IT'S BIGGS!

Continuing to the second part of the Kyoto trip.

First part of the said trip can be found here. 

What else could be any memorable when you get to play dress up and portray as if you traveled back in time during the Edo period?

Okay, enough on the blabbing. Here's Day 2.

DAY TWO:

Morning at the ryokan:

Before we had breakfast, we once again went to the onsen and dipped at the hot bath but this time, we went to our respective public baths. At that time, I was finally getting used to with the thought of the other ladies seeing me naked. LOL! Still! It was refreshing and so very relaxing!

We came back, donned our new set of yukatas and the crew prepared breakfast for us. It was a typical, staple and hearty breakfast you'd expect it to be.

After eating, we prepped up to leave for the activities we would be doing for the day. As the ryokan also offers a free shuttle bus going to Kameoka station, we booked our schedule so that we could go to Higashiyama at the time we were supposed to be there.

We took the JR Kameoka from the JR Sagano Line and alighted at JR Nijo. We were supposed to take the Tozai Subway Line to reach Higashiyama station but since we felt we were going to be late to the appointment, we took a cab from there.

We alighted at Higashiyama, where we supposed to rent our kimono and haori. At the rental shop, I get to choose the kimono I would be wearing. The selection was sooo many that I seriously got a harder time picking one. The hair styling was optional since it is not part of the rental package, but Albert told me to avail one. I like how the stylist became so precise in every curl my hair was done. I looked so legit in that makeover!

What's even cooler is the kimono kept me pretty warm all throughout the day!

Morning: Higashiyama District

Maruyama Park

Yasaka Shrine

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka steps

Kiyomizudera Temple

Higashiyama District is one of the city's best historic spot. The narrow streets, the small japanese stores constructed in wood, and the ambiance of that old city feel was nicely preserved. We had a lot of things to do at this area, and the kimono and haori rental has an inclusive of 30-minute rickshaw ride. Woohoo!

The rickshaw man at the same time served as our tour guide. He gave us few choices where to go around, and we chose Yasaka Shrine and Pagoda to go first. While on the way there, we passed by Maruyama Park. We arrived at Yasaka Shrine, and the rickshaw man told few stories about it. It was a short ride but we enjoyed it a lot.

From Yasaka Pagoda, we went back to Maruyama Park. The cherry blossoms were already in full bloom. Perfect for photos and perfect just to enjoy and be mesmerized with the lovely scenery.

From Maruyama Park, we took the route going to Kiyomizudera Temple via the Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka steps. These narrow uphill route was also preserved along with the wooden buildings alongside. Thousands of people were coming up and down from these steps every day, as the big temple was one of the most toured spot in the whole of Kyoto.

Kiyomizudera Temple was just as breathtaking when you see it in person. Kiyomizudera means Pure Water as it originated from the pure water that was coming from the falls that was part of the temple complex. This wooden staged temple, like the Tenryuji in Arashiyama is also a celebrated temple and is also a UNESCO world heritage.





Afternoon:
Ginkakuji Temple
Tetsugaku no Michi (or Philosopher's Path)
Nanzenji Temple

After Kiyomizudera, we had a quick grab of snack for lunch. Thinking that we wanted to visit the other side of the district proper, we took a cab to reach another temple called Ginkakuji Temple. Ginkakuji means Silver Pavilion and is patterned after Kinkakuji Temple, which is a Golden Pavilion. However, Ginkakuji is not covered in real silver, unlike Kinkakuji that is made of pure gold. Still, this area was known for its contemporary designed tatami mats and most especially the dry sand and moss gardens.




Exiting the temple led us to enjoy this long stone path that has a narrow canal filled with sakura trees called Tetsugaku no Michi or Philosopher's Path. I enjoyed this part of the trip a lot, especially when you are wearing the kimono. That old Kyoto feel was so happening in my mind at that moment that we kind of savour every moment we were walking in this narrow path.




The cherry blossoms were already in full bloom but not to that level where they call it "explosion"-- as if it is raining with sakura petals all over. It was truly an anime moment for me!

The path ended somewhere at the area of Nanzenji Temple.


As this was one of the celebrated and important temples here in Kyoto, what's interesting in this temple was an old aqueduct being built to carry water and goods back in the day.


Aqueducts originated from the Romans in the older times so for me to see it standing firm with this big complex was really amazing.

Late Afternoon: Back to Higashiyama
Kodaiji Temple
Gion

After a few walks, we came back to Higashiyama. Before we surrendered our kimonos, we went inside Kodaiji Temple first since it's just across the kimono rental shop. By this time of the trip, we were growing tired of visiting temples but this has an exceptional zen garden and bamboo grove arrangement inside. It is also a prominent temple in Kyoto where the mausoleum of General Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife. Hideyoshi was responsible in reuniting Japan before being succeeded by Tokugawa Ieyasu.




