Japan: Tokyo, Kyoto and Japanese Alps

Getting there

The best way to get to #kyoto is with the #shinkansen, a bullet train that would make your local #train die from embarrassment! The journey does not take much and is super comfortable.

Moving around the city

Your #japanrailpass should include some of the local transportation for #kyoto as well, but luckily the city is not as big as #tokyo so hopefully you'll be able to talk to many places.

Eating out

While Tokyo is the modern, fast-paced city, #kyoto is a traditional, religious and quieter counterpart. This also reflects on the dining options. You will find more traditional restaurants in Kyoto than in Tokyo but once again, it will not take you too much to find a good place to eat!

Where to stay

Kyoto is also much cheaper than Tokyo. For the same amount you would pay for a room in the capital, here you would find a whole apartment with private toilet (such a luxury!). Of course try to make sure your apartment is as close as possible from the main train station.

What to see

Although there is plenty to see and do in #kyoto (such as the #imperialpalace or the #geishadistrict), we spent half of our time there visiting areas outside of the city. 

• Fushimi Inari: this Shinto #shrine is surrounded by thousands of red torii gates, garden areas, bamboo forests and lush vegetation.
• Geisha district: these pintoresque, narrow alleys host some beautiful traditional #restaurants and #tea houses. If you are luck you will be able to spot a #geisha or a #maiko (an apprentice).
• City of Nara: a short train ride from Kyoto, the city of #nara is a perfect way to spend a day. Highlights:
  • Nara Park: Have you every wanted to pet wild deer? This is your place! This park is the home of over 1,200 deer roaming free (and certainly not afraid of humans). 
  • Tōdai-ji (Eastern Great Temple): #unesco World Heritage Site and home to the #daibutsu, the world's oldest bronze statue of #buddha.
• Osaka: also easily reachable from #kyoto, this seaside is famous for its #streetfood. In particular, #takoyaki (#octopus-based dish) and #okonomiyaki (#cabbage-based dish).
  • Osaka Castle: one of the most beautiful #castles in #japan 
  • Port of Osaka: in this area you will find a #ferrieswheel as well as Naniwa #food  Theme Park, a cute little food market inside a shopping centre.