Day 4 in Japan - Kyoto, traditional Gion and Pontocho

I actually planned to visit Universal Studios Japan, ユニバーサル・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

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.

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 11^th 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.

Tastes really good

View from the 11th floor of the department store

My first experience waiting for the train to pass before crossing the railway

Delicious snow crab meat

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.

Peaceful and traditional feeling

A modern Starbucks in the midst of the traditional feeling at Gion

Wooden shops are still plentiful

Minamiza Kabuki Theatre is across the street

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, 先斗町 (pontochou) and Kawaramachi, 河原町 (kawaramachi), which like Gion, has a traditional Japan feel and there’s great scenery.

Geisha Statue

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 with many people, cars, and department stores, but still preserve the traditional feel

Take a pleasant walk at Kawaramachi

On a little bridge

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!

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 1, Day 2, and Day 3 as well.