Ohaiyo Gozaimasu ♥. This day we plan to go very early and see the Chureito Pagoda, which is part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine. Woke up about 5 am and before 6 am and we are good to go. I went near the lake and took a couple of pictures on this very early morning.
After taking some photographs we went back to the hotel and asked the reception of the hotel, the english speaking staff is not yet available. However, since my friend can speak a little bit of Japanese, we managed to ask if he can help us call a cab. Unfortunately, there is no cab available, it was too early. The staff informed us that the shuttle service is available at 8:30 am. We sat down at the lobby and thinking what to do. Seems our only option is to walk to the station if we still want to make it on time for breakfast at 9:30 am. It will be about 20 minutes walk. Then the staff approached us again and said he is able to take us to the station. We are so thankful that he was able to accommodate us. He drove us there himself :). We were able to catch the train before it leaves. The staff at the station alerted them and waited for us to board the train. We thanked the train driver for waiting. He greeted us with a smile.
How to get to the Chureito Pagoda:
From Kawaguchiko Station take the train and alight at the Shimo-Yoshida Station (300 JPY, about 15 minutes). The Arakura Sengen Shrine is a 10 minute walk from the station. From the Station there are signs that will lead you to the shrine. Then you will pass by residential area .
Shimo-Yoshida Station
rice fields along the way
Autumn is coming!
Arakura Sengen Shrine
stairs to the Pagoda
Mt Fuji on the way to the Chureito Pagoda
Chureito Pagoda
Finally after how many hundred steps, I was able to see this view in real life. I always admired this in pictures and in post cards. I just have to take this shot hahaha :). So happy that it was a clear morning and we are able to see Mt Fuji for a couple of hours ♥♥♥.
Mt Fuji and Chureito Pagoda
Around 9 am Mt Fuji was hidden in the clouds. We are very lucky we were able to see it for two days. After that we went back to the hotel and we are able to catch breakfast.
Japanese Breakfast
Took some pictures of the area before we prepare for check out.
Mt. Fuji hidden by the clouds-Lake Kawaguchiko
We left the hotel around 11 a.m. We are heading to Kyoto. We ate lunch at the Kawaguchiko station and sent some postcards.
Yoshida Udon Noodles
Cafe at the Kawaguchiko Station
From Kawaguchiko, we need to go back to Otsuki (47 Minutes). Then from Otsuki transfer from there and take the train going to Hachioji (about 30 minutes). From Hachioji then take the train bound for Shin-Yokohama (about 40 minutes train ride). Then from Shin-Yokohama to Kyoto (about 139 minutes train ride).
Hikari 479
We arrived at Kyoto Station around 6:45 pm and we took a cab to go to our hotel. We booked at the Citadines Karasuma-Gojo Kyoto. Check in was easy and they have english speaking staff at the reception. Location is good . Gojo station is just beside the hotel. The room & toilet is nice and quite spacious :). You can also cook. The room has its own sink and stove. I like it. I wasn’t able to take much pictures of the room. We are in a hurry because we have an 8 pm reservation for dinner.
My bed
After Check in , we just put our luggages in the room. We just freshen a bit, then off to dinner. I have been looking forward to this dinner for almost a year ever since I saw that youtube vid of an omu rice opening up like a flower ♥, so NO! I am not going to miss this chance. We took a cab to go to the place so we won’t be late. So far it I find it easy to take a cab here in Japan (cab fare is quite expensive, I think flag down rate is about 8 sgd. So most people will choose to take train or bus).
The restaurant name is KichiKichi (キチキチ). It is an eight seater (counter seat type) restaurant and I would highly suggest that you make a reservation before coming here. You can fill up this reservation form or you can call them (you can ask the hotel staff to help you). In our case we fill up the form, initially it’s all in japanese, Thank you google translate! Mwah mwah and mwah. Now they have the reservation form in english Yay! :). After making a reservation they will send email confirmation.
Kichi Kichi sign on the street
Go in this small alley where Kichi-kichi is located
Welcome to Omu Rice Heaven!
Menu outside the store
Need I say more? If there is an Omu rice heaven this guy must be the God of Omu rice ♥♥♥
Chef Motoyoshi Yukimura
He was fun and showed us the art of making an awesome Omu rice. This was one of highlights of my Kyoto trip. I actually went to Kyoto just to eat this! Best Omu rice I’ve tasted 😀
A chef's guide to the best food in Tokyo. My book, Food Sake Tokyo, is part of the Terroir Guides published by The Little Bookroom. Updates to the book are under "updates". My other blog is on cooking Japanese food at home: http://tokyostation-yukari.blogspot.com/. I am represented by Lisa Ekus. lisaekus.com
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