We enjoyed our stay in Kyoto and certainly could spend more time there. It was full of tourists this weekend for the autumn leaves but it doesn’t feel touristy at all. No shops filled with key chains, magnets, thimbles, spoons or other collectibles we see all over the world. Though it was crowded, it felt authentic which was very nice.
We all voted our lodgings very nice and we would stay here again. It was a ‘traditional Japanese Apartment’ with a bedroom (for the parents) a kitchenette, a sizable western style Dining table and couch. It also has a tatami room.
This area was covered with mats that control temperature and are softer than the floor for sitting at the traditional low table during the day or sleeping on futons at night both of which the kids did. They would prefer a bed, but declared the futon experience pretty good.
We checked out and headed for our next adventure, the Shinkansen, known world wide as the bullet train. This train averages over 200 mph and covers the 270 miles from Kyoto to Tokyo in just over 2 hours. Getting to the station, finding the platform, using our QR code tickets and getting on the train was easy and uneventful. We had a little extra time on the platform so we mugged for some photos and even shot some video.
We have another blue sky travel day and a ground level view of Mt Fuji which appeared suddenly and was gone in minutes as we entered tunnels carrying us the last stretch to Tokyo.
Mount Fuji is known the world over as a symbol of Japan. At 12,388 feet it is the tallest in Japan. It is the perfect conical shape and frequently snow covered top that have made it a cultural and spiritual symbol for the Japanese people.
After we arrived at Tokyo Station we wandered through the maze of corridors, escalators and stairs to get to the subway. After trying unsuccessfully for the second time to buy a pass, we purchased our single use tickets and hopped on a train to take us to the Shinjuku neighborhood where we’ll be staying.
We arrived at our rental house a little weary but happy to meet up with our Cousins for the second straight year. The adults found a very grown up coffee shop for a little caffeine boost while the kids burned off some steam at a nearby park.
Afterwards we had a delicious dinner curated by the chef at a nearby restaurant – can’t wait to see what other adventures the week holds.
5 Adventures Together 