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Kyoto Tourist Information Center “Kyo-navi”

A tourist information center located at JR Kyoto station, the gateway to Kyoto. It provides a wide range of information such as guidance of sightseeing, accommodations, and public transport tickets, and tickets for events.

• Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

The Kyoto Tourist Information Center is a great place to pick up materials and get ideas for your itinerary. I came here specifically because I was staying in Kyoto for a longer period and wanted to see if there were any attractions or activities with less information available in Chinese, to use as references for the rest of my trip.
There really are a lot of materials available, not just for Kyoto City but also for other areas of Kyoto Prefecture. It's very useful for anyone looking to plan a more in-depth itinerary. Besides picking up maps and brochures, you can also purchase some Kyoto transportation and sightseeing passes. However, I had already prepared most things in advance, so this time I mainly focused on collecting information.
It's located inside Kyoto Station, making it convenient to stop by while transferring or right after arriving in Kyoto. Just note that it's only open until 7:00 p.m. I specifically returned to Kyoto earlier so I could get there in time to pick up materials.

Kyoto Gyoen

The premises has the Kyoto Imperial Palace at the center in which Meiji Emperor lived until he moved to Edo, surrounded by the town where the homes of aristocrats lined up. In Meiji Period, the premises were turned into the Kyoto Gyoen Park. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the imperial families.

• Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
• Parks & Gardens

Kyoto Imperial Palace no longer requires advance reservations and admission is free. If you want to join an official guided tour, you just need to gather at the visitors' lounge at the designated time. Bags are inspected before entry, and overall security is quite strict.
The palace itself is actually not as ornate as you might imagine. If you're expecting a lavish palace, Nijo Castle may be closer to what you have in mind. What really matters about Kyoto Imperial Palace is its buildings, such as the Shishinden and Seiryoden, and its history as the longtime residence of the emperor and a venue for important ceremonies. Inside the Shishinden are the Takamikura throne used for enthronement ceremonies and the Michodai throne for the empress. In front of the hall are the iconic Sakon cherry tree and Ukon tachibana tree, though visitors are kept at a distance and can only view them from outside.
What I found most interesting about Kyoto Imperial Palace was the layout of the space itself and its sense of history. Some of the sliding doors and wall paintings are also very intricate. However, if you're simply comparing architectural details or gardens, Kyoto has quite a few places with more to see. For gardens, I would recommend Katsura Imperial Villa more.
If you want to experience buildings related to the imperial family up close, I would actually highly recommend Daikakuji Temple near Arashiyama. It was formerly the Saga Imperial Palace and also has buildings relocated from Kyoto Imperial Palace, and you can view them from much closer than at Kyoto Imperial Palace.
Overall, what makes Kyoto Imperial Palace special is its historical significance rather than its splendor. If you're already interested in Japan's imperial family, court system, or traditional architecture, it's still worth a visit.

Art Aquarium Museum GINZA

A modern artistic reinterpretation of the goldfish appreciation culture that originated in the Edo period, this unique museum presents the enchanting world of Art Aquarium in the historic heart of Ginza.

• Ginza, Yurakucho
• Museums

The Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is somewhere I'd wanted to visit for a long time. When I actually walked in, my first impression was that it was very lavish, with a touch of the splendor and allure of an oiran procession. The lighting, music, tanks, and decorations all blend together, but what I think was done especially well is that the lighting doesn't overshadow the goldfish themselves. Instead, it acts like stage lighting for them, ensuring that the goldfish remain the true stars of the exhibition.
I especially liked the area where you can view the goldfish from above. Goldfish originated in China, and when they were first kept in containers such as bowls and jars, they were generally viewed from above. This top-viewing style later spread to Japan and also influenced the appreciation of goldfish in terms of their back patterns, body shapes, and the way their tail fins spread out. Today, we're mostly used to viewing fish from the side through glass, so in everyday life there are very few opportunities to appreciate them from this traditional perspective. Being able to experience this ancient way of appreciating the beauty of goldfish here felt quite special.
Another area uses a large number of Japanese lanterns to create the atmosphere, and at first glance it reminded me of the densely arranged lanterns at Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The other areas make extensive use of light and shadow, reflections on the water, flowers, and traditional Japanese elements to create different moods. Some of the decorations clearly use artificial flowers, but with the lighting and colors of the water, they don't look cheap. Instead, they give the whole space a feeling somewhere between a stage and a dream.
They also offer different seasonal themes, with the flowers, lighting, and some of the exhibits changing accordingly. As a result, the scenery may look completely different depending on when you visit. This time, I happened to catch the end of the winter exhibition. I'm really looking forward to summer, since summer is the season for goldfish, and I hope I'll have a chance to come back and see it.

