More Trips

Korea6 April 24


Japan10 November 23


Taiwan5 April 23


Korea5 November 22


Korea4 May 22


Cape Otway April 21


Japan9 October 19


Frangland July 19


Korkong April 19


Japan8 October 18


China4 April 18


Japan7 October 17


Taiwan4 March 17


Japan6 October 16


Europe May 16


Japan5 November 15


Korea2 March 15

Even More Trips

HongJapWan March 2014
Sichuan March 2013
Tokyo3 October 2012
China2 August 2012
Japwan March 2012
China November 2011
Korea September 2011
Taiwan March 2011
London3 June 2010
Japan May 2010
London2 February 2010
London September 2009
SE Asia December 2005

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Page 2

Day 4 - Friday, 9 March 2012

Bullet train to Osaka

First of all, it rained all day, across all of Japan, with the cloud never really lifting above the tops of tall buildings.
This made my bullet train ride somewhat boring, as I couldnt see much out the window.

Before getting to the bullet train I had to get across Tokyo, no problem, I have taken the rapid line train which usually takes 10 minutes a few times.
Today it took an hour. The train mostly stayed stopped. The information board said service delayed - door inspection. Really? Then later it changed to service suspended until further notice, all whilst I am on the train. Would we be rescued by men in helmets on ladders?
As it turns out, no such luck, the train continued on to Tokyo station at walking pace, stopping many times in between. Also there were so many people crammed onto it that if I had of been stabbed I wouldnt have been able to fall over to die. Strangely I enjoyed this adventure.
I still made it to the Shinkanzen station with plenty of time to spare, I did find it quite confusing to have to scan out of the metro and into the Shinkanezen simultaneously, a guard helped me.

Next up, the Nozomi Super Express. Slightly dissapointing. I think the Chinese and Taiwanese trains are faster. Also despite this being the land of the vending machine, the only machine on the entire train had bottles of water and plain iced tea (one flavour).
There was no dining car, there was no food cart. Everybody bought enough food with them for a 12 hour trip even though its only 2.5 hours.

All of Japan looks the same, the same poor looking low rise city as far as the eye can see forever, with occasional light industry or a car factory.
I could sort of make out some hills or mountains in the distance but they were largely obscure by cloud.

Getting out of Shin-Osaka station was also an adventure, my SUICA card doesnt work in Osaka despite wikipedia saying its 100% interchangeable with ICOCA. It took me some time to find where I could buy the ICOCA card. Every card funding machine in Tokyo can issue a SUICA but in Osaka you must go to the JR information desk to buy one...this seems wrong but its what the guard told me.

When I found this info desk there was a woman busy screaming at the one girl on the counter and she had at least 10 different train tickets lined up on the counter whilst pointing at them furiously. Meanwhile a guard apologised to me every 5 seconds for her behaviour. It was a comedic scene I was enjoying greatly!
The guard got so embarassed at me having to wait and witness this that he asked me what I wanted (I think, he might have actually told me he is a gay astronaught for all I know!). He then climbed over the counter, gave me an ICOCA card and when I handed him the money he gave me change out of his own wallet as he couldnt get to the register.
The rest of the journey on the subway was uneventful, finding my hotel was a bit of a challenge in the rain but its fantastically located and luxurious.

Large block of text is large.

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - As I set out for the day, a film crew had set up the hotel car park to make a movie starring a slightly riced up mini van.

As I set out for the day, a film crew had set up the hotel car park to make a movie starring a slightly riced up mini van.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - My train, Nozomi 700 series. I couldnt get to the front or back to take a better photo.

My train, Nozomi 700 series. I couldnt get to the front or back to take a better photo.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The view out the window, somewhere between Yokohama and Nagoya.

The view out the window, somewhere between Yokohama and Nagoya.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Nagoya view.

Nagoya view.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Somewhere between Nagoya and Kyoto.

Somewhere between Nagoya and Kyoto.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The inside of the train. The guy next to me spent the entire 2.5 hours getting angry that he couldnt connect to the wifi. He was going slightly insane

The inside of the train. The guy next to me spent the entire 2.5 hours getting angry that he couldnt connect to the wifi. He was going slightly insane. I hardly sat in my seat instead choosing to press my face against a larger window between carriages.
This confused the conductors who assumed I was a stow away and kept demanding to see my ticket. They were apologetic each time I produced a valid ticket.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The ancient capital of Kyoto...

