The Travelling Wee

Moving to Kyoto

After a late night at Universal Studios Japan (USJ), we started our day by packing our bags in the morning. To make our journey smoother, we asked the hotel reception to send our large luggage to Tokyo, our final destination. This allowed us to travel light with just our carry-on luggage for our stay in Kyoto.

Scenic Journey on the Kyo-train Garaku

Instead of taking a local train or the bullet train, we opted for the special scenic Kyo-train Garaku. This designer train, adorned with Japanese flair, runs between Osaka-Umeda and Kyoto-Kawaramachi. No reservations are needed; you can simply use your IC card to tap in and out. We were fortunate that, due to the Obon holiday, the train had extra runs on weekdays.

Arrival in Kyoto and Hotel Check-in

The Kyo-train Garaku arrived at Kyoto-Kawaramachi instead of Kyoto Station, so we adjusted our plans appropriately. We headed straight to our hotel to drop off our luggage.

Lunch and Local Bus to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

After grabbing a quick lunch from a convenience store, we took a local bus to the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. The bus ride was straightforward and cost only ¥230 for adults and ¥120 for children. You can pay with an IC card or cash, but make sure to have the exact fare as no change is given. In Kyoto, you enter the bus from the middle door and pay when exiting at the front door.

Exploring Kinkaku-ji

Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, was a breath taking sight. The shimmering gold leaf on the pavilion reflected beautifully in the surrounding pond, creating a serene and picturesque scene. On the way towards the exit, we found a tea house. It is a good way to enjoy the garden ambiance away from the crowd. For a fee of ¥500, you can enjoy a cup of matcha green tea (hot/cold) and some Wasanbon sweets.

Bus to Nijō Castle

Next, we took another direct bus to Nijō Castle. The route was easy to navigate, and we spent over an hour exploring the castle compound, including the Ninomaru Palace and Nijō Castle Garden. It’s important to note that the Ninomaru Palace closes earlier than the rest of the castle, so plan your visit properly.

Taxi to Nishiki Market

Given that there were four of us (two adults and two children), we opted for a taxi to Nishiki Market as it was a short ride and the fare was reasonable. We spent the evening exploring the vibrant Nishiki Market, Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, and the surrounding areas.

Fish Spa Kyoto

We discovered Fish Spa Kyoto, where we enjoyed foot spa treatments with fish that gently nibble away dead skin. It was ticklish at first, but we soon got used to it. My kids loved it so much that we returned the next two nights. They found it refreshing and said it helped with their tired legs.

Dinner at Kura Sushi Plus Kyoto

For dinner, we went to Kura Sushi Plus Kyoto, a chain of conveyor belt sushi restaurants across Japan. It became another hit with our kids, and we ended up dining there a couple more times during our stay in Japan.

Evening Stroll

After dinner, we took a 30-minute stroll back to our hotel, enjoying the sights and sounds of Kyoto at night.