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Kyoto 05/2004

How to get to Kyoto

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Kyoto is about 470 km south-west of Tokyo. As it is the former capital and the No. 1 tourist attraction in Japan, it is easy to reach by train and car.
As we were four people, going by car was definitely the cheaper option. We had to pay, though, unlike in Germany, the motor way fee of about 10,000 yen for one way!
Timewise, the Shinkansen train would have been much quicker, as it takes 2 1/4 hours from Tokyo to Kyoto if you take a “Nozomi” Shinkansen. However, depending on the time of the travel, the price is much higher. Check out the JR-homepage for further information (English part of the homepage only offers price information, no schedule). By car it took us 5 hours outbound,

although we were extremely lucky to have driven absolutely free of traffic jams all the way...

What to see in Kyoto
Looking up the stairs to Chion-in Temple

Well, that question is not necessary. Kyoto is the place to visit in Japan. It was in the center of Japanese history for more than 1000 years, as it was the capital from 794 to 1868. The city is full of monuments: monasteries, palaces, temples, and shrines of all kind of ages and architectural styles. Kyoto is also home to lots of Japanese traditions,

such as gardening or tea ceremony. It is probably
Chion-in Temple

one of the best places to learn about Japanese cultural background.
You need weeks to see only the most beautiful ones of the remaining 1600 Buddhist temples and 270 Shinto shrines. But you should take your time to enjoy the atmosphere. It would be better to enjoy one or two sights properly, rather than rushing through many places from one to another.

So, during the three days we were there, we saw selectively some famous ones as well as less famous ones, in order to place ourselves in the quiet and peaceful surroundings.

More information about Kyoto at Japan-Guide.com
Pictures: Start @ Day I

Where we stayed in Kyoto
In front of the Ryokan

Chiko chose  the Shiraume (White Plum) Ryokan in the central area of Gion.
It was such an excellent choice...!
This Ryokan, standing directly by
Little bridge - to cross the channel at the entrance

a little channel called Shirakawa together with a row of traditional Japanese houses, used to be a typcial Kyoto guest house for private parties - with the famous Geishas entertaining the guests. Some of the neighbouing houses still host such traditional drinking parties. Today Shiraume is converted to a tastful Japanese style hotel and it is definitely a very Kyoto-like interesting place to stay!
The service was truely impressive, with a very cozy atmosphere and extremely attentive (also English speaking) staff. The rooms were well equipped and offered nice little corners, for example a nice little atrium with a little Japanese garden.
The food was also excellent. We had a nice Japanese dinner and for those who are not accustomed to Japanese breakfast (grilled fish, rice and miso soup) they offered western style breakfast, all of which beautifully prepared and delicious.
Summarizing it, we would love to stay there again on our next trip to Kyoto!

Garden atrium inside

See more information on the Ryokan’s website http://www.shiraume-kyoto.jp/
View from our room
Entrance

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