Free and easy Kyoto

Wednesday, August 12, 2015 Jes Japan , Travel 5 Comments

After Tokyo and all the food and some sightseeing in Hakone and Hiroshima,  it took around 2 hours to get to Kyoto by Shinkansen. Once you reach Kyoto station and if there is still time to walk around, do purchase the City Bus’s all-day pass at 500 yen. It is worth the money if you take more than two trips a day.

The crowded Kyoto JR station

We chose to spend a little more than budget to stay in a traditional Japanese Guest House for the feel of sleeping in futons on tatami. Ryokan Shimizu was really worth every dime at about S$150/night. The walk from Kyoto station to it took about 10 minutes. you just have to cross the road and turn right. Follow the directions and you will be able to find it.

Some street signs that you will see while you walk there

It's a quaint little building with pleasant owners and they made us feel like special guests. They also had cultural activities like dressing up and writing Chinese words and we got to know and talk to other guests too. You can also rent the bikes to explore the neighbourhood... Pretty fun!

The lovely hotel that contributed to the charm

Sleeping in these futons were really comfortable and cooling

Day 1
The first place we visited in Kyoto was the Nishiki Market. It's a short bus ride away (#5, #205, #206, or #101) from a nearby bus stop and you have to walk 5 minutes away from the main Shijo Ave to find it from the map in the link. Or, you can just follow the crowd like what I did.

Follow the crowd and head towards this...

Just walk around and take in the sights

Fish cakes and more... I love street food!

If you looking for to get some shopping done, near Nishiki market there is a Daimaru Departmental Store. This area is great for dining and shopping and is the most urban area. You can also walk here to Gion area which is not far at all. The first day concludes here because I arrive in Kyoto quite late. Sleep early to start off an early day tomorrow!

Day 2
You will find that there are so many shrines and temples in Kyoto- different meanings by the way, so it's good to be selective. The most popular temple is undoubtedly the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Bus #101, #102, #204 or #205).

Bathed in the shiny, majestic golden facade and sitting proudly in the lake, it is indeed a picture of beauty. Being so beautiful and popular would mean there are crowds everywhere and it's hard to even take a proper selfie at peak hours. For 400 Yen and opened only from 9am to 5pm for a picture-perfect moment, it's great for just one visit in my lifetime.

Post card worthy view

After looking at the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, the Ginkaku-ji temple will pale in comparison. Although it is called the Silver Pavilion, there is no silver temple around here and just a simple, nothing-special temple. Legend has it that they did not have enough money to cover it with silver and I believe it because Japanese don't do things halfway.

The lack lustre Ginkaku-ji

What makes this place special is actually not the view. The best part of it is the walk leading to it. Tetsugaku no Michi (Philosopher's Walk) is another place that took my breath away, just like Otaru in Hokkaido. Well known as the best trail in Kyoto, strolling alongside cafes, souvenirs stores and quaint little houses made me hope that time would stand still and let me soak in the beauty of all.

The beautiful walk and definitely a memorable one

It's turning winter so it's not really at its best but still so lovely!

It takes around 30 minutes to walk from the bus stop at Eikandō-michi to Ginkaku-ji, but if you really like the place like I do, you would take more than 2 hours... Stopping to visit all the shops, relaxing in their cafes and taking pictures non-stop. You can also visit Eikando Temple at the start if you have time. I do believe it will be even more breathtaking during cherry blossoms season. To get there, you will need to take Kyoto City bus #5 to Eikandō-michi or just ask the driver where to get off. If you go to Kyoto without exploring this, you will regret it!

The little details along the streets

Being 'trapped' in the maze...



How they looked like from outside

The JR is not able to take us near Nijo castle so we had to take the bus (#9, #50 or #101). It must be quite a grand castle with the cherry blossoms and colourful leaves but unfortunately, I was not there for the right season. At 600 yen a person, I guess it's more worth while to come back at the correct time.... or maybe not. The castles, temples, shrines get too repetitive in the end.

The castle looking good on pictures

One part of it but not sure which...

All these attractions I mentioned were completed when I visited Kyoto twice over the years. Some attractions I could not remember which goes to say that it was not memorable and should probably remain forgotten. I have also attended Haru's Cooking Class and learnt how to cook Kobe beef but I have to admit time is better spent elsewhere than 3 hours in a remote area.

A 4D3N itinerary will give it justice so my must-visit list is:
Day 1: Nishiki Market - Explore Shijo Street
Day 2: Kinkaku-ji - Philosopher's walk - Ginkaku-ji - Kiyomizu - Gion
Day 3: Arashiyama
Day 4: Fushimi Inari Shrine - Nijo Castle

And onwards to Hakata!