Published date: October 23, 2024
My First Solo Trip to Kyoto☺︎
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
荷物を預けて身軽で観光に行きたかったので、京都駅からテクテクと歩きチェックイン前にスーツケース預かりをお願いしました。
フロントの皆さんはとても感じがよくフレンドリーな中にも品があって、やはり星野リゾート好きだなと思わせてくれ気分は上々です。
お部屋もコンパクトですが使い勝手が良かったです。ベットにも電源＆USBもあり◎。
フロント横のフードステーションも、ちょっとお洒落な品揃えで普段の生活とは違う気持ちを高めてくれます。セルフレジ横に10円単位の飴ちゃんもあり（2023年11月時）色んな種類を購入し、肌寒い京都観光のお供に重宝しました。
もちろん、omoのご近所ツアーにも参加しました！
Experiences during the trip
Day 1: Kitano Tenmangu → Nijo Castle → Toji Temple
【Kitano Tenmangu】
After dropping off my luggage, I walked to the bus stop near Kyoto Station to head to Kitano Tenmangu. However, since I could take a bus or train to Kyoto Station, it would have been better to use them to conserve my energy.
After all, it was my first solo trip. I thought I would leisurely take the bus to Kitano Tenmangu, but the bus stop was in a remote area and it was packed, making for quite a rough start. lol
I got an academic amulet for my daughter who is preparing for exams.
【Nijo Castle】
After leaving Kitano Tenmangu, I took one bus straight to Nijo Castle. I had been recommended by a friend, and it was somewhat moving to be at the site of the Tokugawa shogunate's return to power.
Of course, it's not a castle with a main keep, but the scale of the buildings is impressive.
【Toji Temple】
I couldn’t secure a spot for the "World Heritage Toji Temple Autumn Leaves Night View Tour" from the official site, but I asked at the front desk on the day and was able to join (^^)
I was just going to make a visit to Toji Temple with no knowledge, but thanks to the understandable materials and the guide's explanations, I was able to enjoy a very enriching tour. The leaves were just starting to change color, so it was slightly early for the season, but even so, being able to enter with a fast pass while other tourists were waiting for entry during the nighttime illumination enhanced my satisfaction.
Since there were no other tourists when I entered, it was easy to take photos, and I was shown various photo spots and simple tips for taking pictures, which were refreshing and instructive for someone in their 40s like me _φ(･_･
Toji Temple reflected in the pond with the colored leaves was very beautiful.
The tridimensional mandala, the Buddha, and the evening view were simply spectacular.
For dinner, I went to Kyoto Station and ate at "Kyoyasai Sesshokurai." Since I was alone, I thought I wouldn’t be able to try many different dishes, so I had obanzai and fresh yuba dengaku. I hadn’t done much research, so I just went to Kyoto Station for dinner (lol)
Day 2: Toji Temple → Kamo River → Yasaka Shrine → Kennin-ji Temple
【Toji Temple】
On this day, I visited Toji Temple again with my husband, who joined me just for this day. I wanted to see the bright Toji Temple, and it had a different atmosphere compared to the night. We also visited the museum. It was truly wonderful.
【Kamo River】
I returned to the bus stop near the hotel and took a bus.
While enjoying a reasonable lunch at "Izumoya" along the Kamo River, a rainbow appeared, and though it was drizzling a little, it brightened my mood ☺︎
【Yasaka Shrine】
I quickly went in, took a look around, and passed through. lol
【Kennin-ji Temple】
The Wind God and Thunder God folding screen and the Twin Dragon painting are quite powerful.
However, I hadn’t prepared in advance, so I didn’t know the historical context or the era... The garden was beautiful too. Wabi-sabi.
Day 3: Exploring Arashiyama
After checking out, I took the train to Kyoto Station, locked my luggage in a coin locker, and headed to Arashiyama.
【Trolley Train】
First, I took the trolley train (Saga-Arashiyama Station → Kameoka) that I had reserved online.
I enjoyed the sightseeing vibes while being rocked in the packed trolley.
On the way back, I took the JR line from Umahori Station back to Arashiyama Station.
【Tenryu-ji Temple】
It has a very beautiful and spacious garden and an impressive Tenryu painting (no photography allowed).
Additionally, as I went a little further inside, there were smaller gardens with charm, making it a good place to spend time slowly.
【Bamboo Grove Path】
I had an image of the soothing sound of bamboo leaves rustling, but by the time I arrived around noon, I was overwhelmed by the number of tourists. lol
If you seek silence, it seems you have to try to get up early.
【Togetsu Bridge】
For lunch, I ate at a soba restaurant near Togetsu Bridge. Fortunately, I entered without any wait time; the setting was semi-private, making it comfortable for me to stay alone.
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Despite having little planning, it was my first solo trip, and I hope to explore many other places in the future.