Fastest and Cheapest Way To Get To Kyoto From Tokyo

Above, JR Kyoto Station, where Gamera and Irys had their final battle in Gamera 3. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most interesting cities in Japan is its ancient capital, Kyoto.

For those who have never been to Kyoto, it should be included in all Japan travel itineraries. There are many ways to get to Kyoto (my preference is by shinkansen) and Tokyo Cheapo has an article on them.

They start it with:

Tokyo and Kyoto, along with neighboring Osaka, are usually at the top of the itinerary when you visit Japan. Tokyo is commonly regarded as a hub of modernity, whereas Kyoto is seen as a city of tradition. The distance between the two is roughly 450km, so how do you get from Tokyo to Kyoto? 

There are plenty of ways, and what to choose depends on whether you consider time or cost to be more important. Probably your best bet is getting the amazing-value Japan Rail Pass, especially if you have more than just Tokyo and Kyoto on your itinerary. If it’s just one Tokyo to Kyoto trip, consider getting a discounted round-trip bullet train package. But read on for the full low-down.

Of coure, taking the shinkansen will have visitors arrive at the JR Kyoto Station, where Gamera had the final battle with Irys in Gamera 3 (1999). So right off, kaiju fans will visit a monster movie location.

To read more, go here. 

Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump

Above, Kyoto Tower. The new attraction is located
 in its observation deck. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

How would you like to bungee jump from the stage of Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto? Well, from now to December 24 you can! 

Well, sort of.

Kyoto Tower (blasted by Godzilla in Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II in 1993) has opened the Kyoto Tower Virtual Reality Bungee Jump attraction. 

According to The Asahi Shimbun:

KYOTO--Kiyomizudera, one of the nation's most celebrated temples, is known for its wooden stage built off the main hall that offers panoramic views of the hillsides below.
While no one would advise anyone to contemplate the 13-meter leap from the stage, 

those wanting to experience the thrill of a steep jump can now do so at Kyoto Tower in complete safety, courtesy of virtual reality. 

Thrill seekers don VR goggles while seated in special chairs 34 meters above ground on the observation deck of the structure in the city’s Shimogyo Ward.

Above, the stage of Kiyomizu-dera. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Kyoto Tower is located just across the street from the JR Kyoto Station (where Gamera and Irys had their final battle in Gamera 3).

To read more, go here. 

Typhoon Damages JR Kyoto Station's Roof

Above, JR Kyoto Station in 2015. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Not since the battle between Gamera and Irys in Gamera 3 (1999) that tore apart the inside of the JR Kyoto Station has there been a calamity there.

The typhoon (Typhoon Jebi) that rolled (and smashed) into Japan this week caused some parts of the roof to collapse at Kyoto Station.

To see the damage, go here.