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japan

Japan: Himeji Castle, and the unexpected air show

By Mithun Divakaran
/
Jan 13, 2016
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Japan, Travel

Date: 25th March, 2015

I arrived in Himeji city yesterday and I woke up today freezing just as much as I was yesterday night before going to bed. It was bloody cold! I got out of my capsule bed, brushed my teeth in ice cold water and had my breakfast.

Traffic crossing Himeji City Japan — I wanted to finish seeing Himeji Castle as early as possible and leave Himeji city by noon

Himeji directions sign Japan — There were a lot of people heading towards the castle. Himeji Castle is the biggest attraction of this city.

Himeji castle bridge Japan — Himeji Castle is also the biggest castle in Japan

Seating grounds Himeji castle Japan — They had set up chairs on the ground and I saw banners for some sort of event by the Japan Airforce

Walking to Himeji castle Japan — I walked to the ticket counter

Entrance Himeji castle Japan — After paying the 400 yen entrance fee, I entered the castle grounds

Himeji castle map Japan — Himeji Castle is over 400 years old

Himeji Castle main tower Japan — But I was devastated to learn at the ticket counter that the main tower has been under restoration for quite some time and is off limits to visitors!

Continue reading “Japan: Himeji Castle, and the unexpected air show” »

Japan: Kyoto Station, and arriving at Himeji by shinkansen

By Mithun Divakaran
/
Dec 30, 2015
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Japan, Travel

Date: 24th March, 2015

After half a day spent at charming Arashiyama, I took the train back to Kyoto Station. Instead of rushing back to Shiori-an Guesthouse to collect my bags, I decided to explore the station.

Kyoto station interior design Japan — Built at a cost of $1.25 billion, the station building complex houses a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities

Inside Kyoto station design Japan — Kyoto Station is a tourist attraction by itself

Kyoto train station Skywalk Japan — This is the Skywalk

Kyoto tower from station rain Japan — Kyoto tower, right opposite Kyoto station

Kyoto train station tracks Japan — The train tracks below

Kyoto rail station Skywalk Japan — The Skywalk is simply one long path taking people from one end of Kyoto station to another

Restaurants Kyoto station Japan — You have restaurants and other stores on this side

Rooftop garden Kyoto station Japan — There is a rooftop garden and viewing deck at this end as well

Helipad Kyoto station Japan — And a helipad

Outdoor Kyoto station Japan — It was time to go back down

Kyoto station roof design Japan — I wouldn’t call Kyoto Station’s architecture beautiful or anything

Interior design Kyoto station Japan — But it is definitely unique

Bus stop Kyoto station Japan — The bus station outside. You can board buses going straight to Kiyomizu Dera from here.

I went back to Shiori-an Guesthouse, collected my bags and checked out. It was time to say goodbye to Kyoto and head to Himeji. I really wished I could spend at least a day or two more in Kyoto, or use it as my base and go to Nara and Osaka, which aren’t too far away. But I had to stick to my schedule. Continue reading “Japan: Kyoto Station, and arriving at Himeji by shinkansen” »

Japan: Kyoto – Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama

By Mithun Divakaran
/
Dec 03, 2015
/
Japan, Travel

Date: 24th March, 2015

After an eventful day of activities yesterday, today was going to be just as hectic. I didn’t feel like leaving Kyoto without seeing some more attractions. And so I woke up early and set off for Arashiyama, a popular tourist town with lots to see and do.

Kyoto station morning rush Japan — Kyoto station was bustling

Sagano line Kyoto station — To get to Arashiyama, I had to board a train on the Sagano line

JR train to Arashiyama from Kyoto station — That is the JR train I was going to board. Tickets cost ¥240 (₹120/$1.8/€1.7) for a one way trip to Arashiyama

Kyoto outskirts houses Japan — The journey from Kyoto city to Arashiyama by train takes about 20 minutes

Driving school training road Kyoto — This must be a driving school

Rail and piano museum Arashiyama Japan — Just outside Saga Arashiyama station is a museum showcasing rail memorabilia and pianos from the 19th century. Yes, you read that right

Arashiyama cycle map Kyoto Japan — Renting a bicycle is a popular way to get around Arashiyama

Bamboo forest sign Arasiyama Japan — I wanted to rent one but I knew I could only spend an afternoon in Arashiyama. So I decided to walk instead, not knowing how much I could cover by 2PM

Small house Arashiyama Japan — Love spotting these cute houses

Bamboo forest entrance Arashiyama Kyoto — The entrance to Bamboo Forest is a short 15 minute walk from Saga Arashiyama station. Just before entering, I felt like having a beef croquette which was being sold at a small stall (on the right).

Continue reading “Japan: Kyoto – Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama” »