Kobe

The next stop on the agenda was Kobe.  It was Spring Festival back in Chinaland, and Kobe's well-established Chinatown promised to be busy as hell.  I had to stop here to investigate.

Japanese plastic food art, China style

After eating the most expensive cha sha bao I've ever bought, I had a craving for good ol' New Town Bakery bao back in Vancity.

Ruins of the Kobe Earthquake...a cryptic sight for the coming days in Japan after my backpacking trip. I hope Japan can bounce back after the recent events, just like they did after the Kobe earthquake.

Apparently, to be deemed worthy of being called Kobe beef, cuts have to pass a standardized criteria from a local quality check.  Something about the meat's marbled texture and appearance?

In search for a decently priced Kobe beef steak restaurant.

Found one!  And it only cost me $50.

I had my own cook because I came in fairly early to beat the crowd.

After eating the Kobe beef steak you see in this picture, I became very confused.  I don't know what's better - Albertan steak or Kobe steak?

Only places that show this sign use beef that has been checked by the local quality board.

Danger! Monkeys in the sewer!