Ended my work and can finally start my vacation!!
Started my vacation checking into this awesome hotel which is at a very strategic location! Just next to Kyoto Station, airport limousine bus terminal and there are so many shops (Kyoto Station Mall, Don Don Donki) within walking distance!
Elcient Hotel Kyoto – the rate we booked is about ¥57,473 for 4 nights! Like all other hotel, this is in a cosy size too but doesn’t hinder us moving around at all.
First time in Japan, I’m so excited to see hotels in Japan actually provide skin care/toiletries for guest too!! Don’t even need to bring any skin care in future!! Best Part? They gave cup noodle for free at 9pm every night! 1 cup per guest!!
Well, checking in was a swift – counter staff were friendly and prompt! Without much delay, we went out for our lunch at a nearby mall after we parked our luggage in our room!
If you happen to be in Kyoto, Do try this cafe too! they specialist in Matcha dessert!! So good!!
Nakamura Tokichi Kyoto Station
Click HERE for Google Map
If you’re lost, just ask anyone, it’s quite well known and people will tell you where to go!
We didn’t do much upon arriving Kyoto first day since it’s kinda late to go any place of interest. So we did nothing but shopping at Don Don Donki and drug store!! High damage but happiness meter is filled to the max!
Day 2 – Bamboo Forest
There’s only ONE TIP for visiting places of interest, BE EARLY and i meant REALLY EARLY!
We started our day at about 8am, thinking it’s early (waking up at 7am is EARLY for me) enough… goodness, it’s actually not early enough! When we arrived at the station, there were already lotsa tourist! Initially we were still thinking not sure if we’ll get lost finding the forest, but oh well.. all we did is just follow the crowd!
It’s not immediately you will see beautiful forest. but you get to see a small shrine, a bit of bamboo here and there. While we’re walking in, we really though, is the forest like that? too overated!! 
However, when we made one more turn, we actually walked in deeper and and saw this two beautiful rows of bamboo!!! breathtaking!! In case you thought “wah no people!” actually, there are LOTS! but you just need to find somewhere with less crowd photoshop them away later.
If you’re in Kyoto, i would definitely recommend coming here, EARLY! Tour groups come around 9-10am. So do target to come before them and you’ll get peace and less human traffic photos!
Now that it’s about 10am (i can’t remember the exact time, but for sure it’s between 10-11am)! We can’t go other tourist spot since it’s kinda late – yes i hate crrowd. So we decided to head to Nishiki Market!
Nishiki Market is a marketplace in downtown Kyoto, located on a road one block north and parallel to Shijō Street and west of Teramachi Street. Rich with history and tradition, the market is renowned as the place to obtain many of Kyoto’s famous foods and goods!
Lotsa food options and lotsa shopping too – we found Daiso here too! In my opinion, I would advice you to try anything that you see interesting! most of the food we bought are soo good! Unagi, Ebi, and look at the don we bought! Too heavenly!!! and the mixed (Matcha/Hojicha) ice cream – must try!!
Although it’s only two places we went but we’re enjoying the pace. it’s not killing packed yet not boring! with beautiful Bamboo forest experience, we swear to wake up earlier tomorrow for our FUSHIMI INARI visit!!!!
If you haven’t read my previous post, check it out from below link:
Tempted To Love 