Exploring The East: A Comprehensive 3-Week Itinerary To Japan and Vietnam. Part 2 – Kyoto, Japan

After three exciting days exploring the vibrant city of Osaka, we embarked on a journey to the ancient capital, Kyoto. Leaving behind the bustling streets and neon lights of Osaka, we boarded a train bound for Kyoto, the heart of Japanese tradition. The journey itself was an experience, as we watched the landscape transform from urban sprawl to serene countryside. Anticipation built with each passing mile, and soon we found ourselves in the heart of Kyoto, ready to unravel its timeless beauty.

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, exudes an aura of tranquility and elegance. Its ancient temples, serene gardens, and charming wooden houses transport visitors back in time, revealing the essence of Japanese culture. We spent our days wandering through the atmospheric streets, immersing ourselves in the city’s rich heritage.

Day 3: Kyoto, Japan

Place: Japan, Kyoto
Living Accomodation: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

Address: 410-3 Shimomaruya-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto, 604-8006

ACTIVITIES

Travel from Osaka to Kyoto

There are several ways to get from Osaka to Kyoto:

Shinkansen (新幹線): This is the most popular and convenient way to travel between the two cities. The Shinkansen takes about 15 minutes and costs between ¥700 and ¥3000 yen depending on the type of train and time of day.

Limited Express (特急 – Tokkyu): This is a slightly slower and cheaper option than the Shinkansen. The journey takes around 30-45 minutes and costs ¥500-¥1000 yen.

Local Train (普通列車 – Futsū densha): This is the slowest and cheapest option, taking about 1-1.5 hours and costing around ¥400 yen.

Bus: The bus is another option, taking 1-2 hours and costing around ¥1000 yen. However, trains are generally the more convenient option.

Taxi: Taxis are the most expensive option, costing around ¥10,000-¥15,000 yen. However, this can be a good option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group.

Here are some things to consider when choosing how to travel from Osaka to Kyoto:

Time: If you are short on time, the Shinkansen is the best option.

Cost: If you are on a budget, the local train is the cheapest option.

Convenience: The Shinkansen and Limited Express are the most convenient options as they depart frequently and will take you directly to Kyoto Station.

Luggage: If you have a lot of luggage, you can take a taxi or take the train and leave your luggage in the lockers at Osaka Station before heading to your hotel in Kyoto.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is Kyoto’s second-most important sightseeing district. It’s filled with temples, shrines and the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

– Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area, a district with shops, restaurants, and a park area. (~45mins train from hotel)
– Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama – here are freely roaming monkeys. (1 min walk)
– Tenryu-ji, beautiful historical temple (~7 min walk)
– Bamboo forest (1 min walk), famous grove of tall bamboo trees. Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward
– Sagano Romantic Train. Train ride through the mountains. buy ticket

Just hopped off the coolest train ride! The Sagano “Torokko” (Romantic Train) is no ordinary bullet train. It’s a chill 25-minute trip on old-school freight cars that follows the Hozu River. Imagine chugging through stunning scenery – cherry blossoms in spring, green mountains in summer, fiery leaves in fall, or a snowy wonderland in winter! The train uses an old railway line, giving it a real nostalgic vibe. We rode from Torokko Saga Station to Torokko Kameoka Station, and the views were incredible the whole way. Definitely recommend this for a relaxing and scenic journey!
– Arashiyama shopping strip (trinkets, food stalls, souvenirs etc)

Kyoto
– Dinner
– Explore

Day 4: Kyoto, Japan

Place: Japan, Kyoto/Nara
Living Accomodation: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

ACTIVITIES

Day trip to Nara Park (1hr train from hotel)

Nara Park is a public park located in the city of Nara, Japan, at the foot of Mount Wakakusa. Established in 1880, it is one of the oldest parks in Japan. Administratively, the park is under the control of Nara Prefecture.

– Hotel to Nara Park – get off at Kintetsu Nara Station and 5 walk mins
– Feed the bowing deer (deer are freely roaming around park) (200 yen for crackers to feed deer)
– Todai Ji Temple. The temple is renowned for housing the largest bronze statue of Buddha in Japan. (600 yen entrance fee)
– Kasuga-Taisha Shrine. The shrine is renowned for its hundreds of bronze lanterns. (500 yen entrance fee)
– Yoshikien Garden. A serene traditional Japanese garden adorned with picturesque ponds and a charming teahouse (no entrance fee)
– Back to Kyoto for dinner. After exploring the sights of Nara Park, head back to Kintetsu Nara Station and take the train back to Kyoto.

Day 5: Kyoto, Japan

Place: Japan, Kyoto
Living Accomodation: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

ACTIVITIES

North of Hotel:
– Fushimi Inari Shrine, a renowned shrine adorned with thousands of vermilion torii gates.
– Kifune Shrine (1hr 30 mins out)
– Kinkakuji Temple (500 yen entrance fee). Golden temple Kyoto. A magnificent temple adorned with gleaming gold.

South from Hotel:
– Gion. A traditional geisha district. Here you can stroll along atmospheric streets and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geisha.
– Yasaka Pagoda, a five-story Buddhist pagoda.
– Kiyomizu-dera/Ninenzaka, a famous temple offering panoramic city views and nestled amidst a traditional shopping district.

Day 6: Kyoto, Japan

Place: Japan, Kyoto
Living Accomodation: Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto

ACTIVITIES

Free day:
– Go back to areas we enjoyed
or
– A Day Trip to Kobe (About an Hour’s Train Ride). Kobe is renowned for its delectable beef, picturesque port, and charming historical districts.

Back to Part 1 ( Day 1 – Day 2, Osaka, Japan ) >>>

Continue to Part 3 ( Day 7 – Day 12, Tokio, Japan ) >>>