Trains, Kyoto, and Typhoon Tomfoolery

Posted by Serina Hardiman

A very important thing to learn when going to another country besides the language (which we have been fumbling through to be honest) is public transportation options.  Even in a country like Japan that embraces and is quite effective in managing a rail system it can still get a bit challenging to foreigners like us. 

 We purchased a JR Rail pass which is only available to non-Japanese travelers and it has been incredible and already paid for itself. It works on many trains such as the local and rapid rails as well as the bullet train (shinkansen).

We even found a place just for me!

 After our arrival in Narita we got up a bit early (no jet lag...yet) to get a feel of the walk to the station to get us to Tokyo and connect with the shinkansen to Kyoto. It was a pretty easy stroll to the local station and we passed a couple of familiar places like McDonalds and 7 Eleven.



Once we boarded the JR Rail we found out quickly we had jumped on the local which made all the little stops along the way instead of the Rapid line. For you Atlantans, think MARTA and all the stops it makes and how much nicer it would be for a direct shot from North Springs to Airport with only major station stops.

It was still a pretty cool experience for all of us, especially when you get to the station platforms and there are vending machine, small noodle shops and convenience stores for you to grab a bite and drink before hopping on the trains.

Chris and I ran into one shop where we found one of our favorite snacks, ONIGIRI! It's basically a rice ball stuffed with assorted fillings like pickled plum, seaweed, tuna, bonito flakes, salmon, and our favorite which was some sort of mustard ginger. We've essentially sustained ourselves with these things!

We grabbed our tickets on the shinkansen which is a 3 hour ride between Tokyo and Kyoto covering about 285 miles. It's a pretty smooth ride with lots of leg room and often times carts come through selling drinks and snacks. Chris and I split a bento box shaped like a panda and a couple other snacks and marveled at the countryside. This really is a breathtaking country!

 Once we arrived in Kyoto we were off to find our hotel. We tried to book everything within reasonable walking distance of major stations. The first two  nights we booked at the Almont Hotel Kyoto which I would HIGHLY recommend for those who want a quiet and safe hotel. It may be a few blocks away from Kyoto station but was very accommodating and the staff was so nice. I think though, when we return, we'll stay north of the station to have easier access to Kyoto shopping, indie restaurants, and night life.

After dropping off our luggage we headed out to the west side of town to see the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and to stroll around the shrines and riverfront.

This is about the time the jet lag caught up to us so we headed back to our  hotel and switched over to the "house clothes" they supply you. I couldn't stop giggling as they are "one size fits all" but I don't think they accounted for a 6'3" Hardiman when it came to the slippers and his size 13 feet! Chris did say he likes the idea of these outfits for home.

After all of this excitement we found out that we were going to be lucky enough to experience our first legitimate typhoon but luckily the local weather girl was able to wand it away keeping it to some gloomy skies and a wet trip to Osaka.

Up Next: Witness in Osaka!