Michelle had her conference to deal with and the remaining days that I had in Kyoto was entirely up to how I plan to do things.
So, I took a trip to the downtown area on my first day.
The subway fare from Kokusaikaikan to the Kyoto Central station costs 280 Yen (RM8.80) one-way. If you plan to use the subway a lot, there is a day pass that costs 600 Yen (RM18.90).
Taxi fares can cost a bomb, so, avoid this at all cost.
From Kokusaikaikan, the ride to Kyoto Central is roughly about 25-minutes.
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| The outskirts with Mount Heiai in the background |
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| A typical scene in the subway |
This is one of the very few places that opens at 9am till 9pm and you can find a lot of electronic stuff including cameras and bicycles sold at the store.
I found the camera stuff too expensive and the bikes are extremely cheesy.
But that's just the way it is in Japan.
If you come visit with a preconceived idea that the common Japanese dude would cycle a real cool bike, then you would be in for a rude shock.
Most of the Japanese bikes are cheap stuff that will find its way to a used bicycle shop in Malaysia.
High-end bikes are only sold in boutiques are these are considered as "expensive" in the country.
Compared with what I witnessed, I'd say that we Malaysians are spoiled in terms of choices when it comes to quality folding bikes.
From Yodobashi, I took a walk around the downtown area.
After crossing two traffic lights, I came to a park area and took some photos there.
The sunlight and the foliage in late fall is a sight to behold!
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| Fall in its full splendour... |
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| Kyoto tower |
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| A paid bicycle parking facility |
I don't have to worry about breakfast and dinner. It's taken care of.
And when it comes to dealing with the most important meal of the day, I load up to the max in anticipation of a long walk in the downtown area.
A bottle of mineral water costs 150 Yen (RM4.80) from the vending machine. If you carry a water bottle, you can purchase a 2-litre bottle from supermarkets at 89 Yen (RM2.80) a bottle.
And when you are hungry, instant noodles are there to keep your tummy from rumbling.
A typical Nissin Cup Noodle costs 102 Yen (RM3.30) from rural supermarkets and 128 Yen (RM4.20) in 24-hour convenience stores such as "Lawsons", 7-11, Family Mart, Circle K Sunkus and so on.
But if you want something "heavy", then it would be a trip to the Family Mart where lunch boxes are sold.
A typical fare comprising rice with vegetables and meat costs 298 Yen (RM9.40). This is a complete meal and after paying for it, the check-out clerk will heat it up for you with the microwave oven.
This is also a typical set meal for the sararyman (salary-man) on his lunch break.
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| My lunch box, costing under RM12 in Kyoto |
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| Meals Ready to Eat |
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| Lunch at Family Mart |
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| Statistics recorded by my fitness tracker |
On the average, I walked about 15km a day.
Saw lots of interesting places and I did wish that I had my little 16" Dahon bike to cover more areas.
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