Kyoto's Chion-In Wajun Kaikan: Secrets You WON'T Believe!
Kyoto's Chion-In Wajun Kaikan: Secrets You WON'T Believe! (Honestly, I'm Still Processing…)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. Forget those perfectly polished travel blogs. This is me, spilling the tea (or, you know, the matcha, because Kyoto) on Chion-In Wajun Kaikan. I just got back, and honestly? My brain is still a kaleidoscope of experiences. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, because this place… well, let's just say it's not your average cookie-cutter hotel.
(First, a disclaimer: I'm no travel guru. I'm just someone who likes pretty things, good food, and a decent Wi-Fi connection. And sometimes, I get a little too enthusiastic… you've been warned.)
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Hmm…"
Right off the bat, I'll say this: Wheelchair accessible is definitely a selling point. I didn't travel with anyone in a wheelchair, but the website promised it. Now, I saw Elevator and the usual Facilities for disabled guests. This is Kyoto, not exactly known for its sprawling, level landscapes. So, give 'em a little leeway.
Internet Woes (and Wows!):
Internet access is a must-have for me. Like, I need to upload my Insta stories. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) And thankfully, the Internet [LAN] and general Internet services were solid in my room. A small victory, I feel. Wi-Fi in public areas? Worked just fine, thankfully. I spent hours in the lobby sipping coffee and obsessing over my travel itinerary.
Things to Do (and Ways to Lose Myself):
This place is built around the Chion-In Temple, which is part of the draw. Shrine, check. (And it's stunning.) But the real escape? The spa and sauna. Trust me, after a long day of temple hopping, you'll need it. I'm talking Sauna, Steamroom, and treatments like Body scrub and Body wrap. (I didn't get the body wrap, but I seriously considered it.) And the pool with a view? Okay, I'm not a huge pool person, but the views are breathtaking. More on that later…
Cleanliness, COVID-19, and My Slightly-OCD Brain:
Listen, I'm a little neurotic about germs. Okay, a lot. So, I really paid attention to the hygiene situation. The hotel clearly took it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Room sanitization opt-out available were all reassuring. I'm a sucker for Hand sanitizer being placed just about everywhere. Rooms sanitized between stays. Individually-wrapped food options. It gave me peace of mind. I appreciated it.
Dining, Drinking, and Debauchery (Okay, Maybe Not Debauchery):
Alright, food. This is where things got interesting. Restaurants, plural. I devoured an Asian breakfast every morning (noodle soups, rice cakes, all that gorgeous stuff). The Breakfast [buffet] was a serious spread. And while I'm not normally a buffet person (too much temptation!), it was top-notch. There was a Vegetarian restaurant option too.
Now, let's talk about the Poolside bar. This, my friends, is where the magic happened. I had a couple of cocktails watching the sunset. The Happy hour specials were generous (and much-needed after a long day of exploring).
The food within the restaurant itself? A la carte in restaurant was great, it was also nice, if you are missing home, it was nice to have Western cuisine in restaurant if you so desired.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Big Difference:
24-hour Front desk? Yes, please. Concierge? Always a godsend. Daily housekeeping? My room was always spotless. I'm a big fan of the Luggage storage as someone who likes to arrive many hours before my flight. The Gift/souvenir shop was a lifesaver for last-minute presents.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
I didn't have any kids with me, but the hotel seemed pretty family-friendly. Babysitting service is a big plus. I saw families enjoying themselves, which, well, that's adorable.
In My Room: My Personal Sanctuar
Okay, let's be real here. This is where the hotel really shines.
- Air conditioning in public area? Yes, it was a godsend in the Kyoto heat.
- Air conditioning? Absolutely. Essential.
- Alarm clock? A must. I have trouble waking up.
- Bathrobes? Luxurious and comfy.
- Bathroom phone? A bit retro, but hey, why not?
- Bathtub? Perfect for soaking after a day of wandering.
- Blackout curtains? Sleep is a sacred thing.
- Closet? Plenty of space for my clothes.
- Coffee/tea maker? Crucial.
- Complimentary tea? YES.
- Desk? Ideal for catching up on work (or, you know, Instagram).
- Extra long bed? I love the extra space!.
- Free bottled water? Hydration is important!.
- Hair dryer? Always a must.
- In-room safe box? Made me feel secure.
- In-room safe box? I LOVE THE EXTRA SPACE!
- Non-smoking? Always a plus.
- Private bathroom? Yes, please.
- Reading light? Essential for late-night bookworms (like me).
