The subsequent posts, I will be sharing my experience and joy of travelling in Japan during the last year's autumn...I know, I know.... it had been a long while, actually not that long la...only 4 months over...hahaaa. I have decided to backdate the Japan posts, coz I think 'sharing is loving', especially for those who wish to travel to Japan, might get some useful info from here.
Hubby and I went to Japan for 14 days (11th-25th Nov 2012), mainly for its dashing autumn colours. It was a hectic and heavily planned itinerary, covering Kyoto, Nara, Uji, Inari, Osaka, Tokyo, Nagano, Hakone, and Nikko. This was my second trip to Japan with the first in spring in the same year. psst, psst.....I will be going to Tokyo again for the third time, this coming summer, during kids' school holiday in June...yippee. I just love Japan so so much that I would never ever get bored...the food, the culture, the beautiful people, the fashion which always give me the impulse of going back there again.
Ok....now I am going to show you guys the beauty of Japan with autumn hues. There are 2 seasons in Japan that you should not miss when you intend to visit Japan, which are spring and autumn. I had visited Japan in both seasons, one of my wishing lists being struck off from the bucket list, heheeee...
We departed from Singapore Changi International Airport to Tokyo Narita Airport, on 11th Nov, at 9.20 a.m.
Our lunch served on SQ, I had sushi rice with beef steak, cold soba, with some other snacks such as Japanese rice cracker, fruit salad and bun.
Considering that we would travel to many places within Japan, it was the best option for us to buy JR pass, which permits unlimited rides on Japan Railway, both on local trains and shinkansen (bullet trains), however it is limited on JR lines only. After some calculation work being done, we found that it saved us a lot by using JR pass. JR pass must be purchased outside of Japan, entitled only for tourists. We bought our 14-day passes from Price Breaker, Great World City branch, at SGD1430 for 2 pax.
We were asked to collect our JR pass exchange order a few days later (picture shown on the left). These can be exchanged at any JR office within Japan for the actual JR pass which look like.....
The front of the JR pass which was printed with Japan iconic Mount Fuji and the back was all the details of the card holder's name, nationality, passport number, and days when the pass can be used. Once you bring the exchange orders to be activated in JR office, that day would be considered the first day of activation and the subsequent days would be counted. Do not lost the card, bring the card everywhere you go, coz you can even use them within Tokyo, on JR line (Yamanote line), which also means you do not have to purchase SUICA.
Reached Tokyo Narita Airport at 17.05 p.m. local time, travelling time was around 7 hours. Japan is 1 hour ahead Singapore. After passing through the immigration check, we headed to the JR office in Terminal 3, activated our JR passes, and moved on to NEX (Narita Express) platform. Took NEX from Narita Airport to Tokyo station.
1 large and 1 cabin-sized luggage were all that we needed for 14 days trip.
From Tokyo station, we took a Hikari train, which is a shinkansen, transferred to Kyoto, on JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Journey from Tokyo to Kyoto took about 2 hours 40 minutes. It was drizzling at that time. Not much to see along the journey, as it was already pitch dark outside.
Hikari shinkansen, at Tokyo station...bound for Kyoto
A bento for sharing on the train, to keep hunger at bay
Well, here we were finally at Kyoto, cabs spotted with cute heart-shaped light on the roof top.
We stayed at Hotel Hokke Club for 5 nights. I very much recommend this hotel, because of its strategic location and its cleanliness. This hotel is located just opposite to the Kyoto station, and Kyoto bus terminal. Taking Kyoto City Bus for sightseeing is the most logical and convenient way of touring around Kyoto. Hence, staying somewhere near to the bus terminal is the way to go, for convenience and also time saving.
A paper crane to welcome us...in our hotel room. By the time we checked-in, it was almost 11 p.m. Kyoto is not as busy as Tokyo, the whole surrounding is more serene. Night was more quiet and peaceful. The hotel staff told us that it was hard for us to find a decent eatery at this hour. Hubby was very persistent, he tried to search high and low for a nearby restaurant, but to our despair, we ended up at Lawson, a 24-hour convenient store, something like 7-eleven, to buy some microwavable food and drinks.
Hotel Hokke Club is located very near to Kyoto Tower. Snapped this picture from the bus terminal.
This is the Kyoto Station Bus Ticket Center, where we purchased Kyoto City Bus One-day pass for 500 yen each. It is located in front of Kyoto station.
Kyoto City Bus is only valid for one full day with unlimited rides within Kyoto sightseeing areas. There was a map given to us for easy reference on the bus numbers and the routes.
