Kyoto

We just showed up in Kyoto and all the hotels are full.

Osaka was amazing. We stayed at the Flex Hotel near the train station. Lots of little bars, Izakaya and boutiques. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.

We went to see the Osaka Castle. It was originally built in the 1500s, but it was burned down during a war in the 1600s. It was rebuilt and struck by lighting and burned again. Air raids during WWII also destroyed a lot of the castle walls and turrets.

We also went to the aquarium. The aquarium has eight floors with exhibits from Japan`s Forests, Alaska, Antarctica, Cook Islands, Aleutenin, Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The latter tank has 5400 tonnes of water and is loaded with fish, sharks and manta rays. I also saw gigantic spider crabs, octopuses and jelly fish. The acrylic glass of the tank is 30 cm thick.

We also saw a gigantic ferris wheel on the harbour front.

The food in Osaka was also amazing. We had incredible bento boxes for lunch at a tiny place with beautiful decor. For dinner, we had good sushi at Jean-ni (sp?). After dinner, I had a nap for a few hours. At 2 am, I decided to go for a walk. I walked north to see a organic building, temple and shrine. Then I walked south towards the Osaka Theatre. Eventhough it was 3 and 4 in the morning, I felt completely safe. I walked through the Shinsabashi Shopping district. At night, it looks like Times Square or Las Vegas.

I love Osaka city!

We went back to Nariyama for one more night. We went to another Onsen Hanna bath house. Not as fancy as the first one. It had three pools and two saunas. Because it was after 7 pm, it only cost $5.

Now, we are sitting in the foreign tourist office located on the 9th Floor in the Seto department store searching the Internet for love hotels to stay at. I snuck a quick peak the the Kimono fabric section of the department store. Kimonos start at a few thousand dollars in price.

Our plan was to stay two nights in Kyoto, but we may have to leave if there is no accommodation. *sigh*