Japan Diaries 3: Day 1

Day 1 December 19,2019

Osaka to Kyoto

Ohayou! This is it! It's officially our first full day in Japan. Our plan for today is simple, travel from Osaka to Kyoto and check-in our home for the week. After that, we'd explore and familiarize ourselves with the neighborhood.

A view from the Izumisano Center Hotel Room 1710

However,  before anything else, we didn't miss the opportunity to feast on the complimentary buffet breakfast of Izumisano Center Hotel. The food was delicious and was an amazing day starter. After breakfast, our godfather, Mr. Toshi, and his daughter Ms. Sawa came to the hotel to welcome us to Japan. They didn't stay long though and after a brief catch-up chat, bade us safe travels.   

Off to breakfast

The wall design looks like a world map

Checking out the food of Izumisano Center Hotel

Itadakimasu

Look who visited us - our godfather Mr. Toshi with his daughter Sawa and super cute granddaughter Karin

We checked out of Izumisano Center Hotel at around 10AM, walked to Izumisano Station, and boarded a train to Shin Imamiya Station. From there, we transferred to a train bound to Osaka Station then finally transferred to a train bound to Kyoto Station.  

Goodbye Room 1710.

Photo ops before leaving the 17th floor of Izumisano Center Hotel

We also had our family picture of course.

Heading to Izumisano Station

Once there, we spent a few hours in the station waiting for the 3PM check-in time to our Air BnB home. Aside from that, we were also waiting for my sister Aya, who flew to Nagoya last night. She was supposed to join us today after bonding with her friend who's now residing in Nagoya. However, she messaged us to inform us that she'll stay for a day with her friend and head to Kyoto very early tomorrow instead. 

Train to Osaka Station

Transferred to another train bound to Kyoto Station

Arrived at Kyoto Station

Season's greetings from Kyoto Station

Since it was still several hours away from check-in time, we decided to eat lunch at Kyoto Station. We bought bento meals at 711 and looked for a place to eat them. Mister Donut has several tables that we could use and to be fair, we bought coffee before we enjoyed our lunch there. I wanted to tour my family inside Kyoto Station but our baggage prevented us from doing so. Just as we finished our lunch and coffee, our Air BnB host messaged my wife, informing us that we can check in already. It was perfectly timed as we were feeling cold already. 

Condominium Kokotomaro - Our home for the week

Look who's already at home in Kyoto

Condominium Kokotomaro, our Air BnB residence, was near Kyoto Station. It only took us about 5 minutes to reach it on foot. The place was charming and fancy. It's a perfect place to stay for tourists with 5-7 members. It was basically a whole house for ourselves. No wonder, it didn't take long for us to feel at home in it. 

Check out our interconnected rooms

Exploring the neighborhood. That's the Kyoto Station.

The Kyoto City Manhole Cover

Upon arrival, we rested a bit and settled in. That afternoon I invited my family to go walking around the neighborhood so that we could familiarize ourselves with the place. However, the female members of the family (my mom, wife, and daughter) decided to stay behind to get an extra hour of rest as they wanted to go to the mall for groceries later at night. So it was only my dad, brother, and I who proceeded to explore the neighborhood. 

Founder's Hall Gate of Higashi Honganji

Higashi Honganji

My dad's first temple visit.

I brought them to the nearest temple that I know which was Higashi Honganji. It was about 950 meters away from our place and took us roughly about 15 minutes to reach on foot. There were several ginkgo trees in the vicinity that by this time were shedding their yellow leaves. We took the opportunity to take several videos of us "showering" with the said leaves. Honestly, it was the first time that I saw my dad genuinely laugh making this bonding moment more memorable. We stayed until closing time (5:30PM) before deciding to walk back home.

AEON Mall Kyoto with my mom, wife, and daughter. 

Buying bread in AEON Mall Kyoto

Upon arrival, my mom asked me if I can accompany her to buy some groceries. I did not say no of course as it was now a chance to bond with her. Together with my wife and daughter, we headed to AEON Mall Kyoto which was only 450 meters from our place. We bought food and several personal effects to be used during our stay in Kyoto. 

Dinner time!

At home, after dinner, I made sure to take a dip in the hot tub as I always do when we are staying in Mr. Toshi's house. This not only relaxes my muscles it also gives me a good night's sleep. 

Nothing beats a dip in a hot tub as a day ender, right Ella?

Good night everyone!

Overall, we might have only visited one major destination and a mall today but tomorrow's itinerary is sure something to look forward to, so follow along and check out where we'd go tomorrow in my next article. 

Read more:

• Higashi Honganji
• Kyoto Station 

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