Kyoto Schedule

2024年6月12日2024年6月16日

June 13th Schedule　１

11:00 AM: Check out of your hotel in Tokyo.

12:00 PM: Go to the Shinkansen ticket gates at Tokyo Station.

If you can’t find the platform for the Shinkansen to Kyoto, ask a station staff member, “I want to take the Shinkansen to Kyoto.”
The Shinkansen to Kyoto is called the Tokaido Shinkansen. It’s in a separate area within Tokyo Station, so don’t worry about getting lost.

You have a reservation for the Shinkansen, so go to the ticket exchange office to get your actual ticket. The office is called “Midori no Madoguchi” (literally “Green Window”) and it’s right next to the ticket gates, so you’ll find it easily.

If you have time before your train departs, you can buy a delicious bento box (Japanese lunch box) at the station to enjoy on the Shinkansen. It’s a fun part of the travel experience!

1:00 PM: Board the Nozomi 299 Shinkansen.

Additional Notes:

“Midori no Madoguchi” (Green Window) is a very common name in Japan, so most people will know what you’re talking about if you ask for directions.
Enjoy your Shinkansen ride to Kyoto!

June 13th Schedule　2

1:00 PM: Board the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

Listen for announcements in English during the ride.

3:15 PM: Arrive at Kyoto Station.

The Shinkansen only stops for 2 minutes, so be ready to get off quickly!
Set an alarm for 3:10 PM as a reminder.

After getting off the Shinkansen, look for the “Karasuma Central Exit” (烏丸口). When you go down the stairs, you’ll see a taxi stand right in front of you. Take a taxi to your hotel:

Hotel: Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji (https://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kyoto-kawaramachi-jokyoji/eng/)

Once you’ve checked in, grab your camera and go for a walk to explore the area. You can ask the hotel staff for recommendations on where to go. I think you’d like Pontocho, a charming alleyway with traditional restaurants and shops.

When you check in to the hotel on June 13th, please don’t forget to make a reservation for the morning ceremony on June 14th. You won’t be able to make the reservation until you’ve checked in. The ceremony has limited spots, and reservations are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay!

A few tips:

Some restaurants in Kyoto can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand.
You can ask the hotel front desk for recommendations on where to find delicious ramen.
While Kyoto doesn’t have a specific “famous food,” you can still have a tasty meal at a kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant. “Mori Mori Sushi” is a popular choice.
If you’re interested in karaoke, there are karaoke boxes nearby. The hotel front desk can tell you where to find them.”Jan-kara” and “Karaoke-kan” are two major karaoke chains.

Enjoy your time in Kyoto!

June 14th Schedule　１

Ask the hotel to call a taxi and head to Higashi Honganji Temple.

Visit your grandfather’s grave at Higashi Honganji Temple.

When you visit Higashi Honganji Temple, simply remove your shoes and enter the main hall (Hondo). Your grandfather’s remains are placed beneath the tatami mats in this hall. If your father passes away, please have him placed in the same location as your grandfather.

Enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-see in Kyoto! This iconic temple, perched on a hillside, offers breathtaking views of the city. Its main hall, supported by massive wooden pillars, seems to float above the trees. Don’t miss the Otowa Waterfall,where three streams of pure water are believed to grant wishes for health, love, and success. Stroll through the charming streets leading up to the temple, lined with shops selling souvenirs and traditional snacks.

Geisha, or “geiko” in Kyoto, are female Japanese artists trained in traditional music, dance, and conversation. They entertain guests at exclusive parties and events, wearing elaborate kimono and makeup. While geisha were once numerous, today they are a rare and iconic symbol of Japanese culture. Geiko are most associated with Kyoto, where they can sometimes be seen walking through the historic Gion district.

Fushimi Inari-taisha is a famous shrine in Kyoto, known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. These gates create a tunnel-like path that winds through the forest up Mount Inari. Each gate is a donation, with the donor’s name inscribed on it. Walking through the seemingly endless rows of torii is a unique and unforgettable experience.

Pontocho is a charming narrow alley in Kyoto, filled with traditional wooden machiya houses. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, known for its lively atmosphere, especially at night. You’ll find many restaurants and bars serving delicious Japanese cuisine, from casual izakayas to high-end establishments. Take a stroll along the Kamo River, which runs parallel to Pontocho, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Hot Springs and Doctor Fish　June 16th Schedule

Hot Springs

Hot springs, known as “onsen” in Japanese, are natural geothermal baths found throughout Japan. They are cherished for their therapeutic properties and are often located in scenic areas. The mineral-rich waters are believed to provide various health benefits, such as relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and relieving skin conditions. Many onsen facilities include both indoor and outdoor baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot water while surrounded by nature.

