Ikebukuro Diary

Fuji Rock Festival 2010 will be held at Naeba Ski Resort in Niigata on July 30, 31 and August 1.

Guess what! We have guests who will perform at the Fuji Rock … 2 bands from France and Spain.

LA RUDA (France) will perform at ORANGE COURT at 19:00-20:00 on July 31.

MALLACAN (Spain) will perform at ORANGE COURT at 14:40-15:40 on August 1.

The last time I went to Fuji Rock was in 2005 when my favorite band ‘COLDPLAY’ performed at GREEN STAGE.
'Independence', 'Cooperation' and 'Respect of nature' are the key concepts of the festival.
It is worth going to the Fuji Rock Festival. You will love it.

http://www.smash-uk.com/frf10/

I have seen so many guests who are extremely crazy about Japanese visual kei bands.
The guests are mostly from Europe.
I have been wondering what make them into it.

The clearly defined character of visual kei is outrageous and innovative make-up & hair styles and punk and metal sound.
Um... I am more than curious about it. That’s mystery.

Tabea and Sesin from Germany went to the Gazette’s concert last Friday.

Also they went to the KAT-TUN’s concert last Saturday.
KAT-TUN is one of the major Idol groups in Japan.
They love Kazuya Kamenashi.

I am glad to see that Japanese visual kei and idols are loved and supported by people in other countries and become universal things. I believe their passion will promote real international exchange.

Mr.Donald saying something.....?

He must be world famous person from McDonald's and he saying.....

'If you are Japanese, eat rice!'

Ikebukuro collection!!
As you can see, those hats seems becoming popular here :p

I've heard that they got those hats in Okinawa (southern islands of Japan).
Well、then, who is the best dresser with hat?

Finally the rainy season was over.
‘Summer clouds’ prevail in the sky.

Speaking of summer … Reggae and Bob Marley

Speaking of Bob Marley … Jamaica

Speaking of Jamaica … Usain Bolt and

lovely Carolyn

It's always a pleasure to come in this city. It's our first time in this hotel and it's great to be here! :)
We really enjoy it.

Kisses from Valentime and Suzanne (Switzerland)
ありがとう　^ ^

Hello again David :) (calculator also saying 'hello'?)

He used to stay with us over one month and moved to guest house,
and now he returned.
He is now famous person here, appeared onTV, advertising of 'Mid night snack' for cafe....

and he produced 'Chicken tikka masala curry' and this came up for new menu at cafe.

Oneday he cooked that curry for us!

ohhhhhh, sooooo yummy......!!

This is the No.1curry I ever had!!

Now we want to say.....I can't find what word to put....ummm...
anyway! thank you for everything David... :)

Today, he left to South Korea.
Hope your safe journey and......one question,
When you return to Ikebukuro, your sweet home??
And I need company to have beer together after work :p

Denica & Tegan from Australia!

They left message and....'purikura'!(small photo)
Thank you and you two are always here ;)

By the way, 'purikura' is enjoyable thing actually.
I was thinking that is for school girl but.....it's not :)

Look at this! they are so cute ;)
You can try 'purikura' in the arcade.
Well... me?.....yes, I have some :p

What are they doing?

We had guests, lacrosse team from US!

We are not familiar with this sport, Lacrosse.
But it should be fun :D

Kim Hyun-uk from Korea travel with bicycle.
He traveled U.S with it and just arrived Japan.

When we saw him, we thought he is homeless because of he tanned and beard.
But we realeized that it is because of long time travel.
Have a safe trip and enjoy.

We received E-mail and photo from Brendan!
He is a sculptor from NY and oneday he asked how he can get carpenter pants.
We searched and found there is a shop selling them in Shinjyuku.
http://www.mannen-ya.co.jp/e/

We are really glad to know he got pants ;)

Hey Brendan!
We hope you doing fine!
Thank you for your E-mail and please come back and show us 'Taraichi pants' ;)
We are looking forward to seeing you then!!

Dear Friends at Sakura at Hotel,

I am sorry I did not have a chance to say good bye to everyone before I left.
I had to leave very early last friday morning.

I was able to find the construction Toraichi pants!!! 有難うございます

Thank you for all you help.

I loved my stay in Japan. I loved watching the futbol matches with you.
Tokyo is a wonderful town and I hope to come back to Sakura Hotel and visit again soon.

