From Kyoto to Tokyo: The Best Bits

Adapted from ‘Around the World: 6 Countries in 6 Months‘

Words & Pictures by Shaun Troke

It was a long haul to Japan.

I’d spent an entire night sitting in Hong Kong International Airport, waiting to catch an early morning flight to Shanghai…

To then catch another connecting flight to Japan…

And, when I finally did touch down into Tokyo Airport, I hadn’t seen daylight outside of an airport (or an airplane!) for a whole day…

The ‘joys’ of low-budget travel.

Even after arriving into Japan, it was quick dash to find the train platform (located downstairs in the airport!) to catch a Bullet Train to where I’ll be spending my first night…

THE PLAN-O

I only had 7 days in Japan.

The thinking behind this was because I’d purchased a 7-Day Rail Pass for only £218.00, which worked out to be the cheapest option for travelling to Kyoto & back from Tokyo…

Bought from Inside Japan Tours , this Pass was a great asset to have transportation-wise – not only does it mean you can ride the super-fast Bullet Train to destinations all over Japan, but the Pass is also valid on most city trains around Japan, too!

Back to the Bullet (or, Shinkansen, as it’s known in Japan), this train was by far one of the most comfortable I’ve experienced; Reaching speeds of up to 200mph, it’ll whisk you to locations in style, which in this case would be to Kyoto from Tokyo (and back again!)

KYOTO

My fondest memories of Kyoto are of the food, culture, & shopping…

Within 24hrs of arriving in Japan, I was already sat behind a sushi conveyor belt, eating some of the nicest (and expensive!) sushi I’d every eaten before. This was the best reward for the lack of sleep in the two days leading up to this point…

The perfect reward for low-budget travel.

And, what better way to become accustomed to Japanese culture than to get a haircut from a Japanese barber! This – and posing for some anime/manga-style pictures – really helped me become acquainted to this cultured country…and, I felt this first city was already a friend on the first day.

 

What also helped was that I’d used Couchsurfing for this visit to Kyoto.

This led to experiencing homemade Japanese cuisine, which turned out to be quite fun, in an unexpected way.

There’s temples and castles and gardens scattered around the city…

And, you only need to walk the streets freely to get a feel for the culture of this city.

 

On the shopping front, Kyoto has super-cheap Converse All Stars! As well as many markets, and, even dollar-stores/pound-shops/whatever-you-want-to-call-them!

 

TOKYO

The capital of Japan.

With views of Mount Fuji on the way back on the Bullet Train (because there was daylight this time!), it reminded me of how excited I’d been about this capital before even arriving…

Tokyo had been featured in quite a few movies in my lifetime, and upon arrival, it certainly lived up to its expectations: The culture was educational; In hostels – and most places you stay – shoes need to be removed as you enter the building; Space-age gadgets & designs are found where you’d least expect them to be…

It’s like entering the future, while remaining true to past traditions.

What I liked about Tokyo is that it felt lively & energetic!

If you visit the Shibuya district, their famous pedestrian crossing (seen in many movies) explains exactly what I mean, as does this entire shopping area:

City lights shine immensely, young people litter the streets.

 

In contrast, if vibrancy isn’t your thing, Tokyo has parks to retreat to, as well as docks you can walk around & shop at.

 

And, if you like your city views from above, there’s one place I’d recommend:

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (and it’s free!)

 

From the 45th floor, you’ll have those remarkable views of the city.

And, if you’ve also been inspired to visit Japan after watching Western movies, then close by to this viewpoint is another building offering incredible views from its restaurant & rooms…the hotel made famous by the film, Lost In Translation: the Park Hyatt Tokyo.

THE END-O

Like I  say in most of my travel journals, my ONE consent ‘regret’ is always ‘time’.

Whether it’s 3 days, 5 days, or 7 days, Japan – like any new place – is worth spending more than a week in…

There’s just too many best bits you can do on this little island in the pacific.

What I loved about Japan is that, like I found with Hong Kong, Japan also seemed very ahead of its time, with its pace & its electronics…even their toilets look after you, by producing warmth through the seat!

Japan is a fascinating, vibrant country.

And, it’s everything you see in the movies!

And, as I’ve said about many places before this one…I WILL go back again one day.

Coming Next: The next adaptation from ‘Around The World: 6 Countries in 6 Months‘ …

3 Undervisited States (And why you SHOULD visit them!)