Japan Diaries 4: Week 63

Japan Diaries 4: Week 63

Week 63: January 9 – 13, 2023

Day 434: January 9, 2023

Monday – Coming of Age Day x Kyoto

It's a beautiful day here in Kumatori, Osaka
It's a beautiful day here in Kumatori, Osaka

Those who reached the age of 18 in Japan are celebrating the Coming of Age Day (成人の日) today. It is a holiday. It means many young adults would be in the streets wearing traditional Japanese clothes.

Thank you Mr. Toshi for driving us to Hineno Station
Thank you Mr. Toshi for driving us to Hineno Station

Riding the train going to Kyoto City
Riding the train going to Kyoto City

We saw the Meiji Naruhodo Factory Osaka
We saw the Meiji Naruhodo Factory Osaka

Arrived at Kyoto Station
Arrived at Kyoto Station

Kyoto Tower as seen from Kyoto Station
Kyoto Tower as seen from Kyoto Station

Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass
We availed of the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass

Waiting for the bus that will bring us to Horikawa Gojo bus stop
Waiting for the bus that will bring us to the Horikawa Gojo bus stop

As for me and my family, Mr. Toshi drove us to Hineno Station. From there we boarded the train bound for Osaka Station and then transferred to the train going to Kyoto Station. Our trip didn’t end there though, we bought the Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass before boarding Bus #9 to the Horikawa Gojo bus stop.

Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
Our accommodation for our multi-day Kyoto exploration - Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium

Kyoto City manhole cover
Kyoto City manhole cover

Walking along Shimizuzaka to Kiyomizudera

From there, we crossed the street going to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium which is our home for 4-days. Since we were too early for the check-in time, we just left our luggage for safekeeping and then headed out again to tour the city.

We went to the following places in Kyoto City:


Shinpuku-ji Dainichi-do
Shinpuku-ji Dainichi-do

📌 Shinpuku-ji Dainichi-do

We bought special juice from Sugi Bee.. Good sales talk.
We bought special juice from Sugi Bee Garden Outlet. Good sales talk. 😂

📌 
Sugi Bee Garden Outlet 

Maccha House
Maccha House

I tried the Uji Maccha Teramisu
I tried the Uji Maccha Teramisu

📌 Maccha House

📌 Hokanji


Walking back to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
Walking back to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium

Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
Finished checking in - Off to our room...

Room 8003
Room 8003

Inside Room 8003
Inside Room 8003

It was already around 5 PM when we went back to 
Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium. It was only then that we checked in. We were given Room 8003. I wasn’t ready to call it a day so I invited my family to Kyoto Station to watch the Kyoto Station Illumination 2023. However, they were already tired from all the walking and just wanted to rest.

Kyoto Tower at night
Kyoto Tower at night

Kyoto Station Illumination 2023
Kyoto Station Illumination 2023

That’s why I headed out on a solo trip to Kyoto Station and enjoyed watching the Kyoto Station Illumination 2023.

Back to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium to call it a night
Back to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium to call it a night

When I got back to Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium, I went to the 9th Floor to take a dip in its onsen. It was a perfect way to relax and refresh. Before calling it a day, I made an itinerary for tomorrow’s trip to Shiga Prefecture.

Day 435: January 10, 2023

Tuesday – Shiga

It's a beautiful morning here in Kyoto City
It's a beautiful morning here in Kyoto City

The beautiful hallway of Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
The beautiful hallway of Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium

The breakfast here is delicious
The breakfast here is delicious

Good morning! We had our complimentary breakfast at Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium before heading out and starting our road trip for the day. For today’s itinerary, we will be exploring the cities of Otsu and Hikone in Shiga Prefecture.

