And so it begins...
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The fancy ryokan - part 2
Last night I slept heavily, and it was wise to skip the onsen. As much as I wanted to have that first try in the onsen, i was to tired and I simply couldn't imagine getting into a 42C onsen after a day in the blistering heat. After a night of rest and cooling down I woke up with the sun and prepared for my first attempt at an onsen. I won't lie, there was some nerves going on, as there is a lot of steps to doing the onsen properly. Thankfully I caught a break in from the morning bathers, and just as I arrived, they were all showering to leave. This helps take away any pressure and I slowly went through the new routine for the first time. If you aren't familiar with Onsens, there are a lot of how-to videos on YouTube which will tell you all about this routine. And actually SHOW you an onsen. Given all the nudity involved, you will just have to use your imagination here. The one somewhat unique hurdle I faced; my beard. You are never suppose to let long hai...
Night 2; The fancy ryokan
After a day of unbelievable heat, and a walk through the heart of Osaka, I arrived at my hotel for the second night - a traditional style ryokan. The closest I can come to describing this place in western terms is that it is the Japanese version of a spa hotel, complete with built in Onsens. I arrived later in the evening, particularly tired from the heat of the day. Upon check in I was given a choice of dinner times, then escorted to my room. Much like my first night, this room was also a traditional Japanese style room, but this time a bit more luxurious. The host explained there my towels for the onsen were, and pointed out my 'samue' which was the preferred attire for dinner and throughout the hotel during my stay. Note the socks - the true ninja turtle experience! With my new wardrobe sorted, I headed down for dinner. I knew only that I should expect a lot of courses, but beyond that I had no idea what was on the menu. Even with the menu I had ...
Goshuin: Namba Yasaka Shrine
My second Goshuin, at a shrine nestled in the center of Osaka: Namba Yasaka Shrine.