Japan Diaries 2: Day 8

Day 8 May 24, 2018

Farewell Kyoto

Greetings from Kyoto City! Today is our fifth and final day in Kyoto City. Today is also the only day that I had no itineraries to follow. Well, there is a reason behind it...

Last night, my wife and I discussed the possibility of spending half-day touring other parts of Kyoto City but that involves the dilemma of where to leave our belongings. First, we contemplated asking our friend Gil if it's OK to bring our stuff to her house and leave it there for half a day. Our other option was to ask permission from our Air BnB host to leave our stuff in the house for half a day so that we could go around Kyoto one last time. We decided to push through with the plan to go to Gil's place. 
Farewell to our room, it was an awesome 5 days

A very memorable place

Until next time! Thanks to our kind hosts.

 Well, there are some plans that are not meant to be. We woke up a little past 9 which meant that we only had three hours to explore not including the travel time to Gil's place and preparation time. So my wife and I decided not to push through with the plan but head home to our Japanese family in Osaka instead. In that way, we'd still get some time to rest. 
Got our tickets to Osaka Station

Train home!

After preparing our stuff we said farewell to our generous hosts and generous as they are, the owner of the house even gave us a free lift going to Kyoto Station. Aside from that, they also gave my daughter some toys as a farewell gift. 
Gotta love the view

Meiji Chocolate Factory

 From Kyoto Station, we rode the train to Osaka Station via the JR Tokaido Sanyo Line. It costs 560 yen per head. Our daughter Ella was free as she was still 5 years old. The view from the train was superb. I even saw a giant building shaped like a bar of chocolate which I later found out to be the Meiji Chocolate Factory.

Kumatori Station

Upon arrival at Osaka Station, we went on a toilet break before transferring to another train bound for Kumatori Station. The fare was 710 yen per head. From there, we hopped on a bus going to Mr. Toshi's house in Tsubasagaoka reaching it a little past noon.
Looking for the bus stop 

Check out the manhole cover of Kumatori!

 We spent the day resting and in the afternoon Mr. Toshi made me practice my driving skills around the subdivision. I consider this the highlight for today. Sadly, I was not able to document it as my wife was not with me during my first drive. 
Ahh, home at last...

Missed this view.

Overall, we wrapped up our 5-day Kyoto Adventure today. It was truly a memorable trip. Not only did I get to bond with my wife and daughter in the most historic city of Japan, but I also managed to visit 9 of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and several popular destinations in the city. 

PREVIOUS: Japan Diaries 2: Day 7

NEXT: Japan Diaries 2: Day 9


Location: Kumatori, Sennan District, Osaka Prefecture, Japan

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 13, 2018 at 7:59 AM

    You had a great post about Kyoto Prefecture. I heard a lot of good places too from my Japanese students. Keep inspiring your readers. Good job!

    https://mysweetpromises.com/quick-trip-around-siquijor-island/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 13, 2018 at 9:11 AM

      Thanks so much Boney Smile. I checked your blog too and found it very informative.

      Delete
    2. UnknownDecember 16, 2018 at 6:26 PM

      Kyoto looks cool !!! Mesmerising views !!! You seemed to had a great adventure !!!

      Delete
  2. melissalucy21December 14, 2018 at 10:43 PM

    I love the manhole cover and the view from the train ride looks nice too. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 18, 2018 at 12:52 PM

      I agree. The manhole covers in each town is really worth checking out.

      Delete
  3. NohailaDecember 14, 2018 at 10:52 PM

    Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us 💗 it is really helpful for people that would like to visit Japan 😍

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 18, 2018 at 12:52 PM

      Please do check out my previous posts. You'd surely love our trip to Kyoto.

      Delete
  4. nancy_ycnanDecember 15, 2018 at 12:45 AM


    Wonderful sharing! Thank you very much for this amazing article, will go Japan next year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 18, 2018 at 12:53 PM

      Thanks so much! I do hope you check out my next posts about our 2nd adventure in Japan.

      Delete
  5. Rbaiano22December 15, 2018 at 3:42 AM

    Love these pictures! I felt like I was really there even though I've never been anywhere near there. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 18, 2018 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you so much Rbaiano22. Please do check out my other adventures in Japan.

      Delete
  6. chadden2001December 15, 2018 at 5:34 AM

    More images than I thought there would be but made for an easy read. Keep it up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 21, 2018 at 10:41 AM

      Thanks Chadden, I do hope you get to visit Japan too.