- Refrigerator? Keep those drinks cold.
- Separate shower/bathtub? Luxury!
- Shower? Works perfectly?.
- Slippers? Cozy!
- Smoke detector? Safety first!
- Soundproofing? Helped me to sleep deeply.
- Telephone? In case of emergencies.
- Toiletries? Nice quality.
- Wake-up service? Handy.
- Wi-Fi [free]? Thank goodness!
- Window that opens? Yes, I like the breeze.
Now, for the Really Good Stuff (and a Few Gripes):
The Spa Experience: An Unexpected Epiphany
Remember that pool with a view I mentioned? Okay, so the pool itself wasn't amazing. But the view… the view was of the city and the mountains, and at dawn… it was absolutely breathtaking. I think I spent about an hour sitting on the edge of the pool, watching the city slowly wake up, feeling like I was floating. It sounds corny, I know, but it was a moment. A real moment. That alone made the trip worth it.
(Rambling warning…) I had a massage, and it was incredible. Seriously one of the best massages ever. I'm talking deep tissue, knots kneaded, everything. I came out feeling like a new person. I think I floated back to my room.
The Quirks: Because Perfection is Boring
Okay, here’s the thing. Chion-In Wajun Kaikan isn’t without its quirks. I’m talking a certain kind of old-school Japan charm. Some of the decor felt a little… dated. I mean, I'm talking about the little details that aren't quite modern. But honestly? I liked it. It felt authentic. It wasn’t trying to be something it wasn’t. And I'm all about authenticity.
The Downside… (And the Redemption):
The biggest challenge? The breakfast buffet was a bit too extensive. Seriously. I'm talking a dizzying array of choices. I spent about 30 minutes each morning just wandering around trying to decide what to eat. Not a real problem, I know, but still… first world problems.
Overall thoughts:
This hotel offers the whole package, and there is also a sense of uniqueness and it is truly a great place to recharge, which is what you need after the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.
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Escape to Paradise: Golden Sun Boutique Hotel, Luang Prabang
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-polished travel brochure. This is me, heading into the heart of Kyoto at Chion-In Wajun Kaikan, and it's gonna be a glorious, messy, and hopefully hilarious adventure. Consider yourself warned.
Chion-In Wajun Kaikan: My Kyoto Chaos Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Tatami Mats)
Day 1: Arrival & Zen-Induced Mild Panic
10:00 AM: Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX). Jet lag? Oh, honey, it's a way of life. After a brutal 13-hour flight, my brain feels like a scrambled egg, and my legs are plotting an escape. Finding the right train to Kyoto? Let the games begin! I, a person who gets lost in her own house, am now navigating a Japanese train station. Wish me luck. Might need a shot of sake to get through this, or several.
12:00 PM: Finally, finally, on the train. Kyoto is slowly unfolding outside the window, all temples and tiny gardens and impossibly polite people. I feel a profound sense of calm and also, a nagging worry that I'm going to accidentally break something. (Me and delicate antiques do not mix, trust me.)
2:00 PM: Arrive at Chion-In Wajun Kaikan. Okay. Wow. This place is… serene. Like, ridiculously serene. The traditional architecture, the meticulously raked gravel, the almost-silent air… It's enough to make a gal feel… inadequate. My (slightly too loud) suitcase wheels seem to echo down the hallway, as if I’m committing a cardinal sin of decorum.
2:30 PM: Check-in, and boy, is this place is beautiful! The staff is incredibly gracious, even though I'm pretty sure I butchered my attempt at saying "Konnichiwa" (it probably sounded like "konnichi-whaaat?"). My room is all sliding doors, tatami mats, and a teensy little balcony overlooking a courtyard. I’m instantly in love. I’m also immediately terrified of messing things up. Like, do I have to take my shoes off everywhere? Is there a secret code to opening these doors?
3:00 PM: (Important) I think I just sat on a very old ceremonial cushion because it looked comfy. I hope I didn't offend a god. I might be a little bit of an idiot.
4:00 PM: Wander (very carefully) the grounds. See a stunning temple and a garden. I'm pretty sure a koi fish gave me the side-eye. I took a deep breath, trying to channel my inner Zen master. Failed miserably, took a bunch of pictures with a cheesy peace signs, and then promptly tripped over a rock. Graceful, I am not.
6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel. Kaiseki. This is happening. I love food, but even I am intimidated by the parade of tiny, artfully arranged dishes. The presentation is incredible. The taste? Sublime. I'm pretty sure I ate something that was still alive, but I chose not to ask any questions. The sake flows, my worries begin to melt away. This is what being alive in Japan is about.
