On our third visit to Kyoto, we are slowing down. Our first two visits were a race to see as many temples and historical sites as possible, which were great. We know how beautiful Kyoto is, and we want to take the chance to savor each moment, see the smaller details, and just take it all in.
We got a Kansai pass for our entire Osaka trip; this included day passes for the Kyoto subway and other Kyoto trains.
Since we are taking it slow, the key is to start early. We took the 5 am train from Osaka to Kyoto. We arrived at the Kyoto station just before sunset and headed straight to the Arashimaya Bamboo Forest.
Arashimaya
Walking through the bamboo reserve on a cold winter morning is probably one of the best ways to enjoy the place. With almost no other tourists around, you can watch the bamboo dance with the wind, with birds flying here and there. It was so serene and calming.
Read more about our slow Arashimaya experience here: Arashimaya: Bamboo, Blooms and Riverside Dream
At the end of the bamboo walk, it would be best to continue your walk down the Arashimaya park. We were thrilled to see trees already blossoming in pink and white flowers. I know it’s still too early for Sakura, so I was a bit confused. Walking further, I saw signages about the Plum Blossoms.
They are as beautiful and magical as the cherry blossoms (with fewer people and more peaceful space). On your next pre-spring visit to Tokyo, give the Plum blossoms the same love as the cherry ones!
Read more about our slow Arashimaya experience here: Arashimaya: Bamboo, Blooms and Riverside Dream
Oigawa River
Further down the park, a serene river park awaits. It has perfect Japan postcard views. You can sit on the stone benches under the trees and watch the morning winter wind blow through the river. So beautiful!
After a few minutes of walking along the riverside, you will see many beautiful traditional and modern houses. Adding to the romantic scenery and houses, an all-white % Arabica outpost blends beautifully into the community. Nothing beats a slow morning stroll by the river with the aroma of good coffee!
Side note: % Arabica opens at 9am. We had to go back in the afternoon for another river walk. Sunset with coffee by the river is just as beautiful!
Read more about our slow Arashimaya experience here: Arashimaya: Bamboo, Blooms and Riverside Dream
Read more about our slow Arashimaya experience here: Arashimaya: Bamboo, Blooms and Riverside Dream
Fushimi Inari
We have seen this place at least twice already, and it was always packed with tourists. To save some time, we’d usually go through the first few sets of gates before we head down. But because we are taking it slow this time, we’re targeting to go as far as we physically can.
Read about our trip to Fushimi Inari: Fushimi Inari: Hundred Torii and Shrines
It was still relatively early, so there weren’t many tour groups yet. We were able to stroll through the gates again and reach Kumataka-sha.
Read about our trip to Fushimi Inari: Fushimi Inari: Hundred Torii and Shrines
Hanamikoji
After a grueling walk, we visited Hanamikoji, the old geisha district. The trip takes you to an olden Japan time. It was preserved / re-developed so well. We saw some real-life Geisha walking around.
Ramen Sen No Kaze
After a long walk, we deserved a good lunch!
We saw this famous ramen restaurant in Kyoto, which is frequently flocked by visitors. The queue took us about 1 hour at around 11:30 AM. Ramen Sen No Kaze serves a variety of shio, shoyu, and miso ramen in single bowls and sets.
A quick tip: Don’t just line up. There’s a paper near the door where you have to list your name.
An hour of waiting is definitely worth it. This is probably one of the best ramen I’ve had in Kyoto. The broth is rich and flavorful, the noodles are cooked perfectly, and the chashu slices are as tender as it gets!
Sanjiya & Maccha House
After a savory lunch, we’re off to a sweet escapade to try the famous Sanjiya Crepe and the Maccha House.
Just as soon as the sun is about to set, we head back to Arashimaya for a cup of coffee at % Arabica by the riverside.
Kimono Forest
We capped off our Kyoto day trip with a glimpse of the Kimono Forest, which is beautifully lit at night.
Just beside it is the Kyoto Randen line, an electric train where you have to use your IC card or drop coins as you go out (unlike the usual trains in the city).
Randen takes us back to a series of connecting stations, leading to the main Kyoto station, and back to Osaka.
