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 |
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 |
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 |
Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar
Hello Goodbye Cafe & Bar |
SIGHTS!
Nishi Hongan-ji Temples
Nishi Honganji Temples |
Kyoto Tower
Kyoto Tower |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
Hadouken! |
Jump shots Japanese Style! |
Street Fighter: Hadouken! |
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market |
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 |
Chionin Temple |
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!
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Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:
Friendly Japanese Girls! |
Check out my other posts about Japan: Kansai Region here:
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