After a delicious Japanese breakfast in our ryokan and 4 hours of train, we reached Kyoto. We dropped our luggage at the Gran Via Kyoto hotel, which is located just above the JR train station, then met the concierge Yoshino-san, who had done an excellent job securing the three restaurant reservations we wanted. Before our arrival, he not only called the restaurants, but also checked what type of seating we wished and if we had any allergies. When we met, he provided printed train schedules, directions in Japanese for taxi drivers, and even photos of the restaurant entrances! How could service get any better than this?
First stop: the Nishiki Ichiba (Nishiki Market) in Central Kyoto. It is not really a market, but a covered shopping street than spans over several blocks that sells mostly foodstuff.
We then went to the Kyoto Imperial Palace which turned out to be much better than the Tokyo Palace. The passionate English-speaking guide definitely improved the experience.
After the Palace, back to the center for some shopping along Shijo dori, Teramachi arcade and Kawaramachi dori, before dinner at Ganko Sushi.
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