Health Resort “Taketori no Yu”

Taketori no Yu is a comprehensive health resort in Tokyo that offers a blend of traditional Japanese relaxation and modern spa treatments. Located in Tama City, it features a variety of onsen (hot springs), saunas, and relaxation spaces. Visitors can enjoy different themed baths, such as outdoor rotenburo (open-air baths), herbal baths, and even special baths with unique mineral compositions. The resort also offers massages, dining options, and lounging areas to complete the rejuvenating experience.

Address:
Humax Pavilion Nagayama, 3F-5F, 1-3-4 Nagayama, Tama City, Tokyo, Japan
Phone: +81-50-1721-1126

How to Get to “Taketori no Yu” from Tsukiji by Train

Starting Point: Tsukiji Station

1. Start at Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line (H-10).

Travel to Shinjuku Station:

2. Take the Hibiya Line bound for Naka-Meguro and ride to Higashi-Ginza Station (H-09). It’s just one stop and takes about 2 minutes.
3. Transfer at Higashi-Ginza Station to the Toei Asakusa Line.
4. Take the Asakusa Line bound for Oshiage and ride to Shimbashi Station (A-10). It’s one stop and takes about 2 minutes.
5. At Shimbashi Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line bound for Shibuya/Shinjuku.
6. Take the JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku Station. This ride takes about 15 minutes.

Travel to Nagayama Station:

7. At Shinjuku Station, transfer to the Keio Line.
**8. Take the Keio Line (Rapid or Semi-Express) bound for Keio-Hachioji or Hashimoto and get off at Nagayama Station. This journey takes approximately 28 minutes.

From Nagayama Station to Taketori no Yu:

9. Once at Nagayama Station, exit the station and walk to Humax Pavilion Nagayama where “Taketori no Yu” is located. The walk is about 2 minutes from the station.

Summary:

Tsukiji Station → Higashi-Ginza Station → Shimbashi Station → Shinjuku Station → Nagayama Station
Total travel time: Approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour, depending on connections.

Visual Guide:

Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line)
Higashi-Ginza Station (Transfer to Asakusa Line)
Shimbashi Station (Transfer to JR Yamanote Line)
Shinjuku Station (Transfer to Keio Line)
Nagayama Station
Humax Pavilion Nagayama (Taketori no Yu)

Enjoy your relaxing day at Taketori no Yu!

How to Get to Taketori no Yu from Tsukiji by Train

Starting from Tsukiji:

Start at Tsukiji Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.
Take the Hibiya Line bound for Naka-Meguro and ride to Higashi-Ginza Station (H-09). This is just one stop and takes about 2 minutes.
At Higashi-Ginza Station, transfer to the Toei Asakusa Line.
Take the Asakusa Line bound for Oshiage to Shimbashi Station (A-10). This is one stop and takes about 2 minutes.
At Shimbashi Station, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line bound for Shibuya/Shinjuku.
Ride the JR Yamanote Line to JR Shinjuku Station. This journey takes about 15 minutes.

Transfer to the Keio Line at Shinjuku:

Exit JR Shinjuku Station and follow signs to the Keio Line Shinjuku Station. They are different stations but connected. Look for signs pointing to the Keio Line.
Once at Keio Shinjuku Station, look for trains bound for Hashimoto Station.
- Important: You can take any train (express, semi-express, or local) as all of them stop at Keio Nagayama Station.
If you take a train that does not go directly to Keio Nagayama, you will need to transfer at Keio Chofu Station.
- At Chofu Station, switch to a train bound for Hashimoto Station. Usually, it’s the adjacent platform.
- If you’re unsure, ask a station attendant for help.

Summary:

Tsukiji Station (Hibiya Line) → Higashi-Ginza → Shimbashi (JR Yamanote Line) → JR Shinjuku Station
Keio Shinjuku Station → Keio Nagayama Station
Total Travel Time: About 1 hour, depending on connections.

From Keio Nagayama Station to Taketori no Yu:

Walk: The resort is located in Humax Pavilion Nagayama, which is about a 2-minute walk from Keio Nagayama Station.

Address: Humax Pavilion Nagayama, 3F-5F, 1-3-4 Nagayama, Tama City, Tokyo, Japan
Phone: +81-50-1721-1126

Visual Guide and Tips:

Tsukiji Station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
Shimbashi Station (Transfer to JR Yamanote Line)
JR Shinjuku Station to Keio Shinjuku Station
Keio Nagayama Station
Humax Pavilion Nagayama (Taketori no Yu)

Doctor Fish

Doctor Fish, or “Garra Rufa,” are small fish known for their unique ability to gently exfoliate the skin. They are often found in spa treatments where you can dip your feet or even your whole body into a tank of warm water filled with these fish. The Doctor Fish nibble away at dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. This natural exfoliation is popular for its novelty and the sensation of the fish working on your skin.

When combined, the experience of soaking in hot springs followed by a Doctor Fish treatment offers a unique blend of relaxation and skin care. It’s a delightful way to unwind, rejuvenate, and enjoy a distinctive spa experience.