有難うございます
Brendan McCarthy

Michael ;)

Thank you to come to see us!
We all remember you a lots!
Michael from Netherland stayed with us long time in last year....maybe a few months??

We have photo which we took last time.
He looks not much difference as before but somehow changed ;)

We call him, 'Mr.HARIBO' and his real name is Christian from Germany ;)
He feed us on 'HARIBO' everytime he pass the reception!

'HORIBO' is gummi candy and originaly made in Germany and we love it!

One day, he cooked dinner and served plate for us :D
How looks delicious and actually taste good!!
Now we call him 'HARIBO' chef ;)

And....he brought desert too!!
Oh! we should call him 'HARIBO patissier' now!!

Danke!

Erik and Monica brought many souvenirs for us :)
New staff from Mexico?
We asked what should we call him....and not decide yet....

Mucho gusto....but he seems had lots of tequila? his face is really red...
haha :D

He said 'Can I have seat here?'

And Mexican wrestler,lucha libre?? Who is this guy by the way...!!
Ah-ha, this must be Taglyn!

Masa wearing Mexican shirt and mariachi hat...really Mexican atomosphere here!

Lastly.....let we introduce real wrestler!!
....sorry Naoko.....she is lovely women and not wrestler...
But...hey Naoko, you looks so happy with mask :p

Sorry … there was no TV broadcasting of the game, USA vs. Algeria
They had to watch the game with their own laptop somehow.

Still 0-0 … silence

second-half injury time … still nothing

Then, SCORED!!!!!!!!!

U.S. lacrosse all-star team of university students got excited when US national soccer team made a dramatic winning goal in extra time in the second half. USA beat Algeria and advanced to the Round of 16.

The all-star team ‘USA Starz’ will play against the Japanese national team at International Lacrosse Friendship Games 2010 at Ooifuto Chuo Kaihin Park in Shinagawa, Tokyo on June 27. This coming Sunday!

Ian & Nicole … what a nice South African couple!

‘CASTLE’ … Have you tried the South African beer?

South Africa beat France … what’s going on with France?

‘Invictus’… I was moved by the movie that describes friendship between former South African president Nelson Mandela and the captain of national rugby team


Charlize Theron … breathtakingly beautiful South African actress

I do remember about Raphael and Cedric from Malaga♪
http://sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/blog/2010/03/sunny_people_1.html
Now Raphael's friend, Alicia and Novarro, staying with us!

Then...they brought us Tea and lovely message from Rapha!!

Hola, Raphael!!
Thank you very very much for these presents :D
How nice of you.......!!

Amor de japon ;)

We had a guest from member of ‘Honduras no Kai’ that promotes cooperation and exchanges between Honduras and Japan in various fields.

Honduras belongs to Group H in the group stage of 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Spain, Honduras, Switzerland, Chile

Honduras will face Spain early this morning …The result will be?

Teddy is now checking in......

.......with Jaime ;)

They are traveling Tokyo together!
Nice smile ;) Keep on smiling Jaime ;)

Bienvenido Erik!!

We are very glad to see you again!!
It's just great!

He is from Mexico and stayed with us in last March,
http://sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/blog/2009/03/hasta_la_vista_erik_and_franci_1.html

Wow, Erik brought his lovely girlfriend here this time, hehe♪

This is lovely present!!
Muchas muchas gracias :D
Que chido!!

Beautiful flowers...
Those flowers make us happy♪

Family Noraizal san, attended wedding ceremony and they brought back and
gave us many many flowers!

We were very very glad that and decorated reception and near the window ;)

Oops, Sariko :p

I wanted to take pictures from outside, and I realized someone staring at me,
Taglyn :p

To the team of Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
We had a great time in Japan and met many wonderful, helpful people in Tokyo.
Thanks for everything!

Ying & Rema (Germany)

13.06.2010

This Japanese room looks bigger than the picture in the net. If you intend to feel Japanese living style, I strongly recommend this cosy and spacious room. It has two separate toilet and a shower room. It also has cupboard to store luggage for family of five.

During my six nights stay in Sakura Hotel, I feel stress free because staff are able to communicate and give clear advice. They are friendly and polite, even the cleaning ladies keep saying ‘Ohayo Gozaimasu’ in the morning and a bow.