      Delete
  7. GiGi EatsDecember 15, 2018 at 7:48 AM

    Japan is 100% on my list, however, probably wont get there for a few years since a little one will be joining our family very soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 21, 2018 at 10:42 AM

      Congratulations Gigi! I hope you could bring the little one with you when you visit Japan someday. =)

      Delete
  8. DariaDecember 15, 2018 at 11:13 AM

    I love traveling by train, especially when the scenery is amazing. I imagine this was also the case for your trip? I have never been to Japan, but the country fascinates me so much I am sure to visit sometime in the future :)

    P.S. Your daughter looks very sweet : Did she also enjoy Kyoto?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 22, 2018 at 6:07 PM

      Hello Daria, my daughter really enjoyed her 5-day adventure in Kyoto. I agree, you should try Japan's railway system. You'd surely enjoy the view.

      Delete
  9. debbieDecember 15, 2018 at 12:09 PM

    So detailed! if i ever go to Kyoto i´ll know some things already! thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 22, 2018 at 6:08 PM

      Thanks so much Debbie. Thanks for following our adventure in Japan.

      Delete
  10. MayszDecember 15, 2018 at 4:12 PM

    Wow! I really love the view! I hope I have a chance to visit in Japan someday. My dream place :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 22, 2018 at 10:33 PM

      I'm very excited to see your post about Japan. I do hope you get to visit Japan soon.

      Delete
  11. EmilioDecember 15, 2018 at 7:27 PM

    I really want to visit Kyoto so badly! Thanks for sharing your article it makes me want to visit even more haha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 22, 2018 at 10:34 PM

      I do hope my article inspired you to travel to Japan.

      Delete
  12. Samantha ImmerDecember 16, 2018 at 12:45 AM

    Wow that chocolate building is so cool! And all the train traveling looks so fun. It would be nice to be able to experience the scenery that way!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioDecember 27, 2018 at 2:46 PM

      Japan has one of the most comprehensive train system. These has plenty of beautiful views. =) You should try it out.

      Delete
  13. RoneshaDecember 16, 2018 at 12:31 PM

    I've always wanted to go to Japan. Thanks for a great post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:28 PM

      Thanks for visiting my blog Ronesha. I hope you do get to visit Japan someday.

      Delete
  14. MatijaDecember 16, 2018 at 6:43 PM

    The pictures you took are amazing, and I am glad to hear you finished the trip on a high note, the memories from this trip will be always with you. The city is so beautiful I can't wait to visit it, but for now I will need to be content with the pictures provided by the bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:30 PM

      Hello Matija. Thanks for the positive feedback. You should come visit. Make sure to spend at least a week in Kyoto City to enjoy it. =)

      Delete
  15. StrongIslandSocialDecember 17, 2018 at 1:56 AM

    Kyoto City seems like a great place to visit. I have to say that I’ve never seen a decorative man hole cover. So cool. Keshia Richmond

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:46 PM

      I agree. I have noticed that each city / town has their unique manhole cover. I should probably blog about them someday.

      Delete
  16. UnknownDecember 17, 2018 at 3:58 AM

    That manhole is so cute! Is it normal or was that the exception?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:48 PM

      It seems like every city has their unique manhole cover. =)

      Delete
  17. Old TomDecember 18, 2018 at 1:05 AM

    This looks a great place to visit. I’ve always been fascinated by Japan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:50 PM

      Kyoto is really a great place to visit. You should visit it someday Old Tom.

      Delete
  18. aisasamiDecember 19, 2018 at 3:22 AM

    Love Kyoto Station and love rural Japan. <3 Great that you enjoy your trip, come to Nagoya someday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:52 PM

      Oh my! Nagoya has always been in my bucket list. I will surely visit it someday (soon). =)

      Delete
  19. Eliz FrankDecember 19, 2018 at 3:48 PM

    Kyoto remains my most favorite city in Japan. Reading your post made me want to go back for another visit. I hope to do that when my daughter goes there to study next year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:54 PM

      I'm excited for you Eliz. I just came back from Japan but I felt that I wanted to go back again.

      Delete
  20. ElizabethDecember 20, 2018 at 9:00 PM

    Oh wow, it sounds like you had an amazing time! I've never stayed with AirBnB before and I have my reservations, but you make it sound easy :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 3, 2019 at 4:59 PM

      Hi Elizabeth. I highly recommend AirBnB when traveling in Japan. However, staying in a ryokan still remains the best accommodation around.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Image
Located in the vicinity of Mt. Nagpatong in Maragondon in the province of Cavite, Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park mark the supposed place where Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio were executed in 1897. Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park History We learned from the previous post about Bonifacio Trial House the story of the trail leading up to the last days of Andres Bonifacio . Since I did not fully elaborate on his death, I think it is very relevant to talk about it now in relation to our featured destination - The Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park . Check out the images on the BAYANI Check out the images on the KKK A perfect angle to see the KKK and Bayani I'm wondering if that face is scared, shocked, or excited... The statue of Andres Bonifacio wearing a very fashionable camisa de chino Our local guide showed us the way to the peak of Mt. Nagpatong After his
Keep reading