Morning
Shinkansen to Kyoto
Take the bullet train to Kyoto Station. Booked & confirmed.
Booked: Hikari 639 · Shinagawa 10:40 → Kyoto 13:12 (Jul 21) · 4 reserved seats
Note: This departs from Shinagawa Station, not Tokyo Station — from hotel MONday Asakusa, allow ~45 min to get to Shinagawa (walk or taxi to the Toei Asakusa Line, then ride direct). Aim to arrive 20–30 min early.
Tip: Sit on the right side in the direction of travel (toward Kyoto) for potential Mt. Fuji views, roughly 40–45 min in near Shin-Fuji.
Ekiben (Train Bento)
Buy a bento box at Shinagawa Station before boarding — eating ekiben on the shinkansen is a quintessential Japan experience!
Where: Ekiben shops are inside the Shinagawa shinkansen gates and on the concourse.
Afternoon
Kyoto Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Kyoto Station, head to hotel, drop bags, freshen up.
Light Kyoto Stroll
Easy walk to get oriented. Explore the riverside, neighborhood streets, and get a feel for Kyoto's pace — it's noticeably different from Tokyo.
Evening
Dinner + Rest
Find a local spot for dinner. Kyoto is famous for kaiseki (traditional multi-course), but tonight can be casual — you have three full Kyoto days ahead.
Tomorrow: Fushimi Inari and Higashiyama!
Train — Booked
Shinkansen — BOOKED & CONFIRMED
Hikari 639 · Shinagawa 10:40 → Kyoto 13:12 · Jul 21 · 4 reserved seats. Departs Shinagawa, not Tokyo Station — leave the Asakusa hotel with time to spare.
Packing Tip
Grab breakfast supplies from a konbini near the hotel the night before — a quick in-room breakfast saves time and money before a busy Kyoto morning.
Family Notes
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