To celebrate my mother turning 49 this year, my family and I traveled to the Kansai Region of Japan. The whole trip was a free and easy tour, where I sat down at the computer and planned for months before the big trip. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date of travel: 28 September 2013 Mount Shosha
While my parents were away at Golf, my sister and I took a train to Himeji. I really wanted to visit the temple where The Last Samurai was filmed. I watched it just a few months before I went to Japan and I was so intrigued by the whole way of the Samurai thing. The location of the film was just beautiful!
It was filmed up Mount Shosha, which is the site of Engyoji Temple, an atmospheric temple complex with a history of over 1000 years. Located at the edge of Himeji City, the mountain can be accessed in only 30 minutes from the city center by bus and cable-car.
Directions:
Take Shinki Bus number 8 from either Himeji Station or Himeji Castle to the terminal stop "Mount Shosha Ropeway" (書写山ロープウェイ, 30 minutes, 260 yen one way, departures every 15-20 minutes).
Then, take the Mount Shosha Ropeway up the mountain (500 yen one way, 900 yen round trip, departures every 15 minutes).
A convenient ticket to use is the "Shoshazan Ropeway" combination ticket, which includes a round trip by bus from Himeji Station to the ropeway station and the ropeway round trip for 1,300 yen. It is available at the ticket counter of the Shinki Bus Terminal in front of Himeji Station.
Round trip ticket for bus and ropeway
Note that there are two bus terminals in front of Himeji Station, one for the white Himeji City Buses (on the right side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station), and one for the orange Shinki Buses (on the left side of the main road when exiting JR Himeji Station). You need to take a Shinki Bus.
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Up to Mt Shosha via Ropeway
As we headed up the ropeway, I noticed there were a lot of farms in Himeji despite the concrete jungle you see in the background. It was still a quiet and peaceful town.
If memory serves me well, the entrance ticket to visit the temples costs us 500Yen per person. You'll end up at the base of the mountain. if you want to hitch a ride up the mountain to the entrance of the temples with the buses they've provided, you need to top up another 500Yen per person!
My sister and I decided to save the money for lunch instead and hiked up!
Strolling up Mt. Shosha
It was quite an alright walk. The weather was cooling and it was very shady with all the trees blocking out the nasty sunlight and heat. The only problem we faced was that the path up was very sandy. We were not complaining though, because we rather it be sandy than muddy!
Finally we're here!
There are about 5 temples within the Engyoji Temple vacinity. Most of which are within 5-10 mins walking distance and are accessible by paths through the trees or 'secret stone paths' behind the temples.
Walking to the next temple
We spent about 5 hours here just taking our own leisurely stroll through the woods, admiring all the beautiful trees and scenery.
The temples reminded me vaguely about the 'Last Samurai' movie, but there isn't one particular place which reminded me of a scene, as you can see from the photos below.
Corridors outside the temple.
Inside the temple
Temple Grounds
The Last Samurai Movie
Himeji City
After spending a few hours up the mountain, we went down to the city to grab a bite. It was almost 5pm and most of the shops and restaurants (affordable ones) were closing and did not want to serve us. :(
Himeji city
We walked around the area opposite the Himeji Castle, there were plenty of shops and restaurants, however they were all closing. We just continue to walk nonetheless. We did not visit Himeji Castle though, as it was under renovation and we couldn't see much also anyway.
Beautiful sunset
Eventually, we found a shop that sells all those souvenir sweets and snacks which were way more affordable than in Osaka, or all the other cities we've been. We bought about 10 boxes each!
Himeji streets
We basically roamed the streets hungry as most of the restaurants were closing. We went into the supermarkets and bought ourselves ice cream instead.
Sunset outside the station
Himeji is a very quiet and peaceful town, with lots of sights to offer. It can be visited in one day and you can just take a train out from Osaka, Nara or Kyoto. Bear in mind that Shinkansen will cost double the amount as compared if you take a JR Train, but will get you there at half the time.