The ancient capital of Kyoto...


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - My mother is staying in this same hotel soon, so she will demand pictures. Here they are.

My mother is staying in this same hotel soon, so she will demand pictures. Here they are.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Bathroom has customary full length window so you can pull up a chair and watch what everyone gets up to in the bathroom. This is a common feature in a

Bathroom has customary full length window so you can pull up a chair and watch what everyone gets up to in the bathroom. This is a common feature in asian hotel rooms.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The street outside my hotel is mainly porn shops, maid bars and soaplands. However its just one street back from the famous canal in the next picture

The street outside my hotel is mainly porn shops, maid bars and soaplands. However its just one street back from the famous canal in the next picture and 2 laneways from the main shinshabashi covered shopping street (also shown below).


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Generally photographed at night, I am sure I will do that later.

Generally photographed at night, I am sure I will do that later.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The covered shopping street. Actually now its a grid of covered streets, if it keeps raining like it has been I will spend the next week here.

The covered shopping street. Actually now its a grid of covered streets, if it keeps raining like it has been I will spend the next week here.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I was cold and wet, so ramen seemed like a good idea. Unlike my last 2 bowls, this one had heaps of pork, at least 6 slices, and it had been marinated

I was cold and wet, so ramen seemed like a good idea. Unlike my last 2 bowls, this one had heaps of pork, at least 6 slices, and it had been marinated in some sort of sticky sauce that made it more flavoursome. Also the soup was nearly pure collagen. I am now at least 23% pig.
It was interesting watching the guy make it, he put some thick sauces in the bottom of the bowl before adding the soup broth and noodles. He also spilt massive amounts of everything on the floor whilst yelling excitedly the whole time.


Shinsaibashi

It almost stopped raining, almost. Not enough to warrant venturing away from covered pedestrian mall area.
The Shinsaibashi thing is very long with mostly shops selling lingerie. Its not really your top level shops like cartier and louis vutton, they tend to be one street over, in the rain, with no customers. Instead theres lots of pachinko places, karaoke lounges and cheaper shops selling nothing I want.
There are however people, and I like to go where theres people, in case something ridiculous might happen.
Tonights ridiculous incident was in the guitar shop. A group of tough guys with slightly longer hair than the normal military style, clip on ear rings and ridiculous clothing were trying out various expensive guitars. Only problem is they were universally terrible. No problem, the photo is more important. Time to comb each others hair into a delicately arranged mess and strike a pose.
Unforunately this occured after the shop owner told me no photos!

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Neon.

Neon.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Me with the Neon.

Me with the Neon.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is the Dotonbori restaurant street. At least 100 places to eat along here. Too bad I wasnt hungry yet.

This is the Dotonbori restaurant street. At least 100 places to eat along here. Too bad I wasnt hungry yet.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is a hotel. One of those hotels where you can either rest (pay by hour) or stay. My choice of themed room would be the space station room, it has

This is a hotel. One of those hotels where you can either rest (pay by hour) or stay. My choice of themed room would be the space station room, it has padded ceilings.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - hmmm, maybe another time I will be brave enough for a return visit to a cat cuddling cafe

hmmm, maybe another time I will be brave enough for a return visit to a cat cuddling cafe


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Guitar shop was pretty impressive.

Guitar shop was pretty impressive.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - They even had Mayones guitars on the rack, I thought they were made to order.

They even had Mayones guitars on the rack, I thought they were made to order.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - My dinner, keen for it not to be ramen I spotted a pizza place with a wood oven and tabasco sauce on the table. It was decent, real buffalo boconcini

My dinner, keen for it not to be ramen I spotted a pizza place with a wood oven and tabasco sauce on the table. It was decent, real buffalo boconcini etc.


There are currently 3 comments - click to add

bobule on 2012-03-09 said:

making me hungry!!
you should have bought an epic guitar..


David Newton on 2012-03-09 said:

Yes I have a coat, but I hate wearing it. Might have to tonight due to rain and 0 degrees.


mother on 2012-03-09 said:

take a photo of the hotel foyer and the outside for us please.
We have just had our last meal before HOng Kong tomorrow. Roast pork! Did you take a coat with you?


