Cycling in Kyoto
14 May 2013 – Kyoto
By mid day, we arrived in Kyoto and put our back packs in a locker located in station. In Kyoto station, you can find several stores showcasing sort of traditional Japan sweets. Obviously, we were soon attracted by one store. I have no idea how many variants they have. They all look good and tempting. To stop our greediness and shameless gaze on those sweets, we quickly decided to buy their Top 4 items. Is it too greedy? haha, we just cant control ourselves.
Afterwards, we went to the nearest bicycle rental shop named Kyoto Cycling Tour Project or KCTP. It takes only 7 minutes walking from Kyoto station. They have several types of bicycle, with fee range from 1.000 to 2.000 yen per day. Regardless of how many hours you are going to use the bike, they strictly charge you daily. The shop runs from 9.00 to 19.00. They also provide a cycling map for only 100 yen, if you need it.
Cycling in Kyoto is definitely recommended. It gives you quite a memorable experience. They have wide side road and the road structure is even, which makes it safe and not too tiring for cycling. Kyoto is beautiful. You can feel the fusion of modern and traditional japanese culture. I like strolling around Teramachi and Shijo dori. There are lots and lots of cute store selling cute stuffs. The weather at that time was nice too, we got sunshine and cool breeze, simply perfect!
We checked in the hotel at around 15.30 and asked for a package from sim card rental company. We fixed our ipad according to the guidance given. and taa daa…. we had full internet connection where ever we go. This, i have to admit that tech rocks! It was super awesome. No more difficulties when buying subway ticket, no more stopping in the the wrong station, no more starring-the-board-moment.. You can browse for any information you want, from the most recommended local food and train time table, to almost anything you can think of. Yeay for happy simple journey. For this too, i should thank google, google maps, hyperdia, and trip advisor.
We rent the sim card from Global Advanced Communications. Beside sim card, they also provide iPhone and Android phone. Since we already bring our iPad along, we only need the sim card. It costed 8.800 yen for 14 days, only for internet service, no voice call. We ask them to deliver it to our hotel in Kyoto. If you like, you can request for delivery to airport.
Rent a sim card is very simple. You need to fill in the order form first. Wait for the confirmation email, while they are checking the availability. Then, they will email you the link to complete the payment. Its better to make the order a week before your departure, in case the sim card is not available.