Comfy and sleepy?

Her shiny silk gown and smile took my breath away.
Ann from Norway bought the ‘pajamas’ at Asakusa. Good taste!

★Her comment … Great hotel with happy personnel. Pretty rooms and I love the duvets!

Guess who is this??

It must be......him...?!↓

One day at midnight.... French boy, Guillaume was drawing something in earnest.
What a great picture!
He should become a great artist in the future!

I have been in Sukura hotel for 31 days.
I want to thank the managers and the staff for their care and thympathy all over this period.
For their guidness, help and listening to my problems and solve them.
I feel in the hotel very safe and I know all this period that nothing bad will happend to me.
I thank to all the staff that became familiar with me during all this period.

Thank you

Tami Zelivansky
2010/06/04

Sawat dee khrab!

Nett from Thailand is looking forward to watching the World Cup.

Nett bought me some snacks and a cup of coffee to prevent me from
sleeping in the middle of the night. khob khun maak khrab!

Her smile brings me back to the days in Phuket.
The rising sun that I watched every morning … I miss it

James Vidal is a photographer who is from San Francisco.

I used to live there once. My most favorite city in the world.

The Chinese character ‘禁煙’ means No Smoking
James, Are you against smoking or not?

★His comment on our hotel … It is easily accessible via public transportation around Tokyo and affordable rates are attractive, especially for young people

Tami san from Israel is one of the longet stay guest in our hotel.
Your smile makes us happy.

"Un Grande Saluto Alla Ma Gica Tokyo!! Sara Fantastica."
"A very big happy to Tokyo! We hope will be a very fantastic and beautiful Town"

Thank you for your lovely message.
Have a wonderful stay in Tokyo.
Grazie☆

OKAERI
Marie chan

My, girl! You finally came back!!

Vanessa-chan and her friends from Singapore

Hello!
Greetings from the wonderful people from Singapore!

*************************************************
Hi, girls.
Thank you for good smile.
Enjoy Tokyo☆

Hello,
The cutist of this month is
↓↓↓↓↓↓

Ingrid from Mexico.

Hi, sweetie.
Como estas?

We never forget your kindness!!

Unfortunately we don't have a staff speaking French...
And Anne san helped us when we had a lots of difficulties with French language.
That was great help and we could nothing to do without her help....
to be honest!
Anne san and her brother!

One thing I regretting I could not say 'thank you' properly....
they have already gone...
So now I would like to say....thank you, grand merci!
I hope you had great time in Japan and hope to see you one of these days...

And thank you for these presents for us!! Arigatou gozaimasu!
I keeping this herb for me and thinking how I can cook with this!
Maybe grilled chicken with this provence herb? ;D

A man checked in with something … his name is Pompeo and he is from Italy.

What’s sticking out of your bag?

Answer : Koinobori (colorful carp streamers) Pompeo currently lives in Fukuoka and attends Kyushu University, and he bought the Koinobori at Manga museum in Kyoto.

Today, May 5th is Children's Day in Japan. People wish that the children will grow up good and find happiness. Many families fly Koinobori outside their houses because the Koinobori is considered to be a symbol of a successful career.

I wish I could go back to my boyhood days when I was innocent.

Karate fighters, Luci and Darsheka were about to knock me out!

　　
They are members of New Zealand Poneke Kyokushin Dojo and participated in Junior and Women’s Championships that was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

When I lived in San Francisco, Sydney and Toronto, a lot of my friends went to Karate dojo and I realized that Karate was a universal sport that was practiced all over the world.
I have never done Karate, but I am always wondering what make people from other countries into karate and I would like to know their perception about karate and Japanese martial arts.

　
New Zealand … I do like All Blacks and Wheel Blacks. When I was at 2000 Sydney Paralympics, I was moved by wheelchair rugby players and especially I became a big fan of New Zealand wheelchair rugby team ‘Wheel Blacks’ Their fighting spirits was beyond description. One day I want to visit New Zealand …

Hello, Spider Man! you are here!!
You are so cute, we didn't know that :D

Paul wears a jacket of Chiba Lotte Marines, one of the Japanese professional baseball teams.

