Nishiki food market in Kyoto

 Nishiki Market (錦市場 Nishiki Ichiba) (literally "brocade market") is a marketplace in downtown Kyoto, located on a road one block north and parallel to Shijō Street (四条通 Shijō-dōri^?) and west of Teramachi Street (寺町通 Teramachi-dōri^?). Rich with history and tradition, the market is renowned as the place to obtain many of Kyoto's famous foods and goods.

Kobe

SanNoMiya (Kobe) station

Ikuta Shrine in Kobe is possibly among the oldest shrines in the country. According to Nihon Shoki, it was founded by the Empress Jingū at the beginning of the 3rd century AD.

Kitano-chō (北野町) or Kitano Ijinkan (北野異人館) is a historical district in Kobe, Japan, which contains a number of foreign residences from the late Meiji and early Taishō eras of Japanese history.

Fantastic view from top of Kitano-cho

Kobe city center

1995 earthquake memorial

 Kobe city center is beautifully rebuilt after the big earthquake in 1995. Today Kobe looks like one of the most fashionable cities in Japan (or in the world?)

Motomachi street in Kobe

  

Chinatown in Kobe

Asuka

with JR Hanwa from Osaka

I was alone in my car

Asuka is a beautiful place without convenience stores and other "new things" 

In this building they have built up a replica of the grave chamber which exist inside the mound on next photo

Takamatsu Zuka (mound) probably from the 7th century. 

Who was placed in the tomb is unknown, probably a royal person

One of the original drawings from inside the tomb.

Asuka and its surroundings has a very peaceful atmosphere

Tomb of Emperor Nintoku

Behind this fence there is emperor Nintokus tomb, the size is 2 times larger than the pyramids in Egypt

Nintoku ruled year 319-399

Sven in front of the entrance to the mausoleum

Tombs from other royal persons

Japanese tea house

Osaka Castle

Replica of a storage house from the 7 th century in front of NHK Osaka

Naniwa no Miya Palace ground in front of Osaka castle

Naniwa no Miya Palace grounds in Osaka from year 645

Entrance to Osaka Castle

One of the gates to Osaka castle

Temple inside Osaka castle

Takoyaki (octopus dumplings)

Ume (plum) is in blossom

Osaka Castle