It’s all over…..for now . . .

It is with a heavy heart that I finally come to the LAST EVER POST ABOUT JAPAN!* It has taken a whole year to document our amazing trip and it is fitting that it is almost exactly a year since we set off on our odyssey. So lets’s take a last romp through Osaka’s colourfulContinue reading “It’s all over…..for now . . .”

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”

Glico man

Dōtonbori or Dōtombori  is one of the main tourist hotspots in Osaka and is full of highrise neon adverts. It runs along the Dōtonbori canal from Dōtonboribashi Bridge to Nipponbashi Bridge in the Namba district and features the famous Glico man advert. The Glico Man is the oldest neon sign in Osaka. Originally installed inContinue reading “Glico man”

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”