Planning our Japan adventure we knew that we wanted to put the focus on Tokyo. Nevertheless we wanted to catch a glimpse of the country. So we decided to do a three days trip to Kyoto and – mainly because of the Universal Studios – to Osaka.
Shinkansen Kyoto Main Station
That night I was able to sleep through for the first time. I had caught a cold but was fit and ready for some travelling. At Shinagawa Station we went to the JR office and once again we were perfectly taken care of. It was no problem at all that we wanted to take a train right away (like it would be in Germany). A friendly JR member escorted us to the track, waited with us till our train arrived and helped us to get on the train. We hadn't reserved the wheelchair space, so I could take pictures of it. But because I am able to transfer from the wheelchair to a seat it was no big deal for us.
JR advice for wheelchair users Kyoto Station
As flawless and smooth as getting on the train was the train ride itself. We rushed through the Japanese landscape the sea on the left, countryside and small cities on the right. After approximately three hours the friendly conductress came by to inform us that we would arrive in Kyoto shortly and that she would help us to exit. She knew what she was doing and exactly on time we got off the train.
Kyoto Station
Taxis in front of Kyoto Station
Our hotel, the Gracery Kyoto, was located right next to the impressive train station. Unfortunately our room wasn't accessible. It was ok for two nights, though. We rushed back to the station to get on a commuter train because we wanted to see the first sight in Kyoto before dusk.
Commuter train Kyoto
Kyoto seen from a commuter train
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a must visit in Kyoto (and it is for free). Slightly touristy and busy but still not too hectic. It's just a path leading through a bamboo grove but it is a magic place. Plus Arashiyama is a cute district on the outskirts of Kyoto worth visiting. Don't miss the street food at the entrance of the grove.
Arashiyama
Way leading to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Japanese housing
Arashiyama backstreet
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Bamboo trees
Dangos
On our way back to the hotel we made a brief stop at the Kyoto Sky Tower.
Reflection of Kyoto Sky Tower
Kyoto Sky Tower
The tower is fully accessible and gives a nice view of Kyoto and the surrounding area.
View from Kyoto Sky Tower
What I liked the most where the interactive maps and the binoculars that are so much better than the usual tower viewers if you are small – or in a wheelchair.
Interactive maps Kyoto Sky Tower
Binoculars Kyoto Sky Tower
My friend wanted to take a break in the hotel room before dinner. I was in a shopping mood, though and went for a short shopping spree. First I strolled through the food section at Isetan, a big department store, and admired the perfectly shaped and coloured strawberries and the amount of sushi boxes.
Packaged strawberries
Sushi boxes
Sweets store
What I really liked about Japanese department stores, too was the fact that there always is a special priority elevator for those with special needs.
Priority elevator for people with special needs
For some clothes shopping I wanted to go to Yodobashi afterwards. Suddenly someone started to push my wheelchair. It was a happy (and as her husband told me tipsy) lady. After I told them where I wanted to go they couldn't be stopped from escorting me there. That was the friendliest wheelchairnapping I have ever experienced.
This typical Japanese encounter was only topped by a mouth-watering Tonkatsu dinner on of the Isetan department store restaurant floor – Itadakimasu! Continue here.
Tonkatsu
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