Japan Trip 2015: Day 3 in Kyoto (Kyoto Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Seiryo-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove)

Kyoto Tower view from Kyoto Station

Day 3 started off early since we did a day trip to Kyoto. Taking a train from Osaka to Kyoto is fairly easy, just make sure you get to Osaka Station and take the Special Rapid Service to Kyoto Station. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour. Just make sure not to get on the local service train, as it stops more often and takes longer!

Those who are unsure of which trains and stations to transfer should refer to Hyperdia as it offers a simple and hassle-free option to plan your train routes. With this website, I was able to get around Japan with trains and not think about where to change trains as it does it all for me.

One important tip is to know where your departing station is and destination station is. If all fails, Google up the place you are heading to, chances are, they will list the nearest train station. Hyperdia is available in English, Japanese and Chinese.

Kyoto Station

Once I landed in Kyoto Station, my first stop was to get to the Tourist Information Centre. Here you can get information and help on how to get around Kyoto. Although buses are the main transportation around Kyoto, there are also trains and rickshaws!

Kyoto Station bus stop

First itinerary on the checklist is Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavillion. To get there from Kyoto Station, we took a bus from the bus stop located outside the station. Make sure to check the bus numbers to get to your destination safely!

Kyoto Bus Sightseeing 2 Day Pass

I got a 2-day bus pass for sightseeing at 2,000 yen (adult) and 1,000 yen (child) since my travel partners and I were planning to do consecutive day trips to cover the Kyoto temples and shrines. Don't forget to get the bus map from the Kyoto Tourist Information Centre as it also lists all the bus numbers, attractions and bus stops.

I also relied on Arukumachi to get around and plan my Kyoto routes. This website is in English and lists all the available routes to your destination, either by bus or train. It is similar to Hyperdia, but more accurate and localized to suit Kyoto's bus routes.

Kinkakuji-michi, bus stop for Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion

After a half an hour bus ride (with all the heavy traffic and abundance of traffic lights), we finally arrived at Kinkakuji-michi, the bus stop for those heading to Kinkakuji Temple.

Signboard to Kinkakuji Temple

When alighting from the bus we headed in the direction the other tourists we going. That's when I saw the Kinkakuji Temple signboard. Look out for it to go in the right direction!

Entrance to Kinkakuji Temple

We took a short walk and came to the entrance of the Kinkakuji Temple. It was a shady place, with trees growing on both sides of the path. I took some time here to take refuge from the hot sun. Although it was early autumn, the weather was still a little warm, only when the cool breeze blows it was perfect...

Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion

When I first saw the Golden Pavillion, it was too beautiful. As the sun was shining brightly, the heat was unbearable but it made the pavillion twinkle under its rays! It was a great sight and a memory that will last me a lifetime. There will be many tourists surrounding the pond that the Kinkakuji was made on, so take your time to admire it and wait till you get a great spot to take a picture. You will be greatly rewarded!

Saga-Arashiyama Station

We had lunch after visiting Kinkakuji Temple and got lost while finding our way to our next destination. After asking for directions from locals, we got on the train at Enmachi Station and stopped at Saga-Arashiyama Station as were were headed to the Arashiyama area.

Map to Tenryuji Temple and Bamboo Forest

We wandered around the area after we got off at the Saga-Arashiyama Station, unsure of where to go. Finally we saw a map outside a shop which had the directions to Tenryuji Temple, one of the destinations on our list.

Tenryuji Temple entrance

We finally arrived at Tenryuji Temple! It had a grand entrance and there were many tourists milling around. We started walking into the main temple area.

Raccoon dog statue

There were many small shrines along the way to the main temple, and I began to get curious of a statue of a panda looking creature with a straw hat, holding a stick. I later found out it is a native mascot of Kyoto, the raccoon dog :)

Shrine outside Tenryuji Temple

There was also a small shrine in the same area as the raccoon dog, and I couldn't help but stop to take in the Zen energy of the place. So serene, so peaceful. Yeah, I did take a picture too!

