Probably Overthinking It

There are two things that become apparent when planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan . First, it’s insanely expensive compared to the other Japanese tourist sites. We’d walked through a cherry blossomed park and now a bamboo forest for free. We had visited UNESCO world heritage sites for less than lunch in a UK coffee shop. So, contrast that with four standard tickets at Universal Studios and, well, the maths, like my English, don’t make a lot of sense. We bought standard entry passes online via the main website and figured we’d ask about express passes once we were there. I mean, how many companies are going to turn down more money? There’s always a way, right? DAD HINT - You can indeed upgrade your standard tickets and purchase express passes should you wish.   The second thing that will strike you is that getting to USJ from Kyoto is slightly awkward. At least, it feels that way when you look at train maps online. In practice, we caught a Limited Express train to Osaka...

Breakfast at Toyoko Inn is a busy affair. As a large hotel it’s frequented by tourist and natives alike. Business men and women, dressed in smart suits and skirts queued alongside t-shirt and shorts wearing tourists. While croissants, pain au chocolates are available the breakfast leans more to the Japanese cuisine. We enjoyed a breakfast alongside business colleagues discussing their day ahead. For us we had decided that shopping back at Odaiba would be the best course of action and it’s my job to convince you we were correct. That we had a flight at 8pm was a blessing, giving us an "extra" day to spend in Japan. Having a transfer flight, in the middle of the night at Shanghai, less so. Essentially we had to pace ourselves, rather than try to rush to see another tourist attraction and wear ourselves out. With Odaiba just one Metro stop away from our Toyoko Inn it seemed a sensible idea to explore this area further. Diving into Diver City We were able to stow our luggage and...

Much of our time in Japan had shown us a better way of living: greater organisation, world-class infrastructure, and the quiet efficiency the country is known for. But in one corner of Kyoto, we were reminded that Japan still lives in the real world too. Opposite McDonald's by the Hachijo Exit, there are two ticket machines. Right next to those are the JR line barriers. And just around the corner are the Shinkansen gates. Add in a narrow path between them all, and what do you get? A complete flustercuck. McMornings and Madness For breakfast, we chose the world’s favourite fast-food chain (only because Mos Burger hasn’t yet conquered the world). We lucked out and grabbed four seats just as another family left. Sat at the counter, looking out the window, I witnessed an epic battle of those queuing for a right to travel versus those already doing so. I won’t lie, as a Brit (cynical lot we are), I quite enjoyed watching the morning mayhem unfold. But our brief window into commuter chao...

Kyoto can be quite crowded. Very crowded, in fact. However, we had experienced moments of the tranquillity in the city too. This morning would show us the zen-like side of Kyoto—and how, just stepping ever so slightly off the beaten path, you can see that too. The morning’s destinations were the Ginkakuji Temple AKA Silver Pavilion , Philosopher’s Path , plus another less-frequented shrine I was desperate to visit. A 20-minute bus journey took us to the Ginkakuji-michi (Ginkakuji Temple) stop. Our journey had taken us past Kyoto University and set our imaginations off about the philosopher who would commute this way while meditating. Kyoto had been hot during our time there, but disembarking we were met by a cool, fresh morning mountain air. Yes, Kyoto is surrounded by mountains—and in the morning, you can not only see them but feel their presence in the quality of air. We walked alongside the stream and headed to the start/end (depending which way you’re going) of the Philosopher'...

By now we were very accustomed to living in Kyoto. However, getting to Senbon Torii —commonly known as the Thousand Torii Gates —meant getting on the train from Sanjo Station down to Fushimi-Inari Station. Taking the train in Kyoto was something we hadn’t done yet. Sanjo Station provides brief backroom-esque/liminal space vibes, so when we found a surprisingly well-stocked shop selling local souvenirs and treats, it provided a warmth to what is quite a functional space. The train wasn’t busy at all, a welcome treat after the journeys to and from USJ, and the kids and I found ourselves right at the front of the train. We had fun watching the train driver (in white gloves and a smart hat no less) snake us through the Kyoto railway line. The train ride was a short one, and even if you missed the announcement of Fushimi-Inari Station, you would recognise it from the theming of the station—red pillars, beams, and kitsune (foxes). Snacking and Shuffling Getting off at the station, we were i...