After we changed back to our normal clothes, we had a quick stroll at Gion as we were tired for the day. This the geisha district, also with lots of shops, tea houses, and even geisha apprentice schools. We just literally passed by Gion as it was already past 6 in the evening and we would still be traveling back to Kameoka.




So from Gion, we took the Keihan Line for us to take the Tozai Subway Line and transfer to Sanjo station and then transferred again to Nijo to take the JR Sagano Line back to Kameoka.



From Kameoka, we took a cab since it was pretty late when we came back to the outskirts.

Dinner at ryokan:

The second dinner we had was a sukiyaki dinner. Again, we were being educated on how to eat the proper way for this kind of cuisine. Chika-san wasn't our host for the night so we were being served by another crew. She was an old lady but with cheerful fellow. She cooked the sukiyaki for us and taught us happily.





From that day onward, sukiyaki became an instant favorite of mine.

The day seemed longer than we thought it would be, and at that time, I was sensing Albert was starting to feel ill. I told him to take a dip again at the public bath to relieve that sickly feeling but he was too tired from all the walks we had.

So that's it for Day 2. It was obviously tiring, but it was still a dream come true, and truly one for the books.

Continuing our travel diary in Japan two years ago, is actually skipping that day trip to Hakone (Mt. Fuji) to talk about Kyoto.

(Mt. Fuji's diary post will be on a separate blog ^_^ )

Kyoto: The Thousand Year Capital

I personally consider Kyoto as that city with a very rich history and culture. To me, it became the highlight of this trip. It was so memorable that whenever friends and relatives asked me what they could do in Japan, I usually suggest everything that we experienced in Kyoto. Whether this may be visited on Spring, Summer, Autumn or even Winter, trust me when I tell you that Kyoto will never disappoint.

Our business was done (but not really done. hahaha) from Kanto Region and it was time for us to go back to Kansai, where we originally made our entry. As I've mentioned on my previous blog post, our itinerary was done starting from the farthest location from our point of origin. This is where we have made our JR Pass fully utilized. From Tokyo, we went back to Kansai Region via shinkansen (bullet train) again and took us about three hours and 15 minutes to reach Kyoto.

Before we left Tokyo, we made sure that we have bento boxes brought along to eat. There would still be a pretty lady staff on board the train as well with her cart selling bento boxes, snacks and drinks for passengers but it is better to be prepared in case she does not have anything in her cart that you like.

While we were on the way, we were blessed to have clear skies that we managed to see Fujisan in its very scenic view.

DAY ONE:

We were fortunate to have a sunny day when we landed in Kyoto. As I've mentioned that Kyoto was the highlight of this trip, Albert and I decided to stay at the traditional japanese inn also called as ryokan while being there. Since our ryokan is located at the far western side of Kyoto, we planned our check-in time a bit late in the afternoon. We arrived in Kyoto about noontime, so we planned on spending that chunk of time to visit Arashiyama district first before staying at the ryokan for the rest of the day.

Planning route:

From Kyoto Station, we transferred and took the train from the JR Sagano Line to reach the town of Kameoka, where our ryokan is. A private vehicle c/o the ryokan had already been arranged to fetch us at JR Kameoka station the time we agreed to. 

The role of coin lockers:

This is where we decided to make use of the luggage lockers. I believe that in every station, there are surely lockers for travellers to use. I would also like to believe that farther the station is to the city, the more cheaper it gets. But to give a rough sum, the lockers may vary, ranging from 300 to 500 yen, depending on the size. Albert and I opted to rent one medium and one large sized locker to put in our luggage. We didn't get that chance to take a photo of the locker we used since we were more mindful to secure our luggages first.

After we ensured our luggages are kept secured, we took the train again and went back to alight at Saga Arashiyama Station, where our food trip and sightseeing began.

Noon: Arashiyama District

Togetsukyo Bridge

Tenryuji Temple

Arashiyama Bamboo Groves

Sagano Scenic Train

Arashiyama District is one of the mainly visited places in Kyoto, known for its scenic landmarks most especially in Spring and Autumn seasons. We initially planned to rent a bicycle here because it is best to stroll the district and is highly encouraged. But since our selected landmarks could be easily traversed by feet, we just casually walked and enjoyed the view. Togetsukyo Bridge or Moon Crossing Bridge is the most popular landmark to visit, as the bridge was scenically rendered with a mountainside background. Be it spring or autumn, the view is perfect for sightseeing, for pictures, most especially for hanami or flower viewing in spring.

