Travel to Tokyo in the morning by Shinkensen
Places to go first stop : Asakusa
Asakusa's main attraction is Sensoji, a very popular Buddhist temple, built in the 7th century. The temple is approached via the Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.
Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street
Shin-Nakamise or New Nakamise Shopping Street runs perpendicular to the Nakamise Shopping Street. It is a covered shopping arcade lined by various shops and restaurants.
Opening hours depend on the individual shops. Most shops are opened every day from around 10:00 to around 20:00.
Kappabashi Shopping Street (more details)
Kappabashi is an almost one kilometer long street lined by shops catering to restaurant businesses. Items on sale include tableware, kitchen utensils and appliances, sample food made of wax and plastic, furniture, signs, lanterns and uniforms.
Most shops open from around 9:00 to around 17:00. Many shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Getting there:
Asakusa is served by the Ginza Subway Line, Asakusa Subway Line, Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railways.
From Tokyo Station
Take the JR Yamanote Line to Kanda Station (2 minutes, 130 Yen) and transfer to the Ginza Subway Line for Asakusa (10 minutes, 160 Yen).
Thursday, 1 March 2007
Day 4 - Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Its landmark is the wooden (now partially concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge with forested Mount Arashiyama as backdrop.
There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area. Tenryuji, a leading Zen temple, shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the district's busy center around Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama Station.
North of the central area, there are bamboo groves and a residential district with several small temples, scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area with its rural feel is best explored on foot, by rental bicycle (around 700 Yen per day) or on a rickshaw (around 8000 Yen for 30 minutes and 2 persons).
Another pleasant thing to do is taking a two hour boat tour down Hozu River. The river flows through an idyllic, forested valley before reaching urban Kyoto at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Alternatively, you can enjoy views of the valley from the Sagano Romantic Train.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Literally meaning "Crossing Moon Bridge", Togetsukyo with Mt. Arashiyama as backdrop is the symbol of Arashiyama. Riverside parks provide space for a pleasant break and great cherry blossom viewing in early April. In November, autumn colors are spectacular.
No closing hours, no admission fees.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji, located in the center of Arashiyama, was built in 1339 and has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". It is famous for its landscape garden, which unlike the temple buildings has survived in its original form.
Open daily 8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from November through March). Admission: 500 Yen.
Bamboo Groves
Bamboo groves are found behind Tenryuji Temple and along the trail to the Okochi Sanso. The bamboo is still used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, mats and pieces of art at workshops in the Arashiyama area.
No closing hours, no admission fees.
Okochi Sanso
Okochi Sanso is a villa complex built by Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), a Japanese movie star of past decades. The spacious complex consists of several buildings (to be viewed from the outside only) and beautiful gardens with nice views over Kyoto.
Open daily 9:00 to 17:00. Admission: 1000 Yen. Admission includes a matcha green tea and Japanese snack.
Small Temples
Several small, atmospheric temples are scattered north of the JR railway tracks along the base of the wooded mountains, including Jojakkoji, Nisonin and Gioji. Also found in the area, Rakushisha is the former residence of Kyorai Mukai, an 18th century poet.
The small temples and Rakushisha are open daily from around 9:00 to around 17:00. Admission is typically about 200 to 400 Yen.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Wild monkeys, which are living in the wooded mountains of Arashiyama, can be observed at Monkey Park Iwatayama. The park is a steep 15-20 minute walk up the mountain from Togetsukyo Bridge and, besides the monkeys, offers nice views over Kyoto.
Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November to mid March), except on days with heavy rain or snow. Admission: 520 Yen.
Hozu River Boat Tours
Boat tours down Hozu River from Kameoka to Arashiyama take roughly two hours, leading through a picturesque canyon and over some rapids. The boats seat about 20 people and are powered by three boatmen with poles and oars.
Boats depart daily between 9:00 and 15:30 (between 10:00 and 14:30 from December to mid March), except from December 29 to January 4. Cost: 3900 Yen per person. The departure pier in Kameoka can be reached either by Sagano Romantic Train (15 minutes by bus from Torokko Kameoka Station) or by JR Sagano Line (10 minute walk from JR Kameoka Station).
