Nagoya and Kyoto

27 September

Nagoya

We stayed at the Sanco Inn opposite the station in Nagoya. As with many local hotels in Japan, you select your amenities like shampoo and tea bags from a counter in the lobby, but this place also had a colour coded pillow selection with 6 different pillow types to choose from on your way up to your room.

We explored the downtown area, finding a local restaurant away from the RWC tourists and an Irish Pub showing the games and packed with fans.

28 September

We toured the Nagoya Castle in the morning and made our way to Toyotashi in the afternoon for the game. South Africa Vs Namibia.

It's a 1.5km walk from the station to the stadium and the fanzone and street party was in full swing. 

A better result for the Bokke. To avoid the rush of fans at the station we found a wine bar and only just made the last train back to Nagoya.

29 September

Kyoto

We caught the bullet train to Kyoto and after lunch we checked into the Daiwa Royal Grande Hotel opposite the station in Kyoto. Kyoto wasn't hosting any rugby games, so general interest in the World Cup was low. When we ventured out to find a pub showing a game or 2, the few places that did have TVs showing the games were packed. We got room service pizza and watched back in the hotel with Japanese commentary. On our travels we always like to have one rest day a week to catch up on admin and chill. It doesn't have to be a Sunday,  but Neil enjoys reading all the Sunday papers.

30 September

In the morning we travelled over to Sakyo. There's lots to see and snacks to try on the way up to the Higashiyama Temple Complex.

The Philosopher's Path follows the Kama River for quite a few kilometres but there's plenty of places to stop along the way.

We ate Soba Noodles and stopped at Green Terrace for coffee and cake.

Back downtown we visited the Nishiki Market. Disappointingly, this has become very touristy with all the stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. Fifteen years ago, when I last visited, it sold amazing fresh produce to the Kaiseki chefs of Kyoto.

The surrounding neighbourhood is far more interesting with hipster shops, a brewery and cafes.

The undercover Teramachi Kyogoku shopping area is where you'll find locals doing their shopping.

After dark we headed to Pontocho, an alley packed with restaurants and bars. 

Try a flight of Japanese Whisky before dinner.

We ate at Yakatori Torihara - anyone for grilled cock's comb on a stick?

Late night drinks at Hello Dolly Jazz Bar.

1 October

A late night means a late start the next day. We ate lunch at La Terrazza Italian at the Daiwa. Amazing home-made pastas and steaks with  selection of " all you can drink in 60 minutes for 1000 yen "  imported wines!

It's a quick train trip up to Arashiyama to Ryotei Rangetsu on the waterfront of the Katsura River. Arashiyama is very touristy but calm and rural and picturesque. Hundreds of tourists queue for the scenic railway or a river boat or a rickshaw ride but that's all a bit too contrived for us.

Relaxing at the Ryokan and taking a dip in the onsen is a great experience.

Dinner is served in a private dining room. Neil gets a great Kaiseki meal ( traditional Kyoto cuisine served in small dishes )  and I get whatever doesn't have seafood in it!

2 October

Breakfast is Western or Japanese. Guess who gets which.

We wander around town and visit the awesome Tenryji Temple and gardens.

The Bamboo Grove is another touristy gimic.

We have tea at  eX cafe ( English translation ) and their famous grilled rice ball dessert.

Back in Kyoto, we check into the Hotel Vischio. Then it's over to The Hub, English Pub for more rugby. Later we go to the Sujin Town pop up, open air beer garden for dinner and drinks. 

3 October

A replay happy day. Sleep late. Lunch at La Terrazza. Shopping. Strolling. Rugby at the Hub. Dinner and drinks nearby. 

Cute Bakery Goods

Super expensive melons