Day 5 - Saturday, 10 March 2012

Kyoto

As the title says, today I went to Kyoto. When I woke up the sun was actually shining so I thought I better make the most of it.
Kyoto is a 20 minute train ride from Osaka, its also the most popular tourist destination in Japan. I liked it, the city is very nice surrounded by hills with a mix of old, faux old, and shiny new.

Since I took a lot of photos, I will type crap next to them rather than here.

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Arriving at Kyoto station, at first I was dissapointed. I had read about how awesome the new station was, but it looks pretty crappy from here.

Arriving at Kyoto station, at first I was dissapointed. I had read about how awesome the new station was, but it looks pretty crappy from here.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - However once you get into the building alongside the station which is actually a shopping mall, its quite impressive, not Chinese impressive though.

However once you get into the building alongside the station which is actually a shopping mall, its quite impressive, not Chinese impressive though.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Its actually an Isetan department store, you can go up the outside of it onto the roof, 10 floors up.

Its actually an Isetan department store, you can go up the outside of it onto the roof, 10 floors up.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Which of course gives you a great view, enjoy my crooked horizon. Also for some reason they put tinted glass on the barriers.

Which of course gives you a great view, enjoy my crooked horizon. Also for some reason they put tinted glass on the barriers.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I found a way to get out onto the helicopter landing pad. No helicopters came whilst I was there.

I found a way to get out onto the helicopter landing pad. No helicopters came whilst I was there.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The nearby Kyoto tower must be really struggling for visitors since they built the equally high station next to it, obscuring its view.

The nearby Kyoto tower must be really struggling for visitors since they built the equally high station next to it, obscuring its view.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The outside of the station. Thats probably enough train station photos.

The outside of the station. Thats probably enough train station photos.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The city of Kyoto is basically a giant theme park for shrines and temples. You cant go more then a few hundred metres without coming to another one. I

The city of Kyoto is basically a giant theme park for shrines and temples. You cant go more then a few hundred metres without coming to another one.
I dont really know which are old and which are new recreations of old. I think this one is new since you dont have to pay to get in.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Faux shrine is setting up for a concert for the tsunami anniversary.

Faux shrine is setting up for a concert for the tsunami anniversary.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is one of the gates to the imperial palace gardens. Apparently this is the reserve palace for the emperor in case Tokyo gets destroyed again.

This is one of the gates to the imperial palace gardens. Apparently this is the reserve palace for the emperor in case Tokyo gets destroyed again.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Which means you cant see the palace at all, unless you are invited. You cant get a glimpse through a gate, over a wall, nothing. That would cheapen it

Which means you cant see the palace at all, unless you are invited. You cant get a glimpse through a gate, over a wall, nothing. That would cheapen it for the invited people who get to witness the magical powers of the Japanese royal family. They can fly and transform into cuddly toys and/or flying robots.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Over the road from the fenced off hidden imperial palace is a faux shrine. This one has many wedding halls around it and you can pay to have your phot

Over the road from the fenced off hidden imperial palace is a faux shrine. This one has many wedding halls around it and you can pay to have your photos taken etc.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is a real castle...Nijo castle. No photos allowed inside cause it has 500 year old fabric paintings. You have to take your shoes off and put ridi

This is a real castle...Nijo castle. No photos allowed inside cause it has 500 year old fabric paintings. You have to take your shoes off and put ridiculous slippers on that no one (especially me) could get to stay on their feet.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - You are allowed to take photos of the garden area.

You are allowed to take photos of the garden area.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - From this lookout you can see most of the single level castle. Also look closely and you can see a blimp flying above.

From this lookout you can see most of the single level castle. Also look closely and you can see a blimp flying above.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - There are all kinds of blossoms blossoming here. And people taking photos of them excitedly.

There are all kinds of blossoms blossoming here. And people taking photos of them excitedly.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Todays ramen came with bonus special fried rice. Ordering was more difficult than normal, despite pointing at main picture on the card handed to me, t

Todays ramen came with bonus special fried rice. Ordering was more difficult than normal, despite pointing at main picture on the card handed to me, the girl came back 10 minutes later with the card at which I pointed again. She told me something about it, so I literally told her to bring anything thats hot. Not that she understood, but she did nod and smile.
In the end I got what I ordered.


