It was kinda a last minute decision to visit Kyoto but I’m so glad we did it. I couldn’t decide before my trip if I wanted to go Kyoto cos I thought I would be alone and I wasn’t sure about heading to such a beautiful place alone but thankfully Aarika extended 2 more days when we were in Tokyo so we booked our ryokan the night before and bought our train tickets at the bullet train station on the day itself. For some reason, it’s really expensive to travel within Japan so if you’re planning to hop from one place to another, I’d strongly advise you to plan your itinerary and book your tickets beforehand. Also, get your JR pass when you’re in Singapore cos you can’t get it in Japan (IDK why, don’t get the logic) and it’s a lot cheaper to travel around with the pass if you’re gonna be in Japan for a week or more.
My return train ticket to Kyoto cost us $330SGD each and honestly, it’s pretty crazy for a 2.5 hours ride and we were just gonna stay for a night but, I couldn’t leave Japan without seeing Kyoto! You can purchase the train ticket at Tokyo station on the day itself if it’s an impromptu decision. There are other options besides train which you can check out here – http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html
First stop in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Shrine
I love the street food stalls right outside the shrine! So many kyoto snacks!
Roasted mochi!
My favourite sweet potato!
Tofu flavoured soft-serve ice cream!
Gion street
A hot bowl of tempura udon meant the world to us in that freezing cold!
Train ride shenanigans
Made our way to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove the next morning before we caught our train back to Tokyo!
I really enjoyed Kyoto. It’s so quaint and cultured with so much character to it. Wish I had one more day there so I could catch the Geisha show, go for tea sessions, wear a Kimono and maybe visit the Golden palace. Now I understand why Kyoto is listed as one of Asia’s nicest city/town. It’s beautiful and it’s sooooo different from the bustling Tokyo!
Ahhhh I just wanna go back to Japan now :'(
I’ll be flying off to China tonight so I’ll back with the second and last part of Tokyo soon!
XX
Sophia Chong
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