Hirakata

Originally Posted By: muikabochi I wasn't being rude at all. I find it almost impossible to believe that someone who has experienced a strong earthquake and the trauma it brings would laugh and giggle at other people currently experiencing it. I think I've have 'added (way) much more to discussions' on these Forums than you have Hirataka. Please try to quote me accurately. I'm sure you have added more to discussions on these forums, but your previous post on this thread added nothing except to have a go at someone. We can continue this line of conversation privately if you l

Originally Posted By: muikabochi Originally Posted By: Hirakata I don't really understand all this... That much is obvious. Originally Posted By: Hirakata Even after the images started coming in the Japanese teachers here were still making jokes and giggling about it. They sound like a fine bunch of folk. I don't think it's necessay so judgemental (and rude) muikabochi....　Your post doesn't really add much to the discussion. They are just used to the experience of quakes and tsunami and didn't realise at that stage the toll would be so great. I suppose my point (whi

Yah, it's not spam - just desperately needed some gear and still can't find anything else around Kansai except Sportaka which I think is really expensive. Just wanted to help out anyone else looking for gear in Kansai. I since found a sports superstore that had pretty good selection and prices near Neyagawashi (on the Keihan Line) somewhere, but was out on my bike and don't know exactly where it is, sorry. Thanks for backing me up David. Sorry it sounded like an ad.

I don't really understand all this... I teach at a school in Kansai and although there is obviously some sombre people around, almost everyone is just going on as normal. What choice is there really? Even after the images started coming in the Japanese teachers here were still making jokes and giggling about it. Obviously the media has hammered this story internationally and I can understand some foreigners cancelling their trips due to media induced fear, but honestly I just can't grasp the reason that locals (expats and japanese) aren't going, unless you are relying on trains and planes that

I think Japan has some pretty great hamburgers actually. The best, IMO is Critters Burger. They use Aussie beef and give you a few delicious wedges with your burger too. It's in Shinsaibashi, Osaka. Actually they're the best burgers I've ever had. The Freshness Burger chain is okay also. Japanese cheese is bad but you can get decent imported stuff from Costco or some big liquor stores (for a price!). I find it very hard to get raw unsatled nuts, and also whole oats, but occasionally will come across an import/specialty grocer that has them. Any sort of lean protein is almost imp

I couldn't find anything about it already, and after struggling to find an answer for a good place to get gear in Osaka/Kansai, thought this might be helpful to those based in the area. I visited JSBC Snow Town on the weekend and was very impressed with what I found. They only open from November 20, 2010 to February 27, 2011. 3-10pm Mon-Sat, 12-6pm Sunday/Holidays. It's at Kyocera (Osaka) Dome, which is pretty easy to get to on the subway - about 10-15 mins from Shinsaibashi. They mainly stock snowboard and skate gear - not too much for skiiers that I noticed, but then I wasn't looki

Hi all, this is my first post. It's my last winter in Japan (was here last year too) as my contract is finishing and I need to get a REAL job somewhere probably back home in Aus. Heading to Hakuba December 23 to December 30 (8 days). Going to stay at Mont Blank (anyone stayed here?) so will mostly explore 47/Goryu, but want to try some other resorts too. Recommendations? Iwatake? Cortina/Norikura? Went to Happo and Tsugaike last year. Tsugaike was AMAZING for beginner/intermediates like me and my girlfriend. Will visit for a day during this trip too. Also planning to visit Myok