Umeda

This evening I went for...wait for it, a really long walk.
I set off looking for America town, but I must have missed it. After more than an hour I ended up in the Umeda / Osaka station region, which is very modern and upmarket.
This is actually 2 very large stations joined together with multiple department stores, underground eating areas etc.
Go one street back and like everywhere in Japan its karaoke lounges, porn shops, love motels and strangely, pet shops. I think a lot of girls get a puppy or a kitten in exchange for spending an hour with their boyfriend in a hotel room with mirrored everything.

Pretty sure I walked at least 20km today, not as much as my estimated 30km on my second day in Tokyo, but none the less I am exhausted. My feet however are going strong! On previous trips they would have been bloody pulps by now, not sure whats different....same shoes, same socks, same feet.

No one cares about my feet im sure. Onto the photos!

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Whens the last time you saw a line down the street for Krispy Kreme?

Whens the last time you saw a line down the street for Krispy Kreme?


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I am still constantly amazed at ths size of Yodobashi and Bic Camera stores. They really are full of just mobile phones, cameras, computer games, tv's

I am still constantly amazed at ths size of Yodobashi and Bic Camera stores. They really are full of just mobile phones, cameras, computer games, tv's etc. Theres an entire floor dedicated to headphones and earbuds.
Remember when the only headphones you could get in any store were those sony ones with the orange foam bits?


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - hmmm, a ferris wheel....

hmmm, a ferris wheel....


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - On the top of a 10 storey building...

On the top of a 10 storey building...


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Challenge accepted. Standing up in the carriage like a boss. I was kind of hoping the earthquake would happen now. I cant think of a better way to be

Challenge accepted.
Standing up in the carriage like a boss.
I was kind of hoping the earthquake would happen now. I cant think of a better way to be killed than plummeting from the top of a ferris wheel from the top of a building.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - View

View


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - More view

More view


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Last view

Last view


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I managed to get badly lost in all these covered alleyways. They are not a grid pattern at all.

I managed to get badly lost in all these covered alleyways. They are not a grid pattern at all.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The JR Osaka station is very impressive. In case you didnt notice, I like train stations.

The JR Osaka station is very impressive. In case you didnt notice, I like train stations.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - My dinner, Osakas signature dish, Okonomiyaki. Its a kind of cabbage pancake with different stuff in and on it. The most common kind has sweet barbecu

My dinner, Osakas signature dish, Okonomiyaki. Its a kind of cabbage pancake with different stuff in and on it.
The most common kind has sweet barbecue sauce and noodles in it too. I elected for the healthier version with radish shoots and potato.


There are currently 2 comments - click to add

David Newton on 2012-03-10 said:

Hello mother. I think you are drunk when you type some of these comments. The random capitalization etc. This last one isnt so bad but the previous one I couldnt even make enough sense out of to correct! In the middle of it you seem to have pasted part of an email to someone else!

Anyways, it wasnt particularly cold in Kyoto, probably the warmest day since I have been here.


mother on 2012-03-10 said:

In HOng Kong. Room is tiny but ok! We are in the middle of the slums in a street full of nuts and bolts and scrap metal shops. Caught the bus from the airport but missed the stop by two stops, so took a while to find the hotel. Have been to langham Plaza for dinner and a walk around tonight. Will explore tomorrow. You should have gone to Kyomizu dera or Kinkakuji in Kyoto. WAS it very cold. EVery time I have been to Nijo castle it has been freezing.


Day 6 - Sunday, 11 March 2012

Kobe

I awoke to bright sunshine, despite the forecast of rain. I thought I had better make the most of it and head to the other nearby city of Kobe.
Like most of Japan, Kobe suffered a major earthquake in its past. In Kobe's case, it was relatively recently in 1995, killing 6,500 people. Upon researching that stat I found out this was in fact the worst earthquake in Japan since 1923, which I find surprising as I thought every 10 years or so on average they had some sort of earthquake taking out 100,000 people.

Getting there is easy, and cheaper than getting to Kyoto despite being about the same distance.
My brief internet research before leaving told me that theres a cable / rope car to Mount Rokko. Sounds good to me.