Girls in kimono outside Tenryuji Temple

As we arrived outside the Tenryuji Temple, I saw some girls in kimono. I couldn't resist taking their photo. It really looks like a scene from the past!

Tenryuji Temple's Vegetarian Cuisine

I also saw a signboard that advertised the temple's vegetarian cuisine. If you are interested, do take note that it is served from 11am-2pm.

Trishaw puller

After we were done visiting Tenryuji Temple, we walked along the walkway outside the temple. It was a long stretch of road, where buses and rickshaw pullers plod along. I managed to get a good shot of how 'old school' Kyoto's transportation is right above!

Train passing by in Kyoto

We walked on and on... and it seemed never-ending. Until we came to this train crossing! I always remembered seeing people and cars stop for a train, but that was the first time I saw it with my own eyes. It was amazing! Sorry I am so over-enthusiastic... Thank you Kyoto, for all the memories of the past that you have to share with me!

Arashiyama map

We got lost again, and finally found a map that had some English (duhhh....). We wanted to go to the Arashiyama Bamboo Groove (remember that scene from 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'?) and realised we missed it while walking aimlessly from Tenryuji Temple. Turns out, we missed a turn!

Path of Bamboo, Chikurin No Komichi

We made a U-turn back and realized it was just opposite the place where we had stopped earlier to get an ice-cream! The place is named Chikurin No Komichi (Path of Bamboo). There is a signboard that leads into the path. Do keep and eye out for it if you don't want to miss it!

Kyoto Tower at night

We decided to call it a day and headed back to Kyoto Station for dinner. It was around 6pm when we reached the station, but it was already getting dark. Kyoto Tower looked pretty after it was lighted up. We weren't hungry yet, so we decided to walk around the station to take some photos. Apparently, Kyoto Station is one of the biggest stations in Japan, so we wanted to check that out too.

Staircase at Kyoto Station lighted up at night

The station was definitely huge! It was 12 floors high (if I remember correctly) with an open-air rooftop. The night breeze was super cold! I was not dressed warmly because I had consulted the weather app and it was pretty warm during the daytime in Kyoto (very spot on). I thought of travelling light, so I didn't have any long-sleeved clothing on. Bad move!

The view of Kyoto night skyline was breathtaking from the top floor of Kyoto Station. Do make a trip here at night to experience the beautiful sight!

Lipton Tea House in Kyoto Station's Porta Dining

After walking around the Ramen Street in Kyoto Station, we decided to skip it since the queues were long. We headed to Porta Dining outside the station, near where we boarded our bus in the morning. Upon entering, I saw the Lipton Tea House. LIPTON TEA HOUSE! Why don't we have this in KL? I will definitely make a stop every week! (For those not in the know, I am a huge tea fan and my favourite beverage to kick start my day: Lipton Milk Tea!)

But luck was not on my side. I could only look at the delicious sweet treats on display, and dream about sipping my tea on the soft pouf chairs in the cafe. Well, who sips tea for dinner right? :(

Chirashi, ramen and kimchi for dinner. Burp!

We had dinner at a ramen place and I saw that they had a set meal at only 1,000 yen. I had to have it since it was such a good deal. Usually in KL, the portions were small, but in Kyoto, the portion was HUGE! I had a huge bowl of ramen and a medium sized bowl of chirashi. With lots of rice... I'm totally doomed. No more Lipton cakes even for supper... My only consolation was that the refillable kimchi was superb! Ok, I had 3 refills of kimchi, and that was also pushing it!

3 Coins, upgraded version of Daiso

After dinner, we ladies needed some shopping time so we made a quick dash into 3 Coins, a chain outlet that sells everything at 300 yen (3 coins, get it?). Basically it's an upgraded version of Daiso, and the products are better in quality. I got some pretty good buys here as souvenirs. Bet they'll never know it only costs 300 yen... :P

And that wraps up my third day in Japan. I can totally live here! 

