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Kyoto

Kyoto

We started the Japan leg of the trip with 3 nights in Kyoto. It is enough time to get a taste of Kyoto, but if you like your shrines, I'd stay a couple more days
Vaulks 12 Apr 2015   ⋅   3,512 views   ⋅  1 favorite
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  • Accommodation

    We were very late in booking accommodation and, given it was cherry blossom, were very limited in our options. We stayed in a decent hotel for the first two nights and then a Ryokan for the third night.

    Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Shinmachi Bettei - This was a very comfortable hotel. Small rooms but perfectly sufficient. They had a separate baths (Sento) downstairs, which was fun, although please note that it is 'Illegal not to be naked!'

    Ryokan Izuyasu - This was a more genuine Japanese experience. Beds on the floor, 11pm curfew, Japanese breakfast, separate showers/baths downstairs. The staff were very friendly and it was really convenient for the station.

    If we were to return, we would probably aim to stay in a Ryokan in the Gion district.
    14 May 2015 ⋅ 0 comments ⋅ 1 photo ⋅ 723 views
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  • Before you Fly

    - No need for a visa if UK citizen.
    - If you are likely to take the bullet train (Shenzhen) then it is worth getting a JR Rail Pass. They are not cheap (US$250), but you would save that on a return trip to Kyoto. You can also use them on the Yamanote Line (circle line) in Tokyo and to get to and from the airports. You can only buy a JR Rail Pass overseas. You are given a voucher and then visit the JR (Green signage) counter at the airport of arrival and exchange for the pass. You then show that pass to the guards at all entrance gates and get waived through. If you know your likely travel dates, then ask the person at the counter to reserve your seats too. They speak English. If traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto (and back), ask for seats D & E to get views of Mt Fuji.
    - There are two airport options - Narita and Haneda. Haneda is far closer.
    - If interested in visiting the imperial palace in Kyoto, you must book to go in as part of a tour group.
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 0 comments ⋅ 1 photo ⋅ 748 views
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  • Shenzhen to Kyoto

    - Make sure you get a JR Rail Pass before you fly to Japan. This would cover your return journey to Kyoto. You cannot use the fastest bullet trains, so make sure you check. If you reserve your seats at a JR Rail Pass counter, they will ensure you are on the correct train.
    - If traveling over a meal time, buy a delicious Bento box before boarding.
    - Sit in seats D&E (both ways) for views of Mt Fuji.
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 0 comments ⋅ 2 photos ⋅ 756 views
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  • Temples of Kyoto

    There are hundreds of temples and shrines to see in Kyoto, so be selective! You probably don't want to pencil in more than 2 or 3 a day!

    Best ones?
    - Kinkaku-Ji (Golden Temple). While there, also visit the nearby Ninna-Ji.
    - To the south (one stop on the train to Nara) - Fushimi Inari is a must-see. It is particularly beautiful at dusk when you can walk up the steep hill through the tunnels of red Torii Gates.
    - Gingaku-Ji (Silver Temple) is worth visiting. If you have time, walk the 'Philosophers Walk' which takes you past other shrines on the way. NOTE - the temple closes in the evening so don't be late!
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 6 comments ⋅ 7 photos ⋅ 837 views
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  • A proposed Itinerary

    Kyoto is very easy to get around on the buses and trains. Buy a 1 day bus pass (see photo) and bus map; board buses at the back and exit at the front. A proposed itinerary would be:

    Day 1 - Golden temple, Ninna Ji and surrounding area, followed by lunch at Otsuka (fantastic Wagyu beef). Then walk around that area - great cherry blossom and bamboo forest. Then get the train to Kyoto station and on to Fushimi Inari.
    Day 2 - Do the Castle and Imperial palace followed by Soba lunch at 500 year old restaurant - Honke Owariya. Then head to Heian Shrine and do the philosophers Walk up to the Silver Pavilion.
    Day 3 - Shopping near Gion (Nishiki Market Teramachi and Shyin Kogokyo), then lunch at Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake). In the afternoon, more temples (Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka shrine) and then in the evening grab a beer at the entrance to Maruyama Park, followed by Geisha spotting in Gion.
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 1 comment ⋅ 2 photos ⋅ 866 views
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  • Kyoto History

    Visit Nijo Palace - built by one of the Shoguns (Tokugawa Ieyasu) in 1601. It is worth visiting to see the gardens primarily. The tour of the interior rooms was very crowded and not particularly informative.

    A short walk to the East, you will come to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. This was where the emperors lived before the Meiji restoration (1868 - when the Imperial family regained power from the Shoguns) and their move to Tokyo. You must pre-book a tour here!

    Visit the nearby Soba restaurant (Honke Owariya) for a delicious noodle lunch to see photos of imperial history.

    Walk the streets of Gion at night and you might spot some Geishas rushing around.
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 4 comments ⋅ 5 photos ⋅ 721 views
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  • Restaurants and Bars in Kyoto

    For a fun early evening drink, visit Maruyama park.

    Go to nearby Gion one evening and try a Kaiseki. These are small, intimate restaurants where you sit at a counter and watch the chef at work You do not choose the menu but simply get presented with 10 courses (or so) of the chef's choice. These range from sashimi and bamboo through to live abalone, cooked in front of you!

    We visited two Kaiseki places. Sagakawa and Gion Karyo. The former was more intimate and more of an experience; the latter was better in terms of food.

    For Soba, Ramen or Udon, look no further than Honke Orawiya.

    For a fantastic wagyu beef lunch, go to the number one restaurant on trip advisor - Otsuka.

    One evening, visit the atmospheric Pontocho St (near Gion) and eat at a Sukiyaki restaurant. We loved Sukiyaki Iroha (there are two addresses - one at the end of Pontocho, which was closed, and one further up).
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 6 comments ⋅ 7 photos ⋅ 831 views
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  • Shopping in Kyoto

    We didn't have much time for this, but wander up and down Teramachi and Shin Kyogoku Shopping Arcades. These two parallel streets are packed full of shops. Our favourite one was Daishodo - Japanese wood block prints.

    Disecting those streets, you can walk up Nishiki market. Along there is an Aritsugu Knives shop. They are not cheap (over USD100 for the cheaper ones) and they do not take crds, so bring cash!
    12 Apr 2015 ⋅ 0 comments ⋅ 1 photo ⋅ 739 views
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