The Peace Sign is Required for Photos
by AKtravelers
One of the curious things I have noticed in my travels around Japan is the habit of making a peace sign when posing for a photograph. Almost every time I have seen Japanese people pose for photographs, they are forning a V with their two lomgest fingers. I wonder why this is. Does anyone know?
The woman at this picture was the waitress who brought me a very refreshing beer at the Hard Rock Cafe. I took the photo because I was amazed at her collection of pins and I did not ask to get a peace sign. It just came naturally.
Departmentstores
by tompt about Daimaru
The Daimairu department store is very classy store. The interieur is looking rich.
On the 8th floor there is a museum / gallery.
Sonia (Heywinks) gave us two tickets for an exhibition there. It was art from the Museum John Paul II. The Caroll-Porczynski Foundation.
Some first class paintings there from Rubens and van Dyck amongst others. But the exhibition ended at april 15. So check if there is any other exhibition when you are there.
Thai-mendous (sorry)
by OsakaHatter about Lanna Thai
A clean, efficient and friendly restaurant serving excellent food at reasonable prices. English speaking staff and an english menu make this easily accessable to everyone, while a wide ranging menu means theres definitely something to meet everyones tastes.
For group bookings, 'all you can eat in 2 hours' deals can be arranged for around 3000 yen per head - and it's very easy to ensure you get your moneys worth! My particular favourites are the 'thai spring rolls' (especially with the freshly made chilli sauce) and the simple but delicious 'chicken and cashew nuts'.
My sisters boyfriend developed an obsession with the 'chilli shrimps' from the special menu.
The floating Garden Observatory
by lowailing138
the bridge connecting the two high-rise towers of the 173-meter tall Umeda Sky Building is the "Floating Garden Observatory" From a doughnut-shaped roof, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka, all the way out to Awaji Island on a clear night. There is a food mall in the base-ment that simulates Takimikoji Street in the 1920s.
Sumiyoshi Shrine
by Rabbityama
Most people don't think of shrines or temples when they think of Osaka, but Osaka actually does have some great historical sites, and Sumiyoshi Shrine is one of them! Osaka's Sumiyoshi Shrine is the top Sumiyoshi shrine in all of Japan. It is said that the architectural style (sumiyoshi-zukuri) is purely Japanese. It was designated as one of the top twenty-two shrines during the Heian Period. As such, the court made offerings here. It was not destroyed during WWII, so it is one of Osaka's oldest remaining historical structures.
The large curved bridge leading to the shrine is impressive and beautiful. Roaming around the shrine grounds is a great temporary release from city life!
Entrance is free.
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Inside USJ
Colourful streets of Shin-sekai, Osaka
My first meal in Japan with chopsticks!
Streets Direction in Osaka
