Osaka and Nara, Japan

We have been in Japan for the past week! I've been loving this country so far, such a change from the chaos of southeast Asia but so many things here that just make more sense than any other country I've been to. Everything is so well organised and clean here as well which is so nice.

We flew into Osaka and spent a few days there in a mini apartment, went to Osaka castle which was really nice and wandered along some of the recommended neighbourhoods. Really love japanese street styles, mix of traditional and modern which I think looks really good. Also so many food options everywhere, we had Okonomiyaki and some fluffy pancakes, amongst many other new dishes. The food in general has been amazing here, although Jodie has sometimes struggled a bit as lots of things seems to contain meat or fish, even if you wouldnt expect them to. Also stumbled upon the crazy lights of the canal one night, was amazing to experience the bright lights of Japan, I'm sure we will get much more of that in Tokyo. It felt different than any country I've ever been to.

We also did a day trip to Nara whilst in Osaka. Was cool to feed the dear and walk through the forest/park. The deer kept trying to eat the pocket of my shorts and jodie's shirt!

After Osaka we headed to Kyoto and have been spent the last 4 days here. I'm a big fan of Kyoto, really love traditional Japanese architecture and easy access nature. Great city to walk around in. There are loads of temples to explore which has been fun, although my one complaint is how busy with tourists it is compared to Osaka. Although guess that's to be expected.

We went to the bamboo forest which was like being in an anime. Very cool. One night, we went to a hidden jazz bar which was tucked away on the 4th floor of a building in downtown kyoto, overlooking the river. We were the only ones there besides the very suave Japanese barman who recommended some nice Japanese whiskey for me and a coffee liquor for Jodie. Was a really cool experience to watch the precision of him pouring the drink and making the ice ball. Was like a private bar just for us!

Another day in Kyoto we decided to rent bicycles for the day and cycle around instead of walk, Kyoto is pretty flat so this was a good idea and one of my favourite days there. Was only £6 each for the whole day on the bike which is pretty good compared to the costs here (which have been significantly higher than SouthEast Asia... the budget is struggling).

Kyoto has also been amazing for food and shopping in general (got myself another cane, we have had to queue a bit for a couple of spots but worth it for some of the best ramen and gyozas I've ever had.

We've been fairly lucky with the weather so far although today it has started to rain heavily and the forecast isn't looking good for the next few days. We are currently on a bullet train (anorher first!) to Kawaguchiko which is a town next to Mt. Fuji. Hoping we can catch a glimpse of it but not holding out hope if the weather stays as it is.

I will make two penguins as too many photos to fit into just one! They only let me do 10 photos now. Pictures on this one will be for Osaka and Nara, other one will be for Kyoto.Leer más