26 Sep
Was supposed to catch a ride from Mrs Omori to nearby Kyoto but due to time factor, decided to go on our own. Mrs Omori gave us a ride to Hagoromo station. From there, we caught a train ride to Namba, changed to subway to Shin Osaka and then took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Wanted top always try the Train bento, we bought 1. From Kyoto,we took another 2 train rides to Kyotoshiyakuso-Mae station. From the station, it was only a few minutes walk to our accommodation - Nishiyama Ryokan. As it was still too early to check in, we left our luggage there and then proceeded to our 1st sightseeing destination - Kinkakuji.
The bus ride took us about 30 mins to the front of the entrance. A quick curry rice lunch (which was not bad) at a cafe nearby before we went in to Kinkakuji. The main attraction was apparently the Golden Temple and there was lots of tourists! We spent some time walking around the place and managed to get some nice shots. However, we found the place too commercialised,selling lots of temple related souvenirs....makes one wonders.....
Took a bus ride to Shijo Kawaramachi and managed to locate Super Hotel (hotel for the following night - great location, just behind the shopping street) to reconfirm the reservation. While strolling along Shijo, we managed to see a hairstyle parade at Gion. There was a display of hairstyle from the different era... it was pretty interesting!
At the check-in, we were being shown to our room. The lady explained the various gadgets in the room and even poured us tea! Such great hospitality! The room was actually bigger than I expected. There was a living room and also a bedroom. The toilet seat was really high tech...it warmed up!
We decided to try the public bath located at the basement. It was not big, but sufficient as we were the only ones using it! In the lobby, there was free Internet and that's really great!
During dinner, we were surprised to find only 2 of us! Most of the guests were on either room with breakfast or just room only. We wanted to try the famous Kaseiki dinner and we were not disappointed. The spread was rather decorative, with lots of small portion of different entrees/appetisers and by the time we finished, we were full! It was really a good experience! Though the price was rather expensive, for the once in your lifetime experience, it was worth it!
Took a stroll along the shopping streets of Kyoto bought some souvenirs before returning to the Ryokan. Another dip into the bath before we turned in for the night.
27 Sep
Certainly slept well on the tatami!
A early morning dip again before we went for our breakfast. The local breakfast was rather interesting and delicious.
Checking out of the Ryokan, we went to Super Hotel Shijo Kawaramachi to drop off our luggage.
This morning, our destination was Kyomizu Temple. A bus ride and about 20mins walk up the hill, we arrived at the famous Kyomizu Temple. This is a very nice attraction with a view of the kyoto city.
From Kyomizu, we went back top the shopping street for lunch and finally settled at the food street of Takashimaya - curry rice again!
Went over to Arashiyama and spent some time walking around the place. Quite a nice place to spend a few hours.
Super Hotel has specific timing for the public bath for men and women. We managed to find time to dip at the bath (natural mineral bath). Great way to relax!
Decided to have yakiniku for dinner and managed to find one BBQ buffet. The spread was good and we ate a lot, with many glasses of apple juice!
Another round at the public bath before sleeping time!
--------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------
Was supposed to catch a ride from Mrs Omori to nearby Kyoto but due to time factor, decided to go on our own. Mrs Omori gave us a ride to Hagoromo station. From there, we caught a train ride to Namba, changed to subway to Shin Osaka and then took the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Wanted top always try the Train bento, we bought 1. From Kyoto,we took another 2 train rides to Kyotoshiyakuso-Mae station. From the station, it was only a few minutes walk to our accommodation - Nishiyama Ryokan. As it was still too early to check in, we left our luggage there and then proceeded to our 1st sightseeing destination - Kinkakuji.
The bus ride took us about 30 mins to the front of the entrance. A quick curry rice lunch (which was not bad) at a cafe nearby before we went in to Kinkakuji. The main attraction was apparently the Golden Temple and there was lots of tourists! We spent some time walking around the place and managed to get some nice shots. However, we found the place too commercialised,selling lots of temple related souvenirs....makes one wonders.....
Took a bus ride to Shijo Kawaramachi and managed to locate Super Hotel (hotel for the following night - great location, just behind the shopping street) to reconfirm the reservation. While strolling along Shijo, we managed to see a hairstyle parade at Gion. There was a display of hairstyle from the different era... it was pretty interesting!At the check-in, we were being shown to our room. The lady explained the various gadgets in the room and even poured us tea! Such great hospitality! The room was actually bigger than I expected. There was a living room and also a bedroom. The toilet seat was really high tech...it warmed up!
We decided to try the public bath located at the basement. It was not big, but sufficient as we were the only ones using it! In the lobby, there was free Internet and that's really great!
During dinner, we were surprised to find only 2 of us! Most of the guests were on either room with breakfast or just room only. We wanted to try the famous Kaseiki dinner and we were not disappointed. The spread was rather decorative, with lots of small portion of different entrees/appetisers and by the time we finished, we were full! It was really a good experience! Though the price was rather expensive, for the once in your lifetime experience, it was worth it!
Took a stroll along the shopping streets of Kyoto bought some souvenirs before returning to the Ryokan. Another dip into the bath before we turned in for the night.
27 Sep
Certainly slept well on the tatami!
A early morning dip again before we went for our breakfast. The local breakfast was rather interesting and delicious.
Checking out of the Ryokan, we went to Super Hotel Shijo Kawaramachi to drop off our luggage.
This morning, our destination was Kyomizu Temple. A bus ride and about 20mins walk up the hill, we arrived at the famous Kyomizu Temple. This is a very nice attraction with a view of the kyoto city.
From Kyomizu, we went back top the shopping street for lunch and finally settled at the food street of Takashimaya - curry rice again!Went over to Arashiyama and spent some time walking around the place. Quite a nice place to spend a few hours.
Super Hotel has specific timing for the public bath for men and women. We managed to find time to dip at the bath (natural mineral bath). Great way to relax!
Decided to have yakiniku for dinner and managed to find one BBQ buffet. The spread was good and we ate a lot, with many glasses of apple juice!
Another round at the public bath before sleeping time!
--------------- Sawbear Travel ---------------
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