After leaving Akita, we headed for Yamagata and the Hana-gasa Festival there. However, after arriving at our hotel (which actually was in another city all together - oops), we decided we were festivaled out and stayed the night in Yonezawa. Yonezawa is well known for one thing - beef. So Grace and I decided to have a Taste of Yonezawa Festival - 3 eateries and two very full college students. Unagi, beef, and then curry - just the perfect end to a semi-relaxed travelling day.
The next day, before travelling to Osaka Kansai, Grace and I decided to go to Hirashimizu, a small enclave of pottery families on the outskirts of Yamagata. There, we got to make our own pottery with the Shichiemon family, who were incredibly gracious hosts - I fully recommend that people go there, see what they're all about, and buy some of their stuff. They provided lunch, tea, fired works, and even a ride back down to the bus station (we had walked the 3 kilometers there - cheaper right?). Amazing.
Then Grace and I got on our train to Osaka Kansai - the last city in our tour, and little more than a place to rest before hopping on the plane. The hotel there was enormous - the rooms were great and everything was really cheap.
The next day we went to KIX (Kansai International Airport) very early, as the latest shuttle time was 11 AM. Our flight left right around 6 PM, so we had a nice long wait. We sat around the airport all day, just shooting the breeze, and finally boarded for our flight back to the States.
I can't believe I'm leaving. I've learned so much, both about Japan and about myself. While I wish I could stay longer, I really do miss the people at home. I absolutely adore Japan, and I know I'll miss it immensely - it'll always be a part of me. I look to return sometime soon. Until then, I only have my memories as comfort.
