Yes we went from Tokyo and it didn’t take that long either. We took the Yamanote line from Shinagawa to Tokyo Station (10 mins?) then caught the train to the Disney station called Maihama. Once you get there you go on the Disney monorail to either Disney Sea or Tokyo Disney. It sounds way more complicated than it actually is. I think overall it took us around 45 mins.

Depending where you stay you will be different but if you aim for Tokyo Station you will be fine.

Isn’t Japan fab ? So much to see, and easy enough. I did an organised coach trip a few years ago and saw quite a few more remote or costal areas where there were no stations. I didn’t do Disney - it wasn’t on the itinerary although we had a couple of free days in Tokyo so I could have fitted it in.

Thank you, that’s really helpful!

We stayed at the Kyoto Century Hotel which was next to Kyoto Station. The location was great for us as we were doing so many day trips from there but to be honest the room was a bit disappointing and small compared to our Tokyo hotel which was great. I would probably try a different hotel if we go back to Kyoto although the staff were excellent and very helpful.

I loved it and although we did a lot there is still so much to see. We will have to go back!

Thanks, that is helpful. The Kyoto Century hotel is one that we were looking at, so it is great to get feedback on it. Sounds like you had a fab trip

Don’t worry about the language barrier - most people we came across had some knowledge of English but even when they don’t it is amazing how much communication can be done with hands and nodding. My husband was laughing watching me “talking” to people on the busses in Kyoto.

The temple is called Toji Temple and the market is on the 21st of each month. There is also another one on the 15th of the month which I read has more handmade items which I would have liked to have gone to. Depending when you are there I think other temples have markets too.

I bought hand printed fabric, a handmade purse, lots of scraps of leather which had handmade printed on them (I will use them on my sewing). Pin cushions and some second hand bits and pieces like little pots. There are loads of second hand kimono stalls but I thought they smelt musty so didn’t buy one although I had planned to for using the fabric. I also bought Japanese wooden dolls (only the largest one in the photo was bought at the market

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I love the dolls I will look out for some while we are there. Unfortunately we are only in Kyoto for one day on 5th so looks like we will miss the markets.

Thanks

Louise

I love the dolls I will look out for some while we are there. Unfortunately we are only in Kyoto for one day on 5th so looks like we will miss the markets.

Thanks

Louise[/QUOTE]
The other two dolls were bought in a little second hand shop in Nara. The smallest was only 100 yen and the other 500 yen which I thought was cheap. It was just luck I spotted them on our way to a temple.

Your trip sounds amazing. I’m hoping to go to Japan in 2021 (flying from Edinburgh as well). My daughter will be 11 by then so a trip to Disneysea and Disneyland is definitely on the cards along with Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone and Hiroshima. Did you fly into Narita or Haneda and where about in Tokyo did you stay? Did you use a luggage forwarding company between the cities or just carry your suitcases on the train? Can I ask what size suitcases you used as I’ve been recommended to take medium ones but have a feeling I’d never get everything I plan to buy into one if I did!

Thanks

Following along - research for a future trip!