Kyoto Bound: Nishiki Market Feast & Moonlit Hike at Fushimi Inari
#newyearnewtrip #travelanywhere Today marked the transition from Tokyo back to Kyoto, where we were meeting other family members. But before that, we made the most of our last morning in Tokyo.
After checking out of our hotel in Shimbashi, we had an early breakfast at Buta-Daigaku Shimbashi, a hidden gem among locals known for its mouthwatering BBQ pork bowls. The smoky, caramelized pork was glazed in their special secret sauce, paired with a perfectly runny egg, making for an incredibly satisfying meal to fuel our journey ahead.
With our stomachs full, we made our way to Tokyo Station to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. The 2-hour-plus ride flew by as we enjoyed the scenic views, especially the stunning sight of Mount Fuji midway through the journey. There's something magical about watching Japan’s landscape blur past while sipping on a canned coffee from the station.
Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, we checked into our stay at Kyoto Tower Hotel Annex, which we booked via Trip.com. The hotel’s location was super convenient, being close to the station with plenty of food options and amenities nearby. It made exploring Kyoto even easier.
Next, we hopped on a nearby bus to Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s famous food street that stretches for blocks. The variety of street food here was endless, from fresh seafood and juicy meat skewers to matcha desserts, taiyaki, and more. It was a feast for both the stomach and the senses, with the lively atmosphere making the experience even more enjoyable.
In the evening, we made our way to Fushimi Inari Taisha for a nighttime hike. We had already visited earlier in the trip during the daytime, but this time, the night view offered a completely different vibe. The iconic red torii gates looked striking under the dim lights, and the winter air made the hike feel refreshing. It took about an hour to reach the top, but the panoramic view of Kyoto at night was absolutely worth it.
After hiking down, we explored the surrounding area and stumbled upon Kinchan, a Chinese-Japanese fusion café known for its sake ramen. The warmth of the broth was perfect after the chilly hike, and we also tried their matcha beer, which had an unexpectedly great balance of bitterness and sweetness.
With full bellies once again, we headed back to our hotel, wrapping up another memorable day in Japan.
#japan #myitinerary #travel #couplestrip