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I like to document every kind of transport I use. Today I went on a suburban bus from the Rokko station on the Hanyu line to the Mount Rokko cable car

I like to document every kind of transport I use. Today I went on a suburban bus from the Rokko station on the Hanyu line to the Mount Rokko cable car station.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The cable car itself is a staircase. Its also very old. Much like the trams that go to the peak in Hong Kong. At the top of this mountain is the oldes

The cable car itself is a staircase. Its also very old. Much like the trams that go to the peak in Hong Kong. At the top of this mountain is the oldest golf course in all of Japan, the cable car was built to ferry rich white people up to it.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Like all such things, you can never capture the slope with a photo. My research suggested its not possible to walk up here unless you walk up the twis

Like all such things, you can never capture the slope with a photo.
My research suggested its not possible to walk up here unless you walk up the twisty road and risk being hit by tour busses. Which sounds more fun than it probably is.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - There was no driver or conductor on this, the ride takes a good 15 minutes.

There was no driver or conductor on this, the ride takes a good 15 minutes.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The view from top allows you to take in not only Kobe as seen here but Osaka on the other side. The bright sunshine of the morning was replaced by haz

The view from top allows you to take in not only Kobe as seen here but Osaka on the other side. The bright sunshine of the morning was replaced by hazy cloud the moment I got to the top.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - More view.

More view.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Still more view. It was -2 degrees up here and quite windy at times. Still I was excited because I like mountains. Also, picture number 100!

Still more view. It was -2 degrees up here and quite windy at times. Still I was excited because I like mountains.
Also, picture number 100!


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Snow! The last of the snow. I could see some more substantial bits but couldnt really photograph them. Every patch I saw I decided to turn into yellow

Snow! The last of the snow. I could see some more substantial bits but couldnt really photograph them. Every patch I saw I decided to turn into yellow snow.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - There were a lot of secret large houses up here, behind big gates and driveways, hard to photograph, but all of them seemed strangely abandoned. There

There were a lot of secret large houses up here, behind big gates and driveways, hard to photograph, but all of them seemed strangely abandoned. There are also big places like this, which have falling down advertisements for their restaurants and clubs etc. I never saw another person.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - There is no English signage, the maps lacked a YOU ARE HERE pointer, and many map signs were so badly weathered you couldnt read them. So I decided ju

There is no English signage, the maps lacked a YOU ARE HERE pointer, and many map signs were so badly weathered you couldnt read them. So I decided just to try my luck, knowing I might have to double back. At times I thought I might be on someones driveway, and sometimes the path was covered in so much debris and leaf matter it was hard to tell if it was the path.
However I eventually looped back and took this photo to celebrate, I look very wind swept.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Bonus view.

Bonus view.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Back at the cable car station, a few people have attached locks to things just like they do in Korea.

Back at the cable car station, a few people have attached locks to things just like they do in Korea.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Downtown Kobe is all shiny and new looking, probably rebuilt since the earthquake.

Downtown Kobe is all shiny and new looking, probably rebuilt since the earthquake.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The entire city is on a slope into the enormous harbour at the bottom of the hill. Theres also an airport built on a man made island much like the Osa

The entire city is on a slope into the enormous harbour at the bottom of the hill. Theres also an airport built on a man made island much like the Osaka airport. Looking at a map the Kobe airport seems to be closer to Osaka than the Kansai airport.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - More covered arcades. This one had cafe land coming off of it, which was actually really good. The food in all these cafes looked great and it was a b

More covered arcades. This one had cafe land coming off of it, which was actually really good. The food in all these cafes looked great and it was a bit rustic, no Yoshinoya or Sukiya to be seen, just what appeared to be indepedently run shops. There were 10 places I might have liked to have lunch.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I decided on pyramid curry, mainly because of the egyptian theme that made no sense at all, plus I could see what the guy was cooking and what other p

I decided on pyramid curry, mainly because of the egyptian theme that made no sense at all, plus I could see what the guy was cooking and what other people were eating.
Also they had a sign claiming to serve a genuine Kobe beef steak with your curry. This turned out to be true. The meal was fantastic, its much bigger than it seems in the photo with a fairly sizeable steak cut into 4 pieces.
The guy did his best to ask in Japanese English if I wanted it spicy, I told him very spicy and made lots of hand movements. He got really excited by this. To his credit he actually made it spciy! Very delicious. I congratulated him on a fine meal, he seemed genuinely thrilled at the compliment, following me half way down the alley way thanking me, bowing profusely.
Great food and service for about $8, similar price to the coco chain that gives you a watery mess with no meat in it.


