Kansai 2013: Kyoto

We traveled to Japan for a family vacation. In part to celebrate my mother's 49th birthday, and also for me to escape work, because it was so stressful! 

We visited Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji & Osaka over 10 days. Please click the link to get my itinerary around the Kansai region. I have to stress that we did not follow the itinerary strictly (sometimes not at all) because I was travelling with my parents and sometimes we were tired from travelling and skipped some attractions to have a rest/nap. 

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Date of travel: 22-25 September 2013

STAY!
ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto

ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto

We stayed at ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto. We took the complimentary shuttle service from Kyoto Station. The pick up location is from the Hachijo East Exit, just outside MacDonald's. At first we got quite lost finding the right exit as the whole station was massive. After asking around (Kyoto station has lots of tourist information help desks), we eventually found the right exit.

It took us about 15mins in heavy traffic to arrive at the hotel. They have a large and grand lobby. We arrive around 12.45pm, and according to them, check-ins are strictly at 1pm. It was alright, we waited a while, asked some questions regarding places of interests, and than we checked in. The Chief Concierge, Simon actually roomed us, and provided lots of information about Kyoto. Being a New Zelander, he adviced us to speak to one of his colleagues, Masumi, as she was born and raised in Kyoto and knows the insides and out of Kyoto.

In the evening when Simon has left for the day, Masumi actually helped plan our 2nd day itinerary. We wanted to join a city tour (as my father was tired from all the walking), but we arrived on a weekend and Monday was a Public Holiday. The tour agencies were closed till Tuesday! She gave lots of insights and recommendations!

ANA Crowne Plaza has this Sleep Advantage Program for all their guests. They provided sleeping masks, eye warmers, bath powder and even special green tea to help you to have a better rest/sleep at night. I was so intrigued by it!

FOOD!
Takakura Nuyo Ramen Shop

Ramen Shop

We saw this ramen shop on a map at the hotel, and we decided to try it. It seemed pretty easy to get to. Just walk straight past several streets and you're there right? Well, no. We thought it would be an easy 5 mins walk, but we walked for 15 mins (pretty far for our standards) and we couldn't find the right lane to turn into. We knew it was going to be at the corner, but because the shop's front was so plain and inconspicuous, just like a regular home, we missed it several times.

When we finally arrived, the smell of pork and ramen filled the air. We were SO hungry! It is a typical small ramen shop with a 'vending machine' to choose your meals from. Obviously, everything was in Japanese and we tried to see if there were Japanese words that were similar to Chinese so we could decipher. Well, not. The nice ramen chef came out and explained what he could in his limited English.

One dish you must order is the braised pork. They will grill/BBQ it and afterwords, use a flame torch and braise it, giving it the shiny glaze and burnt look, all grilled pork should have! Check out my InstaVideo below!



Uruu Cafe & Bar

Uruu Cafe and Bar

Now, we chanced upon this small little cozy cafe on the map too, I believe. We weren't very hungry, so my mother, sister and I shared a set menu for 2! It was very cozy and nice to just relax in after a long day of walking around in the blistering heat (even though it's supposed to be Autumn). I couldn't find any information on the cafe, probably because it type in English instead, but if you're in Kyoto and staying at ANA Crowne Plaza, please ask the concierge where this jem is!

Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar

Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar

There's a reason why this cafe is called Hello Goodbye. My sister and I think it is because the old man who owns this cafe is a huge Beatles fan! We went to this small little cafe for breakfast before we went to Nijo Castle. Beatles songs were playing the entire time we were dining there. It is not very expensive for a set breakfast meal.

SIGHTS!

Nishi Hongan-ji Temples

Nishi Honganji Temples

 It is the biggest Bhuddist Temples in Kyoto. There are 2 Hongan-ji Temples but we only visited the Nishi Temple. It closes at 6pm and last entry at 5.30pm. We couldn't make it in time. It was just two halls with relics and statues. Not as educational as I would prefer and the information was just on a brochure.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower

Standing 131 meters tall just across Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower is Kyoto's tallest building and a rare modern iconic landmark in the city famous for its ancient temples and shrines. The tower was completed in 1964, the same year as the opening of the Shinkansen and the Tokyo Olympics.

Just like the Tokyo Tower & Kobe Port Tower, this is a tall skyscraper resting on the roof of a building. All the buildings in Kyoto are about 8-10 stories high, a government regulation This is to preserve the city skyline and the view. Beautiful view of the sun setting against the city! They have adult and student price & my sister and I looked young enough for the student price. Please do not learn from us! We're cheap Singaporeans that's why! :(

Ni-jo Castle

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.

