🧳Luggage Forwarding Services
As we planned to return our rental cars in Hakone and catch a train from Odawara Station to Kyoto, we inquired about the luggage forwarding service before we arrived. We were told that there were no pre-booking on our part. Instead, all we needed to do was to approach the front office staff on the morning of our departure date to arrange for the courier service. This convenient option allowed us to utilize the courier service from Hyatt Regency Hakone to Kyoto, and the courier charges was determined by the size of the luggage. Luggage that was sent off by 12 noon at the Hyatt Hakone, should be delivered to our apartment in Kyoto the following day. I would recommend confirming with your next destination to ensure they can receive your luggage in the event that you are not in to receive it.
After checking out and handing over our luggage to the concierge, we drove to Odawara Station where we would be catching the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Arriving at the station, my husband dropped us off before proceeding to return the car, conveniently located adjacent to the station. For added convenience, I highly recommend downloading the Ex App. Through this app, we seamlessly purchased our Shinkansen tickets and benefited from the ease of simply scanning the ticket QR code at the gate, bypassing the need for physical ticket exchange upon entry.
🚂 Discover the wonders of Japan’s railway history at the Kyoto Railway Museum! 🚆
The Kyoto Railway Museum is a must go attraction for our train enthusiast boys where you can immerse yourself in the evolution of locomotives, from steam engines to bullet trains, through interactive exhibits and beautifully preserved trains. Located in the heart of Kyoto, this museum offers a fascinating journey through Japan’s rich railway heritage.
🚶♂️ Getting there from Kyoto Train Station is a breeze! After reaching Kyoto Train station, we changed to the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line) towards Sonobe and ride for just one stop to Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can also take a leisurely 15-minute stroll directly from Kyoto Station to the museum
Purchasing our tickets via klook was a breeze, without a need to exchange for physical tickets to gain entry. The Kyoto Railway Museum welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the final admission at 5:00 p.m. Please note that the museum is closed on Wednesdays. Admission fees are 1,200 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, with discounted rates available for students.
Upon entering, the boys were amazed by the extensive collection of trains, interactive displays, and hands-on experiences such as stimulate driving of a locomotive and and they had the chance to step aboard historic trains. We first explored the indoor Promenade area which is nearest to the entrance, where it houses many different trains.
Next, we went outdoor where many steam locomotives were displayed in the garage. The boys were amazed by the steam train huffing and puffing away as this was their first time seeing one. We even bought the tickets to experience riding n the steam train!
Continuing our exploration, we move on to Level 2, where we encountered numerous interactive exhibits and a spacious play area designed for children. While Level 2 also hosts restaurants, we didn’t have the opportunity to dine there, as we were short on time! Fortunately, we ate when we were en route to Kyoto by train. When i could finally drag the boys out of the museum, the souvenir shop had closed, and Hengboi was a little disappointed. I would suggest allocating at least 5 hours here to properly explore the museum.
Check in Kyoto Apartment
Kyoto R&RUN Service Apartment Suites
Address: Daikoku-cho, Higashiiri, Yanaginobamba, Rokkaku-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8073
Since our brother decided to venture off and explore Nagoya with his family, we took the opportunity to secure a service apartment capable of accommodating our group of 6 adults and 3 children. This spacious apartment boasts three bedrooms, with two furnished with beds and one featuring traditional tatami bedding. Additionally, two bathrooms provide ample convenience, while a fully equipped kitchen and dining area with cutlery ensures comfortable dining experiences. With a washing machine included, we could tackle laundry tasks, which have become increasingly necessary halfway through our journey. Conveniently situated, the apartment is located within a 10-minute walk from both Shijo Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line and Subway Karasuma Oike Station. Furthermore, the renowned Nishiki Market is merely a 4-minute stroll away, while a nearby convenience store can be reached in just 20 seconds.
Dinner at Masuichi
Address: 517-1 Kikuyacho Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8127 Kyoto Prefecture
We were recommended Yakinikuya Masuichi Hachijoguchi restaurant by our host, which was walking distance from our apartment. While a little pricey, this place serves authentic yakiniku with a wide variety of meats from lean to fatty cuts and other side dishes and is suitable for kids too.
