Monday, July 20, 2015

Golden Week in Kyoto May 2015 - Machiya Stay, The Kyoto Trail

   

I was lucky to find a simple yet furnished guesthouse for foreign tourists in Kyoto which was still available  fro the GW in late March. This guesthouse is run by a French company named "Vivre le Japon", its English name is Japan Experience and I have been thinking that one day I'd like to stay in one of them. Most of their guesthouses are commonly Japanese style, but they are renovated to attract  international tourists.  I found the information on the internet and I got interested in their concept. Price per night seems to be the same throughout the year even during the GW, summer vacation season etc. It's quite affordable.  They also have several similar houses in Kyoto, Tokyo and Kanazawa and they are rent out for 4 nights minimum.


The Entrance Hall

Bed Room


Bathroom
Lounge



It all started when we were discussing our activities for the GW with my friends.  I came up with an idea and said, "How about Kyoto? Let's enjoy the Kyoto Trail!"

The Kyoto Trails is a 70km long hiking trail in the mountains which surround the city of Kyoto.  It goes from Fushimi(伏見稲荷) to Arashiyama(嵐山) and famous Kiyomizu(清水), Hiei(比叡山) , Kurama(鞍馬) can be visited on its way.  The trail is taken care of not only by Kyoto Municipal,  but also local train companies and thus it is loved by Kyoto people.

The Kyoto Trail

Kyoto is surrounded by low mountains. Due to its landscape, it's very hot in summer and it's very cold in winter though...  But it means we can access easily to the nature. When you are bored visiting old temples and shrines, try to go for it and you'll be relaxed.


We planned to run and walk on the trail for 4 days.