Skip to main content

Japan 2015 Part 2: Kyoto

Where to Stay

 Although Kyoto is only 1 hour by train from Osaka, we opted to stay in Kyoto to maximize our time. For our Kyoto leg, we booked a room in Hotel MyStays Kyoto-Shijo. The hotel is walking distance from the Shijo station and the Nishiki Market. It is both convenient and centrally located.

To book a room, click here.

Tips
  • Plan your itinerary carefully and start early! 
  • Allot at least 2 days to visit the major sights, divide them by their location: Northern, Western, Southern, Eastern, and Central Kyoto. We didn't have the chance to explore the Central part during this trip.
  • Most tourist spots are far from train stations. To make the most out of your budget, purchase a 1-day bus pass. 
  • If you know how to bike, Kyoto is a good location to showcase your skills. 

Day 1 - Northern and Western Kyoto

Kinkakuji

How to get there: Bus is the most convenient way. Take either of the following: 101, 102, 204, or 205.





Sagano Scenic Railway

How to get there:  
  • Option 1: Take the JR train to Umahori Station then walk to Tarroko Kameoka Station
  • Option 2: Torroko Saga Station is right next to JR Arashiyama Station. 






Bamboo Groves

How to get there: If you take the Sagano Scenic train from Tarroko Kameoka Station, alight at Tarroko Arashiyama station and then walk from there.




Tenryuji

How to get there: Bamboo groves is just adjacent to this temple.








Day 2 - Southern and Eastern Kyoto

 Fushimi Inari

How to get there: Fushimi Inari is just outside of the JR Inari Station.










Kiyomizudera

How to get there: From Fushimi Inari, go back to Kyoto Station and then take Bus 100 or 206. The bus stop name is either Gojo-zaka or Kiyomizu-michi. 

Warning: The temple is undergoing massive renovations as of writing. 






Warning: This itinerary is not suitable for those travelling with children or elderly. We are two healthy adults but this itinerary really took its toll on us. Rest if you must. This is based on Japan Guide's suggested itinerary but they only included walking directions from one tourist spot to another. We had a pocket wifi with us so we just used Google Maps if riding a bus is a good option. Don't hesitate to ride the bus, your legs and feet will thank you.

Ginkakuji

How to get there: From Kiyomizu Temple (Shimizumichi bus stop), we took Bus 100 to Ginkakuji.








Philosopher's Path

How to get there: Philosopher's Path is just outside of Ginkakuji.



Nanzenji

How to get there: Once you've reached the southern end of Philosopher's Path, look out for signs to Nanzenji.





Heian Shrine

How to get there: It's a 19 minute walk from Nanzenji to Heian Shrine. According to Google Maps, Bus 5 or 100 can take you to Heian Shrine.






Yasaka Shrine

How to get there: I can't remember the bus number we took but according to Google Maps, Bus 46 / 110 / 206 are your options in going to Yasaka Shrine from Heian Shrine.





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Taiwan 2014 Part 2 - Tian Wai Tian Hotpot | Yehliu Geopark | SYS Memorial | Taipei 101

Tian Wai Tian Hotpot Directions: Go to Ximending by taking the metro to Ximen Station. Use Exit 6 and follow this walking directions from Google Maps . What's special here: Bang-for-the-buck steamboat buffet that includes unlimited serving of Haagen Dazs ice cream and drinks (including beer!). The price varies depending on the the time of your visit. (Adults: from TWD 439 to TWD 519; Children: TWD 219) Yehliu Geopark Directions: From Taipei Main Station, find the Taipei West Bus Terminal Station A . It was hard to find the terminal if it's your first time so what we did is ask a station personnel. Once in the bus terminal, board bus 1815. Again, it's safer to tell the driver that you be going to Yehliu. There's 34 stops between Taipei and Yehliu so goodluck counting the number of stops. Once you alight at the bus stop, follow this walking directions. ( Google maps ) What's special here: Rock formations in different shapes! Entr
Post a Comment
Read more

Taiwan 2014 Part 4 - Maokong Gondola | Taipei Zoo

Maokong Gondola Directions: Take the Taipei Metro to Taipei Zoo station and follow the signs going to Maokong Gondola. What's special here: Compared to Ngong Ping 360 (Hong Kong), I can consider the price for a ride at Maokong Gondala as quite cheap. There's also no price difference between the regular cabin versus the crystal cabin. If you're brave enough, I highly recommend taking the crystal cabin. Round trip ticket costs TWD 120. Taipei Zoo Directions: If you're coming back from the gondolas, trace your back to the Taipei Zoo metro station and then follow the signs for the Zoo. What's special here: Well, it's a huuuge zoo! I suggest going here on a weekday though as this is a very popular destination among locals. The entrance fee is very cheap at TWD 60 for adults and TWD 30 for children. I would also suggest that you bring your own food as the stores inside are not able to keep up if there's a huge number of visitors. I wis
Post a Comment
Read more

Taiwan 2014 Part 3 - Longshan Temple | CKS Memorial | NTU | Jiufen | Modern Toilet

Longshan Temple Directions: Take the Taipei metro to Longshan Temple Station (blue line) and follow the signs. It's hard to miss the temple with its distinct looks. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Directions: Take the Taipei Metro to the CKS Memorial Hall Station (green line). What to do here: Explore the grounds of Liberty Square and be in awe of the National Theater Hall, National Concert Hall. You can also watch the hourly changing of the guards inside the memorial dedicated to koumintang leader Chiang Kai Shek. National Taiwan University Directions: Take the taipei Metro and alight at Guangguan Station (green line) What to do here: If you're a Meteor Garden fan, then no need for explanations. Jiufen Directions: By Public Bus: First, take the Taipei Metro to Zhongxiao Fuxing interchange station on the blue/brown line. Then find the bus stop for bus # 1062. Here's a google maps view . Be wary though that it can be packed with tou
Post a Comment
Read more