Kani-Doraku - Matsuyama

Kani-Doraku translates into "Crab as you like it." The restaurant is a chain based out of Osaka. They are famous for their giant crab display which was influential in other restaurants having similar oversize display's.

This particular restaurant's animated display was not working (claws would animate).

Apparently the food is very good and reasonably priced. Having not eaten there yet, what has been written about this restaurant and its chain, has all been favorable.

Kani-Doraku

Birthplace of Shiki Masaoka - Matsuyama

Shiki Masaoka

Downtown Matsuyama

Fresh tomato's

How does Mercedes Benz sell such small cars? This model is the same size as the Toyota Yaris. Obviously a status symbol.

Takashimaya is a chain of department stores in Japan and in Major cities like Paris and New York. Japanese department stores have floors dedicated to product families. Each floor is dedicated to a theme or target audience. The basement is the most interesting as it is where food is prepared, marketed and sold.

Okaido

I think Japan has more coffee and tea shops than any other place I've been too. Perhaps not but the Japanese do enjoy their coffee quite a lot. It's very civilized.

Tanaka is a quality luggage shop. Not cheap but the quality is top notch.

Biking is a common means of transportation.

Okaido - Star Wars Pachinko

Darth Vader is using the force to draw people in to play Pachinko. Pachinko does have ties to organized crime in Japan. Many of the Pachinko parlors are operated by Korean's who have ties to the Yakuza in Japan.

Marketing 101 - tissue packages handed outside the Pachinko parlor.

"The force is with you" - playing Pachinko that is. Possibly the most mind-numbing game around. It hurts just to watch people play it.

Okaido

Cuteness overload

A traditional Japanese pastry shop.


The roof comes off in nice weather.

Santa Snoopy

Okaido

In Japan you will find the old and new exist side by side with respect for each other.

A lovely mural on a store front.

A 100 Yen store. About as much cheap stuff you can cram into a store and still walk around in.

Okaido Shopping Mall - Matsuyama

Japanese drug store. Much is made about how the Japanese prefer name brands and expensive goods. That is true when it comes to gift giving. On a daily basis, when it comes to personal consumption, the Japanese are as frugal as it gets. They like good deals.

Hats are popular in Japan. One of the many things I enjoy about the Japanese is their sense of fashion when it comes to hats. Even older people are into their hats. There is a sense of dignity when it comes to hat style.

Bowing is customary in Japan. Women like to know what they look like from behind when they greet company.

Public Phone Booth

English style phone booth. In a country obsessed with cell phone technology, public phones are becoming obsolete.

Beef Bowl Shop

Yoshinoya is a chain of fast food restaurants in Japan. The food is cheap, fast and yummy. The food is quite good.



Yoshinoya Chain

Okaido

Okaido is a shopping district (mall) in downtown Matsuyama.


Star Wars - Darth Vader themed Pachinko



Noodle shop for lunch, quite good.

The shops display of food offerings. The steam from inside made the display hard to see.

Downtown Matsuyama

Udon Shop

Sugaya

Near Okaido - Reserving space?

The Toyota Prius is popular in Japan. The waiting period for a Prius in Japan is much less than what it is in the USA. It is a status symbol to drive one there.

Downtown Matsuyama

Udon Shop

Post Offices are a big deal in Japan. They are more like a bank lobby than anything else. A very serious place.

Mailbox with Matsuyama Castle on top.

Kindergarten & Church

There are Christian Church's in Japan but they are few and far between. This is a Church and Kindergarten in downtown Matsuyama.

Parking

Parking is a big deal in Japan. In order to own a car, the car owner must verify that there is a parking spot available for the car. That is one of the many reasons bikes and motorbikes are popular means of transportation.

Oldest Style Cheese in Japan - Asuka

Near Asuka-dera Temple there is a cheese shop. The shop makes the oldest style cheese in Japan.


Asuka-no-So



Asuka-no-So