My first day in Kyoto was to dress up in kimono. I did my reservation online, a month in advance, from Okamoto Kimono Rental website. Okamoto Kimono has 2 outlets, both located near to Kiyomizudera. From the Kyoto station bus terminal, we took city bus no. 100 or 206, got off at Gojo-zaka bus stop. No worries, all the stops would be announced and shown in English.
Walk up the slope until you come to this zebra crossing, take the slope on your right hand side. From their website, you can print out a pictorial route guide to Okamoto Kimono.
Yay, found the place, walked in and greeted by their friendly staff.
Was showed to a room where many colourful kimonos were kept. The rental was graded based on type and design of kimonos, whether they were the latest or outdated ones. Basically, the more you paid, the wider variety and designs were available for you to choose from. So I went for the most expensive package, Plan 3, costed 5250 yen, plus the matching hairdo 1050 yen, which totalled up to 6300 yen, around SGD 83.
As I was quite petite, an assistant tried to pick the latest design which could fit into my frame. At first I was thinking of choosing something kawaii, which preferable in pink. But the staff told me that pink and bold design was normally for informal occasions. She advised me to go for formal hand-made traditional kimono. We picked matching eri (inner kimono wear), obi (sash), obi string and a hand pouch.
No pictures were allowed during kimono changing coz many girls shared the same room. I stood there with both my arms extended out, for maybe 30 minutes or less. Wearing kimono was tedious, layer after layer. The obi must be tied very tightly around the torso area. I almost suffocated, seriously! Oh ya, one important tip to share...just before you put on the kimono, please visit the washroom to empty your bladder, coz no one would think of going to washroom with kimono. Do you get what I mean?
After changing into kimono, I had my hairdo with french braid...which costed slightly more. The obasan who helped me styling my hair was fast and efficient. Though we did not manage to converse properly, I used hand signals thing and showed her that I wanted plaits and braids. She understood fully what I requested for. Amazing, right?!
Tadah,,,simple french braid hairdo, no hair spray was used. Super love...coz I hate super hardening hair spray which gives unnatural look. Look at the details of my kimono...Purple, my favourite colour, and what's more impressive was the maple leaves design on the kimono, which matched the autumn theme very well.
Look at my cute geta, the footwear which resembles clogs, and tabi, ankle-high socks, which separates big toes from other toes. I was allowed to keep the tabi as souvenir at the end of the day. Whereas the rest must be returned back, the latest by 7.30 p.m.
A picture with the obasan who put on the kimono for me, as a remembrance.
Before we moved on, venturing around Kiyomizudera, we had a quickie breakfast at a food stall set along a street near to the pagoda.
A bowl of simple yet hot udon was so satisfying in a cool morning. The smooth strands of thick udon served with half cooked egg in soya sauced broth...
Round off with mouthwatering desserts of mochi in hot red bean soup, a gelatin, thick and creamy hot macha and iced macha. It is a must to drink creamy macha in Japan, super duper nice, the strong aroma of the green tea powder...speechless!
Many young girls both locals and tourists would put on their best kimonos while admiring the serenity of autumn beauty in Kyoto. Took a picture with a few Japanese ladies in kimonos. See how I blended into the atmosphere, and got compliments from them too. One of them even requested if she could touch and feel the fabric...hmmm, they must had been impressed by the design too....hahaaa
A couple shot in front of the Ro-mon, 'Red Gate', the entrance gate of Kiyomizudera. Kiyomizudera or literally means 'pure water temple', is located on a steep hill of Eastern Kyoto. It became UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
Walking in kimono was tedious coz I basically had to slow down my pace with smaller steps, which definitely not my usual self. The right picture below is the Hondo, the main hall which is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of compassion. It can be spotted easily by its vast wooden veranda, which is supported by 139 pillars.
Love this view, fiery autumn colours of orange, red and yellow!
Standing at the main hall, taking in panoramic view of the surrounding from the top of Kiyomizudera.
The most photographed spot of Kiyomizudera. You can even see Kyoto Tower from far.
Okuninushi-no-mikoto, God of Love and 'Good matches'. Jishu Shrine attracts the most youngsters and teenagers alike especially dating couples.
Beneath the main hall is the Otonowaki Spring, where 3 water channels fall into a pond. Visitors can use a holder to fill some water from any channel, and drink the water to make their wish come true. It is believed that the one at left is the intellectual spring, the middle is the love spring and the right is for longevity. One is said that can only choose one, in order to realise your dream.
