Ramen, Rain, and More Ramen

After Kumano Kodo, we wrapped up our time in Japan with 4 days in Kyoto and a couple in Osaka. We kicked off our time in Kyoto with a first experience for both of us: a TYPHOON! How neat. Basically it was the same weather we had the whole time, just a bit windier.



Our first night in Kyoto we did one of our favorite things in Japan ever: SAKE TASTING! Huge shout out to my friend Louis who sent us tons of recommendations, and this, like the others, was a smashing success. We actually don't have any pictures from this (because sometimes you just need to #live), but it was amazing. Yoramu is a quaint little place in a pretty residential area, and the owner is a fascinating dude. We did a 10 pour tasting, and he picked sakes for us based on our other drink preferences. Definitely, definitely recommend.

After that, we took it pretty easy and wandered around town, doing the usual: eating ramen, napping in massage chairs, and staring at maps.

After 3 days in Kyoto, the rain let up! We headed Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple to explore, and it was a tourist nightmare. We stayed to enjoy the weather, and the nice fall colors.

This is us, excited to be getting out of there.

Then it started raining again, so we went bowling. 

Our last day in Kyoto was easily our favorite. We ended up finding a random street market and ate ALL OF THE THINGS. It was great. We learned that the market only happens once a month, so everyone comes out to buy dried strawberries, octopus balls, and fine china.
Also, please note: the first ray of SUNSHINE SINCE WE ARRIVED.

I also feel moved to tell you how AWESOME our Airbnb was. We stayed at the Expo Hostel in Kyoto. First, we thought we liked this place because of the western beds (#bestillmyheart), but we quickly realized it was their hospitality. They were absolutely fantastic. 100% recommend.

We boarded our train to Osaka, and when we arrived we were very underwhelmed. Compared to Kyoto and Tokyo, we found Osaka very dirty. And kind of creepy. However, we ended up having a total blast and loving Osaka!
Our first night, Ben found a sushi restaurant that was #delish. On our final day, we enjoyed the public onsen (there were no showers or bath at this place #budgettravel), which is becoming one of my favorite pasttimes. We also had a great time eating steamed cheesecake, playing arcade games, and [of course] devouring 1 last bowl of ramen.

Japan = success. Nepal: here we come!