Niseko to Kyoto / Tokyo

Travel day today. Up and mostly packed we had a quick breaky and were picked up at 8am for our transfer to Sapporo airport. Long queues to drop bags and get boarding passes. The online check in and bag drop took about the same time, Pete tried the online method. We said goodbye to Jess and Lewis as they head to Tokyo for a few days before heading home and we have time in Kyoto first. Smooth flight to Osaka. After going to the wrong meeting point, there were two areas marked, Pete back tracked and found our driver. A relief after a couple of calls that were lost in translation. All well when we got in the van, it was about an hour’s drive to Kyoto. Checked in easily to our hotel in a good location and wandered to the Nishiki markets and deliberated where to eat. We chose a ramen and Wagyu place only to discover it was about $150 for a burger. Much to the embarrassment of our kids we left. We ended up at a delicious Italian restaurant owned by an Italian from Turino, served by a Russian waitress and hosted by an Indian. A truly yummy feast. Meanwhile Jess and Lewis made it to Tokyo and enjoyed the best ramen at an authentic Japanese place. Pete and I enjoyed a nightcap at local Japanese bar and had a delicious local gin and tonic. Ready for a new adventure tomorrow.Read more