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Southern Higashiyama - Kyoto Itinerary with Temples and Cherry Blossoms

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    And now for the fun stuff! For my first full day in Kyoto, I chose to visit Southern Higashiyama.   Here are the original notes I wrote out beforehand, with new, post-trip comments added in bold:    Once you get from your hotel to Kiyomizudera, the whole itinerary is walkable, in my experience. Southern Higashiyama  (please note all times are based on my experience, which was on Saturday, April 1st, 2023.) - Kiyomizu-dera   Beautiful place for viewing cherry blossoms. I found the famous "stage" building less impressive than I expected, but the beauty of the grounds and the experience of drinking from the sacred streams make it "must see." - Sanneizaka  (historic street) and Ninenzaka (historic street)  These are both very picturesque. Most shops weren't open yet when I passed by around 8:00AM, but tourists were already arriving. If you want a solo photo on the steps, get there early! -Yasaka no Pagoda  The pagoda is visible from the streets around it. I did
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Arriving at Kansai International Airport, Traveling to Kyoto, Checking in to The Chapter Kyoto

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   In case you're curious about what I paid for airfare. On 1/10/23 I paid $1,350.75 (with taxes and fees) for the following flights: 10:45 am San Francisco, CA, US (SFO) to 2:50 pm Osaka, JP (KIX) 4:50 pm Osaka, JP (KIX) to 11:05 am San Francisco, CA, US (SFO)    So you can see that I arrived at KIX at about 3:00PM on March 31st, 2023.  I picked up my checked bags and headed toward the JR train station that is within the airport. In my notes, I had written "exchange Haruka discount voucher at the green machine," but the lines for all of the machines were SUPER long and I was worried I wait in the wrong line. So, I showed my voucher to the employee next to the gate and he pointed me toward the JR ticket office. There was a line there as well, but not as long. (By the way, I think I had noted the directions for a different type of pass then the one I ended up buying. I used Klook to book the Haruka Express train to Kyoto.) I showed my receipt at the JR ticket office and
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21 Days in Kansai - An Outline

I am starting off by sharing my plan for 21 days in Kansai. I did actually put this plan to the test in April of 2023 and will be make many posts telling you what worked and what didn't, along with reviews of restaurants, attractions, etc. Here it is: Friday, March 31st -Arrive at KIX ~3:00PM -exchange Haruka discount voucher for Haruka ticket at the green machine -send luggage for delivery to hotel -take Haruka train from KIX to Kyoto station (chances to catch the train at 3:44PM, 4:14PM, 4:44PM, and so on) (ride lasts about an hour and 20 minutes) -we can shop and eat at Kyoto station if we feel like it -take a cab from Kyoto station the The Chapter Kyoto -check in to The Chapter Kyoto -pocket Wi-Fi rental has been mailed to the hotel Saturday, April 1st Southern Higashiyama - Kiyomizu-dera - Sanneizaka (historic street) -Ninenzaka (historic street) - Yasaka Kōshin-dō (pom pom temple) -Yasaka no To Pagoda -Nene-no-Michi (historic street) - Ishibei-koji (historic street) - Koda
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