It’s not even November yet, come the fuck on!

Anyway, that’s the giant-ass Christmas tree over in Kyoto station.

Speaking of Kyoto station, here’s a truth about the Japan Rail Pass that I keep forgetting. It’s wonderful for getting from one city to another. In Tokyo, it’s great for getting from place to place through the city (you’ll have to use the subway as well, of course, but you can get to the main cultural hubs by train). Once you get to Kobe, Osaka, or Kyoto, though, you’re screwed. There’s no trains in any of those cities: It’s all subway-only (or bus for Kyoto). So don’t forget that (like I did) if you’re budgeting for traveling around in those areas. Still, though, nothing like being able to use that pass to kickly jump between the three major kansai cities: The alternative is a 30-60 minute train ride.