We're back to Kyoto Station
We're back to Kyoto Station

Otsu Station
Arrived at Otsu Station

大津駅
Otsu Station

Otsu City manhole cover 1
Otsu City manhole cover 1

Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line
Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line

Otsu City manhole cover 2
Otsu City manhole cover 2

From our hotel, we crossed the overpass going to the Horikawa Gojo bus stop. Upon reaching the bus stop, we boarded the bus going to Kyoto Station. We then transferred to the train bound for Otsu Station in Otsu City.

These are the places that we visited in Otsu City:

真宗大谷派大津別院
Shinshuotaniha Otsubetsuin

📌 Shinshuotaniha Otsubetsuin 

Team Nicerio visits Lake Biwa
Team Nicerio visits Lake Biwa

Nagisa Park
Nagisa Park

Otsu Pokemon Manhole Cover at Nagisa Park
Otsu Pokemon Manhole Cover at Nagisa Park

It features Gyarados and a shiny Gyarados
It features Gyarados and a shiny Gyarados

📌 
Nagisa Park

While we were exploring Nagisa Park, it suddenly drizzled. We had to cut our Otsu City trip short and headed to Ishiba Station to catch the train to Zeze Station

The Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Cultural Museum is currently closed
The Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Cultural Museum is currently closed

Waiting for the train at Ishiba Station
Waiting for the train at Ishiba Station

The train ride is an hour long so we had the opportunity to take a nap
The train ride is an hour long so we had the opportunity to take a nap

Arrived at Hikone Station
Arrived at Hikone Station

Hikone Station
Hikone Station

Hikone City manhole cover
Hikone City manhole cover

From there, we transferred trains again going to Ishiyama Station. We then hopped on the next train going to our last destination for the day which is Hikone Station.

These are the places that we visited in Hikone City:


AL Plaza Hikone
Gacha2 City inside AL Plaza Hikone

AL Plaza Hikone
AL Plaza Hikone

📌 AL Plaza Hikone


Hikone Tourist Information Center
Hikone Tourist Information Center

📌 Hikone Tourist Information Center

Umaya
Umaya 
📌 Umaya

It's a long way up going to the Hikone Castle
It's a long way up going to the Hikone Castle

Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle

Inside Hikone Castle
Inside Hikone Castle

Time to head back
Time to head back

📌 Hikone Castle

Walking back to Hikone Station via the sidewalk along Prefectural Road 517
Walking back to Hikone Station via the sidewalk along Prefectural Road 517

井伊直政公之像
Statue of Ii Naomasa

Hikone Station
Hikone Station

Photo with Hikonyan
Photo with Hikonyan

Waiting for the train back to Kyoto Station

Check out this meat vending machine
Check out this meat vending machine

After exploring the castle, we decided to head back home. We rode the train from Hikone Station to Kyoto Station before hopping on the bus going to Horikawa Gojo. From there, Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium was only a few blocks away.

All we need to do is to cross the street to head back to our hotel
All we need to do is to cross the street to head back to our hotel

We were tired and cold from our adventure today so the only thing that we were able to do was take a hot shower before calling it a day.


Day 436: January 11, 2023

Wednesday – Kyoto x Nara

Breakfast at Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
Breakfast at Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium

Like yesterday, we started our day by eating breakfast at Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium. According to the weather forecast, the weather today would be better than yesterday so we decided to push on with our Kyoto x Nara itinerary today.

Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station

We didn't miss out on the Uji Station eki stamp
We didn't miss out on the Uji Station eki stamp

Oujichama
A picture with Oujichama

Uji City Tourist Information Center
Uji City Tourist Information Center

Uji City manhole cover
Uji City manhole cover

From our hotel, we crossed the overpass going to the Horikawa Gojo bus stop. Upon reaching the bus stop, we boarded the bus going to Kyoto Station. We then transferred to the train bound for Uji Station in the historic city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture.

