Ohayou from Japan! We always think that Japan is an expensive country to travel at and it doesn't seem so from my graduation trip in Japan! It's completely possible to have a budget trip in Japan! Two weeks in Japan costed me around 2700 SGD including flight tickets (around 400 dollars for flying to Tokyo and leaving from Osaka), and this was achieved with me spending generously on souvenirs and theme parks (yes, I went to Fuji Q and Universal Studio Japan, with express ticket in USJ somemore).Let's start with Kyoto because I am still viewing my photos in Tokyo, haha! We took an overnight bus from Tokyo Shinjuku Station to Kyoto Station, which was the cheapest option available. What amazed me a lot was the fact that Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal was located at the fourth level, totally unexpected. The trip took around 7 to 8 hours, with us leaving Tokyo at 9.55 pm and arriving at Kyoto at 5.30 am. The seat was really spacious and comfortable, as compared to the overnight bus I took in Vietnam (obviously, the price difference was more than 10 times).
From Tokyo to Kyoto
1. Bus - We prefer overnight bus because it saves time and money (you can actually save on accommodation for that night), but apparently day buses offer cheaper tickets. We choose Willer Express because the company has the English website which allows you to book your bus tickets easily. Book early to get a better deal, price tends to hike as the date comes closer. We purchased our tickets at 6685 yen per person.
2. Skinkansen or bullet train - Around 14000 yen. The journey will take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the type of the train you take, whether it has reserved seats or non-reserved kind. How about JR pass? For my case, we only need to travel one way from Tokyo to Kyoto (and the trip from Kyoto to Osaka will cost you less than 2000 yen), it's not worthy to invest on a JR pass. However, if you have round trip between Kyoto/Osaka and Tokyo, you may consider getting a JR pass with some careful calculations.
3. Local JR train or normal train - Around 8000 yen and the trip itself will take around 9 hours with 4 transfers of trains, which is about the same as bus trip, thus we think that bus might be a better option with no transfer and more comfortable seat.
How about travelling within Kyoto? We obtained ICOCA card, it's like Touch N Go in Malaysia or Ezlink Card in Singapore, highly convenient and you can actually get the refund at the end of the trip. I purchased my ICOCA card from the machine (because we arrived at 5.30 am) and I didn't get to choose the design! My friend got hers from the service counter and it was Hello Kitty version, why???!!!
Stepping out of the station, the first noticeable building was Kyoto Tower! Of course, it wasn't as impressive as Tokyo Skytree Tower, but still it's the icon of the city! Too early to check in to our apartment, we deposited our luggage at the lockers in Kyoto Station, about 500 yen for a big locker per day.
Our first stop was 大田神社 or Ota Shrine. What brought us there was the beautiful Iris garden shown in the website. To our disappointment, the iris were only half bloom, bad luck, perhaps my expectation was too high. I was expecting a pond filled with purple iris, haha! The shrine was small and you can actually explore the area within half an hour. Wouldn't really recommend this place because it's not easily accessible unless you are an avid flower lover.
Ota Shrine 大田神社
Transport - Take Kurasuma subway line and alight at Kitayama Station, walk for 20 minutes.
Admission Ticket - Access to the shrine is free. 500 yen as donation per person to enter Iris Garden.
Love the peace.
Ota Shrine.
Ota Shrine.
Beautiful purple iris flower.
Kamo Shrine贺茂神社
From Ota Shrine, we slowly walked to Kamo Shrine or 贺茂神社, which was a more well-known shrine in Kyoto. Only recommend walking if the weather is cooling enough. I didn't take a lot of photos because I wasn't feeling well after the long overnight bus trip and the hot weather.
As a beginner traveller in Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind. For example, important steps and manners while visiting a temple or shrine. Check this website for more details.
You are expected to clean your hands and mouth with the purified water at the entrance of shrine.
Ema or 绘马 is a traditional item for praying. It's a wooden board that allows you to write your wishes on it and hang in the temple for blessings. Those shown in this photo are more unique than the usual one we saw in other shrines.
Our next stop was Kinkakuji or the Golden Pavillion. This was the highlight of our day. But then...... it was so freaking crowded. We saw a lot of Japanese student groups having field trip there. When I said a lot, I meant it, literally people pushing each other to get the best photo taking spot. Nonetheless, the temple itself was magnificent and the gold colour glittered under the sunlight, how beautiful!
Kinkakuji
Transport - City bus to Kinkakuji Michi bus stop
Opening Hours - Daily 9am to 5pm
Entrance Ticket - 400 yen
Some important information regarding the city bus. You can easily tour around Kyoto by bus. All bus trips cost you 230 yen regardless which stop you alight. Payment is made at the machine near driver's seat when you alight. If you are not using any card, please prepare exact fare because changes are not provided. Refer here for more detailed information.
I lighted up a candle for 家内安全 or home safety.
It's lunch time and we found this cheap Ramen shop near the temple based on online recommendation. Warning ahead, food in Kyoto is rather expensive because the place is so touristy. However, it's still possible to hunt for cheap and delicious food with some research done.
Location - 10 mins walk from Kinkakuji Temple
Opening Hours - Daily 11am to 3pm
Remarks - English menu is available
I ordered Special Ramen (only 20 portions are served each day), 1000 yen. We were one of the early birds.
Ramen and Gyoza Rice Set, 1000 yen.
After the satisfying lunch, we headed to our next destination, Nijo Castle or 二条城. Erm... it was a nice place to chill if you have time for it, or else you can actually skip this because I think there are more impressive castles out there such as Osaka Castle or Himeji Castle.
Nijo Castle
Opening Hours - 8.45am to 5pm (closed on Tuesdays in Jan, Jul, Aug and Dec (or following day if Tue is a national holiday), December 26 to January 4)
Entrance Ticket - 600 yen
Where to get cheap dinner around Kyoto Station?
1. Sukiya - This is a chain restaurant in Japan. There is a branch near to Kyoto Station, around 10 mins walk. You can have your stomach filled with less than 500 yen spent. English menu is provided. Love the don served here. Click here to check the menu.
Business Hours: Open 24 hours
2. Isetan Supermarket - Yes, come around 7pm and you will see most food are sold at discounted price! I got a Bento at 600 yen (you will have to heat up the bento using microwave by the way). My boyfriend got his sushi at around the same price too, good bargain!
Address: 601-8411 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, Minami-ku, Nishikujō Kitanouchichō.
Business Hours: Daily 7am to 11pm
4. Yoshinoya - Located just next to Yayoiken, another famous chain restaurant with a meal costs below 500 yen. This is common in Malaysia and Singapore too, so we didn't bother to try.
Address: 4, Minami Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 601-8411, Japan.
Business Hours: Daily 5am to 2am
Where to get cheap dinner around Gion?
The answer is ... Ootoya! In fact there are a lot of branches within Japan, even in Kyoto! Basically a set meal would cost below 1000 yen, and you get the carbs, meat, miso soup and salad. Highly recommend this restaurant!
Lastly, let's end the post with me sharing about our accommodation. I have to say this was one of the best stay during my Japan trip. The apartment is clean and spacious for 4 people compared to the other apartments we stayed. The owner, Akio is very responsive and always replies messages promptly. The apartment has everything we need, such as microwave, hair dryer, kettle, washing machine, toiletries etc. The only drawback is the absence of elevator, so you actually have to carry your luggage to third/fourth floor (I forget, haha). We booked our apartment through AirBnb.
Click here for the details and photos of the apartment. The photos in the website are accurate and we actually thought that the apartment looked even more cozy in real life!
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