Ep 125: Kyoto on Points:What We Did, What We Loved & What I'd Do Differently

Sometimes going on a trip is better than no trip at all and our three nights in Kyoto proved it. We fit in so much, I have zero regrets, and I'm sharing everything: what we did, what I'd do differently, and why you don't have to do it perfectly to have an incredible time.

In This Episode You'll Learn

✔ How we got from Tokyo to Kyoto on the bullet train using the Smart Ex app and what we learned about IC cards (Suica vs. ICOCA) for the whole family

✔ Why we stayed at the Hyatt Place Kyoto and how we booked it using free night certificates and points

✔ Our honest review of Nishiki Market what to eat, how much time to give yourself, and how it's cash only

✔ What the Samurai Ninja Museum experience was actually like (hint: throwing stars and blowing darts are involved)

✔ The Sakura Light Festival at Nijo Castle, a cherry blossom illumination event I stumbled upon that ended up being magical

✔ Why I switched our Day 2 plans and prioritized Fushimi Inari first, and why I'd do it again

✔ The VoiceMap app walking tour that made Fushimi Inari one of the coolest experiences of the whole trip

✔ The "secret" bamboo grove at Fushimi Inari, what I know, what I couldn't find, and what I'd do differently

✔ Our full Nara day: feeding the deer (it's a little chaotic, here's what to know), seeing the Great Buddha, and why both my kids said Nara was their favorite

✔ Ramen Row at Kyoto Station how to find it, why it's worth it, and what we ordered

✔ The kimono fitting and tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Tea House in the Gion district why I'd book it earlier next time and what I wish I'd known

✔ Why I didn't book dinner reservations that last evening and why that was the right call ✔ Seven-Eleven Japan breakfast the smoothie machines, egg salad sandwiches, and the whipped cream fruit sandwich my daughter was obsessed with

✔ How to think about early mornings vs. real rest when you're traveling with kids

This Episode Is Especially Helpful If...

• You're planning a family trip to Japan and trying to figure out how to actually fit Kyoto in
• You want to use Hyatt points or free night certificates for Japan travel
• You're overwhelmed by "do everything perfectly or don't go" thinking and need permission to just go
• You're trying to decide between the big Kyoto sights, Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Nara, the Gion district, and what to prioritize
• You love the idea of meaningful, immersive travel experiences (like a tea ceremony or a shrine walk) but also want practical logistics
• You're traveling with kids or teens and need a real, honest take on pacing

Resources & Mentioned in This Episode

• Smart Ex App — for purchasing bullet train (Shinkansen) tickets online
• Suica Card / ICOCA Card — IC transit cards for trains and subways in Japan
• Hyatt Place Kyoto — booked on free night certificates and points, one king bed and one twin bed rooms could be adjoining
• Nishiki Market — cash only; great for Wagyu beef, mochi with strawberries, green tea boba, homemade donuts and so much more
• Samurai Ninja Museum, Kyoto — interactive ninja experience + samurai museum guided tour; add the ninja experience add-on if you have kids
• Sakura Light Festival at Nijo Castle — cherry blossom illuminations, outdoor market, and optional evening performance (seasonal)
• Fushimi Inari Taisha — free to visit; Dorothy highly recommends the VoiceMap walking tour
• Golden Pavilion— A single loop around Kinkakuji temple
• VoiceMap App — self-guided audio walking tours; ~$10 each, one account works on two phones
• Nara Park — deer feeding, the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple 
• Ramen Row, Kyoto Station — 10th floor; multiple ramen restaurants, including a vegan/gluten-free option
• Camellia Flower Tea House, Gion — book via Viator; kimono add-on available 1 hour or more before your tea time (book earlyit sells out!)
• Gion District, Kyoto — pagoda, lantern-lit streets, shops, shrines; beautiful at night
• Seven-Eleven Japan — smoothie machines, hard boiled eggs, whipped cream fruit sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, protein bars; ATMs inside work with MasterCard debit

Loved This Episode?

If this inspired you to take the trip, do the thing, and stop waiting for the perfect moment, I would be so grateful if you'd leave a review! It helps more women find this podcast and get the inspiration and tools they need to live fully. Thank you so much, love. 🤍

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 Beyond Travel Ways to Work Together: 

2 Week Mini Coaching and Lift Library for 3 Months Details HERE

Peace & Prosperity Coaching HERE

Within a 21-day self-guided journey to more peace and calm in your nervous system and life. HERE

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Click HERE for the Show Notes.

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