This is the very first place where Satoshi's and my adventures began in Japan 4 years ago. We moved from very spacious Hawaii apartment to a "cute" 2-room apartment in his company's housing. We had a year to find our own housing, but moved to where we are now within 3 months.
The reason we decided to go to Takatsuki was that the company closed the housing facility this past March and we were curious to see how things had changed.
We were very surprised. The shopping arcade in front of the JR Takatsuki station was partially demolished and a twin tower deluxe condominium now stands there. The station itself has been renovated and there are many clothing shops and cafes. The area where we used to catch the bus was also moved and the route of the bus has changed a bit. The housing is now all boarded up and locked. Many of the stores around our housing area have also changed. The Italian restaurant where we first had dinner, Pommarola is now a video rental shop.


This shrine was apparently built before the Tenmangu in Kyoto. Also areas around Tenmangu shrines are usually called Tenjinmachi or Tenjin.
Although Satoshi didn't remember too much about the neighborhood because he was coming and going to work, he was very surprised at how much the area around the station had changed.
We had a very nice day today. :)