So I finally did it. Booked my transportation and accommodation and set out for a solo adventure of a lifetime.
Luckily, with 4 + years living experience in Japan it was not nearly as daunting a task as it would have been if I were traveling to Japan for the first time with virtually no understanding of the language and customs. Nevertheless I committed to the solo journey and set out to see as much as I could see in less than 7 days.
Kyoto is probably one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan for both locals and tourists alike. Add that to the most popular holiday in Japan (Golden Week) which meant that I had to be on the ball with making arrangements because things were bound to book out QUICKLY.
Getting There
The most cost-effective method of getting to Kyoto via ground transportation is by bus. If you are traveling from overseas then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND applying for the Japan Rail Pass before your trip.
If you're traveling from within Japan then the information below might be helpful.
If you're traveling from within Japan then the information below might be helpful.
From Fukuoka, I took the overnight bus (approximately 9 hours) to Kyoto station and let me tell you.... unless you enjoy sleeping on a bus I suggest you contemplate another mode of transportation. Of course, if you're not trying to spend too much money getting to Kyoto like I was then you'll just have to make do.
Let me be clear, the overnight bus was not ALL THAT bad:
- The seats recline WITH a footrest
- There are plugs to charge your phone
- Some buses even have privacy shades
Here are some useful tips to maximise your overnight bus experience:
The key is to be sure to use the restroom on the final rest stop before bedtime.
- Brush your teeth and empty the tank (you know)
- change into something comfortable (socks included)
- buy a bottle of water (gotta stay hydrated)
- use an eye mask & ear plugs if you're a light sleeper
All things being equal, you get to your destination bright and early the next morning albeit with a slightly sore back. You win some you lose some.
Another option (and by far the quickest) for getting to Kyoto from Kyushu is to take the shinkansen (bullet train). It is however, the most expensive so choose wisely.
Where to Stay
If your intention for visiting Kyoto is solely for sight-seeing purposes and you're on a tight budget then your best bet is staying either at a hostel or a capsule hotel. Ryokans (Japanese Inns) are a great experience but they tend to be quite pricey in tourist areas.
That being said, my accommodation of choice for my Kyoto trip was a capsule hotel.
I have a few reasons why:
- I wasn't planning to spend much time lazing around in my room. I simply needed somewhere to sleep, shower and change.
- The capsule hotel I chose was centrally located, there was a bus stop just a few steps away from the entrance.
- The capsule hotel had an onsen (hot spring bath) as well as individual shower stalls.
- The capsule hotel provided a complimentary breakfast along with FREE Wi-Fi.
While in Kyoto, I ended up staying at 2 separate capsule hotels. The first one, Centurion Hotel Cabin & Spa was Samurai-themed with nicely designed Japanese-styled wooden sliding doors.
The air flow inside the cabin wasn't the best but otherwise it was sufficient. However, if you're claustrophobic then a capsule might not be such a good idea.
The air flow inside the cabin wasn't the best but otherwise it was sufficient. However, if you're claustrophobic then a capsule might not be such a good idea.
Towards the end of my trip I ran into some transportation issues and ended up spending the weekend at Anshin Oyado Capsule Hotel & Spa which had an outdoor foot bath as well as complimentary alcoholic beverages.
Aside from a few hiccups, rain showers and unforeseen circumstances I made it to Kyoto and back in one piece with a WHOLE HEAP of experiences and memories to last a lifetime. Too much to encapsulate in simply one blog post. So I'll be spreading them out in a Visiting Kyoto Series.
So much more to come about my solo adventures while visiting Kyoto.
Stick and stay.
iNi
traveling solo
Nadya Dee
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