Elvis in Kobe, Japan?

I was pleasantly surprised to see Elvis in Kobe. Did he perform here? Why does Kobe honour him?

The port city of Kobe, Japan.

Travels in Japan: How good is Japanese English?

Ask for panties if you're a man!

This is called an American Dog!

Japanese English can be a bit funny as illustrated by the examples above. English in China wins the top prize for weirder English however.

On the whole, most Japanese I came across could understand English although they cannot speak it fluently. It seems their understanding of written English is much better than their spoken English. I had no problem making myself understood. I find the Japanese more competent than the Thais and Chinese.

People-watching in Tokyo, Japan

I found it interesting to watch ordinary Japanese people going about their daily lives in Tokyo. They are very polite people, and have a very high level of civic-consciousness. Tokyo, and elswhere, is very clean and well-organised. Everything works, and public toilets are remarkably clean

.

Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo

A must-see in Tokyo is the famous Tsujiki fish market but I had to get up at 4AM to make it to the fish auction. This is a normal fish market and not just for show for the benefit of tourists. After the visit most visitors will have an early breakfast of seafood at the many restaurants in the area but the prices are cut-throat really.

Tokyo is a food paradise

Sorry to say this but while you suffer from the heat and humidity in Singapore/Malaysia and elsewhere, the weather in Tokyo is perfect for travelling with day time temperature of about 19 celcius! Even though I undertake marathon treks in this urban jungle, I never feel tired.

Tokyo is a food paradise for those who live to eat. There are cute little eateries in abundance. The only downside is that I have to pay double for the sort of Japanese food I get in Singapore.

Tokyo, Japan: backpacking in the land of the rising sun

Today, I begin a tour of Japan. Here I'm waiting for the train at the airport to go to Tokyo.

This bazaar in Ueno is full of cute eateries.

There are hardly any tourists in this bazaar. I joined a group of locals at their table for dinner and sake.

A bottle of sake. The locals helped me to order the food as the menu was in Japanese.

A packed train station.

Believe it or not, the weather is very cool, reminding me of winter in Shenzhen but this is the end of May.