Check out my previous posts on my travels in Osaka below:

Day 1: Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market, Namba Walk and Namba Parks Mall

Day 2: Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Amerikamura and Dotombori

The author feels like she has stepped into the past when she landed in Kyoto. From the pretty girls in kimono to rickshaw pullers, ancient temples and shrines, old buses and steam trains, it really feels like time has stopped before the 1950s in Kyoto!

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Japan Trip 2015: Day 2 in Osaka (Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Amerikamura, Dotombori)

Osaka Castle, former villa of shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi

My second day in Japan kicked off by walking from the apartment to Shinsaibashi Station, which is just a slow 5 minutes walk away. I know it sounds dreary, but there's lot in store for today!

Shinsaibashi Station

That's because the first itinerary of the day is to visit Osaka Castle! We're getting off at at the Morinomiya Station, on the Nagahori Line, so do take note if you want to get here by subway too :)

Destination: Morinomiya Station for Osaka Castle

It's a beautiful and clear day out that Monday morning (apparently Kuala Lumpur was really hazy during that time frame) and we just couldn't get enough of the cool and fresh air until we came to a halt.

Clear and blue skies at Osaka Castle Park

Right up in front of us was this huge flight of stairs! Well, in Japan, you'll have to do as the Japanese do. Start that engine and rev up!

Dense forest in Osaka Castle park

After a short walk through some dense forest, we came to a open area where we walked further till we reached a moat which surrounds the castle grounds.

Moat that surrounds Osaka Castle

After another bout of walking, we saw something from afar. Ahoy! The beautiful Osaka Castle is spotted!

Osaka Castle from afar

We walked heading towards the castle (notice I'm gonna say this often in this post) and came to a open area where there is a food store cum souvenir booth is located opposite the entrance to the castle.

Food store just opposite Osaka Castle entrance

Matcha and chocolate ice cream at 350 yen

I had a matcha and chocolate soft serve ice-cream here (350 yen, approximately RM12.50) and my travel buddies took the opportunity to rest their legs too. 

Osaka Castle entrance

Food trucks in the open area just in front of Osaka Castle

After that, we walked past the entrance till we came to another open area where the atmosphere was like a carnival. Food trucks and souvenir shops galore!

The Osaka Castle was just in front of us here and we couldn't wait to enter it. But before we did, we had to pay 600 yen (approximately RM21) for the admission fee. At this point, I decided to treat 100yen as equivalent to RM1. Otherwise I won't be able to part with all the yen I have brought with me! :P

Osaka Castle admission ticket at 600 yen

After the ticket counter, we proceeded to an area where we had a choice to queue to take a lift straight to the 8th floor observatory (super long queue, no way I'm gonna wait) OR take the stairs up (no queue AT ALL). Why oh why??? The obvious answer is to take the stairs up 8 floors since we were pressed for time... but don't say I didn't warn you!

After 3 floors, breathless, panting and with throbbing legs (I'm so unfit I tell you) we had to take a breather by going around the floor while looking at the exhibits. At least there was something to do while catching our breaths. But I digress, because I couldn't think straight already. For future climbers, please do take a rest every floor. You will thank me for sure :D

After countless steps, and floors (I think I lost count, my legs were like jelly) and also thinking how did the shogun Hideyoshi Toyotomi ever lived there without any lifts, I managed to reach the 8th floor. I practically held the banister like an 80 year old when I reached the top. Probably that's why the other Japanese tourists were looking at me funny :/

Osaka city view from 8th floor observatory

I couldn't wait to open the doors to the observatory outside, and the cool wind that whipped my face was a huge welcome after the stuffy staircase!

Osaka city view from 8th floor observatory

The observatory allows visitors to see Osaka city from 4 different angles, and I guess that's the view that greets the shogun every morning as he wakes up. Beautiful views of the city from all angles. Suddenly climbing 8 floors up seemed so worthwhile!