Tenryuji Temple is the most popular temple in Arashiyama and is already a world heritage site. The temple is known for its beautiful, zen garden. We didn't go inside the temple itself as our time already consumed by the garden, but it is surely worth it. Plus, this was just one of the many temples we have visited in Kyoto, so it's fine.

We followed the flow of people from exiting the temple all the way where we could go direct to the Bamboo Groves. To me, that pathway full of bamboos were majestic, serene and simple amazing. It reminded me so much of the old Kyoto, based on what I've watched from tv series and anime, specifically Rurouni Kenshin.

After an almost three-hour stroll with side food trips in between, it was time for us to go back to Kameoka. We did so by taking the Sagano Scenic Train. Days before the trip, we already knew that the sakuras would not be in full bloom yet by the time we reach this part of the trip. But still, the view we saw from taking this ride was breathtaking. This old-fashioned train crossed mountains, one after another, it took routes by the forested ravine and runs along the Hozugawa River.

They said that it is best to take this scenic experience during autumn as the tree foliages at the ravine changes its color. From what we've experienced, I'd like to believe that too.

The Sagano Scenic Train operates starting from Torokko Saga station (beside the Saga Arashiyama - JR Nagano Line) until to Torokko Kameoka station. From Torokko Kameoka, we just walked until we reached JR Kameoka Station to meet the chauffeur from the ryokan.

The Ryokan Experience - Sumiya Kiho-an Ryokan

We arrived at this wonderful ryokan, or a traditional japanese style inn with its remarkable hot springs at the foot of Tanba mountain, far western side of Kyoto. The traditional Japanese inns are usually known to express the native Japanese hospitality, accommodated with how a normal lifestyle a Japanese would have in a home, like the use of futon, tatami mats, japanese baths, even eating food in a traditional way, and of course, wearing japanese clothing such as yukata.


Sumiya Kiho-an is known for their natural hot springs that they call Yunohana Onsen and their extraordinary service of their traditional japanese multi-course cuisine or kaiseki. It was so memorable and intricate on how they serve and present their food. I think that if someone who reads this blog post would be helpful for you to decide to try this because it's truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

We were pleasantly welcomed by Chika-san and assisted us to our two-night stay. We took the 34 sq. m. room they had called Yama-no-iori. The smallest but still perfect enough just for the two of us. In that room, they have that corner where they have the kotatsu or that low table covered in futon, topped with a solid surface. This is normally used on colder months because there's a heating device underneath. So cool! I've only seeing those things in japanese dramas and animes! I was giggling in excitement, you don't know how much!!




We had been given also a pair of yukata to use all throughout our stay.



Prior to our arrival, we already included an hour use of the secret open-air onsen or what they call Yama-no kakure-yu. This is the very first time I have tried a legit onsen where I have to be naked. Yes. Naked! Actually, even if I used the normal onsen for women, I still have to be naked because that's how it should be!





The area became exclusively just for the two of us, and the natural hot water came from the stream of the mountain. The staff also claimed that this secret open-air bath was once used by John Lennon and Yoko Ono back in the day. They even showed us the replica of John and Yoko's autograph for those who would request to see it. How cool was that!


As the weather was pretty cold, dipping into the onsen was just right for us to soothe our body and relax.

It was dinner time, and the next thing we tried was the kaiseki, or the multi-course meal. Albert and I were both stunned with how simple yet sophisticated the presentation of each meal was. Not only that, it was superb delicious. Multi-course meal means we have to prepare an extra pocket to our tummies as every plate, one by one, came in. I actually thought the arrival of the plates would never end. It may be of small portions of those very well presented plates, but it was surely packed and was so filling, yet so gratifying as well.




What we like most in this course meal was when they served us this freshly grilled Tanba beef with the juiciest bamboo shoots ever. I don't know to you guys, but I could never forget that taste and how it landed in my mouth. It was simply amazing.


We were also served with hot sake, perfect for the cold weather! The mikan dessert we had was so refreshing, a bit sour but still light, just right to cap off all that we have chugged down to our bellies.

After dinner, our room was then prepared by the housekeepers to set up for our futon beds. The futon was also warm as they had heaters underneath as well. It was so comfortable to sleep to.


In the ryokan, you'd learn the things to expect, and the right ways to move around in the facility. Even in the onsen, we have learned the most appropriate way how to use it. Learning the japanese culture such as these made me realize how respectable they value their culture and how they respect people's needs.

This is it for the first part! I'd be talking about the rest of the Kyoto trip which was just as awesome as this! Or even more!