Kansai region (関西地方) lies in the southern-central region of Japan. It is the cultural and historical heart of Japan, the earliest beginnings of Japanese civilisation. It is where Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are situated. Nara was Japan's first permanent capital (710-794) that saw the spread of Buddhism to Japan. During the Heian period (794-1185), the capital … Continue reading 5-Day Autumn Getaway to Kyoto, Osaka & Nara Itinerary
Day Five Morning at Inari - November 2016 We have reached our last day of sightseeing in Kyoto. We spent the morning at Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto and a side trip to Nara in the afternoon. From our hotel at Gion, we took the Keihan Line to Fushimi-Inari Station and took a short walk … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Morning at Inari
Day Three Afternoon - November 2016 After spending a lovely morning at Arashiyama, we took the JR Sagano Line from Saga-Arashiyama station to Nijo. Instead of transferring to the Tozai Line to Nijo-mae station, we stopped at Nijo station and walked to the Nijo Castle to explore the Nijo area. Just a brief history on … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Nijo Castle
Day Three Morning in Kyoto - November 2016 We spent our morning at Arashiyama (嵐山), translated as Storm Mountain, located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. From our hotel at Gion, we took the Keihan Line to Tofukuji to change to the JR Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. There are a few must see and do at Arashiyama, … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Arashiyama
Day Two Afternoon in Kyoto - November 2016 After our visit to Kiyomizu Temple, we made our way to Nanzenji. Along the way, we stopped at the 7 Eleven store for sushi and onigiri for lunch, ate like the locals. Nanzenji (南禅寺) We depended on the trusty Google Map to bring us to Nanzenji though … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Nanzenji and Philosopher’s Path
Day Two Morning in Kyoto - November 2016 Waking up in the morning was a challenge as we were exhausted from the red eye flight. We woke up later than planned. Glad the hotel serves breakfast. They serve local breakfast, sandwich bread, croissant and fruit juice. Glad they serve good coffee which helped to perk … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Higashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple
Day One in Kyoto - November 2016 Day one started on red eye flight to Kansai International Airport via Singapore Airlines. After six hours of watching movies, a few short naps here and there and breakfast, we touched down at 8.35 am (Japan is an hour ahead of Singapore). After immigration clearance and luggage collection, … Continue reading Autumn in Kyoto – Kamogawa and Gion
Kansai Region Travel Series - Day 0 After visiting Tokyo, Japan, for the first time early this year, I was back in Japan for another vacation. I was on a 6-day vacation in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara, part of Kansai region, in November. This trip was planned less than two weeks before we left, glad we managed … Continue reading 6-Day Autumn Vacation in Kansai, Japan
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