These are the places that we visited in Uji City:

Uji Byodo-in Omotesando
Uji Byodoin Omotesando

The torii before entering the Uji Byodo-in Omotesando
The torii before entering the Uji Byodoin Omotesando

Uji Byodo-in Omotesando
Numerous shops are lined up in Uji Byodoin Omotesando

📌 Uji Byodoin Omotesando

Uji Bridge / Ujibashi
Uji Bridge / Ujibashi

We got to admire Uji Bridge from Yume Ukihashi Square
We got to admire the Uji Bridge from Yume Ukihashi Square

📌 Uji Bridge / Ujibashi

Statue of Murasaki Shikubu
Statue of Murasaki Shikubu

📌 Statue of Murasaki Shikubu


Byodoin Museum Hoshokan
Byodoin Museum Hoshokan

Visitors can only take photos in this part of the museum
Visitors can only take photos in this part of the museum

📌 Byodoin Museum Hoshokan

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Uji Byodo-in Omotesando
Starbucks Uji Byodoin Omotesando

📌 Starbucks Uji Byodoin Omotesando

Uji Station
Uji Station

Off to Nara City!
Off to Nara City!

We then walked back to Uji Station and boarded a train bound for Nara Station in Nara City.

Nara Station
Nara Station

Arrived at Nara Station
Arrived at Nara Station

It's time to explore Nara City
It's time to explore Nara City

The train ride from Uji Station to Nara Station was just less than 30 minutes. Regardless, we took the opportunity to rest and relax.

These are the places that we visited in Nara City:

Nara Tourist Information Center
Nara Tourist Information Center

Inside Nara Tourist Information Center
Inside Nara Tourist Information Center

📌 Nara Tourist Information Center

Nara Park
Nara Park

You can buy "shika-senbei" or deer crackers from the vendors around the park
You can buy "shika-senbei" or deer crackers from the vendors around the park



📌 Nara Park

Todai-ji Chumon
Todaiji Chumon

Todaiji
Todaiji

The Daibutsu of Todaiji
The Daibutsu of Todaiji

📌 Todaiji


The forested road going to Kasuga Taisha
The forested road going to Kasuga Taisha

Kasuga Taisha
Kasuga Taisha

Some of the hundreds of lanterns on Kasuga Taisha grounds
Some of the hundreds of lanterns on Kasuga Taisha grounds

📌 Kasuga Taisha

This postal box outside the Nara Station has a unique design
This postal box outside the Nara Station has a unique design

I had to fill up a file to claim the water bottle of Ella.
I had to fill up the Lost Property Receipt to claim Ella's water bottle.

Ella, reunited with her water bottle
Ella reunited with her water bottle

It was already late afternoon when we finished exploring the city. We rode the bus from Nara Park going to Nara Station. From there, we rode the train back to Uji Station to pick up Ella's forgotten water bottle before riding the train to Kyoto Station. Then, we took a bus to the Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium.

Yoshinoya outside Kyoto Station
Dinner time at Yoshinoya outside Kyoto Station

Here's what I ordered
Here's what I ordered

Before going back to the hotel we went to Yoshinoya for dinner. 

Movie night: "Feng Sui 2"
Movie night: "Feng Sui 2"

That night, before calling it a day, we watched the 2014 Filipino horror film "Feng Shui 2". It was our first time watching it and it did give us a scare or two but since we were watching it using YouTube, there were a lot of ads that sometimes ruined the momentum of the film. Regardless, we enjoyed it.

Day 437: January 12, 2023

Thursday – Last Day in Kyoto

It's our last breakfast before checking out of Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium
It's our last breakfast before checking out of Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium

This is it, it’s our last day in Kyoto. Before checking out, we had our complimentary breakfast at Urban Hotel Kyoto Gojo Premium. Like in the past few days, from our hotel, we crossed the overpass going to the Horikawa Gojo bus stop. Upon reaching the bus stop, we boarded the bus going to Kyoto Station.

We used the coin lockers in Kyoto Station so that we could leave our stuff to explore Kyoto City one last time before going back to Osaka.
We used the coin lockers in Kyoto Station so that we could leave our stuff to explore Kyoto City one last time before heading back to Osaka.

