Here is the full photo gallery.
I took the Nozomi Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet Train from Tokyo to Kyoto, this is the most pedestrian thing but it is exciting. Clipping along at 285km the ride is smooth and the views of Japan were amazing, not just Mt. Fuji.
Kyoto, this is the most beautiful city I have ever been to, a sentiment echoed by many. I suggest you watch Somebody Feed Phil, it surprisingly sums it up.
I loved Kyoto within hours of being there, and did not want to leave after a couple of days, after 5, it really hurt to leave.
I stayed at the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Kyoto Oike, it was an Expedia roulette pick & worked out perfectly. It was central to most of the places I wanted to go, pretty much all within my walking distance.
I started off by walking down to the Nishiki Market, it is pretty wild. I’ve been to markets before but this was quiet chaos in a good way, not pushy, loud or full of irritating peddlers but so busy.
I went for dinner at a place called Hyakuroman, small plates so I got sample a number of things, and had a Matcha beer. This was my first experience with a new way of ordering food in Japan. Scan a QR code, get an online menu that you add remove to your order. You can order things continually during your time & then someone just drops them off. Limited interaction with a single person and efficient, pretty awesome.
A walk to Hōkan-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera. I was a bit of a hike from my hotel but worth it. The Yasaka Pagoda as its better known is a 500+ year old temple in a very old part of Kyoto. Narrow streets, old houses its an amazing place to visit. It’s a short walk then to Kiyomizu-dera a huge temple complex with amazing building & views. The construction of the temple is something to see, the size of the timbers, the joinery and statues.
I toured around the Gion district a couple times. Once by myself exploring and once on the Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour. I learned about the Geisha origins, training and daily life. Also how to identify a Okiya and how many Geisha live in it, including if it’s a dog. I did see a Geisha on the street each time.
Went to the Philosopher’s Path for a stroll and found a serene tea room at the end Kano Shojuan Kyotochashitsuto. Had a Macha & a traditional sweet that was amazing. I walked back to the beginning where there was another amazing temple Ginkaku-Ji to visit.
Found the Nintendo Store in Kyoto, pretty interesting with lots of brand clothing & souvenir’s. Not far from it was Pontocho Alley, another cool trendy alley with lots of restaurants. I was able to get into Pontocho Yakiniku Yamakawa for Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku), it was a pretty interesting experience, indoor bbq of Kobe, Wagyu & skirt steak. I was a little challenged doing it correctly but was a lot of fun & I got a little help from the staff.
Even in Kyoto
hearing the cuckoo’s cry
I long for Kyoto
Bashō
1644—1694