8:00 PM: Collapse on the futon. Start writing, and after a long pause, I realized I was writing about the futon! I am absolutely charmed. Is this what love feels like? My body and pillow has never been so close.
Day 2: Temple Hopping & Internal Existential Crisis
8:00 AM: Wake up feeling surprisingly refreshed! Maybe that futon is magical. Or maybe it’s the sake. Either way, breakfast is a delight: miso soup, rice, grilled fish… the works.
9:30 AM: Visit Sanjūsangen-dō Temple. This temple is famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, all lined up in perfect rows. It's literally breathtaking. I found myself wandering through the rows, completely spellbound by the artistry of the statues, and the sheer vastness of their number. 1,000 Buddhas, or whatever. A truly humbling experience.
11:00 AM: The stroll across the long hall is not a joke: it's a full-on 120 meter test of mettle. I walk the long hall, but then just stand there, utterly overwhelmed, and taking photos of statues for half an hour.
12:00 PM: Lunch in a tiny, cramped restaurant. The noodles were delicious, the conversation with the locals was baffling (I only know basic Japanese), but the people and surrounding was charming.
1:00 PM: I try to get into a gift shop and buy something, but am completely overwhelmed by the choices. I end up leaving empty-handed.
2:00 PM: Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion). It’s… gold. Shockingly, dazzlingly, gold. I’m pretty sure I got blinded by the reflection of my phone screen, but it's worth it. I saw a beautiful place to enjoy the water, and a beautiful spot for taking photos. The crowd is a nightmare.
3:00 PM: Tea Ceremony! I finally did it! It's supposed to be all about mindfulness, and appreciating the moment, but honestly, I was mostly worried about spilling the matcha all over myself. But the tea was good, and the whole experience was surprisingly meditative. I actually felt a little… serene. For like, five minutes.
4:00 PM: Back to the Wajun Kaikan. My brain is starting to feel like a mashed potato. I need a nap, or maybe just a giant pizza.
5:00 PM: I'm in my room, and I'm doing all of the things. I try to get into a book, but I get distracted. I try to edit my photos, but I keep getting pulled away. I try to journal, but it just all just comes a mess.
7:00 PM: Dinner. More Kaiseki! More sake! More tiny, delicious things I can't even pronounce. I'm starting to feel like a seasoned pro. I'm pretty sure I even managed to use chopsticks without stabbing myself in the eye.
9:00 PM: Wander the hotel grounds at night. The illuminated temples are pretty, and I am starting to relax. I’m starting to understand why everyone raves about this place.
Day 3: Farewell Kyoto (Sob!) & The Return to Messiness
8:00 AM: One last breakfast. I vow to try everything on the menu, even the things that look like they might be alive.
9:00 AM: Pack. Oh, the agony of packing! I am convinced I will never be able to fit everything (and the souvenirs!) back into my suitcase. Panic ensues.
10:00 AM: Check out. Say a heartfelt "Arigato gozaimasu" to the staff, feeling a pang of sadness to leave this sanctuary.
11:00 AM: I decide to use my last hour of Kyoto time to go to the Kyoto National Museum. Big mistake. After a few minutes, I walked out.
12:00 PM: On the train to the next destination. Reflecting on my time at Chion-In Wajun Kaikan. It wasn't perfect. I stumbled, I got lost, I ate things I didn't understand. But that's the beauty of it, right? It was real. It was messy. It was mine. And I loved every chaotic minute of it.
1:00 PM onwards: Next stop: wherever the world takes me. I'm ready for anything (as long as there's sake).
So, there you have it. My Kyoto adventure, in all its flawed, glorious glory. And remember, the best travel stories aren't the ones that go perfectly to plan. They're the ones that make you laugh, make you cringe, and make you want to do it all over again, even with the inevitable trip-ups. And now, time to go hunt for some real food.
Caorle Seafront Paradise: Stunning 2-Bedroom Apartment for 6!
Chion-In Wajun Kaikan: The Truth They DON'T Tell You (And I REALLY Wish They Did!)
Okay, so you're thinking of staying at the Chion-In Wajun Kaikan. Smart move… or maybe not. Let's be real, this place is… something. Forget the perfectly curated brochure pics. I'm here to spill the tea, and trust me, it's scalding.
What even IS the Wajun Kaikan? Like, what's the deal?
