From Osaka to Kyoto
We headed to our hotel for the night by bus, which I must add had excellent Wi-Fi, a small thing, but when you have just come from China with its Great Firewall, it had been greatly missed! In fact, the Wi-Fi throughout out most public spaces in Japan was excellent.
Out hotel was small but well-appointed and had every possible amenity you could need including the amazing Japanese toilets, that come with heated seats, music and bidet facilities! They never ceased to amaze me throughout out my trip. Simple things!
We were only in Osaka for one night and wish we had stayed longer. It seemed like an incredibly vibrant city which is renowned for its street food which I know I would have loved, next time!
The next morning, we were bound for Kyoto. We did manage to get on the wrong train, which was a bit slower, but we got there anyhow. We checked into our hotel and then our guide met us in reception. She took us to all the traditional sights, the temples, gardens and palaces, whilst being incredibly knowledgeable on all the history and culture. It was fascinating to hear how the Japanese Tourist Board are encouraging locals to wear the traditional Kimono's and are offering incentives like discounts in restaurants and shops if they do. It’s a great idea and really does make it all seem much more authentic and as you would expect. As you can imagine a lot of students have taken them up on their offer, it’s the same the world over! I loved learning how to pray properly in a temple, and about all the different God’s that they worship, taking your shoes off everywhere you go and walking on the Tatami matting, it was all so different yet wonderful at the same time. We learnt so much from her which was to prove invaluable as we went on our journey.
The next day we headed to Hiroshima, and I will blog separately for this!
On day three, we rose early for a cycling tour. Again, our guide spoke good English and was very knowledgeable. This was my husband’s favourite part of the whole trip I think, and it was lovely to cover so much of the city, cycling down the back streets, stopping every now and then to go into a temple or garden. Kyoto is so flat, so it was not at all challenging, and if you are strapped for time it is a great way to pack loads in without being too strenuous.
That evening we met a different lady who took us on a street food walking tour. Whilst with her we were lucky enough to spot our first Geisha, or Geiko’s as they are known in Kyoto, scuttling down a back street. My picture is not great as they move so fast and I was not quick enough! We tasted the local Macha biscuits, sake, visited the market with its weird and wonderful foods, finishing it all off with a sumptuous banquet style meal, without 10 courses, each one tiny and delicious.
By now we’re starting to feel we have got the hang of the public transport system, which once you do get the hang of it is actually quite simple! The trains are incredible, especially the bullet trains. All are so clean and on time! I loved also, how everyone waits for passengers to disembark before getting on board themselves. Manners in Japan are impeccable, and I loved it.
So, after the culture and prettiness of Kyoto, we were off to the mountains to see the Snow Monkeys and indulge in the thermal springs. Three trains to catch, wish us luck!