Skyliner

Skyliner is a limited express airport train offering the fastest service between downtown Tokyo and Narita Airport, with a total journey time of 36 minutes*. A fast train offering up to three services per hour, travelling between downtown Tokyo and Narita Airport with only four stops and no changes: Ueno Station, Nippori Station, Narita Airport Terminals 2 & 3, and Narita Airport Terminal 1.

• Tokyo
• Trains & Subway

The Skyliner is very convenient for people staying around Ueno or Nippori. If you're staying near Asakusa, transferring from Ueno isn't too much trouble either.
Just keep in mind that I had bought my ticket in Taiwan beforehand, thinking exchanging it on-site would save time. Apparently everyone had the same idea, because there was a long line at the exchange counter, while fewer people were buying tickets directly next to it. In the end, I waited almost half an hour before I could exchange my ticket and board. So even if you've purchased your ticket in advance, it's still a good idea to allow extra time after arriving at Narita, especially when several popular flights arrive around the same time, since the exchange counter can get crowded.
Overall, the Skyliner itself is fast and comfortable, and I highly recommend it for travelers staying near Ueno or Nippori. Just be aware that buying your ticket in Taiwan in advance won't necessarily be faster on-site, and during busy periods, you should allow time to wait in line to exchange it.

TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN® Dream Christmas

At TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN®, a commercial complex composed of TOKYO SKYTREE® and TOKYO Solamachi®, special Christmas events are held annually from early November. The entire town is enveloped in a Christmas mood with illuminations, a Christmas market, and projection mapping.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Winter festivals & Events

I happened to be here during the event, so I made a special trip to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. In addition to the Christmas market, all of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN is decorated with large-scale illuminations, Christmas trees, and limited-time light shows during the event. It really feels festive at night.
The Christmas market itself is mainly focused on food, with lots of options such as hot dishes, desserts, and drinks. There is also a seating area, but it gets quite crowded, so there don't seem to be enough seats. Prices are also typical for a tourist destination, so it's not cheap, but they really do create a festive atmosphere. With the lights, decorations, and TOKYO SKYTREE all together, I thought it was pretty nice, especially since I rarely get to experience a Christmas atmosphere like this.
If you're planning to visit, I'd recommend checking the schedule for TOKYO SKYTREE's special lighting or projection shows that day, then planning your visit to the market around them. That way, you can eat, see the Christmas decorations, and enjoy the limited-time light show all in one trip. Overall, it's more worthwhile than coming just for the market.

Narita International Airport

The international airport and gateway to Tokyo, visited by 44 million travelers each year (as of 2019). Opened in 1978, this world-famous airport (airport code NRT) has ferried over 6 million flights both in and out of Japan. The airport grounds include 3 different passenger terminals, a freight terminal and is currently planning to open a new runaway in addition to its two runways currently open.

• Narita Airport Neighborhood
• Tokyo
• Airplanes & Airport

This time I arrived at Narita Airport pretty early, so I actually had time to look around at the airport facilities. What really impressed me was that there were seats with power outlets and workspaces near the check-in counters. My first thought was, “This is way too corporate-slave-like,” but thinking about it, international airports do have many business travelers who need to handle last-minute work, so having a place to sit down and use a computer is actually very thoughtful.
The baggage services before departure are also comprehensive. Each terminal has a baggage repacking area and scales, so you can check the weight before the airline counters open. In my experience, the numbers were pretty close to those at the airline counter, so you can adjust your luggage ahead of time. Terminal 1 also has a luggage-wrapping service, so if you're worried about your suitcase getting scratched or damaged during handling, you can arrive early and take care of that.
After immigration, there are still duty-free shops, restaurants, and stores all the way to some of the boarding areas, so it's not like there's nothing once you pass through security. But compared with Kansai Airport, which has been renovated in recent years, I personally found Narita's shopping area a little more modest. Food prices weren't outrageously high, though. What really stood out to me instead was the price of bottled water.
I also really like the capsule toy machines at Narita Airport. You can see quite a few machines as soon as you arrive at the airport by train, with everything from popular characters to more obscure designs. If you still have some 100-yen coins left at the end of your trip, this is a great place to use up your change, and sometimes you can even find items you might not come across in the city.

Ginza Itoya Main store

The Stationary Specialty store was established in 1904, Alongside department stores and luxury brand shops, in Ginza. The main store building symbolized by a bright red paper clip was renovated in 2015.