I drank the one from the right, for longevity, but I want to grow old gracefully...hahahaaa
You can easily spend half a day around Kiyomizudera. There are 2 streets downhill, namely Sannezaka and Ninenzaka lined with souvenir shops, tea houses, cafes, sweet and mochi shops and a lot more. Even if you do not intend to buy anything, browsing and window shopping are fun things to do.
Met Kitty chan in a souvenir shop selling local knick knacks.
Went to Hashiba, an official restaurant of Kodaiji Temple for vegetarian lunch. All the menu consists of yuba. Yuba is a healthy food made from soybeans. A thin film forms on top of soybean liquid while it is boiling in a shallow pan. The film is later collected, layered and dried. It has almost the similar texture and flavour as tofu.
Yuba toufu hotpot
The set which we ordered costed 3990 yen, came with steamed sushi rice topped with anchovies, yuba hotpot (the main dish in the set), seafood, tempura, white miso soup with corn, and dessert. The set also included a glass of in-house made fruit wine.
A gelatin-like dessert made of plums, topped with yuba.
Hashiba Restaurant is just next to Kodaiji temple.
Continued with our mission, searching for food and local stuffs. Licking on my macha soft ice-cream..yum yum...
Pickles are widely available in Kyoto with different varieties. Vegetables and fruits are normally preserved using lots of salt.
This is preserved Japanese cucumber, crunchy and juicy...
We sauntered downhill and bumped into another smaller branch of Okamoto Kimono.
Please wear comfortable footwear when you visit Kiyomizudera. There are so many slopes, stairs and huge area to cover.
Saw a shop specialised in chilli powder and all sorts. We bought super spicy grade, chilli with yuzu (citrus) mix and 7-flavour chilli powder mix.
We were free to sample the chilli powders which were on displayed. Fret not, they would serve you cold green tea to cool down the spiciness....LOL
Passed by a stall selling some yummy creamy beef filling croquette. We had one to try, very crispy from the outside, hot and creamy with chunky beef inside.
Along a street which is quieter and peaceful, leading towards Yasaka Pagoda as you can see at the background. This street is a bit away from bustling touristy Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Slopes.
This place is a spot where you could catch a glimpse at many people dressed not only in kimono but maiko ensemble. Maiko is an apprentice geisha, mainly in Kyoto. Their job is to entertain and perform for visitors who are dining.
There are rental shops which provide makeover to make you look like a maiko. Hence, you can see maikos, ambling around this area too. I stopped a few maikos for a picture.
Came to the stone Statues of Hideyoshi and Nene. Touching them using your right hand or both hands is said to bring happy and everlasting marriage. So, hubby and I did what was said on the instruction...:) Wishing for blissful marriage!
Wanted a taiyaki with red bean filling for snack...Taiyaki is made with waffle or pancake batter, mould into fish shaped cake with other available fillings like cheese, chocolate and custard.
Experienced a 30-minute rickshaw ride cum tour for 8000 yen for 2 pax. This was our young and friendly rickshaw puller. He was very strong and he told us that he competed in martial art competitions. Look at his broad shoulders and small waist...:) Imagine he had to pull us along the slopes...must be damn tiring!
We were thankful to him, though he conversed only in simple English, but he was very generous to help us taking pictures with the best views and angles..
It was almost sunset at around 5-ish evening. Took the last picture before we walked to Okamoto Kimono to return back the kimono.
Took a Kyoto bus ride back to Kyoto station where we stayed. But before going back to the hotel, we wandered a bit looking out for a nice place for dinner. Saw this building with a few interesting restaurants to choose from but we did not know what were their specialities, so we decided to check out all, one by one....talking about foodies!
At last we decided to have our dinner here at the 3rd floor. But first we gotta removed our shoes and put them into a shoe cabinet with small pigeon hole which came with a lock.
First we had sake, the waiter poured us the drink up to the brim, and let it overflowed to the glass holder. It showed generosity in Japanese culture.
Fresh assorted sashimi, we love the sashimi so much that we had a second helping during the course.
Fried shishamo....the window view of Kyoto Tower behind us. We were seated in a separate room away from the choking smell of ciggies pollution. However, it was so unbearable that we still could smell it. Japanese men are heavy smokers. Most restaurants allow separate smoking rooms in their premises.
We really had a spread for dinner....hotplate Japanese beef, some yakitori to go along like chicken and asparagus wrapped with pork belly....
sashimi again....and grilled fish...
Toufu hotpot with fresh oysters,,,,and lastly grilled squid.
A sumptuous Japanese dinner basically rounded off our first day touring in Kyoto. Please stay tune for more posts!