Alright, so the Wajun Kaikan is basically a temple lodging. Think: less luxury hotel, more "slightly upgraded monastery guest house." You're staying *inside* the sprawling Chion-In Temple complex, which is a HUGE plus. You get amazing access, but… you're also basically trapped in its vibe. And that vibe? Well, let's just say it's… serene. Maybe a little *too* serene for me, if I'm being honest.
Is the location actually as good as everyone says? (Because Kyoto's HUGE.)
Location? Gold star. You walk out the door, and BAM, you're *in* Chion-In. The gate alone is magnificent, that giant wooden thing (Sanmon Gate) is just ridiculous in size. And the whole area, Higashiyama, is jam-packed with amazing stuff. Kiyomizu-dera is walkable (kinda… it's a long walk, but doable if you're feeling ambitious and have decent shoes. My feet? Always regretted the fashion choices). Yasaka Pagoda? Close. Gion? A delightful, sometimes overwhelming, stroll away. You're GOLDEN. Seriously, it's a fantastic base. Just don't expect instant access to everything. Kyoto's BIG. You'll be exhausted, I can almost guarantee it.
Rooms – are they tiny, Japanese-style tiny? Are they *that* minimalist?
Oh, be prepared. Yes, they're… minimalist. Think clean lines, traditional tatami mats, maybe a small table. They embrace the Zen aesthetic, and that's fine. The lack of personal space is another matter! There's a futon, which you'll lay out yourself. It's surprisingly comfortable. But you're not getting a king-sized bed. And the bathroom… well, it’s functional. Think compact, often with a shower that's not exactly a spa experience. I almost broke my foot the first time I tried to find the light switch. It's very 'authentic', whatever that means. If you need a lot of room and you're used to luxury, you might have a tiny, silent breakdown.
Breakfast! What's the food like? Because I NEED to know.
The breakfast… OKAY, BREAKFAST. Here’s where it gets interesting. It's a traditional Buddhist meal, so expect things like miso soup, tofu, pickles, rice, maybe some grilled fish. It’s… healthy. Very, VERY healthy. The first morning, I stared at the array of unfamiliar foods with suspicion. I'm a bagel-and-coffee kind of person, okay? But it was actually… good! The flavors were subtle but there. I ended up loving the miso soup (who knew!). The rice was perfect. But if you NEED your bacon and eggs, you’re out of luck. Bring snacks. Seriously. You’ll thank me later. Especially for those late-night cravings...
Speaking of food, is there anywhere decent to EAT nearby?
Yes! Thank GOD, because the breakfast, while decent, is only once per day. You're in Higashiyama! Food is everywhere! Gion, with all its fancy restaurants, is close (but expensive). There are plenty of smaller, more affordable places dotted around. Ramen shops abound. Just wander around, get lost, and embrace the delicious chaos. I found a tiny udon place that became my absolute favorite. The best udon I've ever had. I literally started to tear up on the second day when I thought I wouldn't find it again. It's tucked away, but it was worth it. Now I just need to remember the street name... darn it! I should have written it down!
What about the noise? Is it super quiet all the time?
Mostly quiet. VERY mostly quiet. Remember, you're in temple territory. There will be early morning chanting. And temple bells. You’re either going to LOVE it, or you're going to want to claw your ears off. I’m a light sleeper. The first morning, the chanting woke me up. I grumbled. I considered throwing a pillow. Then I sat up and just listened. It was… strangely beautiful, actually. A bit overwhelming, but peaceful. The bells are intense, though. Prepare yourself.
Tell me about the *vibe*. Is it… too zen?
Okay, the vibe. This is where this place either clicks with you or… doesn't. It’s… intentional. It's designed for contemplation, for quiet reflection. There's not a lot of chitchat. It's all very respectful and serene. I appreciate the quiet, but I won't lie, I felt a little… awkward, at times. I'm a people person; I like to laugh. It's not *not* allowed, it's just… not the vibe. It took me a day or two to relax and embrace it. I felt like I was constantly stepping on eggshells. It's definitely NOT a party hotel. If you're looking for a wild time, stay somewhere else. Trust me.
Anything I should AVOID doing? Like, MAJOR faux pas?
Okay, the DO NOT DO list is the essentials. Don't be obnoxiously loud. Don't wear shoes inside (slippers are provided). Be respectful of the temple grounds. Don't flash your camera constantly, especially during ceremonies. Don't expect people to speak fluent English (they're polite, but communication can be tricky). And, for the love of all things holy, don’t try to sneak any forbidden food into your room. I witnessed a guy, who I won't name, trying to hide a pizza from the convenience store inside his laundry bag. The shame was palpable.
