Kyoto, Japan | Exploring Arashiyama District

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Our first destination in Kyoto, Japan was Arashiyama. Arashiyama which translate to Storm Mountain, is situated on the western part of Kyoto. A popular tourist destination, known for Sagano Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji Temple.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or Sagano Bamboo Forest is a natural forest featuring pathways through towering bamboo stalks. This is one of the top tourist destination of Japan.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

A short distance from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest lies Tenryu-ji Temple, a Zen Temple complex famous for its traditional Japanese garden.

Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

We also explored the food scene of Arashiyama. We tried a matcha ice cream from Sawawa Arashiyama.

We also sampled a Matarashi Dango from Kotoimo Honpo. Conveniently located at the entrance of the Bamboo Forest. They offer a variety of Japanese sweets.

We ate early dinner at Ine Arashiyama, a restaurant that specializes in Saga Tofu.

Instead of riding a bus back to Daiwa Roynet Hotel Ikemae PREMIER, we went to Saga Arashiyama Station and used our JR Pass to Kyoto Station.

We ended our day early to preparation for our Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka experience in Higashiyama District the next day.

NOTE: Ongoing update on Japan DIY Travel Guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT KYOTO, JAPAN

The best time to visit Kyoto, Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO KYOTO, JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor (For Filipinos, no need since Japan is using the same outlet)
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO, JAPAN FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Kyoto, Japan from Manila is via direct flight to Kansai Airport.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM KANSAI AIRPORT

To get to Kyoto Station from Kansai Airport, there are several options: train, bus or taxi.

But the most convenient way is via JR Shinakansen Bullet Train via Haruka Line. It has reserved seats, overhead compartments and luggage space.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO FROM TOKYO

The fastest and most convenient option is Shinkansen Bullet Trains. It is not the cheapest especially if you’ll book for a one-way ticket. Best if you avail the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass.

HOW TO GET TO ARASHIYAMA FROM KYOTO STATION

To get to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station, go to bus stop C6 and take Bus 73. If you are a JR Pass holder, take the San-In Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.

HOW TO GET TO KYOTO STATION FROM ARASHIYAMA

To get to Kyoto Station from Arashiyama, take the Saga Arashiyama train to Kyoto. This is already covered if you are a JR Pass holder.

TOKYO, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING KYOTO, JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

KYOTO, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
If you want to avoid crowd in tourist spots, schedule your visit early morning.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.