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Torokko Ressha) closely follows the course of the Hozu River through the idyllic canyon from Arashiyama to Kameoka. Open cars are used when the weather permits. The train ride is commonly combined with a boat ride down the river.
The one way journey from Torokko Saga Station (same building as JR Saga-Arashiyama Station) to Torokko Kameoka Station takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 600 Yen. The train operates from March 1 to December 29, except on Wednesdays (trains also operate on Wednesdays during spring and summer school holidays, the Golden Week, the autumn leaf season and when a national holiday falls on a Wednesday).
At night- head to KAWARAMACHI 河原丁
Places to go :
1. Nishiki markets OPen Time :11.30 to 23.30
The Nishiki Market street runs parallel to Shijo Avenue, one block north of Shijo Avenue. It can be reached on foot in less than 5 minutes from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line (4 minutes, 200 Yen from Kyoto Station) and Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.
2. Pontocho is one of Kyoto's traditional nightlife districts where you might be able to spot a geisha apprentice at night. It is a narrow street running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River.
In the evenings, the narrow street offers a great atmosphere and lots of restaurants and teahouses, ranging from inexpensive yakitori stores to highly exclusive establishments which require the right connections and a fat wallet
Getting there:
The closest bus stop to Pontocho is Shijo Kawaramachi, which is served by ten bus lines, including lines 17 and 205 from Kyoto Station. The closest train stations are Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line and Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
There are many things to see and do in the Arashiyama area. Tenryuji, a leading Zen temple, shops, cafes and restaurants are found in the district's busy center around Togetsukyo Bridge and Keifuku Arashiyama Station.
North of the central area, there are bamboo groves and a residential district with several small temples, scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area with its rural feel is best explored on foot, by rental bicycle (around 700 Yen per day) or on a rickshaw (around 8000 Yen for 30 minutes and 2 persons).
Another pleasant thing to do is taking a two hour boat tour down Hozu River. The river flows through an idyllic, forested valley before reaching urban Kyoto at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Alternatively, you can enjoy views of the valley from the Sagano Romantic Train.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Literally meaning "Crossing Moon Bridge", Togetsukyo with Mt. Arashiyama as backdrop is the symbol of Arashiyama. Riverside parks provide space for a pleasant break and great cherry blossom viewing in early April. In November, autumn colors are spectacular.
No closing hours, no admission fees.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji, located in the center of Arashiyama, was built in 1339 and has been ranked first among Kyoto's "Five Great Zen Temples". It is famous for its landscape garden, which unlike the temple buildings has survived in its original form.
Open daily 8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from November through March). Admission: 500 Yen.
Bamboo Groves
Bamboo groves are found behind Tenryuji Temple and along the trail to the Okochi Sanso. The bamboo is still used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, mats and pieces of art at workshops in the Arashiyama area.
No closing hours, no admission fees.
Okochi Sanso
Okochi Sanso is a villa complex built by Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), a Japanese movie star of past decades. The spacious complex consists of several buildings (to be viewed from the outside only) and beautiful gardens with nice views over Kyoto.
Open daily 9:00 to 17:00. Admission: 1000 Yen. Admission includes a matcha green tea and Japanese snack.
Small Temples
Several small, atmospheric temples are scattered north of the JR railway tracks along the base of the wooded mountains, including Jojakkoji, Nisonin and Gioji. Also found in the area, Rakushisha is the former residence of Kyorai Mukai, an 18th century poet.
The small temples and Rakushisha are open daily from around 9:00 to around 17:00. Admission is typically about 200 to 400 Yen.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
Wild monkeys, which are living in the wooded mountains of Arashiyama, can be observed at Monkey Park Iwatayama. The park is a steep 15-20 minute walk up the mountain from Togetsukyo Bridge and, besides the monkeys, offers nice views over Kyoto.
Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 from November to mid March), except on days with heavy rain or snow. Admission: 520 Yen.
Hozu River Boat Tours
Boat tours down Hozu River from Kameoka to Arashiyama take roughly two hours, leading through a picturesque canyon and over some rapids. The boats seat about 20 people and are powered by three boatmen with poles and oars.
