It has been 5 days since I have been in Osaka. The city seems the same, the people are the same, just wearing thicker clothes. I've been going to the usual places like Umeda, Shinsabashi. It felt a bit weird to see the restaurants in Shinsaibashi that I went with Joe when I came to Osaka 9 years ago. And I was here around the same time, too. Very humid Winter gives me more chills.

 

 Image from Negiya Ryofukaku

Reserved a fancy onsen-ryokan in Arima for Boxing Day. 

Arima is known for hot springs and I've always wanted to try the fancy meals and enjoy the spa in Japan. So I ended up booking the most expensive one with a private open air bath. 

  Image from Negiya Ryofukaku

It seems a bit surreal that I will be leaving for Japan this Sunday. I think I need a vacation.