DAY 5 ~ OFF TO KYOTO

Kyoto, I would say is where you should go if you want to experience the "real" traditional Japan.

We took an early Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto (Booked via Smart -Ex website). We wanted to reach Kyoto early to maximize our vacation.

   

Tip:  You can save a bit of cash by booking at least 2 weeks in advance and choose the Kodama trains (which offers discounted tickets by as much as Y500/pax on ordinary seats and Y2000/pax on green seats).  The Kodama trains have more stops, compared to the other trains, "Hikari and Nozomi (but only by about 20 minutes Nagoya-Kyoto route)".

Riding the Kodama Train 

 

From Kyoto Station, we used the Karasuma Line, alighted at Oike Station then transferred to Tozai Line going to Sanjo Keihan Station.  Cross Hotel our home in Kyoto is about 400 meters walk from the station.  It was a bit of walking, but this hotel is very convenient when taking the bus (which we will be using for the majority of our Kyoto adventure).   

This stream is just outside our hotel...

We love Cross Hotel Kyoto.  It is very near the Nishi Market for some serious shopping, Potoncho alley lined with restaurants and the beautiful Kamo river.

The peaceful Kamo River, you would want to jump in and wade through its clean-clean water. 

At Cross Hotel Kyoto's lobby-lounge, enjoying complimentary coffee while we rest our tired feet from the day's walk.

More of Kamo River... I can spend hours here just chillaxing and watching the birds while sipping some freshly brewed coffee.

 

 Part 1 of our Day 1 in Kyoto ends here.

Follow Part 2 ~ as we head to Kiyomizu-dera

and all things matcha (drinks, snacks and desserts).

If you missed our Day 1-4, check the links below:

Day 1 and 2 ~ Nagoya, Takayama and Shirakawa-go

Day 3 ~ Nagoya City Tour

Day 4 ~ Inuyama Day Tour