Boats depart daily between 9:00 and 15:30 (between 10:00 and 14:30 from December to mid March), except from December 29 to January 4. Cost: 3900 Yen per person. The departure pier in Kameoka can be reached either by Sagano Romantic Train (15 minutes by bus from Torokko Kameoka Station) or by JR Sagano Line (10 minute walk from JR Kameoka Station).
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Torokko Ressha) closely follows the course of the Hozu River through the idyllic canyon from Arashiyama to Kameoka. Open cars are used when the weather permits. The train ride is commonly combined with a boat ride down the river.
The one way journey from Torokko Saga Station (same building as JR Saga-Arashiyama Station) to Torokko Kameoka Station takes approximately 25 minutes and costs 600 Yen. The train operates from March 1 to December 29, except on Wednesdays (trains also operate on Wednesdays during spring and summer school holidays, the Golden Week, the autumn leaf season and when a national holiday falls on a Wednesday).
At night- head to KAWARAMACHI 河原丁
Places to go :
1. Nishiki markets OPen Time :11.30 to 23.30
The Nishiki Market street runs parallel to Shijo Avenue, one block north of Shijo Avenue. It can be reached on foot in less than 5 minutes from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line (4 minutes, 200 Yen from Kyoto Station) and Karasuma or Kawaramachi Stations on the Hankyu Line.
2. Pontocho is one of Kyoto's traditional nightlife districts where you might be able to spot a geisha apprentice at night. It is a narrow street running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of the Kamo River.
In the evenings, the narrow street offers a great atmosphere and lots of restaurants and teahouses, ranging from inexpensive yakitori stores to highly exclusive establishments which require the right connections and a fat wallet
Getting there:
The closest bus stop to Pontocho is Shijo Kawaramachi, which is served by ten bus lines, including lines 17 and 205 from Kyoto Station. The closest train stations are Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Line and Shijo Station on the Keihan Line.
Monday, 26 February 2007
Day 3 - Kiyomizudera -Kyoto
Going to Kyoto is basically to see the all famous "Pure water temple" here.
First stop : Kiyomizudera "Pure water temple"
Getting there: Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, from where it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple.
Entrance fees: 300 yen
Opening hours : 6am to 6pm
What else to do
There are lots of shops around/outside Kiyomizudera
2. Shop at Asaba no 亭井和井 - Cute decoration and sovenirs
3. 梅花堂 - sovenirs and specialties
What to eat there
1. Inoda coffee - unique japanese style coffee and cake for 400Yen
Second half of the day
To Samurai and Geisha district at Kanazawa
1. Nagamachi is a district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai mansions, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canal.
Nomura House, an elegant samurai mansion with a beautiful, small garden, is open to the public. The Nomura were a high ranked samurai family who, like many other samurai, went broke when Japan's feudal era came to an end with the Meiji Period.
Getting there : The Nagamachi district is 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station.
2. The Higashi Geisha District (Eastern Geisha District) and the Nishi Chaya District (Western Teahouse District) are Kanazawa's two geisha districts. Like the temple districts, they were originally located just outside of the city.
The Higashi Geisha District is the larger and more spectacular of the two geisha districts, where you might be able to spot a geisha in the evenings. Shima, a former geisha house in the Higashi Geisha District, is open to the public.
Getting there: The Higashi Geisha District is a 15 minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station. The Nishi Chaya District is next to Teramachi, a 20 minute bus ride from the station.
Rest of the day, head to Kyoto station:
1. Kyoto 手家治蟲 world - Astroboy collection
2. THE CUBE- tea store
What to eat?
1. Ramen - Kyoto Ramen Koji - Kyoto Building 10 F
First stop : Kiyomizudera "Pure water temple"
Getting there: Kiyomizudera can be reached from Kyoto Station in about 15 minutes by bus. Take bus number 100 or 206 and get off at Kiyomizu-michi or Gojo-zaka, from where it is a 10-15 minute uphill walk to the temple.