There are 2 professional baseball leagues in Japan, The Central League and The Pacific League.
6 teams belong to each league.
The Central League : Hanshin Tigers (my favorite), Tokyo Yakult Swallows, Yokohama BayStars, Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Chunichi Dragons, Yomiuri Giants
The Pacific League : Chiba Lotte Marines, Saitama Seibu Lions, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, Orix Buffaloes, Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Paul is Canadian, but he is currently teaching baseball in one of the international schools in Shanghai, China. Actually he has been in Shanghai for 4 years.

We promised that we would go to see the game of Hanshin Tigers vs. Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome when he comes back to Japan (I went to see the game yesterday and Tigers lost the game. I don’t feel good).

By the way, my name is Hideki … Hideki Matsui moved from New York Yankees to the Los Angeles Angels this season. Good luck in Los Angeles!

Cutest of this month is this!!

ooooooooooooooooooooooooops!!
This is grossest!!
Sorry, everybody!!

One more time!!
The cutest of this month is.....

Don't worry,
You are cute too, Hideki :p

One of the famous lovely couple in our hotel; Pepe and Marie chan left this morning.
They are really nice and lovely couple.
I am so sad that they are leaving. Hope they can stay more.
Marie chan stayed with us almost 3monthes and I feel like she is one of my family.
Pepe stayed about 2weeks. He is also nice guest.

I hope your happiness and wish many many love for your future.

Thank you for a lot of fun.
You guys are really cool.

Hope to see you again.
bye bye <3 <3 <3

I found something at outside of our cafe.

↓Can you see it?

↓Closer!

↓ah.. that is Marie chan and Pepe. They are such a mischievous couple.

They said they wanna be in Sakura hotel forever.
What a lovely couple is!!

Passionate flamenco dancer in Ikebukuro?

Sorry...she just pretended as if she is a dancer :p

We want to say thank you very much for this rose, this is very beautiful...
and somehow..romantic :)

Alex is back for the first time in half a year.
He is an amazing collector and at the same time successful business man.
His main ‘workplace’ is Akihabara and his sleeping place is Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
I am always surprised by cool and weird stuff he got from Akihabara and his vision and passion for ‘the things’ are unbelievable.

Luggage room was occupied by Alex’s things at 3 a.m.
Alex, How much did you spend?

Anyway, Welcome back, Alex.
Whenever you come to Japan, this is the home for you.
Okaerinasai!

PEPE: Architect from Mexico.
He is staying our hotel for almost 2weeks.

Here is a one of his work.
He made museum in Mexico.

I would love to visit there one day.

Happy Birthday マリー chan

We had her birthday party on last week.
Actually, it was a secret party so she didn't notice that party is for her until the cake showed up.

↑Surprising Marie chan

We all wish your brilliant year☆

Irena from New Jersey carried a red randoseru on her back !
The vivid red color brought me back to my elementary-school years. It was a long, long time ago.

The randoseru is the backpack for elementary school students and traditionally, a red randoseru is for girls and black one is for boys. However, the randoseru is available in a variety of colors nowadays, such as pink, brown, blue, green and so on. Things change with times.

Irena bought the cute one at a recycle store in Kyoto where she teaches English to high school students. It looks GOOD on you, Irena. The randoseru can be a center of fashion all over the world.

C'est artiste Marie chan ;)
She staying with us about 2 months now.

She compose songs and play the guitar and we can hear her songs sometimes.
Her voice, and then songs are just beautiful....

You gonna be a big star, yey ;D

Thank you for those hats!!

They are from Western Australia, Perth and they working as train's driver!
I was glad to hear that!
Actually I got on that train from Perth to Fremantle when I've been to Australia ;)

And those hats are from their work ;)

Thank you again and unlucky not to get Japanese station attendant hat.....
Does anybody know how we can get this?

Ng Yan Han (left) and Victor Chua (right) enjoyed stone-roasted sweet potatoes and the smell stimulated my appetite at 11 p.m.

The stone-roasted sweet potato is called "ishiyakiimo" in Japanese and Victor bought ishiyakiimo from a man with a two-wheeled cart on the corner of the intersection near the hotel.

They are members of a group on school trip from Singapore and ate ishiyakiimo in the lobby almost every night. Victor is such a fun-loving teacher and I see how much students like him.

Here again, Cedric and Raphael ;)
They are from andalucia, Malaga and very very friendly and warm hearted people...

They showed up with a big smile( and big laugh!) and stayed with us about two weeks.

