Thursday, October 14, 2010

The Fantastic Trains of Keihan

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A newer car on the left. An older model on the right.

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Keihan stations never seem to be level.

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Keihan operates a single cable car line to the top of Otokoyama.

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Keihan trains are always very clean on the outside. Design is important.

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This is one of the most unique features of Keihan trains. They have bench seats that raise up into the ceiling during rush hour making more standing space and opening up another door.

Keihan operates between Kyoto and Osaka hence the name kei (京) for Kyoto and han (阪) for Osaka. They have some of the best appointed trains running, including trains with TVs and double decker trains. I always enjoy riding Keihan when I have the chance. This last trip on Monday, October 11th riding the Keihan spur lines to Uji and Kisaichi, and the cable car up to Otokoyama means that I have ridden every on every Keihan line operating.

Deer Biscuts


09.25Nara-21, originally uploaded by sleepytako.
It's awful for people!

In Nara Park there exists a herd of deer which wander through the crowds just like the rest of the tourists. Well, that's until you buy a bundle of the deer biscuits (shika senbei 鹿せんべい). Then you get hounded just like Justin Bieber arriving in Osaka.

Saturday, October 02, 2010

Yes! We have an Engrish menu.

In January of this year I took an evening trip to Sakai city to try out Sarasa-no-Yu (さらさのゆ) a newish supersento that touted a carbonated water bath. After enjoying the wonderful baths there, I made my way to the restaurant and discovered some of the best Engrish I have ever encountered. I only just went through the photos on my old cellphone and found the time to upload them now. So please to be enjoying the food of gastromnic blissfulness from the restaurant at Sarasa-no-Yu.

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Sermon decoration
(You remember when Jesus gave the sermon to the salmon about household decorations)
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Soon tofu with pig innards
(Soon -not- to be in my stomach!)
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On special Steaming scorch of pig ribs and coconut
(The worst part of this one is there is no coconut in that. Moyashi = coconut?)
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Fibrous beef boiled for hours
(Hours of boiling enjoyment!)
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Fry without coating of length potato
(This is my new most favorite best Engrish EVER)