I had a bit of a lie in today and got up at 7am. I took it a bit easier today, my feet were still hurting from all the walking and I had to get the train to Kyoto. I spent the morning updating this blog and my journal and checked out of the hotel about 10am. I have to say my experience of capsule hotels has been a good one, they provide everything you need, from something to sleep in, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, razors (not something I use) and earplugs (essential).
Shinkansen to Kyoto
After checking out I walked to Tokyo Station and went to the ticket desk to reserve my seat on the Hikari (second fastest service) Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. I got on the 11.03 train. I wish we had services like this in the UK. The seats were large and comfortable and the 2 hour 40 minute journey was smooth and fast. The train left and arrived exactly on time, amazing.
My reserved seat was a middle seat and even though when I got on at Tokyo, the seats either side of me were free I kept to my seat. I did use the power socket next to the window so I could write a blog post on my Surface Pro. At the next stop a Japanese man got on who had the window seat as I went to move and unplug he kindly let me have the window seat.
Before I knew it the train was pulling in to Kyoto station, it did not feel that long a journey at all. I got off the train and took the short walk from the station to my hotel and dropped of my bag.
Kyoto
As I was walking to my hotel from the station I noticed a Temple nearby, so after dropping off my bag I went to investigate it.
The Temple I’d seen was Higashihonganji Temple and the grounds had 4 or 5 buildings, all beautiful structures. The first thing I noticed about Kyoto is it seems much more traditional than Tokyo, you see lots of women walking around in Kimonos. I don’t think I saw anyone in a Kimono in Tokyo.
Higashihonganji Temple, Kyoto
Girls in Kimonos, Kyoto
Kyoto does seem to have a more gently pace to it than Tokyo. I spent the first evening walking the area around my hotel and shooting a little video.
I only did 18000 steps today, 8.5 miles.
Japan Day 1
Japan Day 2
Japan Day 3
Japan Day 4
Japan Day 6
Japan Day 7
Japan Day 8