Japan's train station locker system is safe and very convenient
Japan's train station locker system is safe and very convenient

We explored Kyoto Station a bit before heading out to the bus terminal outside
We explored Kyoto Station a bit before heading out to the bus terminal outside

However, this time, we went to the baggage coin locker area inside Kyoto Station to leave our backpacks and hand-carry bags for safekeeping so that we could explore the city without the hassle of bringing our bags along with us for our last day of exploration of the city.

Bus #25 to Arashiyama
Boarding the bus bound for Arashiyama

From there, we headed back to the bus terminal and availed of the 1-day Kyoto City Bus Pass. We boarded the bus bound for Arashiyama (
嵐山to explore the city one more time before leaving.

Check out the view from Arashiyama Bus Stop
Check out the view from the Arashiyama Bus Stop

Arashiyama
Ninja mode!

Once we arrived at the Arashiyama bus stop, we wasted no time exploring the area. These are the places that we visited:


天龍寺
Tenryuji
📌 Tenryuji

Saw some interesting looking Jizo on the way to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Saw some interesting-looking Jizo on the way to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

嵐山竹林の小径
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

📌 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Nonomiya Shrine torii gate
Nonomiya Shrine Torii Gate

Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine

📌 Nonomiya Shrine

Katsura River
Katsura River

Some traditional boats are parked along the river. You may ride it if you avail of the Hozugawa River Cruise
Some traditional boats are parked along the river. You may ride it if you avail of the Hozugawa River Cruise

📌 Katsura River

Togetsukyo Bridge
Togetsukyo Bridge

📌 Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area
Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area

We saw one of Kyoto's Pokemon manhole covers in the park
We saw one of Kyoto's Pokemon manhole covers in the park

It features the legendary bird Ho-Oh
It features the legendary bird Ho-Oh

Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area
You have to explore the park to see it

📌 Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area


嵐山かづら野
Kazurano

Bought some souvenirs for our friends in Hokkaido
Bought some souvenirs for our friends in Hokkaido

Before ending our visit to Arashiyama, we bought souvenirs at Kazurano (souvenir shop). However, it’s not the end of our trip yet. We boarded Bus #11 at the Arashiyama bus stop heading to Sanjo Keihan Mae bus stop.

Sanjo Bridge
Crossing the Sanjo Bridge

Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge
Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge

I ordered matcha because that is what Kyoto is known for
I ordered matcha because that is what Kyoto is known for

From there, we crossed the historic Sanjo Bridge and went to the beautiful Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge. This branch is conveniently located right next to Sanjo Bridge. It offers an amazing view of the bridge and the Kamogawa.

Honke Funahashiya
Honke Funahashiya

The store has a huge selection of nuts worth trying
The store has a huge selection of nuts worth trying

After having our coffee fix, we bought some nuts from Honke Funahashiya right next to the coffee shop.

Yaji-san and Kita-san Statue
Yaji-san and Kita-san Statue

Relaxing along the banks of Kamogawa
Relaxing along the banks of Kamogawa

Takase River
Takase River


We then proceeded down to the Kamogawa seeing the statues of Yaji-san and Kita-san along the way. Afterward, we explored the areas of Ishiyacho and Daikokucho Districts before boarding Bus #17 to Kyoto Station.

Aeon Mall Kyoto
Aeon Mall Kyoto

We bought food for our Japanese family at the KFC inside AEON Mall
We bought food for our Japanese family at the KFC inside AEON Mall Kyoto

We also bought donuts at the Mister Donut branch near Kyoto Station
We also bought donuts at the Mister Donut branch near Kyoto Station

Before leaving Kyoto, we bought food at KFC in Aeon Mall Kyoto and also donuts at Mister Donut to bring back home to our Japanese family in Kumatori (熊取町) in Osaka Prefecture.

