Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arabica Coffee ― darn good coffee!
Maiko makeover experience in Gion.
Fushimi Inari Shrine at sunset.
Gogyo ramen ― burnt miso
VISIT:
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ― Touristy, yes. But there's nothing quite like the tranquility those green giants give. Visit the Tenryu-ji temple located near the start of the path up. There's also damn good coffee in the vicinity (see below).
A maiko/geisha makeover studio ― For the experience, pictures, and lots of laughter. We went to this one.
Fushimi Inari-taisha ― Another place filled with too many tourists, but nonetheless, it's on the list! Because sunset here is incredibly beautiful.
Ishibei-koji ― This was on my itinerary but very sadly, we didn't have the time to visit this traditional alley. Real geishas roam here and Ishibei-koji was how I imagined Kyoto to be like.
DRINK:
Arabica Coffee ― Several branches, but we went to the one at Arashiyama. My favourite one out of all that I've had in Japan.
EAT:
Gogyo Ramen, 452 Jumonji-cho ― Their burnt miso ramen tastes super interesting and unique!
Manneken Belgian Waffle, JR Kyoto Station — Super moreish.
Qu'il Fait Bon, 534-18 Ebisu-cho ― Tarts. Need I say more?
―
ENROUTE to Owakudani.
Hot springs make marbled eggs!
Ryokan stay ― my favourite experience from the trip.
Private onsen before the kaisen dinner.
Public onsen before breakfast.
never not windswept.
ENROUTE to Lake Ashi.
autumn or spring?
STAY:
Ryokan ― Not cheap, but definitely worth saving up for! A ryokan stay in Hakone typically includes dinner + breakfast and onsen baths, and you should really find one with these. Our ryokan of choice was Mount View Hakone. It was really fun wearing the yukata walking about the ryokan, and the meals were so elaborate and yummy! The onsen bath was also super relaxing and gave me a good night sleep but be careful not to dip in it for too long or you'll feel VERY faint afterwards... like I did in the morning. Oops.
VISIT:
Owakudani ― A volcanic valley with sulphur vents and hot springs. They sell eggs cooked in the natural hot springs here, and you should get them because they'll extend your life by 7 years. No really, get them because you're a tourist and they are so pretty! Taste? Just like normal well-cooked hardboiled eggs. 🤷🏻
Lake Ashi ― On good days, Fuji-san can be seen. Key phrase: on good days. We went on a bad day, but it was still worth the trip. We bought the round trip ticket for the sightseeing cruise from Togendai station and the pirate boat stops at two other piers. The first one I have no idea at all what the main attraction is till now, though we had yummy waffles with ice cream at one of the cafes there. The second stop is where that Instagrammable torii is at. It's opposite the pier and if you brisk walk you'll get there in 15 minutes.
BUY:
Hakone Spring Water Shiro-mochi ― Bought mine from our ryokan because I had it in the room and it's so good.
Note:
Kyoto's a day trip from Osaka. It was a little rush for us since the maiko makeover plan was reserved and we needed to be punctual. If you have more than a day here you'll definitely have time to explore the traditional alleys and Gion better! As for Hakone, most people would make a day trip from Tokyo but we wanted to stay in a ryokan and Hakone is known for that + the onsen. The ryokan stay turned out to be my favourite experience from my trip; I'd have loved to stay for another night! Really recommend everyone to try it out at least once. ♥️
Next up, Tokyo!
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