They were just like sun ;)

They gave us lovely flowers before leave, these are reminds us of you guys!

Hola Cedric y Raphael, que tal?
Hope you two come back again!

Su casa esta aqui ;)

We had 'Paella party' !
Cedric and Raphael cooked Spanish Paella for us,
that was really nice!!

Everybody loves this paella, that was special one ;)

'Que rico' ;D

Thank you again,
Muchas muchas gracias!!

Hand made soap.....how nice present it is :)
We got this soap from Jenny san!

It has a very delicate natural flavor...I like it very much ;)
I saw their web address on it. So I checked it out↓
http://www.slimbridgesoaps.com/

I'm interested in hand-made stuffs, so I'm happy to know them ;)

New room has just opened!!
First guest who checked in our new room is Liao-san!!
Conglaturation!
You are lucky girl!!

Don't worry everybody,
We still have some new rooms which nobody check in yet!!
But first come, first served!!
Hurry up!!

Which costume going to win!?

Entry number 1!

Entry number 2!

We can't decide wich one...both are so cute ;)

Thank you for staying with us Jason & Heather!!

They are very very friendly people from Brisbane, Australia :)
Their smiles made us so happy!

Dear Jason and Heather,
Now we would like to say thank you and we had really great time with you two!
We do hope you both come to Japan again ;)

Kate from Australia stayed with us more than 9days.
On her last day, she gave us beautiful flower.

Thank you very much, Kate.
It is getting cold but, your flower makes our hearts warmness.

They are team hair designer from Berlin, Germany.

They stayed with us about few weeks for total.
They changed their schedule often. So we did "goodbye greetings" several times :)
It was fun that after we did good bye greeeting with guests, they come back because of missing flight or train.
We are always welcome you back☆☆

Do you remember him?

He stayed with us in this April.
He doesn't stay in our hotel anymore, but he sometimes visit us and hang out at our cafe.
Nothing would make us happier than our guests visiting us after once they check out.

And this time, he drew a picture in our guest book.

I am sure that he will be a big artist!

Susann from Germany stayed with us for about 10days.
On their last day, they gave us gummy candys(L).
How sweet!

However, the gummy candies are gone in 3days...
hmmmmmmmmmm
I guess all of us love it.

Here are the boys who love cabbages!
Their T-shirts say ``Let's use cabbages`` (Do they mean 'let's eat a lots of cabbages'?)

They made this T-shirts in Japan.
That's somehow funny so I asked why they chose this words.
They said 'Because,we love cabbage!!'

OK then, we respect cabbages and eat lots of them for our health ;)

We got lovely photo and message from Susan from taiwan.
↓
hello, I found this blog from hotel's website.
I just came back from Tokyo about 1 week ago.
It was really happy to live in sakura hotel, with very nice staff :)
Here's photos we took with 田栗さん:

田栗さんと一緒に写真を撮りました、本当に嬉いかった
ありがとうございました
元気ですか。気をつけて下さい^_^

From Susan, Taiwan

*******************************************
Hey Tagulyn, you are mack dady, huh??

!!!?

..........um..........well, Alex came back this year again!
He loves jokes and knows lots of stories and love talking with people.
I heard horror story.........hey Alex, don't scare me.............

Two blokes, Two bikes, Around the world...!!

This is their route, wow :0 that's amazing isn't it!

Simon and Todd started their journey from Australia in March to ride around
the world on motorbikes.

This is Simon with a smile, he just got one step further to Russia for shipping.
I helped them to do that procedure and I didn't know how difficult it is.....!!

and I will announce emphatically.....
If you are planning to ride around the world with motorbike, you need prepare lots of documents such as....

*Copies of visa and passport
*Registration book for motorbike
*International driver's license
*Inspection certificate
*Route map
*Inquiry form
*Detail for motorbike (form)

Also, ferry company ask them to apply for clearing corporation to do some paper works and insurance require...etc,
The clearing corporation spoke only Russian.
And that it cost 30,000yen each person!
But they eventually did it by themselves after lots of difficulties all the way.

Yoshikazu posing with their bike. Are you holding cleaning stuff in your hand by the way?

Their motorbikes are huge...!!

Good luck!!