It is located just opposite the hotel and a just a 5 mins walk over! It is a very large compound with lots of beautiful rural paintings on the walls, doors and even ceilings. It's hard to imagine how people from the ancient times were so skillful with whatever limited resources they have! Sadly, we weren't allowed to take photographs as the flash (and even sunlight) will deteriorate the quality of the paintings and make them fade. There's also a beautiful garden at the back for you to relax and enjoy the greenery. It is easy to navigate and walk around the compound too. Adult tickets costs 600 yen.

Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji)

Golden Pavilion

Kinkakuji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.

We took Bus #101 from outside Nijo Castle and walk about 5 mins from the bus stop. Visit this place only if you really want to visit it. There's nothing much to see here, except for the Golden Pavilion itself and gardens. It's actually a good picnic spot during Spring or Autumn when it's not so warm.

Ryoanji Temple

Ryoanji Temple & Zen Stone Garden

Masumi from the hotel said to walk about 15mins to Ryoanji Temple, but it took us about 30 mins! I am not sure if Japanese walk fast, or their perception of time is shorter (perhaps they're having a good time talking and not thinking about how far it is to walk?). If you know what bus to take, please do take it. It is about 2-3 stops away, but taking a bus will make all the difference!

Anyhow, we got to the temple and saw the Zen Stone Garden which is said to be the most beautiful stone garden in Kyoto. Well, I am not an arty person and can't really appreciate art that much. What I appreciated was the peace and quiet of the place. We sat down and rested for a while and enjoyed the scenery.

Arashiyama Area

Bamboo Forest

So, we proceeded next to the Arashiyama Area where Tenruji Temple is located. We did not really enter the temple (as we've visited so many temples already) and just stood outside the admire the structure and serenity of it. Afterwards, we proceeded straight to this bamboo path way.

Hadouken!

As you can see, the road is lines with rows and rows of bamboo trees and it is simply breath taking! My sister and I were quite the tourist and tried to take a lot of jump shots, Japanese style. We were inspirered by Street Fighter's famous Hadouken blow!

Jump shots Japanese Style!

Street Fighter: Hadouken!

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is just a straight street which is parallel to Shijo Ave (the main road). So happened that we turned into the 2nd street that leads us to Nishiki Market (as we do not know where the market really starts) and that was the start of the market! I would suggest to walk directly to Nishiki Market Street when you exit the subway, as you may not be as lucky as us and might end up in the middle of the market and now know where to start.

Most stalls open at 11am, with some cafes and eateries opening at 9 or 10am.  Nishiki Market sells everything Japanese, from clothes, kimono, bags, accessories, souvenirs and I even manage to mix and match a Ninja outfit for my boyfriend!

I bought myself a Yukata (similar to Kimonos but for summer wear, made from cotton and only 1 layer) too and it made for a fun Halloween costume!



Gion Area

Gion Area

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west. It is filled with shops, restaurants, temples and ochaya (teahouses). There are lots of temples around Gion Area! If you're into temples, start early! We started at about 2pm and couldn't finish visiting all the beautiful and ancient temples. One of the temples to look out for is Chionin Temple with the huge Buddha!

Chionin Temple

Gion kept it's traditional buildings and architecture. It is like walking into a whole new world, and just across the street is modern buildings. The contrast is strikingly different!

Gion is also famous for it Geisha Encounters. Unfortunately, we did not meet any friendly Geishas who were willing to let us take pictures or say hello. I mean, come on! If you go out everyday and everyone wants to take pictures of you, and try to talk to you, you'd never get 10 steps away from your previous location!

You're also able to visit Gion Corner where Geiko (Kyoto dialect for geisha) and maiko (Geiko apprentices) entertain.
Opening hours: Two shows daily at 18:00 and 19:00 
Admission: 3150 yen (2800 yen with online coupon) 
Website: http://www.kyoto-gioncorner.com/global/en.html

Gion Corner

Higashiyama Area

Higashiyama Area

This area is also a preserved historic district with lots of old buildings and shops. Cafes and boutique shops mainly line the street. Very often, you see regular girls wearing Kimonos/Yukatas walking about the streets, perhaps visiting the temples or just basking in the feel of the ancient times. They were friendly enough to take a photo with us though!

Friendly Japanese Girls!

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Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:

• Kobe
• Nara 
• Himeji 
• Osaka (Coming soon)