Japan travels, Kyoto and Osaka

As our PC-6 pilot shortage continues, I’ve been required to work on a non-flexible (for now) 4 week on 2 week off roster. Those two weeks off aren’t quite long enough to make heading back to the UK for a holiday worthwhile so I’ve had to start looking at places to go a little closer to Indonesia and Japan’s always been on my short list.

Weeping cherry blossom, Kyoto

A good friend of mine from the UK had been staying in Taiwan these past two months so she decided to extend her stay in Asia a little longer and join me for nine days in Japan to explore Kyoto and Osaka.

Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, Kyoto

We decided to split the trip into five days in Kyoto to explore all the old capital of Japan has to offer, then finish with four days in Osaka to experience what life is like in a big Japanese city. We spend one night in a capsule hotel and four nights in a lovely traditional Ryokan with bamboo mat floors and futon beds.

9-Hours Capsule hotel, Kyoto

Gaisha girls, Kyoto

Yasaka Pagoda, Higashiyama District, Kyoto

Local girls share a text message, Kyoto

Girl writing out a prayer, Kyoto

Cherry blossom, Kyoto botanical gardens

Geisha girls, Kyoto

Zen garden, Kyoto

Worshippers cleansing themselves, Kyoto

Orange Torii gates at Fushimi Inari, Kyoto

A couple pose for photos, Kyoto

Kyoto is an amazing city with so much history and culture. I think we did it justice in the five days we were there and by the end were quite happy to not see another temple but find a quiet little coffee shop instead. Staying in both the capsule hotel and traditional Ryokan really are must do things and much more fun than a boring old hotel!

Sushi chief in a small restaurant in Osaka

Releasing balloons mid-game at Osaka Dome baseball stadium

Osaka Buffalos fan shows his support for the home team

Wagyu beef from the Matsusaka region – AMAZING!

Taiyaki – fish shaped cake filled with custard or red beans.

Nissan GTR (R35 Skyline), Osaka

Downtown Osaka at night

Osaka was a real surprise. Neither of us had any preconceptions as to what to expect and the majority of our holiday planning went into seeing the various sights of Kyoto. Therefore, everything we did in Osaka just sort of happened, from taking in a local baseball game to sampling all sorts of local food from custard served out of a fish, to the most incredible beef I’ve ever had. The night scenery was amazing too, like something out of Blade Runner. I really enjoyed Japan and will definitely be back to explore more of it.