Ximending

Aside from the less-expensive-but-trendy fashion, there’s a surprising amount of anime/geek stores here.

Salted Fried Chicken Dinner @ Joyfull

Went for a cheap dinner at a Japanese “family restaurant”. They’re generally cheap and tasty. Joyfull‘s been a brand on my bucket list for some time.

Dinosaurs @ Fukui Station

Fukui was pretty out of the way as Japanese cities go, though their famous dinosaur museum was a point of pride. As of mid-March, however, the city became a lot more reachable as a Shinkansen station was finally opened. Unfortunately, I was only stopping by so I didn’t get to see the museum proper, but these animatronic dinosaur statues are still a sight to see right outside the station. I’m quite interested in going to the museum in a future trip.

If you’re intrigued, the city is about 2 hours away from Osaka by train (1.5-hour express train and a 30-minute Shinkansen), and the museum is at the edge of the city. Definitely worth visiting alongside other stops in the Hokuriku Area.

Snow is Melting

Shirakawa-go

A view best enjoyed with a frosty Cremia.

Winter at Jinzu River

Dinner at Kashiwaya Senriyama Osaka

Had the pleasure to enjoy this feast, and with a relatively last-minute reservation too. At 3 Michelin stars (plus a Green Star for sustainability), the 2-3 hour dinner is something to carve out your itinerary for. Each course has its purpose explained in detail (the Hassun was definitely the most memorable for its reinterpretation of a springtime flower viewing picnic), and everything is enjoyable both on the eyes and in the mouth.

Pocket Concierge has been a huge help in securing bookings. Used them previously and thoroughly recommend them.

Nara Deer!

I find them even cuter than the ones in Miyajima Island. For one, they’re furrier, and also they’re trained by the monks in the area to bow for food. When you’re up in Nara, get some deer crackers (senbei), come up to them and say “ojigi” while bowing to get them to bow, then feed them.

Do keep a grip on (or pocket) your crackers, since they aren’t trained to not bite them right from your hands without your permission. The male ones can get a bit aggressive and literally pushy too.

Alight Here for Beautiful Balls Head

I wasn’t here to see the “Beautiful Balls Head”, nor do I know where it is, though this is kinda funny.

Luna Park, Sydney