Den Den Town

The Osaka version of Tokyos Akihabara is called Den Den Town. As well as the shops selling new electronics, they have the usual porn stores, maid cafes and karaoke lounges.
However, they also have a huge number of stores selling second hand stuff, which is new to me in Japan. Especially interesting to all your people nerdier than me will be the old second hand console games shops. I took some photos.
A lot of shops selling weird old computer and phone parts were shut by the time I got there, so I might have to go again tomorrow.
Despite that there were an awful lot of uber nerds hanging around with high pants and extra large glasses. It seems to be the universal style, if you are excited by a graphing calculator, no matter where you come from you will look like Bill Gates.

The other thing are the 1990s era Hondas with air brushed manga homages, I couldnt quite capture a photo of one. Some had tentacles and small girls.

Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The main street in Den Den Town, this is where most of the shops selling second hand computer and electronics are, mostly shut. Go one street back on

The main street in Den Den Town, this is where most of the shops selling second hand computer and electronics are, mostly shut. Go one street back on either side and the newer youth oriented shops were open.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Some of these game consoles were never released in Australia, also I might not be old enough to have appreciated them!

Some of these game consoles were never released in Australia, also I might not be old enough to have appreciated them!


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - The Sega Saturn for example, never came to oz.

The Sega Saturn for example, never came to oz.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - At some point, the cool colors were a kind of brown and cream.

At some point, the cool colors were a kind of brown and cream.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is one of the most amazing stores I have ever been in. All they sell is headphones, parts for headphones, headphone amps, cables etc. Like most J

This is one of the most amazing stores I have ever been in. All they sell is headphones, parts for headphones, headphone amps, cables etc. Like most Japanese stores they let you try them all, even in ear monitors (can you get ear aids?). They even have a sizeable second hand section. I was tempted by some Beyers but would be worried they would get smashed in my suitcase.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - This is the outside of the hot new mall in Osaka, Namba Parks.

This is the outside of the hot new mall in Osaka, Namba Parks.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Redundant photo. It was damn freezing now, many locals were running from door to door of outside areas.

Redundant photo. It was damn freezing now, many locals were running from door to door of outside areas.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - I however saw there was a roof garden, and headed for the roof, had the whole place to myself.

I however saw there was a roof garden, and headed for the roof, had the whole place to myself.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - Time for a long exposure, I tried to stand in the frame and be a ghost but instead I am invisible.

Time for a long exposure, I tried to stand in the frame and be a ghost but instead I am invisible.


Japan and Taiwan March 2012 - After my big lunch I didnt really want any dinner, so I decided to have half a small beef bowl from Yoshinoya. Its cheap and hot, and beefy.

After my big lunch I didnt really want any dinner, so I decided to have half a small beef bowl from Yoshinoya. Its cheap and hot, and beefy.


There are currently 1 comments - click to add

mother on 2012-03-12 said:

hello, nice photos today, some look very familiar. Where has the comments link gone?


There is now a page 3, use the navigation thing below or the index thing at the top left.

Contents

Day 1 - Tuesday, 6 March 2012
  Adelaide to Sydney
  Sydney airport and lounge etc.
Day 2 - Wednesday, 7 March 2012
  I made it here
  Around Shinjuku
Day 3 - Thursday, 8 March 2012
  Ginza and a garden
  Indian curry in Japan
Day 4 - Friday, 9 March 2012
  Bullet train to Osaka
  Shinsaibashi
Day 5 - Saturday, 10 March 2012
  Kyoto
  Umeda
Day 6 - Sunday, 11 March 2012
  Kobe
  Den Den Town
Day 7 - Monday, 12 March 2012
  Kaiyukan Aquarium
  Umeda Sky Building
Day 8 - Tuesday, 13 March 2012
  Osaka Castle
  Last night in Japan
Day 9 - Wednesday, 14 March 2012
  Travel day
  Food capital of the world
Day 10 - Thursday, 15 March 2012
  National palace museum
  Ximending
Day 11 - Friday, 16 March 2012
  Climbing the elephants back
  Shilin night market
Day 12 - Saturday, 17 March 2012
  Keelung
  Wufengpu
Day 13 - Sunday, 18 March 2012
  Bali
  American diner
Day 14 - Monday, 19 March 2012
  Yangmingshan national park
  Just one photo?
Day 15 - Tuesday, 20 March 2012
  Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall
  Yay, a ferris wheel!
Day 16 - Wednesday, 21 March 2012
  Leaving Taipei
  Hong Kong airport
  The end