We visited Himeji on a day visit as well. We took a JR train that took us about 1 hour. If you're visiting Himeji on a day trip, I'd advice you to purchase a 1 day JR Pass at the airport (the only place you can purchase a JR pass without visiting a Travel Agent). It will cost you about 2000 yen for 1 day pass, and your return trip if you purchase it at the JR Train station will cost you about 2400yen.
To celebrate my mother turning 49 this year, my family and I traveled to the Kansai Region of Japan. The whole trip was a free and easy tour, where I sat down at the computer and planned for months before the big trip. 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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Date of travel: 25-26 September 2013
Super Hotel Lohas Nara
It is located just next to the JR Nara train station! As you can see from the picture, it just very very near the train station, which was super convenient, considering that we had quite a lot of luggages! It is so near that the entrance to the hotel is on the same platform as the exit of the JR train station! We literally walk 1 min from the exit to the hotel!
It is a small business hotel, but very cozy and it even have a hot spring/bath located inside the hotel! They have outdoor and indoor baths! We went when it was Summer turning into Autumn, but the weather was still HOT! So, not a very good idea to go to the hot springs. We didn't quite enjoy it as it was just too HOT! It would be better in any other season, except Summer! We did it once, in Hokkaido, up in the mountains. It is -20C and it was snowing like crazy! The PUUUURFECT weather for a soak in the hot springs!
Hot spring in Winter is the BEST!
At the check in counter, there's a box for you to take five items from a wide range of selection. You're able to take bath salts (of various scents), masks of the skin, bath cloths, etc. It's target to women only.
They also have a pillow bar for you to choose your favorite type of pillow! I like medium height and hard-as-a-rock pillows! So, that was what I got. They also provide pillows which are so thin, it is about 1-inch in height, and so soft, you might suffocate in them. Won't you get neck aches with such nonsense pillows?!??
There are a lot of businessmen and women staying at this hotel as they're all in suits. I don't think that is their normal travelling style right? During breakfast, while my family and I are enjoying our slow breakfast, they quickly ate (within 10 mins?) and left! Perhaps it is near the train station that's why!
Todaji Temple
Todaji Temple
The "Great Eastern Temple" is one of Japan's most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples of Japan and grew so powerful that the capital was moved from Nara to Nagaoka in 784 in order to lower the temple's influence on government affairs.
It is a large compound with a very HUMONGOUS statue of Buddha. Look at all the measly humans at the base of Buddha's lotus flower pedestal.
Buddha in Todaji Temple
Nara Koen
I only have 1 word for Nara Koen. DEERS!
Deers are everywhere! At various locations, especially outside temples, there will be an auntie who will sell you deer biscuits at 150Yen per stack of about five biscuits. At first we were all really excited to see so many deers at once, let alone come up close, pet them and play with them!
"Paint me like one of your French Ladies."
The deers were just walking around, or rather, lying around. They were so tame and we just went up and shove our cameras in their faces, and they didn't give a single damn.
Petting a small deer!
Then we bought a stack of deer biscuits, and all hell broke loose.
Feeding them deer biscuits.
The male deers have their horns cut off. At first I thought it was really cruel of whoever who did it. Afterwards, I was so thankful. The deer in the picture below headbutted me just because I gave the other deers biscuits and not him. This deer headbutted me TWICE! Can you believe it! I got attacked by a deer over biscuits! It followed me, and nudged me every now and then, and when I bought myself ice-cream, the deer still wanted to eat my ice-cream!
Check out the video on how two girls got attacked when they were buying the biscuits already! IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED!
We found this place in the Lonely Planet Travel Guide Book! Met the prettiest waitress who speaks perfect English as well! It was very refreshing as we've been always having difficulty communicating with the locals in Broken Japanese or Broken English. Mellow Cafe has also a stone brick oven for their handmade pizzas!
We had Narazuke & Sake Lees Pizza. There's a hint of Sake and topped with pickles! Very very refreshing and tasty! We also had my favourite pizza, Prosciutto Ham & Fresh Vege pizza, Seafood Aglio Oilo pasta, Tiramisu and a chocolate cake as well!
It's a homely and cozy cafe, tucked away in a corner. They had complimentary WiFi too!
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. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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!
