Carrying on with our exploration of Kobe we stumble across a veritable cornucopia of cute road work signs. How boring and mundane our traffic cones look now!! Sadly Kobe is better known for the tragedy that befell many of its inhabitants in 1995 when a huge earthquake wracked the city and surrounding areas. The GreatContinue reading “Kobe’s Earthquake memorial”
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China town
We’re off to experience a little taste of China in Japan now as we head to Kobe for a day trip. Nankinmachi is a small but perfectly formed chinatown in central Kobe and is the centre of the Chinese community in the Kansai Region. The area was built up by Chinese merchants who settled nearContinue reading “China town”
Bye bye Don Quixote
The time has come to make our last visit (of this trip at least) to the mecca of consumerism that is Don Quixote! This temple of tat, paradise of products, hallowed ground of goody grabbing . . . How we will miss it. Where else can you stick your head through a “traditional” Japanese welcomeContinue reading “Bye bye Don Quixote”
Illuminated Osaka
We head back into the bustling heartland of Osaka in the evening to see it transformed into a throbbing neon paradise. It is the most iconic and enduring image of modern Japan – eye splitting coloured lights as far as the eye can see. And Osaka does not disappoint! Whether it’s giant puffer fish orContinue reading “Illuminated Osaka”
Pet cafes and fishy markets
Continuing our tour of our final Japanese city Osaka. We spot a few of the more quirky features of Japanese socialising – pet cafes! In this case all things tiny, fluffy and spiky! As well as photo perving on yet more perfectly replicated plastic meals and sushi. This tiny shop is a manga lover’s paradise.Continue reading “Pet cafes and fishy markets”
Animal cake and arcades
You can’t go far in Japan without spotting something utterly adorable like these animal shaped desserts! Whether it’s curry topped with a teddy bear, rabbit eared icecream or a burger with googly eyes, it has to be kawaii!! Another utterly Japanese experience are the incredible, multi story gaming temples such as this rainbow coloured NamcoContinue reading “Animal cake and arcades”
Insane adverts
Onward with our zip around the colourful city of Osaka. Full of adorable plushies, giant squid and all manner of colourful delights. Osaka is made up of several different districts including the hectic Dōtonbori area. Historically a theatre district, it’s now a popular nightlife and entertainment area with large illuminated billboards and quirky advertising. IContinue reading “Insane adverts”
Oh Osaka!
It’s the final stop of our epic trip now. The colourful, hectic city of Osaka. Chockablock full of insane colour and oversized sushi, dragons and puffer fish. Even death is in on the selling action – in this case flogging some form of sweet treat. But forget all that, I spot the MOST EPIC, MOSTContinue reading “Oh Osaka!”
Robot revolution
Arriving at our Osaka hotel we’re instantly accosted, and smitten by, our little robot concierge. Dancing, bowing, singing Pepper is a cute little plastic poppet! According to his manufacturers Pepper is a human-shaped robot. He is kindly, endearing and surprising. They designed Pepper to be a genuine day-to-day companion, whose number one quality is hisContinue reading “Robot revolution”
Odds and ends
It’s the last few memories of Kyoto now before we head onto our final destination. We check out the atmospheric bamboo forests in Arashiyama. The light is fading so it adds a slightly gloomy feel to the eerie, empty forest. The bamboo forest paths which are over 500 meters long are set between Tenryuji temple andContinue reading “Odds and ends”