[2018] Solo Trip - Local Breakfast in Nagoya, To Kyoto via Shinkansen Kodama , Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto and Late Lunch at SVB

For the last morning in Nagoya, decided to have breakfast ala Nagoya-style Kissa-ten (coffeeshop) and the nearest one to the hotel is at Komeda Coffee. Went there early around 7.30 am and waited for about 10 minutes before getting a table. Interestingly, the coffeeshop has section for smoking and non-smoking but within the same shop. So, inevitably one would get the drifted smoke at the non-smoking section too.

Komeda Coffee Kissa-ten

モーニングセット (morning set)

It was drizzling that morning, so was eager to get that cup of hot coffee and to fill-up the tummy before heading towards to Kyoto. Kyoto is just about 50 minutes away from Nagoya via Shinkansen.

ice water, and warm towel

There were 3 options for the breakfast set, and one just need to purchase a cup of coffee and the bread is complimentary. Sweet! So, I got myself a black coffee and milk served on the side, with Ogura toast (red bean toast).

モーニングセット

nice cup

little bit

Ogura toast (小倉トースト)

What I liked about the Ogura toast, was the well buttered crispy toast and the red bean was really tasty and not too sweet. Happy to be able to enjoy as the locals do.

The train to Kyoto was at 11.46am, hence it was back to the hotel to pack-up and do the necessary check-out before making sure I was at the right platform for the the train. We all know how punctual these transportations are in Japan.

Shinkansen Kodama こだま

Interestingly, Kodama is the slowest Shinkansen when compared to Nozomi. For Japan Rail Pass, am unable to use it on Nozomi nor Mizuho so I was travelling mostly on either Hikari, or Kodama for long distances and local trains.

reserved seats

let's go to Kyoto

It was drizzling on the way to Kyoto but luckily, it wasn't raining in Kyoto itself. From Kyoto Station, take the subway to Shijo Station. I'd be staying at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma.

It is within walking distance of Shijo Station but I think I missed the hotel and managed to walk past it without realising. Hahaaa! So ended up longer than expected.

By far, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijo-Karasuma has the prettiest facade. Inside the room, actually all of them had the same standard configuration and amenities.

walked past this from across the road, before realising that's Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto Shijokarasuma

ahh, now the signages are seen clearly

nice walkway

take the lift to the lobby at Level 2

my room at Level 4

there's a laundry room at Level 4

Single Room (Non-Smoking)

This hotel was the priciest for this trip at about SGD450 for 2 nights for a single room. But good thing was, it is very near Nishiki Market which was one of the places that I wanted to visit while in Kyoto.

favourite past time at night

bathroom, looks exactly like the one in Kinshicho

Ok, let's go see what to eat for lunch. Went to Nishiki Market but it was too crowded and I was really hungry. The thought of jostling with warm bodies for food, was well..not something that I'd had energy for at that time.

crowds outside of Nishiki Market

crowded inside

maybe grab some bread?

Ok, I walked and walked and finally decided to have lunch at a place that looks like a Machiya (町屋/町家).

Spring Valley Brewery

It was already 2.30pm when I decided to have lunch. Staff was rather surprised but still welcoming to a solo diner. Here is the link to SVB Kyoto website.

interior

Placed my order fairly quickly and selected their weekend set lunch and it came with a small beer. Yay to the thirst quencher that I needed.

outside view from my seat

cheers to "Copeland" beer

salad

Salad was served and although it was part of the set, the portion was quite generous. Loved the taste!

main course - roast beef don

let it flow

There's rice below the roast beef that has been drizzled with soy wasabi mix. I liked the flavours and very good portion for a set lunch price.

last bite

After the sumptous meal with the refreshing beer, there's also coffee to end the meal. This weekend set lunch was really value for money at only ¥1500 (~SGD19). The small beer itself would have costs about ¥480 (~SGD6) on its own.

coffee

Dinner that night was just snacks from Daimaru Department Store. Hehe, from its basement food hall.

fried oysters

Montblanc from Mon Cher

The montblanc from モンシェール 大丸京都店 (Mon Cher Daimaru Kyoto) was so good! 

there's a layer of cake inside

The next day, I had planned a day trip out to Himeji. For some sightseeing!