Tokyo/Kyoto Apr12 - Day 5

Booked a Kyoto 4-Day Train & Hotel Package by Hikari Shinkansen on JAPANiCAN.com (way in advance as well). JPY28,400 (S$450) per person. We chose the Late Departure option whereby the bullet train departs between 1030am to 1210pm - a much more comfortable timing. The tickets and final itinerary were delivered to our Tokyo hotel 2 days prior to departure. You can find out more about the package on their website.

It took us about 45-60mins to get from our hotel to the Shinjuku station then to Tokyo station and finally to the Shinkansen platform. DON'T BE LATE because the trains, despite running on a tight schedule, are super duper punctual! They arrive on the dot, stop for approx. 3 mins, then off they go.. no questions asked. Efficiency's the word man.

It took almost 3 hours to get to Kyoto but the ride was very comfortable. Huge leg space with recline seats. The high frequency also means that the trains are not too crowded, so it's easy to relax and perhaps catch a nap. The pushcart that's supposed to serve food and drinks is quite miserable though, so be sure to prepare some solid snacks for the journey.

The hotel (called Hotel Hokke Club Kyoto) included in the package is located right opposite the Kyoto Station. Perfect! Upon arriving at the station at 130pm, we lugged our baggages and walked there. Check-in time is strictly 3pm so we went off to have lunch in the vicinity.

Initially S and I were very fearful about the condition of the "free" hotel. But what can I say, hotels in Japan are really, more often than not, clean & pleasant. No frills, no windows, but excellent location. So no complaints :) Everyone was a bit tired from the commute so we stayed in and r&r until night time. Because they're so many attractions to visit in Kyoto, I decided that we had to start somewhere that night. And Yasaka Shrine it is. Was very happy to find that this place is always open! Phew. Just strolled around in the nice cool air.

We walked further in until we found the Maruyama Park (see, killing 2 birds with 1 stone). I knew immediately that this would be the highlight of my trip. Look at how beautiful it is. I love everything about a) the brightly illuminated pink flowers b) the temporary platforms & tables for dining c) kneeling/sitting cross legged traditional style d) cold weather f) hot pot g) hot sake and h) the light-hearted atmosphere! It's a hefty price for the "cover charge" (JPY500 per person) for dining at the tables so if you want to save on it, bring your own picnic gear and plomp yourself somewhere near, like what all the local youngsters did :) This is one truly memorable experience.

And of course, not forgetting the famous Weeping Cherry Tree. Looking at other photos online, I'm convinced that this tree looks better at night with that pitch black background and the flowers being the only illuminated object around. ♥