• Ginza, Yurakucho
• Miscellaneous Goods

If you're a stationery lover, Ginza Itoya is definitely worth visiting when you're in Tokyo. Each floor is organized by a different type of stationery, with clear categories covering everything from fountain pens, planners, paper goods, and cards to art supplies. There are especially many high-quality products with distinctive designs, making them great as gifts for others or yourself.
However, although Ginza Itoya has many floors, each floor is actually not that large, so I wouldn't recommend visiting with luggage, as the aisles will feel even more crowded. Its selection also isn't geared toward everyday stationery, but focuses more on fountain pens, planners, paper, art supplies, and design-oriented stationery. The paper goods and writing instruments in particular are really worth taking your time to browse.
Overall, Ginza Itoya is more of a place for stationery lovers to broaden their horizons and shop for premium stationery, rather than a stationery store focused simply on variety or getting everything in one place.

COREDO Muromachi

A full line up of different restaurants await, from casual and full-on authentic dining, both in Japanese and Western style. Inside you’ll find all the trimmings of good living, including the historic charm of Nihonbashi veteran shops to a modern-day cinema complex. With so much at this all-in-one shopping stop, there’s plenty of crowds drawn here across a wide range of ages.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Commercial Buildings

My impression of COREDO Muromachi is that it's not just a large commercial complex in the Nihonbashi area, but a district that blends a "new shopping complex" with the historic atmosphere of old Nihonbashi quite naturally. The most representative example is Fukutoku Shrine right next door. At first glance, it's easy to assume it's just a small shrine that was restored after urban redevelopment, but Fukutoku Shrine actually dates back to the Heian period and is a very old center of Inari worship in the Nihonbashi area.
What's even more interesting is that during the redevelopment of Nihonbashi Muromachi, Mitsui Fudosan didn't treat the shrine as something that had to make way for commercial space. Instead, it incorporated Fukutoku Shrine and the adjacent Fukutoku Garden into the overall plan, allowing the shrine to remain part of the district. That's what I find most impressive about COREDO Muromachi.
It reconnects Nihonbashi's long-established shops, shrines, and street history with modern commercial spaces. The vermilion torii gate and wooden shrine buildings are surrounded by modern high-rises, with restaurants, cafes, and office buildings nearby. They clash visually, yet somehow feel harmonious when you're actually walking around. COREDO Muromachi itself is also enjoyable to browse, with plenty of dining, desserts, souvenirs, and household goods. Nearby, you can also visit Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, long-established shops, and all kinds of distinctive stores, so it's perfect for a half-day walk around Nihonbashi.
When you get tired from shopping, you can sit for a while in Fukutoku Garden, then stop by Fukutoku Shrine to pray and see if you can win the lottery and achieve financial freedom. This means there isn't a strong boundary between the shopping complex and the shrine; instead, it feels like you're naturally moving between them within the same district.

Yojiya Blotting Sheets

These blotting sheets are a staple item of YOJIYA, the Kyoto veteran cosmetics brand founded in 1904. It’s recommended for blotting excess oil and creating an even surface before makeup touchups.

• Kyoto
• Cosmetics

A friend gave me these as a souvenir from Kyoto. You really have to admire how the Japanese can make an ordinary little item feel so refined. They're just blotting sheets, but the quality feels completely different. And it's not just that they look nice—they also work very well. I think their biggest advantage is that they absorb enough oil without leaving your face too dry. Just press them lightly to remove excess shine without disturbing your base makeup too much, so they're great to use before touching up your makeup during the day.

Tsu Station

A major station on the JR Central Kisei Main Line, located in the center of Tsu City, the capital of Mie Prefecture. In addition to JR, it is also a transportation hub served by the Kintetsu Nagoya Line and the Ise Railway Ise Line. With multiple rail lines converging here, it plays an important role in supporting efficient travel within the prefecture and beyond.

• Mie
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

This time, I took the Ninja High-Speed Boat from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Tsu. The trip took about 45 minutes, crossing Ise Bay directly to the Tsu Nagisamachi ferry terminal. There are buses from the port to Tsu Station, but they don't run very frequently. I missed the bus while buying a ship stamp, so I ended up taking a taxi in Japan for the first time.
Tsu Station is shared by JR, Kintetsu, and the Ise Railway, so first-time visitors need to pay some attention to where they're going. When entering from the east exit, it's easier to reach the JR area first. If you're taking Kintetsu, you'll need to follow the signs inside the station to the Kintetsu platforms.
What left the strongest impression on me at Tsu Station was actually the Wi-Fi. My mobile data suddenly stopped working, so I had to rely on the free Wi-Fi in the JR area to look up directions. It didn't really work once I left the JR area, but fortunately, I somehow managed to make it all the way to Ujiyamada Station. It really made me miss the convenience of free Wi-Fi being available everywhere in public places in Taiwan. However, this service has now been discontinued, so anyone who suddenly needs Wi-Fi should keep that in mind.