ABBATravel: Kyoto - To Do (Kyoto Main Train Station, Philosopher's Walk,Ginkakuji Temple,Honen-In temple, Maruyama Park,Nishiki Market)

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Kyoto - To Do (Kyoto Main Train Station, Philosopher's Walk,Ginkakuji Temple,Honen-In temple, Maruyama Park,Nishiki Market)

Japan Kyoto - To Stay
Japan Kyoto - To Do
Japan Kyoto - To Eat

Kyoto - To Do

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Day 4
(Day Trip Out From Osaka)
Click here to view full 6day5night Osaka Itinerary
31thMarch2018
Trip Out to Kyoto from Osaka station takes about 40mins. Another 35mins or so from Kyoto Main to Ginkakuji bridge (Start of Philosopher's walk)

Kyoto Main Train station

There's really no need to get to the start of philosophers walk via Kyoto main, but the sheer beauty in its architecture is worth the stop by. The station is an attraction onto itself and probably a better bet to get a seat on the many buses which get you to where you’re going. Many further along the route were turned away due to the fully packed bus.

Hakusuien

Located just a short walk from where bus 100 drops off for the start/end of philosophers walk and Ginkakuji temple (World heritage site).
Hakusuien レンタルスペースアイム

Ordered On:

31stMarch2018
Kogetsuzen Bento ¥3600

It is a popular cherry blossom picnic item. It comes with bamboo shoots, osuinono
(simple soup made with fish and kelp) also fruits.

*Every element was a joyful exploration of flavors and textures. Its both visually appealing and actual quite filling. A fun dining experience to try everything presented. Sashimi cuts were fresh and great!.*

Unagi meal set ¥3400

*Fresh unagi takes 20mins prep. With the exception of the slightly over sauced rice (apart from being a little wet, its really not overly sweet or salty), its really one of the better, if not best ones had thus far. Of course the meal comes about ¥1000 more than the one had in Narita and a long 20min wait for prep, but the end result speaks for itself.

The 2nd floor view makes it a relaxing and picturesque dining experience. Want a positive fresh Unagi dining experience? This would be an excellent choice!*
Food 4/5
Value 3/5
Ambience 4/5
Service 3.5/5

A convenient stop before heading off to explore the temple and enjoy a walk down philosopher's path.

Hakusuien レンタルスペースアイム

Ginkakuji Temple

At the start/end of the Philosophers walk there’s a path leading up to Ginkakuji temple. The path is lined with shops and eats along the way. Its well worth the slight detour for an elevated view of the country side.

Entry into the zen garden and temple is ¥500/adult.
Ginakakuji Temple 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402

Ginakakuji Temple 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8402

Philosopher's Walk
one of the best spots for Sakura Viewing
Philosopher's Walk access from Silver Pavilion(source from https://www.japanvisitor.com/kyoto/kyoto-districts/philosophers-walk

From Kyoto Station, take bus #5 or the Raku Bus #100. About 35 minutes. The fare is 230 yen per adult.

Abbatip:
Probably its best to take from Kyoto main station as the buses come empty and you get a seat for the ride to anywhere along the philosophers path. (Bus fees can be paid on-board using suicard.) At the initial few stops, many were turned away due to the jam packed bus.

(Getting off bus 100 before start of Philosopher's walk)

Its a very leisurely stroll from Ginkakuji bridge all the way down south, passing by multiple shrines along the way. Enjoy the leisurely walk and different vantage points along this path. There’s really no need to walk the entire path for your photo ops but the scenes do change slightly.

There are a couple of cafes and other small artisan shops which line the walk. All of which perfect for a pit stop. Cater about 2hrs for the entire stretch.
Philosopher's Path Shishigatani Honenin Nishimachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8427

Honen-In temple

*Okay but not great. Will give a pass.*

Honen-In Temple

Nishiki Market

Street food and local produce. However the alley ways are so narrow that as seen, its choker block with a sea of people from end to end. It could also be because its a weekend but Kuromon(Osaka) has a better layout, wider alleys and better eats. (At least based on the prawn had at the market at ¥500)

Nishiki is okay but not great and not really worth a detour especially after having been spoilt by Kuromon Market.
Nishiki Market 〒604-8054 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 富小路通四条上る西大文字町609番地

Maruyama Park

There are multiple temples along the way, so research on the ones of interest you might want to hit. However, a suggestion is to end the Sakura viewing experience with Maruyama Park for dinner and a relaxing evening. With the leisurely picnic like atmosphere at this picturesque setting its simply amazing.

Stay for night fall if possible.

*performer getting his tips via his loyal sidekick*

There's loads of eating options and some carnival games. Seating area are made available as well and I think the tatami mats are provided for free. Just return them after use.