Kyoto!

We arrived at the Odawara train station yesterday and waited for our shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. While we were waiting, one zipped by without a warning! We looked at each other and said, "did you see that!" It was quickest spike of adrenaline we had felt in a long time - and we were only watching from the station platform. I'll attach a video of our train arriving. I wasn't quick enough to pull out my phone and film one going by (their typical service speeds are from 177 - 200mph...that's fast!).
So in just a few hours, we arrived at Kyoto Station. We checked in to our Hotel at 2:30 and were on the streets by 3:00.
Kyoto is most known for its temples and shrine, which close around 4, so we walked to the closest, Yasaka Shrine. We were a little surprised to see food vendors inside the entrance, but that didn't stop us from grabbing a snack! We shared what looked like a fluffy pancake sandwich filled with bean paste and it was to die for (I was starved, but I would get another!). Our first Shrine did not disappoint. Especially when we decided to keep walking up the stone pathways and many steps to Chorakuji Temple (founded in 805). After countless steps, we were awarded with spectacular views of downtown Kyoto.
We ended our first day with a pour of Japanese whiskey on the top floor of our Hotel.Read more