The original itinerary for this cruise included an overnight stay in Osaka. Our initial plan was to spend today exploring Osaka, then visit Kyoto tomorrow. Due to the itinerary change, we had to pick between Osaka and Kyoto, so we chose to book the Kyoto On Your Own excursion ($159/pp).
I was in Observation Lounge early this morning when Silver Moon was approaching the port of Osaka.
It is a real shame that we will not get to spend time exploring Osaka because it looks like an amazing city.
The Kyoto On Your Own “excursion” is basically nothing more than a 90-minute coach ride from Osaka to the train station in Kyoto.
We were dropped off in front of the Kyoto train station where we were able to grab an Uber to take us on a 40-minute drive to the Bamboo Forest. We were informed that we needed to be back to the coach by 3:30pm for the drive back to Osaka. This would get us back to Silver Moon by 5:00pm.
The Bamboo Forest was actually pretty cool and something I would recommend. We walked the paths through the forest for the better part of an hour.
Bamboo Forest
After visiting the Bamboo Forest, we ordered another Uber to take us to the Golden Pavilion (a 20-minute drive). Fortunately, Uber rides are readily available, as are taxis. And, the Uber vehicles are very clean, new and cost effective. The admission to the Golden Pavilion was about $10 for both of us and it was a good walk through beautiful grounds. However, it was very crowded here. Still, this was a must-see attraction.
Golden Pavilion
After spending about an hour touring the Golden Pavilion grounds, we ordered an Uber to take us back to the Kyoto Train Station. The driver dropped us off at a location that did not look familiar to us. We could not find our coach anywhere. Turns out, we were on the opposite side of the train station! Fortunately, we had seen a McDonalds when we got off the motor coach so we used that as our landmark. After asking train station information personnel where the McDonalds was located, they informed us that it was on the opposite side of the train station. I tell this story because the guide on our coach should have provided us with a card showing the address of where the coach pick-up spot was, or, a phone number we could call. We got nothing. Thankfully, we got back to the train station with plenty of time to figure out where the coach was and find our way back.
Tonight we had reservations at Kaisecki for dinner ($40/pp).
The meal started with an Amuse Bouche of Edamame beans and some sort of savory custard. Both were good.
Amuse Bouche
We both had the mushroom soup starter, which was good. For her main course, Rickee ordered the tempura shrimp and vegetables. The tempura was a bit soggy.
Mushroom soup
Tempura
Even though it was not on the menu, I asked for a Spicy Tuna Roll. To our surprise, it appeared that no sushi chef was present behind the counter. There were sashimi items on the menu, so I presume they are pre-made? Our waitress had to ask the manager if it was possible for me to get a Maki roll and she was told that I could, but it may take some time. I am guessing that they called the sushi chef and brought him to the restaurant just to make my tuna roll. If that is the case, then it was pretty impressive that they would go to that extent to fulfill my request. After I received my tuna roll, we never saw the sushi chef again!
Spicy Tuna Roll
For my main course, I asked if I could try both the Waygu steak and Chicken Katsu. They brought two full-size main courses. I question whether or not the beef was “Waygu” beef. If it was, it certainly was not a high grade of Waygu. The flavor and tenderness were fine, but it was nothing special. The Chicken Katsu was the better dish. It was a perfectly breaded and deep fried chicken breast served with a Katsu sauce.
Chicken Katsu
Waygu Beef?
Overall, the dinner at Kaisecki was the best meal we have had so far on this cruise. Was it worth an extra $40 per person? Probably. Tomorrow, Silver Moon will be in Kochi, Japan.
