We checked out from our Osaka apartment and continues our adventure to Kyoto. It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. No pass were purchased during out stay in Kyoto. We bought tickets individually from ticket machines.

I would say that Kyoto is a mix of the old and new. Modern buildings collide with the Edo age architecture. It's exciting to see 2 different generations in one place. Our apartment is situated nearby to Nishi-Muko train station. It takes about 20 minutes walk to our host place. 

This time, I chose to stay with the host and her husband. Reason because I wanted to experience the day in and day out activities of the local. My host is a part time music teacher. So expect to have small kids coming over to have their piano lessons in the morning. She has 2 kids, a boy and a girl. Her daughter studies in the Philippines and her son works in Tokyo. She don't speak English but we used sign language to communicate. She was kind enough to borrow us her bicycles so that we don't have to walk in the cold to get to the train station. Some host will provide bicycle for their guest. This is provided in the itinerary when you book via AirBnb.