Friday, June 17, 2016

Day 4 in Japan - Kyoto, traditional Gion and Pontocho

I actually planned to visit Universal Studios Japan, ユニバサルスタジオジャパン (Yunibaasaru sutajio Japan) in Osaka on my fourth day in Japan.  However, being there just 30 minutes after opening time, I did not anticipate such a massive crowd.  Therefore, a change of plan, I went to Kyoto instead.  Kyoto, 京都 (kyouto) is easily accessible through trains that run directly to Kyoto Station.  
The Grand Kyoto Station
The Grand Kyoto Station
Arriving at the grand and impressive Kyoto Station, it is already noon.   Just outside the station tourist can purchase a Kyoto Bus One-day Pass, which allows unlimited travel to all the stations covered by the pass on the day of purchase.  Most of the main sightseeing spots in Kyoto are covered, although one day is not enough to visit all those spots.  Kyoto is a big place with many attractions.
Kyoto Tower outside Kyoto Station
Exiting from the Northern side of Kyoto Station, Kyoto Tower comes into view
Since it is already after lunch time, I had lunch at Kyoto Station.  The station itself is worth a look around.  It is really big and houses shopping malls and a department store.  I went to the 11th floor of Isetan Department Store, where there are many fancy restaurants.  I chose to eat sushi, 寿司 or すし (sushi) as I haven’t tasted any sushi yet since arriving in Japan.
Sushi at Kyoto Station
Tastes really good
View from the 11th floor of Isetan
View from the 11th floor of the department store

Waiting to cross the railway
My first experience waiting for the train to pass before crossing the railway
Snow crab meat
Delicious snow crab meat
Self-ordering and paying ramen
Dinner before the next destination.  This ramen shop has a self-ordering and paying machine
After dinner, it is time for the place I am more interested to visit.  The next destination will be Gion, 祇園 (gion), a geisha district.  Gion is a great destination because it is as if traditional Japan is preserved here.  There are many wooden shops and the architecture has a traditional and historical feel to it.
Gion in Kyoto
Peaceful and traditional feeling
Starbucks in Gion
A modern Starbucks in the midst of the traditional feeling at Gion
Wooden shops in Gion
Wooden shops are still plentiful
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre is across the street
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre is across the street
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre in Gion
Minamiza Kabuki Theatre
Walk further down the road and I reach Kamo River, 鴨川 (kamogawa).  Get across and I will be able to visit Pontocho, 先斗 (pontochou) and Kawaramachi, 河原町 (kawaramachi), which like Gion, has a traditional Japan feel and there’s great scenery.
The Geisha Statue near Kamo River
Geisha Statue
Kamo river has great scenery
The scenic Kamo River
After crossing Kamo River, the area of Kawaramachi is a rather busy place.  There are a few department stores here, and there’s a significant increase in crowds and cars.
Busy area at Kawaramachi
Busy area with many people, cars, and department stores, but still preserve the traditional feel
Kawaramachi in Kyoto
Take a pleasant walk at Kawaramachi
On a little bridge at Kawaramachi
On a little bridge
Kamo River lights up at night
At night, only the shops light up Kamo River.  Many people sit along the riverbank enjoying the river breeze.
After walking around and taking pictures, it is time to rush back to Osaka before the last train leaves.  I don’t want to be stranded at Kyoto!
Kyoto Tower lighted up
Last photo of Kyoto Tower lighted up at night and on the train we go
The next day, I will go to Universal Studios!  Do read about Day 1Day 2, and Day 3 as well.



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