Return Car - Toyota Rent-a-car: Kanazawa Station East Exit by 10:00am - directions
Head to Kyoto Accommodation
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Kanazawa Station ~ Tsuruga Station: 58 minutes by Shinkansen (direct via Hokuriku Shinkansen) - ¥3,060 - directions
Tsuruga Station ~ Kyoto Station: 55 minutes by limited express train (direct on the Thunderbird) - ¥3,220 - directions
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To be decided
Options are plentiful, so the best option really depends on the prices of what’s available at the time.
We will opt for accommodation close to Kyoto Station and aim to provide a quote for this stay on 13th April 2026. You are also more than welcome to book something in yourself yourself if you have access to favorable rates prior to that point in time. Just let us know so that we can mark it as booked.
🍴 Menbakaichidai - Fire Ramen
19 minutes by bus from Kyoto Station - ¥230 - directions
Open: Lunch 11:00am ~ 3:00pm
Closed: Tuesdays
Menbakaichidai is a renowned ramen restaurant in Kyoto, famous for its dramatic "fire ramen." The dish features hot oil set ablaze, creating a fiery spectacle. The resulting smoky flavor and tender chicken-based ramen make it a thrilling culinary experience for visitors seeking both taste and excitement.
We started first Menbaka (Fire Ramen) restaurant in 1984. In the early days, our restaurants served different types of ramen. One year after establishment, the founder found out that the green onion would not only emanate good smell but also enhance good taste. Since then, Fire Ramen was created and has become the most popular dish in Menbaka.
Cost: Fire Ramen: ¥2,000
Walks in only - Expect a wait of around half an hour
✦ Nijo Castle - UNESCO World Heritage Listed 17th Century Castle - As seen in Monty Don’s Japanese Gardens
900m / 12 minutes on foot from Nijo Castle - directions
Open: 8:45am ~ 4:10pm
Closed: Tuesdays
One of the best-known castles in Japan, due to its historical importance, prominence within the city, and its UNESCO World Heritage status, Nijo Castle was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, as a residence and a symbol of his power. The castle is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and the famous "nightingale floors," which chirp when walked on to alert residents to intruders.
Honmaru Entry Session Time 2:00pm (It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to travel on foot from the Higashi Otemon Gate to the Honmaru Palace)
Cost: Castle Admission only: Adult ¥800 / Castle Admission + Ninomaru-goten Palace viewing: Adult: ¥1,300 / Honmaru Palace Viewing Ticket: Adult: ¥1,030
🚩 Prior Reservation is required for Honmaru Palace Viewing - To be booked by Japan Junket
Admission fee and Ninomaru-goten Palace viewing fee are not included. You will need to purchase the castle entrance ticket and Ninomaru-goten Palace viewing ticket separately.
Shop Teramachi - Shop Kyoto’s most popular shopping street
15 minutes by bus from Menbakaichidai - ¥230 - directions
Open: Most shops Open around 10:00am / 11:00am ~ 8:00pm / 9:00pm
Closed: No closures
Kyoto Teramachi Shopping Street is a bustling and historic arcade in Kyoto, Japan. It's famous for its diverse range of shops, from traditional crafts to modern boutiques. Visitors can explore unique Japanese and international products, making it a vibrant and culturally rich destination for shopping and exploration in Kyoto.
Chicago Harajuku - Do some thrifting
Chicago Harajuku in Kyoto's Teramachi is a trendy streetwear and vintage fashion store. Offering a curated selection of unique apparel and accessories, it's a haven for fashion enthusiasts. With its edgy and eclectic offerings, this store is a must-visit for those seeking distinct and stylish urban fashion in Kyoto. On the first floor you’ll find brand name western-style clothing such a Ralph Lauren and Levi Jeans, but venture up to the second floor and you’ll find a plethora of Japanese kimonos, festival wear, jimbeis and yukatas and well as traditional bags, shoes and accessories, everything you need if you’re looking to put together your own traditional Japanese outfit.