Ms. Sawa picked us up at Hineno Station
Ms. Sawa picked us up at Hineno Station

To get back to the Kameyama Residence in Osaka, we rode the train from Kyoto Station to Osaka Station and then transferred to a train going to Hineno Station. From there, Ms. Sawa picked us up and drove us home. That night, we finalized packing our remaining baggage. Afterward, we bonded with our Japanese family as tomorrow is our flight back to Hokkaido.


Day 438: January 13, 2023

Friday – Flight back to Sapporo

It's a beautiful morning here in Kumatori
It's a beautiful morning here in Kumatori

Today is our last day here in Osaka Prefecture. After breakfast, Mr. Toshi and his family drove us to Kansai International Airport for our flight back to Hokkaido.

Off to Kansai International Airport
Off to Kansai International Airport

Thank you Mr. Toshi and family for the wonderful winter vacation!
Thank you, Mr. Toshi and family for the wonderful winter vacation!

It's time to board our plane going to Hokkaido
It's time to board our plane going to Hokkaido


Do you see the Daisen-ryo Kofun of Sakai City?
Do you see the Daisen-ryo Kofun of Sakai City?


We boarded flight MM107 at 11:15 and arrived at New Chitose Airport at 1:10 in the afternoon. As expected, we were welcomed with the vast whiteness of the snow-covered land of Hokkaido.

Snow, snow, and lots of snow welcomed us back to Hokkaido
Snow, snow, and lots of snow welcomed us back to Hokkaido

New Chitose International Airport
New Chitose International Airport

Pokemon Store New Chitose Airport
Pokemon Store New Chitose Airport

After getting our luggage, we didn’t leave the airport just yet. My daughter wanted to see the Pokemon Store New Chitose Airport first which I obliged (as I wanted to revisit it too).

Waiting for our train going to our hotel
Waiting for our train going to our hotel

From there, we headed to Chitose Airport Station and boarded the train to Sapporo Station. We then transferred to the Namboku Line and then rode the subway going to Susukino Station where our hotel for the night is located.

Susukino's famed Nikka Whiskey Sign
Susukino's famed Nikka Whiskey Sign

Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino
Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino

Our home for the night Room #613
Our home for the night - Room #613

We walked several blocks going to Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino to check-in. We were given Room #613. The first thing we did was lie down and take a nap.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Exploring Tanujikoji Shopping Street

First stop - 2nd Street Tanukikoji Branch
First stop - 2nd Street Tanukikoji Branch

There were plenty of clothes here but we weren't able to find one that we like
There were plenty of clothes here but we weren't able to find one that we like

Tanukokoji Shopping Street
Tanukokoji Shopping Street

After resting we headed out and walked to Second Street in Tanukikoji Shopping Street to see what it has to offer. It was dinner time when we finished window shopping so we decided to look for a place to eat dinner.

Katsuya
Katsuya

Tonkatsu for dinner. Itadakimasu!
Tonkatsu for dinner. Itadakimasu!

Passed by Susukino again
Passed by Susukino District again

Susukino District at night
Susukino District at night

Heading back to Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino to wrap up the day
Heading back to Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino to wrap up the day

We decided to dine at Katsuya and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of their tonkatsu. As we headed back to our hotel, we took in the vibrant nightlights of the Susukino District. I was eager to explore more, but we were exhausted, so we returned to Comfort Hotel Sapporo Susukino to call it a night.

Overall, this week has been a mix of emotions, with the reality of Winter Break coming to an end slowly sinking in. Nonetheless, we are grateful for the beautiful new memories we've made. We're excited to see what the last two days of winter break have in store. Until next time!

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 63
Japan Diaries 4: Day 434
Japan Diaries 4: Day 435
Japan Diaries 4: Day 436
Japan Diaries 4: Day 437


Comments

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Japan Diaries 4: Day 437

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Revisited 2023 - Kyoto

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Todaiji Revisited 2023 - Nara

Sanjo Bridge - Kyoto

10 Things to Do in Uji City

Akabira Tokugawa Castle - Hokkaido

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Nijo Castle - Kyoto