Japan Trip Pt. 2 - Kyoto
Welcome to part 2 where I go to Kyoto!
Find part 1 here.
Day 4
T O K Y O → K Y O T O
After dropping my big luggage at my next hotel in Asakusa, I head to Shinagawa Station to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Lined up to book the next train to Kyoto with just enough time to buy lunch (ekiben). Tip: If you want the Mt. Fuji view, book a D/E seat either way.
I checked into my hotel - Fuji Hotel Kyoto Gojo - a fairly new (and affordable) hotel walkable from Kyoto Station, and close to both bus and train stops. It was really clean and fairly modern.
I was looking forward to catching a once a month flea market which happened to fall on that day. However, it wasn’t meant to be, as rain was pouring in that day. It was already pouring fairly steadily so I though I’d get an omikuji (200 yen) at the temple. I shook this container filled with sticks. Each stick has numbers and as you shake, one of the sticks will pop out and you read/show the number (it’s in Chinese/Japanese) to the man who’ll give you a strip of paper showing your luck. Ironically (and thankfully) I got the highest luck!
The rain slowed, and I decided to head back to rent a bike for the next day. I had early morning plans and also wanted to try cycling around since I read about (and experienced) super packed buses. Note: I have not cycled in years, especially not in a city. And no, you don’t forget how to ride a bike. Thankfully, Kyoto has lots of quiet side streets you can sort of practice at xD
I rented my bike at J-Cycle. They had around 4-5 bike options but I decided on a basic one with a basket. They tell you what to do and what not to do, and pair you off with a bike. I was nervous, but Kyoto is pretty bike-friendly with bike lanes on the street and on the bigger sidewalks, so it really wasn’t too bad. My only problem was my wobbliness and inclines xD
After cycling back to my hotel, I decided to look for a restaurant to eat nearby. I came across New Taihou after walking past it smelling so good. It’s a small place with 2 island counters for seating. Got myself a beef ramen and it was sooo good especially after the rain.
Day 5
C Y C L I N G A R O U N D K Y O T O
Woke up at the crack of dawn because I wanted a photo by the Yasaka Pagoda. I’ve been waking up so early the past few days but you gotta do what you gotta do to avoid the crowds. This was also one of the reasons why I rented a bike - it was too early for public transpo. However, since I had to stop frequently on the bike, I took longer to get there hahah not to mention, there are certain streets that you have to walk the bike (either by law, or because of an incline - my reason is the latter, obviously). By the time I got to the pagoda area, I was ready to take off my sweater. It was a workout xD
I’d say it was worth it though. There’s nothing quite like a peaceful morning with the golden light of sun, in an otherwise busy city.
After taking pics and walking around, it was time to head to the next spot: Philosopher’s Path. If I had been here the week before, I would’ve been able to catch the pretty pale pink sakura all lined up by the river. There were a couple of the late blooming ones but I wouldn’t really recommend going past the sakura season - it’s a quiet residential area.
By this time, it was around 10+ am and I felt like I did so much xD I slowly head back to the city to find a bike parking area in Gion (thankfully found one, thanks Google Maps). It was also near the Gion Tatsuki Bridge which is so pretty and picturesque. I have to say I love weeping trees (what does that say about me? xD). Lots of couples were having their photos taken in kimono, and also lots of seniors sketching. I lucked out because when I got there I didn’t have to wait too long for the bridge to empty out so I could take a photo xD
I didn’t realize this on my first trip to Kyoto (where we went to the usual tourist spots) but Gion is the red light district of Kyoto - so you walk past lots of bars closed in the morning. I eventually came across the main street where the shops leading to Yasaka-jinja Temple is, but I didn’t want to visit any more temples xD and by this time there were already lots of people.
I slowly head to the restaurant - Gion Duck Rice 🦆🍚 - located in the (creepy/shady) basement of a building. I was surprised that there was no line. The menu is pretty straightforward LOL The servers spoke english well and explained the set which consists of the main duck rice, bonito flake soup in a drip style setup, and seasoning (salt, pepper, chili) in test tubes. I would eat here again.
After lunch, I decided to go get coffee. My brother recommended me to go to blend - a quick search and I found there’s a donut place around the block, too. Got there and there wasn’t much seating available so I just stood by the takeout window xD The latte was different from the usual dark roast taste - it was rather refreshing especially iced, and with all the cycling. I got to the Hitsuji Doughnut where there was a line, and unfortunately there were out of donuts (they opened at 11am, I got there at around 1:30pm+) D: I got a scone instead, and it was pretty good!
I decided to check out Nishiki Market and maybe eat my way through the stalls. Before that, I had to find parking. It was a different system from the previous one but luckily a kind lady helped me out. Finding an empty parking slot for bikes is almost as hard as finding an empty spot for cars. xD
I walked through the whole of Nishiki. I was hoping to try the Kobe beef skewers but they were sold out. My appetite was also so weird because my stomach would just churn at the sight of seafood, and I also didn’t want to eat too much sweet/desserts D: I settled on a taiyaki with red bean and mocha (I wish I went for the custard) and this rolled up chicken thigh - it was good despite not being the most photogenic thing xD
It was time to return my bike and make one last stop at a nearby dessert cafe - ann drop in. I got their milk pudding drink with berries and a lemon pudding. The lemon pudding was disappointing because for me it lacked the lemony flavor (it was super mild). The berry milk pudding drink though was good and would recommend!
Thanks for reading! Part 3 is where I head back to Tokyo and my last full day before flying back to PH.