10 Nov 2023 - Kyoto Day 1: Kyoto's Best Old Streets (Ninenzaka)

During our itinerary planning prior to this trip, we read about a Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house.  As such, we went to Kyoto Station to try and find a way to reach that place.  As this is our first day of the trip, and our first Japan trip since 2010, we were a bit unfamiliar with the train and bus systems.  We then went to a Visitor Information Center to ask for direction.  We were told to take bus number 206 which is right outside of Kyoto Station.  Do note that there are 2 different bus stops for the same bus number going different directions as this is like a bus interchange.  As such, knowing which bus stop number to board the bus is very important.  The receptionist also advised us to purchase a ICOCA card that can be used all across Japan on railways and buses, and at some of the convenience stores.  These cards can be purchased through most of the self-service ticketing machines.

The bus journey is about 15 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions.  After alighting the bus, we followed the direction on Google Maps and came to a street lined with beautifully restored traditional shophouses and blissfully free of the overhead power lines that mar the rest of Kyoto.  

As we walked up a gentle slope, we came to the Five Storied Pagoda of Hōkan-ji Temple.

Strolling along the streets here allows us to imagine what Kyoto looked like before modernity descended in full force.

Ninenzaka is a pedestrian-only lane that makes for some of the most atmospheric strolling in the whole city.  On both sides of the lane, we could find plenty of restaurants and teahouses to refresh ourselves.

We finally found the Starbucks store as we strolled through the lane.  Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world's first Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house (Machiya) with tatami seating.  We were fortunate to be able to get a seat and we took a short break here with some snacks and coffee.

Once the rain lightened up a bit, we continued to explore the beautiful street.  There are many interesting shops such as "Peter Rabbit Shop and Bakes" and "Studio Ghibli Shop".

As we walked to one end of the street, the sky had begun to turn dark.  The sunset at this time of the year is about 5pm.  Though the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple is nearby, it would have closed by the time we reached there.  The Special Night Viewing of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Autumn this year only starts on 18 November.  Instead, we visited another nearby Temple, which I'll share in more details in my next post.

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