Travel Japan - Day 5 Kyoto

I made a terrible mistake of getting the whole family onto the metro trains during the morning rush hour.  With luggage on tow, we managed to get onto the one of the train cabin.  As the train stopped at the next hub, there was a large crowd on the platform waiting in line to get into the cabins.  The cabins were already half full when we first got on, with large check-in baggage next to us.  The crowd moved in unison as if a wave slowly rolling in, but it didn't stop as the cabins filled up.  The wave continues to flow in as we packed, and packed, and packed like sardines.  I can smell the man's breathe next to me.  No wonder there are women only cabins.  

At the next stop, half of the cabin again out-flowed as we tried not to get pushed with the wave.

The Shinkansen station was placed at a remote end of the JR platforms.  Since we didn’t reserved the seats ahead of time, we had to get on the regular cabins, which ended up splitting our party.  Each row has three seats on each side, with ample room for a carry-on luggage in front of your legs.  There were also bag storage rail on top for smaller bags.  Oversized luggage has to be placed at the back of the cabin, but you have to get those area reserved first.  The train stopped at several places, so we were able to change seats each time as seats become available.  

Shinkansen station in Shinagawa, Tokyo taken with iPhone.

Inside the Shinkansen taken with iPhone.

Traditional Japanese baked sweets taken with Leica M10 and 28mm elmarit-m.

We arrived at the Hyatt in Kyoto, which was literally above the rail station.   We found a restaurant called Honke Owariya Hoten, which is known for their cold soba since the 15th century.   The place had a long line, but people told us it was worth the wait.  When we finally made it, we climbed narrow and short but steep steps to the second floor.   

Honke Owariya Hoten taken with Leica M10 and 28mm elmarit-m.

Hourai Soba (cold soba) taken with iPhone

We ordered the traditional dish, which consisted of 8 boxes of cold soba, assorted condiments, meat, soy sauce, and hot tea with flower paste.   The soba was freshly made, with firm and smooth consistency yet cool to the mouth.   It was quite interesting and we all enjoyed the experience.   We were fortunate to catch it because they were closed for the day when we left the restaurant around mid afternoon.   

For dinner, we bought salad from family mart next to the hotel.   I also got fried chicken from a chain restaurant across the street.

Restaurant next to our hotel taken with Leica M10 and 28mm elmarit-m.

 

We rested up early to get an early head start for the bamboo groves in Arashiyama.