As I had already been to Kyoto in Dec 2007 and visited all the main temples at that time, I didn’t bother going to those spots again this time round. This time, I took the opportunity to pop by Kobe (神戸) which is about 1.5 hours by JR train from Kyoto. Stop at Sannomiya Station (三ノ宮駅) which takes you to the heart of downtown Kobe. Take the West Gate exit and make your way to Tor Road (about 10 minutes’ walk) where you will find many cute boutiques and shops along the little lanes around Tor Road.

A pink sequinned bear adds charm to this display

Recycled fashion goes chic

Educating the public in the prevention of animal cruelty through cartoon drawings

A pink Vespa sits in front of a hair salon, giving this picture a European flair

The interior of Rollo, a shop that specialises in buttons that come in a myriad number of shapes, patterns, colours and sizes. Address: Kobe Chuo-ku Kita Nagasa-dori 3-10-1 Takamatsu Building 1st Floor South. It’s a two-minute walk from the East Exit of Motomachi Station (元町駅). From Sannomiya Station, it’s a seven-minute walk from the West Exit.

Your national pride can be reflected in your choice of buttons that can be found in Rollo

Doing the holiday ritual of writing postcards to family and friends over lunch.

Mouthwatering shop displays are a visual feast that tease the tastebuds

A public foot bath with water drawn from a hotspring

A dying art form which is reflected in the faded poster which looks like it’s been up there for a while