Entrance fees: 300 yen
Opening hours : 6am to 6pm
What else to do
There are lots of shops around/outside Kiyomizudera
2. Shop at Asaba no 亭井和井 - Cute decoration and sovenirs
3. 梅花堂 - sovenirs and specialties
What to eat there
1. Inoda coffee - unique japanese style coffee and cake for 400Yen
Second half of the day
To Samurai and Geisha district at Kanazawa
1. Nagamachi is a district at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle, where samurai used to reside. The area preserves a historic atmosphere with its remaining samurai mansions, earthen walls, private entrance gates, narrow lanes and water canal.
Nomura House, an elegant samurai mansion with a beautiful, small garden, is open to the public. The Nomura were a high ranked samurai family who, like many other samurai, went broke when Japan's feudal era came to an end with the Meiji Period.
Getting there : The Nagamachi district is 10 minutes by bus from Kanazawa Station.
2. The Higashi Geisha District (Eastern Geisha District) and the Nishi Chaya District (Western Teahouse District) are Kanazawa's two geisha districts. Like the temple districts, they were originally located just outside of the city.
The Higashi Geisha District is the larger and more spectacular of the two geisha districts, where you might be able to spot a geisha in the evenings. Shima, a former geisha house in the Higashi Geisha District, is open to the public.
Getting there: The Higashi Geisha District is a 15 minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station. The Nishi Chaya District is next to Teramachi, a 20 minute bus ride from the station.
Rest of the day, head to Kyoto station:
1. Kyoto 手家治蟲 world - Astroboy collection
2. THE CUBE- tea store
What to eat?
1. Ramen - Kyoto Ramen Koji - Kyoto Building 10 F
Day 2 - Osaka to Himeji Castle to Hiroshima
Getting there:
By JR express (Sanyo Line) from Osaka to Himeiji Station. Himeiji castle is a 15min walk from Himeiji station.
What to do
Opened from 9am to 5pm, we can get our admission tickets and ask about the time of an english tour, and spend 2 hours there as recommended. Admission ticket:600Yen
Next stop to Hiroshima
Getting there:
From Himeiji to Hiroshima takes roughly 2 hours travelling on either Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen.
From Hiroshima Station, take streetcar line 2 or 6 to "Genbaku Domu mae (A-Bomb Dome)". The ride takes about 15 minutes.
What to do
1. Peace memorial park - This will take at least 3 hours to explore
After this long day of travelling, head back to Kyoto for the night. From Hiroshima, travel on Kodama and Hikari takes about 3 hours.
By JR express (Sanyo Line) from Osaka to Himeiji Station. Himeiji castle is a 15min walk from Himeiji station.
What to do
Opened from 9am to 5pm, we can get our admission tickets and ask about the time of an english tour, and spend 2 hours there as recommended. Admission ticket:600Yen
Next stop to Hiroshima
Getting there:
From Himeiji to Hiroshima takes roughly 2 hours travelling on either Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen.
From Hiroshima Station, take streetcar line 2 or 6 to "Genbaku Domu mae (A-Bomb Dome)". The ride takes about 15 minutes.
What to do
1. Peace memorial park - This will take at least 3 hours to explore
After this long day of travelling, head back to Kyoto for the night. From Hiroshima, travel on Kodama and Hikari takes about 3 hours.
Day1 02June OSAKA - SHINSAIBASHI 心齋橋
Day 1- Arrival
First stop for dinner - Udon dinner
HANAMARU UDON
Address: Osaka central SHINSAIBASHI shop 2-8-7
Opening hours - 11:00-23:00
Places to shop:
1.Nagasukiya - Discount shop (11:00-21:00)
2.La Palette - toy shop (11:00-21:00)
3.Tokyu hands - Games, toys and DIY
First stop for dinner - Udon dinner
HANAMARU UDON
Address: Osaka central SHINSAIBASHI shop 2-8-7
Opening hours - 11:00-23:00
Places to shop:
1.Nagasukiya - Discount shop (11:00-21:00)
2.La Palette - toy shop (11:00-21:00)
3.Tokyu hands - Games, toys and DIY
Sunday, 25 February 2007
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