SAIGO no SAYONARA sale

GOODBYE Sogo Department store (again)

I certainly should have written this sooner, but the "only 5 days left" that I spied on the bright red sign today outside Sogo department store in Shinsaibashi as I waited for a friend, was particularly powerful in evoking memories. Many years ago now, I was hosting a Beer Garden Party on the rooftop of Sogo with friends from all over Kansai. It was the last night of the last day of business (way back then). I felt almost honored to be a part of the final send off.

Then SOGO reopened in all new glamor ablaze.

A history of the "NEW / OLD" Sogo building is here;

http://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/majorworks_e/topics/2005/win/01.html

Alas, history has repeated itself. Enjoy the sale prices everybody. Find yourself some bargains.

HOW to get there:

Located just next door to Daimaru on Midousuji street, Shinsaibashi. Can't miss it.

MINI book SALE at KINOKUNIYA Umeda

Another treat for people in search of bargain books!

UMEDA Kinokuniya has a mini sale of English books on until August 24th.

400 yen HARDCOVER coffee table books glorious, 200 yen novels, and a mix of various magazines.

NOT the biggest selection, but a TREAT none the less!

HAPPY hunting.

ALSO, the entire foreign language book section is reduced by 20%.

Like a second chance if you don't find anything in the BARGAIN boxes!

I've already been twice!

FUN.

SUMMER discounts

The EARTH cafe

Hidden just at the side entrance (near the tennis courts) of Utsubo Park is The Earth Cafe.

http://www.earthcafe.jp/menu3.php

I haven't been here in a long time, but smiled when I accidentally found it again with the funky music playing still, the cake cabinet looking sparkly, and the outdoor green foliage poking in to customer delight as always. What also seemed impressive was the “HALF price” memo advertisement on the blackboard out the front.

Until the end of August, both the lunch and dinner menus are dramatically discounted.

From 14:00 – 15:00, the daily pasta lunch set is a mere 400 yen. That's pasta (large serving if you like), bread (all you can eat) and salad for a paradise price.

The half price dinner menu (ranging from the discounted price of 450 yen to 1000 yen) is from 18:00 – 22:00 daily.

The cake (pick your favourite) and tea set is also reduced to 650 yen

from 15:00 – 17:00 weekdays. (Limited to 30 people per day)

If you want to visit at another time, print out the 10% off Food Coupon (along with a good map in Japanese).

http://www.earthcafe.jp/pdf/coupon.pdf

It's a 5 minute walk from Exit 7 of Higobashi station, or Exit 28 of Honmachi station (both on the Subway Yotsubashi Line) .

Don't forget to take a walk in the park as well. A personal favourite.

SUMMER music NIGHTS

If you are out and about in downtown Shinsaibashi, why not stop off at the always fabulous APPLE Store for a bit of live music fun!

SUMMER music Nights feature outstanding new artists with brilliance, talent and passion.

Check out their images and information at:

http://www.apple.com/jp/summermusicnights/

ALL for free! How outstanding!

August 18, 19, 20 and 21 from 19:00 - 19:30.

ENJOY your Osaka Summer!

downtown BOOKSALE

BOOK on SALE....all 50% off says the flyer.

We often don't need any more books, but it is always fun to take a look at what's out there. We might meet a new friend! We might discover a new hobby! We might find the perfect present for someone (including of course ourselves!).

3000 English books and magazines will be on sale from

AUG 21 - 23 at DOJIMA Hotel (B1F) from 11:00 - 20:00.

Genres include:

Graphic design

Art

Architecture

Photography

Fashion

Furniture

Weddings

Flowers/Garden

Children

Have a look at the Dojima Hotel website for access details.

www.dojima-hotel.com

There are many exciting things to do and see in this area.

Why not invite some friends and make it a day out!