Ep 125: Kyoto on Points:What We Did, What We Loved & What I'd Do Differently

Sometimes going on a trip is better than no trip at all and our three nights in Kyoto proved it. We fit in so much, I have zero regrets, and I'm sharing everything: what we did, what I'd do differently, and why you don't have to do it perfectly to have an incredible time. In This Episode You'll Learn ✔ How we got from Tokyo to Kyoto on the bullet train using the Smart Ex app and what we learned about IC cards (Suica vs. ICOCA) for the whole family ✔ Why we stayed at the Hyatt Place Kyoto and how we booked it using free night certificates and points ✔ Our honest review of Nishiki Market what to eat, how much time to give yourself, and how it's cash only ✔ What the Samurai Ninja Museum experience was actually like (hint: throwing stars and blowing darts are involved) ✔ The Sakura Light Festival at Nijo Castle, a cherry blossom illumination event I stumbled upon that ended up being magical ✔ Why I switched our Day 2 plans and prioritized Fushimi Inari first, and why I'd do it again ✔ The VoiceMap app walking tour that made Fushimi Inari one of the coolest experiences of the whole trip ✔ The "secret" bamboo grove at Fushimi Inari, what I know, what I couldn't find, and what I'd do differently ✔ Our full Nara day: feeding the deer (it's a little chaotic, here's what to know), seeing the Great Buddha, and why both my kids said Nara was their favorite ✔ Ramen Row at Kyoto Station how to find it, why it's worth it, and what we ordered ✔ The kimono fitting and tea ceremony at Camellia Flower Tea House in the Gion district why I'd book it earlier next time and what I wish I'd known ✔ Why I didn't book dinner reservations that last evening and why that was the right call ✔ Seven-Eleven Japan breakfast the smoothie machines, egg salad sandwiches, and the whipped cream fruit sandwich my daughter was obsessed with ✔ How to think about early mornings vs. real rest when you're traveling with kids This Episode Is Especially Helpful If... You're planning a family trip to Japan and trying to figure out how to actually fit Kyoto in You want to use Hyatt points or free night certificates for Japan travel You're overwhelmed by "do everything perfectly or don't go" thinking and need permission to just go You're trying to decide between the big Kyoto sights, Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Nara, the Gion district, and what to prioritize You love the idea of meaningful, immersive travel experiences (like a tea ceremony or a shrine walk) but also want practical logistics You're traveling with kids or teens and need a real, honest take on pacing Resources & Mentioned in This Episode Smart Ex App — for purchasing bullet train (Shinkansen) tickets online Suica Card / ICOCA Card — IC transit cards for trains and subways in Japan Hyatt Place Kyoto — booked on free night certificates and points, one king bed and one twin bed rooms could be adjoining Nishiki Market — cash only; great for Wagyu beef, mochi with strawberries, green tea boba, homemade donuts and so much more Samurai Ninja Museum, Kyoto — interactive ninja experience + samurai museum guided tour; add the ninja experience add-on if you have kids Sakura Light Festival at Nijo Castle — cherry blossom illuminations, outdoor market, and optional evening performance (seasonal) Fushimi Inari Taisha — free to visit; Dorothy highly recommends the VoiceMap walking tour Golden Pavilion— A single loop around Kinkakuji temple VoiceMap App — self-guided audio walking tours; ~$10 each, one account works on two phones Nara Park — deer feeding, the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple  Ramen Row, Kyoto Station — 10th floor; multiple ramen restaurants, including a vegan/gluten-free option Camellia Flower Tea House, Gion — book via Viator; kimono add-on available 1 hour or more before your tea time (book earlyit sells out!) Gion District, Kyoto — pagoda, lantern-lit streets, shops, shrines; beautiful at night Seven-Eleven Japan — smoothie machines, hard boiled eggs, whipped cream fruit sandwiches, egg salad sandwiches, protein bars; ATMs inside work with MasterCard debit Loved This Episode? If this inspired you to take the trip, do the thing, and stop waiting for the perfect moment, I would be so grateful if you'd leave a review! It helps more women find this podcast and get the inspiration and tools they need to live fully. Thank you so much, love. 🤍 _____________________________________________________________________  Beyond Travel Ways to Work Together:  2 Week Mini Coaching and Lift Library for 3 Months Details HERE Peace & Prosperity Coaching HERE Within a 21-day self-guided journey to more peace and calm in your nervous system and life. HERE _____________________________________________________ Click HERE for the Show Notes.     📲 Let’s Connect: Connect with me on Instagram - @dorothymcgatlin Connect with me on Facebook - Dorothy McGatlin