

 A big metal shrimp in Oita airport.

Mt. Ryozen in Oita city. I used to have to run to this mountain from our high school once a year (about 17km!)...<<The mountain has a small temple, which was built in 764.




Every time we go to Oita, we get some weight, for my mother makes a lot of food. This time I gained 2 kg...We should be on diet from today, and I have to make a lot of bags. I got 10 different pieces of kimono silk and I will work on them tonight!