PS: Now I know they got across the boundary and continue traveling in continental Russia and Mongolia!
Let's keep an eye on their great journey ;)

We just renewed pictures on the boad in the entrance.

The pictures which welcomed guests go to 'the photo book' now.
So we keep all your smile faces and we can always have looked your smile!!
Also we have flickers on our web-site.
Have you already checked it??

PS: In case you want to delete it, please just let us know, that's no problem☆

Here we go!!

Ooops!!!!
Sorry I picked a wrong picture.................
This is Mr.Shinke, he is one of our staffs.

One more time.....well....
The cutest guest of this month is.....!!!
↓↓

PS: Sorry Mr.Shinke... you are cute too :p

Matane(see you again) Pauline and David!!

This is the nice part of working here, I can meet a lots of nice people from all over the world.....
They are from Ireland and they stayed for a few days here.

They were planning to go to Mt.Fuji and Hakone but weather was not good unfortunately...
Even so, they enjoyed staying Japan and said like it ;)

It was lovely to meet and nice to talk with you two Pauline and David!
I hope you both visit Japan again ;)
There are still plenty of places to see!!
And I *WILL* visit Ireland, I really want to....!!

I'm looking forward to meeting you both then, and let's go to the Irish Pub
as we promised ;)
I also looking forward to having Guinness there (I think the one we can find in Ireland is the real Guinness) !!

One thing, sorry David, you are blinking on this picture :p

Tuk Tuk!!
If you have been to Thailand, yes, you know that ;)
I have never thought I could see Tuk Tuk in Japan!

Tuk Tuk is a ciclo mostly for turists in Thailand.
It's really colorful and outstanding.

Sariko and Naoko are riding on the Tuk Tuk!
Hey Naoko, do you have the driver's licence??

It would be nice to ride on Tuk Tuk in Japan...
It's cool☆

I was wondering who was singing the songs and where ??

I found it out they were singing outside ;)
They are all from Darwin, north of Australia.

That was just like a small concert! really nice!!
Thank you mate ;)

And their uniforms were really great!
Can you see Australia and Japan collaborating on their back?

We have took a picture on the day before their leaving...
Now I want to say....Thank you for that concert☆

Take care and enjoy your trip to Hokkaido!!

Hokkaido is a big island located in northern Japan.

They have asked me how to get to Hokkaido by boat.
Unfortunately the boat servise from Tokyo to Hokkaido has been already out of service.
I know traveling by boat or train takes long long time but it somehow attractive ;)

Long time ago, I've been to Hokkaido , also to Kyushu (southern part) by local train.
It was a tough trip but I felt really content when I steped on the ground after having a long ride:)

They might have taken a train to Hokkaido and I hope they enjoyed their trip with the scenery from the train window and a 'Ekiben' (tasty lunch box which we can buy at stations or on the trains) ;)

Hey,
Masa?!

What's going on?
You are with cute girls, but why not smile?
He must be shy...??

Take a look at this please!
We have made 'Guest Book' here ♪♪♪

He is a first guest who left message in this book!

Now we already have got some messages and that's so nice and we love them!!
Please leave your message or comment about your stay, about your travel, about Tokyo.....anything okay ;)
We are going to keep these books as our treasure......
and we are looking forward to seeing your new message ;)

Konbanwa ^^
We don´t know if we can write here, but we would like to do it!

Inma and Esperanza de Felipe

Virgi and Lourdes

We are 301´s girls. We stayes at april ^^. We would thank you for your kindness, and we are so happy for know you.

Really it was a great experience! And we hope to go back to Japan and for sure we´ll stay in your hote!

Best regards from SPAIN ^^
Inma, Esperanza de Felipe,
Virginia and Lourdes

One day we found something in front of dormitory room!

It just like shoe store isn't it!!
Um, maybe I want to get blue one ;)
Can I ??

Well, ledies and gentlemen......!!
It is time to announce for 'Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro Award'!!
Most cutest guest of this month is..........!?

Congratulation and your smile make us happy☆☆☆

Finally, Joel will start the exhibition at gallery HIRO in Roppongi.

