京都 - Kyoto

This is our first real trip since moving to Japan in March. We used to be a long distance couple and traveled between cities a lot, so it feels weird to not travel for months. Fortunately we managed to be together during this crazy time.

I have Marriott Vacation Club Points that I usually use for business travels. Since this year all exhibitions, meetings and events are cancelled, my points have piled up and I decided to use it for a summer birthday trip and meet friends in Kyoto.

The shinkansen is really quiet even though it is Obon holiday.

Really appreciate the details in Ritz Carlton Kyoto. The Pierre Hermé birthday chocolates are delicious!

Besides 1 night free when you stay 4 nights, Platinum Bonvoy Members get room upgrade (love the Kamogawa River view), free breakfast (it got a bit boring after 4 days and we skipped breakfast on the last day).

We joined the Sunday activities: soap making and a short art tour. Love the special chandelier. The lighting in the hotel is superb.

Had my dose of Pierre Hermé macarons there too.

Cute placement of the stick. It tastes good but not that special in my opinion.

Crazy hot day but the sky was beautiful

There were tourists but definitely not like usual Kyoto. It was very calming. Too bad it was raining.

Love this. Much better than the more famous chain. Slightly more expensive but it is still a good deal!

Despite the weird name, this is probably the best shoyu base ramen I’ve ever eaten. It was worth the wait (under strong summer sun).

Time to go home. I miss Fukuoka already!