Daishodo - Browse through their Woodblock Prints, and Antique Books
Daishodo, located in Kyoto's Teramachi shopping district, is a centuries-old bookstore with a rich history. It specializes in traditional Japanese books, including beautiful woodblock-printed literature and reference works. The store's ambiance is a charming blend of old-world charm and a treasure trove of cultural knowledge, making it a fascinating destination for book lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Daishodo represents a unique piece of Kyoto's literary heritage, providing a glimpse into the past while preserving a love for traditional texts.
Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto - Experience life as a Samurai or Ninja
Inside the Samurai Ninja Museum, you'll find a collection of authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, along with displays showcasing the techniques and strategies used by samurai and ninja warriors. Visitors can also participate in hands-on activities such as trying on samurai armor, practicing swordsmanship, and learning ninja techniques like shuriken throwing.
Samurai Ninja Museum Kyoto Experience ‘basic ticket’
This experience included a guided tour of the museum, trying on samurai armor, learning about training as a ninja and a ninja throwing star competition.
Duration: Approx 1 Hour
Cost: Adult ¥4,182 / Child (3-12) ¥3,865
🚩 Prior reservation is required - To be booked by Japan Junket
Nishiki Market - Shop Kyotos Kitchen
Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a vibrant and historic food market which springs off from Kyoto’s Teramachi Shopping Street. This covered arcade is a sensory delight, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local snacks, and specialty Japanese ingredients. It's a culinary journey through Kyoto's gastronomic culture, where you can sample street food, find unique souvenirs, and experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japanese cuisine.
🍴Dintora - Try out their Shichimi Spiced Ice-Cream
Dintora, nestled within Kyoto's bustling Nishiki Market, is a delightful store with a rich history in sugar trading. Established over a century ago, it has been serving locals and tourists alike, offering an assortment of traditional Japanese sweets and spices. The wonderous flavours on offer are meticulously handcrafted with precision, showcasing the essence of Japanese culture and aesthetics. Dintora's specialties include shichimi and sansho spices, but I highly recommend trying their unique shichimi (7 spices) soft serve ice-cream.
🍴Kikuya - Japanese Dried Food and Sweets Shop
Kikuya, a time-honored establishment within Kyoto's Nishiki Market, boasts a history dating back to the Edo period. Specializing in traditional Japanese candies, one of their most famous products is "kompeito," the star-shaped sugar confections. These tiny, sparkling treats were introduced to Japan by Portuguese traders and have since become a beloved symbol of Japanese confectionery. Kikuya's dedication to preserving these traditional recipes and crafting exquisite candies has made it a favorite among locals and tourists.
🍴Konna-monja - Try Nishiki’s Yuba Specialty
Konnamonja, a charming shop in Nishiki Market, Kyoto, specializes in showcasing the local specialty, Yuba (tofu skin). Yuba is a versatile and delicious ingredient used in various Japanese dishes. Konnamonja takes Yuba to the next level with their delightful soy milk donuts. These donuts are a unique fusion of tradition and innovation, offering a crispy, yet creamy texture. A visit to Konnamonja is a wonderful opportunity to savor the flavors of Kyoto, as they skillfully blend the essence of Yuba and soy milk into a sweet treat that captures the essence of this historic market.
🍴Ternura - Spanish Tapas
directions
Open 12:00pm ~ 12:00am (11:30pm Lock Out)
Closed Wednesdays
Ternura Spanish Restaurant in Kyoto is a culinary gem that brings the flavors of Spain to Japan. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, it offers a delectable menu of authentic Spanish dishes, from paella to tapas.
Check out their menu.
Make a reservation.
🍴 (THISIS) NATURE - Non-dairy Gelato Bouquets
120m / 2 minutes on foot from Ternura - directions
Open: 10:00am ~ 8:00pm
Closed:
No Closures
Feast on Fresh gelato, cassata, and (THISIS)NATUE’s popular gelato ice bouquet surrounded by nature. Their menu is all plant-based, without any dairy products, and they also serve Non-alcoholic wines and a unique decaffeinated coffee made from roasted red beans.
Check out their menu