Day 3 (Osaka-Kyoto)

After breakfast in the morning, we went to the fish market on our last day in Osaka. However, it was smaller than expected and was a small shopping street where you could both eat and buy raw fish to take away. When we explored the street and realized we still had time, our path led us to a nearby store with all kinds of arcade games.

Once there, my eyes were immediately drawn to a machine where you could win a stuffed dog named Bond. This was one of those machines where you had to use a claw to grab the desired object and bring it over a chute so that it would fall out and you could claim your prize.

As simple as it sounds, it was not. It took me several tries to finally fully grasp the dog with the claw without it falling down. The problem with these machines is that they shake when you lift them up and the claws that hold the object are quite loose, so they still drop the object. It was almost impossible to win. But by the time I realized this, it was too late and I was determined to get that dog. Even when Nico tried to help me, it just didn't work. In the midst of our excitement and emotions, it seems that we caught the attention of an employee. Luckily for us, this employee turned out to be an angel and positioned the toy in a way that made it almost effortless to win. But still, I couldn't do it and I missed this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. However, the friendly man saw how much I wanted that dog and gave me one last chance, which Nico successfully executed. When I finally held my prize in my hands, I was incredibly happy and thanked the overly friendly man multiple times. Like a little child, I held my prize proudly and joyfully in my arms (even though you can't really call it that since I practically got it for free) and was blissfully happy for the foreseeable future.

After that, we unfortunately had to make our way back to the hotel as we had to check out by 12 noon. With my trophy in my suitcase, we took the train to Kyoto. However, when we arrived there, we realized that it was 20 degrees Celsius and we were absolutely unprepared for the heat. Nevertheless, we had to walk for almost an hour in the heat with our suitcases to reach the next hotel. After checking in and changing into fresh, non-sweaty clothes, our plan was to visit the Nishiki Market and then the adjacent anime store.

The Nishiki Market was similar to the fish market in Osaka, a long street with many things being sold, but larger and with less fish. Since Nico and I hadn't had lunch at that point, we indulged ourselves a bit, being careful not to eat while walking as it was forbidden there and generally considered impolite in Japan.

With our strength renewed, we headed to the anime store for Nico, and we quickly found ourselves in a shopping mall where I also bought souvenirs. But even after that, we still had time, so we made our way to Yasaka, one of the many shrines in Kyoto. On the way there, which was quite busy, we passed by a river where Nico and I could rest briefly. Shortly after the break, we arrived at the shrine, where there was delicious karaage (fried chicken) that Nico and I couldn't resist. Behind the shrine, there was a small park that we briefly walked through before I spent a considerable amount of money on talismans (of course, not all of them were for myself).

The journey back was much quieter and less eventful. After securing our treasures in the hotel, we went to one of the many small restaurants nearby.

The restaurant was built above another store and had a hidden and family-like atmosphere. We were served by a friendly little grandma, which added to the charm. The ramen there was not spectacular, but still very tasty and filling.

And so, we fell asleep once again with delicious food in our bellies.