I am sure that he will be a big artist in the future.
So let's go to see his works and get autograph☆

****
Joel Prejel ?image of Tokyo?
May 21st, 2009 to May 31st, 2009.
Gallery HIRO
F.W.E.A.P. building　1F , 5-1-27 Minami azabu Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047

Congratulations☆,

Surprisingly, they have traveled Japan from south to north on their own bicycles
brought from Canada.
They started traveling from Fukuoka prefecture located south of Japan,
and they cycled across the bridge to Shikoku island and kept pedaling toward
Sendai prefecture located north of Japan.
They stopped also at some famous places like Nikko(it's a world heritage sight).
Finally, they have reached their goal and that was our hotel in Tokyo!!
I am really glad to meet you two and we are very glad your goal was our hotel ;).

Please have a good rest at our hotel before you go back home.

Let's track their road !
↓

This is Mark from Holland!

We have had short conversation when he checked in and
he told me that he going to Kiryu for planting, volunteer work.
He seemed so excite about what he going to do and showed me a big smile :)

Hi Mark, how you doing? genki desuka?
How is volunteer work?
I hope you doing fine and I do hope...you meeting a lots of nice people ;)

Bonjour☆
greeting from Tokyo!!
Did you get home safety?
Merci for chocolate. It was yummy. We ate it up on one day ;)

↓ Switzerland chocolate (they got it when they visit there)

Again, Thank you for visiting us.
We hope to serve you when you come back next time in Tokyo.

P.S ...Madame, did you get cooking tool that you were looking for?

Terimakasih atas kedatangannya yang ke tiga kali di Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro.
Meskipun kita berbeda bangsa tetapi kita dapat berbicara dengan bahasa yang sama. Alangkah bahagianya dapat bertemu di Hotel ini.
Semoga menjadi liburan yang menyenangkan.

Thank you for your comming in Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro for third times.
Although we have different country but we able to speak in the same language. I am glad that we met here.
I hope be a lovely holliday.

Lutfi Bakhtiyar from Indonesia

Ibrahim from Saudi Alabia stayed with us for about one month. He likes contact sports. So, he experienced Aikido at the gymnasium where my boss takes lesson.

↑He got this certification after the lesson.

He is also good at doing UFO cacher, and he always gave us huge sweets which he got from there. It makes us happy!

Dear Ibrahim
Hello.
Did you get home safely? Since you left Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro, it has been 2months. Time goes very fast. As I promised you, I put the picture of you in our website. I am happy if you drop some comment.
chao chao!!
P.S..The.pink stuffed animal which you gave me on your last day, is still at our reception. We are looking forward to your next arrival.

Okaeri means Welcome back in Japanese.
Let me introduce some repeaters of our hotel.

Jablonski-san from Paris, are back in our hotel for the third time.

Kaku-san from Taiwan stay with us more than 10 times. This time she took her son with her☆

What I most happy is they still remember us.
Next person who will be repeater is YOU!!

Joel from France has been staying with us for about a week.
He draws wonderful picture like this ↓↓.

He will have an exhibition at the Gallery HIRO in Roppongi in April.
Let's go to see his work.

Here is a message from Joel.
merci de votre accuiel chalereux joel san

Someone left lovely message on the board.....
Ah, this is from Erik :)
We hope you two reached home in safety.
And once again, Arigatou for everything, we enjoyed your company ;)

Muchas gracias por todo y hasta pronto☆

Here is the guest who ran 42.195km in Tokyo Marathon 2009 yesterday.
The runner started the race at Tokyo Metropolitan Government in shinjuku, and finishd at Tokyo Big Sight.
Can you see the medal on their chest?
We are very proud of you!!

Erik and Franciscos stayed with us about two weeks.
Yesterday was their last day in Tokyo. So we went to Izakaya which is a Japanese style bar.

They gave me a shirt as a souvenir↓.

Gracias.
Please come to see us again☆
Hasta la vista.

Erik y franciscos se quedaban con nosotros por dos semanas.
Ayer fue el ultimo dia de ellos en Tokio. Entonces fuimos a Izakaya (el barra con estilo Japons).

nos dieron una camiceta par recuerdo. Gracias
Vengan a vernos pronto nuevamente ☆.

We just started 'Sakura Hotel Ikebukuro Award'!

Last month, one family from France have been stayed in our hotel
and I guess that all of staffs should have been thinking same thing....like...
'so cute!!'

So we decided to give the prize 'Most cutest guest'!!
↓↓↓

Bonjour and cava?
We are all waiting for you to come here again♪

And next award goes to...!!?