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!
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: 21-22 September 2013 Hotel Villa Fontaine Sannomiya
Hotel Villa Fontaine
Address: 4-1-4
Asahi-Dōri, Chūo-ku, Kobe City, Hyōgo 651-0095 Japan,
Access info: http://www.hvf.jp/eng/sannomiya.php
It was indeed a 3 min walk from the JR station to the hotel. However, we got terribly lost and the 3 mins walk ended up a 20 min walk. After connecting to WiFi and opening Google Maps, we managed to find our way to the hotel. The directions that was on the hotel's website wasn't very clear. We tried to use landmarks to position our direction, but to no avail. So basically, after you tap out from the JR station and turn right, you will see an East Exit sign, turn left and walk along the pathway/shops until you reach a bus terminal. Continue walking until you see a tall silver building. Take a look at the photo below, the silver building in just behind the red brick building. That is the one.
The whole hotel is nice and cozy. Apparently, my mother booked the wrong room. We got smoking rooms instead of non-smoking rooms, but it was fine as they provided air-purifier cum ionizer in the rooms which removed the annoying smoke smell in a few hours! (I know it can be done because I work in a hotel too!)
On the service side, I felt that they weren't really warm and genuinely caring. It felt like they just did whatever they're suppose to do at check in and that's it. I don't know if that's cos I work at a luxury property and I expect the same type of basic service? They don't even sell stamps at the Front Desk. I was quite disappointed at that though. They asked me to go to the convenience store, paste the stamps myself and than they will help me mail it out. But I can't complain, this is what we're paying for I suppose.
Other than that experience, everything else was alright. Meriken Park
Meriken Park
It is relatively easy to find our way there. There are plenty of maps and signage once you've come up from the subway station. It is nice and cooling with gentle breeze, whereas the city area was scorching hot! Perhaps the weather became cooler as the sun was setting.
Kobe
Port Tower
Opening hours: 9:00 to 21:00 (Admission
ends 30 minutes before closing.)
Admission: 600 yen (tower only), 800 yen
(tower, Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Museum)
Kobe
Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World
Opening hours: 10:00 to 17:00 (entry until
16:30)
Admission: 500 yen (both museums), 800 yen
(both museums and Port Tower)
Kobe Port Tower
The Kobe Port Tower is also located in Meriken Park. The park was devastated by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. There were supposed to be signage and boards which told the tale of the earthquake and its destruction, and also an area where they preserved a section of the damaged sidewalk. Unfortunately, we did not manage to find it, nor any signage which educated us with the earthquake. It was quite disappointing. Perhaps we were too tired and the sun was setting fast, so we just decided not to look for it anymore and just head over to Kobe Harbourland.
We didn't visit the museum as it was getting late and we missed the last entry into the museum.
Kobe Harbourland
Kobe Harbourland
It is a shopping and dining area which is just a short 10 mins walk from Meriken Park. There's also a Giant Ferris Wheel which is so beautiful at night. There are many shops and restaurants with all sort of cuisines from German to Traditional Japanese fare. There is even a cruise ship restaurant and a carnival that was going on. It reminded me of Oktoberfest, but I wasn't too sure if it was part of Oktoberfest celebrations as it was still in September. Nice place to walk around to look for small knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Lunch: Shingen Restaurant
Shingen Restaurant
We decided to dine here for lunch as we were waiting for check in time and it was very close by the restaurant. They served beef with almost everything, which was a problem as my Father doesn't consume beef. We ordered Garlic Rice for him, but they added beef. We had to change it to Pork instead. There was some communication's barrier, but they had a Chinese staff and so we communicated well with him.
What irked me the most was that they took back the bowl of beef garlic rice and changed it to pork garlic rice for us. We told them it's alright if they want to charge us the beef garlic rice and just leave it on the table, the rest of us will eat it, but we would like 1 more bowl of pork garlic rice. However, they took the beef garlic rice back, and they charged us for it! We did not realize that until we left the restaurant and my father didn't want to pursue the matter. The whole meal cost us 5,700 yen! (SG$72/US$57) which was very expensive! We did not order any BBQ meat items and just ordered from the lunch set menu. Throughout our stay in Kobe/Japan, we ate a lot, but none was as expensive or not as worthy as this meal.
Dinner: Ryu-en
Ryu-en Restaurant
For dinner, we ate at Kobe Harbourland. Ryuen served Kobe Beef (at reasonable prices too). Kobe beef is so tender, juicy and sweeeeeeeeeeeeeet! We had BBQ Kobe beef (3 servings), some seafood, pork, buckwheat noodles, and sake and it costs us 120,000 yen! (SG$152/US$122) It wouldn't say it is expensive, since we had 4 servings of meat plus seafood and sake!
I LOVED EVERY PART OF THIS MEAL.
Kobe is just a small little port town. Sadly, we were all very tired from flying (we landed at 9am from an overnight flight), and we didn't venture far. I enjoyed Kobe nonetheless. Perhaps, if you're staying in Osaka or Kyoto for a few days, you could do a day trip to Kobe instead and enjoy the wonderful taste of Kobe beef!