Osaka city view from 8th floor observatory

We got a bit lost trying to find our way out, so we headed towards the nearest subway station, Osaka Business Park, after much asking for directions from old ladies manning some food stall (note to self: find some young chap for directions next time!).

Crossing the river to Osaka Business Park

Along the way, we met a nice lady walking her son back from pre-school, and gestured to us to follow her to the station. Although she did not enter the station, we appreciated the effort and time she took to guide us on her way elsewhere. The Japanese hospitality knows no bounds!

Udon for dinner at Yoshinoya. Yup, that's a Pablo cheesecake in the background all right!

Next, we headed back to Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade for a closer look (you know what I mean) at the shops. It's madness here I tell you! After shopping and dinner at Yoshinoya, we walked across the street to Amerikamura, which is the American town in Osaka. 

Evil pumpkin at Big Step Mall, Amerikamura

Once you enter the area, suddenly the shops and atmosphere feels so 'American'. Even shopkeepers here are able to speak good English, though they are mainly of African descent. 

Starbucks in Amerikamura all ready for Halloween

Thanks to some kind soul, we were directed to Dotomburi since we wanted to get a night shot of the famous Glico Man signboard at the Ebisu bridge.

The famous Glico Man signboard at night

The nightlife around the Glico Man signboard is exceptional! Millions of signboards lighted up in all directions, you wouldn't know where to look first. 

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade view at night from Ebisu bridge

Kani Doraku restaurant in Dotombori

Puffer fish (fugu) restaurant in Dotombori

Takoyaki restaurant in Dotombori

All I got to say is you should soak up that moment, take some awesome pictures (with the Glico Man of course!) and don't forget to stroll around the whole area with your heads up! The memory will last you a lifetime as it had for me.

That's all for Day 2 and do stay tuned for my upcoming posts!

Day 1 in Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market, Namba Walk and Namba Parks Mall.

Day 3 in Kyoto Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Seiryo-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove.


The author is living her dreams. Osaka is a food paradise, but what does Kyoto has in store? Geishas... perhaps?

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Japan Trip 2015: Day 1 in Osaka (Shinsaibashi, Kuromon Market, Namba Walk, Namba Parks Mall)

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade in the morning

I'm finally in Japan! (Well, I'm actually back home, but my mind was left back in Japan, so who cares...) It's been a long time since buying my air flight tickets from AirAsia 14 months ahead, so there was plenty of time for research and cash stashing before the currency plummeted badly.

So, I landed in Kansai Airport in Osaka on Oct 3, 2015 and my great Airbnb host, Kevin, picked me up and my travel buddies (we travelled in a group of five) at midnight from the airport to his apartment in Shinsaibashi. We paid around RM150 per night per pax for a great stay in his apartment located in the heart of Shinsaibashi shopping arcade. Two thumbs up! If you are interested to rent his apartment, check out the link here.

Onigiri from Family Mart

Had this onigiri bought from the nearby Family Mart for breakfast. Oh, did I mention that there were THREE Family Mart stores near to our rented apartment? Breakfast and snacks are super convenient with Japanese kombinis.

Buns, cakes, and ham for breakfast. All from Family Mart!

For the course of our stay, we relied on 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, and Mini Stop for all our breakfasts and quick snacks.

Fresh milk and Lipton milk tea with Halloween packaging

Before I move on to the rest of the trip, let me praise Lipton for having a great range of teas in Japan! Coming from a tea lover, I thought I would suffer as I did in South Korea, but I guess not :D 

I love their line of Halloween packaging across the board for all their products. I probably visited at the right time since Halloween seems to be quite fun among Japanese!

River near Shinsaibashi

The sun rises around 5am in Osaka, and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the clock on the first morning. 6am and here I am thinking it's 8am! I'm not usually a morning person and I was quite bothered to be up so early. I had breakfast and got ready in super slow motion. 

