wherever my happy feet brings me

temple stay

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 10:59:28 +0000

another unique lodging accommodation in japan would be a temple stay. we picked shunkoin temple, which is part of the myoshin-ji temple complex, for 2 nights’ stay.

our cottage

futons

red-walled toilet

early morning by the temple gates

shunkoin gate

another temple in the myoshin-ji complex

nice window display

kyoto walking tour

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:47:55 +0000

9h is centrally located in downtown kyoto and we were greeted with rows and rows of shops (still closed) as we got out for a brisk early morning walk to the bus stop. we started day 1 of our kyoto trip by joining johnny hillwalker’s kyoto walking tour.

early morning at shijo kawaramachi

a shinto shrine in a busy shopping district

johnny hillwalker's walking tour map

ukiya soba

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 09:21:02 +0000

we chanced upon ukiya while walking around the pontocho area. ukiya makes fresh handmade soba (buckwheat) noodles. we were very happy and satisfied with our meal at ukiya.

9h capsule

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:33:37 +0000

capsule hotels can be found only in japan and we wanted to experience how it is to stay in a capsule hotel even for just 1 night. we found 9h from the web and registered online. from kansai to our last train stop at shijo kawaramachi, kyoto, we got out from the fuji daimaru exit, walked 2 minutes and found 9h.

1st floor plan : leave shoes in the lockers, register, and take the elevators to designated male or female floors

keep your things in your locker

clean up and shower

squeaky clean showers

wear your pajamas

toilet break - spic and span

go up the next floor, to the sleeping pods

find your pod, and have a good night's rest

kansai airport

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:41:52 +0000

we arrived at kansai airport around 7PM, there had been a long queue at the immigration counters. as our preview for japanese efficiency, there was an officer guiding passengers where to queue up and checking if their immigration cards have been filled correctly. there was also a guide board indicating approximately how many minutes you will be on line for your turn.

busy kansai arrival area lobby

since we will be taking the train straight to kyoto, with estimated travel time of about 90 to 120 minutes, we had our first meal at the airport lounge area.

panini and hot cocoa from cafessa

konichiwa!

travelbug — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:09:35 +0000

i went on a five day trip to japan last october and had been extremely enthralled with the place. although we only went to two cities – kyoto and osaka, i can definitely say that i like japan and would want to see more of it. soon!