The weather that morning was cool, around 15 degrees. Nice weather to be out and about, I'd say! Osaka people seemed laid back and since it was a Sunday morning, the city was still waking up at 8am when were started our first day in the city. The river we passed by was so still... I guess nobody's up yet?

Kuromon Market

First stop was Kuromon Market, where all the ladies (and tourists) go crazy sampling pickles, fried food, sweets, and whatnots... almost everything edible on sale seemed to ready to be sampled, except the famous Kobe beef of course!

Kobe beef at Kuromon Market

Some of the goods on sale looks pretty delicious. Come here on an empty stomach if you want to try them all!

Croquettes at Kuromon Market

There are also some sweet treats for sale, for those not into savoury stuff or heavy meals. These strawberry mochi were yummy, not too sweet. Sorry, but I'll just have to treat you to a photo of the mochi. For the real thing, make sure to stop by Kuromon Market! :)

Strawberry mochi at Kuromon Market

Here comes another picture of the galore of sweets found in Kuromon Market!

Sweet goodies for kids and all the young-at-heart grown-ups!

I know I've just been spamming food pictures ever since I started on Kuromon Market, but bear with me because I'm gonna show you my buckwheat ramen from a little shop in the market. 

I had a great bowl of ramen under 300yen (that's a steal, considering it's around RM10) and I had the experience of ordering it through a vending machine! Sorry no picture of the process though, got too excited and forgot about it :p

Buckwheat ramen with a huge helping of kombu on the side!

After brunch, my travel buddies and I took a walk to Namba Walk. Over there we had some little surprises in store for us...

Malaysian flag spotted in Osaka!

We spotted a banner with the Malaysian flag in the shopping arcade! What are the odds of seeing our country's flag in Japan? I think Malaysia is calling us home already... I guess not since it's only Day One!

Bicycle parking

Along the way, I saw some bicycle parking. I have never seen a nation so taken into the cycling activity, since we Malaysians are practically in our cars all the time. But be warned when walking, because some cyclists just seem not to brake at all!

Vending machine drinks all at 100 yen!

At first when I passed by these vending machines, I didn't understand what is the hype all about over 100 yen (approximately RM3.50) drinks. I came to find out most drink costs around 130 yen to 200 yen in the kombinis and vending machines, so I guess it's something to shout about... we poor Malaysians resort to drinking plain water only :(

Menu banner outside a small restaurant

Time to hunt for lunch! Everything starts looking good, and every banner warrants some scrutiny. Too many restaurants to choose from, each one looks better than the last!

Ebi curry for lunch

Finally we settled down in a cafe off the shopping arcade. Upon entering, we realised the cigarette smoke smell was strong but only came to realise it was a smoking cafe after sitting down. Too bad, we didn't dare to leave but opted to order and eat our food fast for a quick escape! The ebi curry was surprisingly good, and the young waitress was quite fluent in English as well. Would have given two thumbs up if not for the smoking factor!

Star Wars merchandise in Bic Camera

After lunch, we made a stop in Bic Camera and we found lots of good stuff in there. 

Figurines at Bic Camera

From electronics to gadgets to model car kits, and even Star Wars merchandise, you name it, they've got it. Definitely stop here if you are into tech stuff or toys! :)

Namba Parks Mall

Soon, we made our way to Namba Parks Mall for some departmental shopping. The mall's architecture is simply stunning, (no box-like structures) which makes it different from standard Japanese architecture. Check out their Sky Garden though! Don't want to put pictures here to spoil all the fun. 

Prices here are a bit high though, so we did some window shopping and had dinner at one of the restaurants upstairs in their food court area. Later, we headed home via subway after a long day of walking just because we couldn't take it anymore. Salute all the Japanese for being able to do this day in, day out!

Read on for updates on my epic trip to Japan!

Day 2 in Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Amerikamura and Dotombori.

Day 3 in Kyoto Station, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Seiryo-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Groove.


The author is extremely happy to be in Japan! So much so she's been having a sweet binge buying any sweet goodies she lays her eyes on... here goes her diet!

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