Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan

Kinosaki Onsen, or Kinosaki for short, is a popular destination for tourists and people living in Japan. The town’s various onsen, hot spring baths, account for Kinosaki’s reputation as a top destination. Most visitors flock to Kinosaki for the chance to relax in the warm and restorative hot spring water. Besides the onsen people will find a quaint town full of charm.

Manhole cover in Kinosaki

Kinosaki Train Station

Arrival in Kinosaki

Accessible by train, tourists reach Kinosaki via Japan Rail from Kyoto or Osaka within three hours. Tourists spending the night will stay either at a hotel or a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Upon arrival at the Kinosaki train station, tourists with lots of luggage and reservations at a hotel or ryokan should stop at the nearby Hotel/Ryokan Information Center. Located across from the train station, you can use the Center’s luggage check service. For 50 yen per piece of luggage, the Center will send the luggage direct to your hotel or ryokan. This will free you from the constraints of your baggage and allow you your first opportunity to explore Kinosaki on foot.

Street in Kinosaki

Restaurant serving crab, a local specialty of Kinosaki

The Town of Kinosaki

Kinosaki has few cars, making it ideal for walking. Upon exiting the train station, notice that buildings reach only a few stories high. You won’t find skyscrapers or subways, but instead a peaceful town where time saunters at a slow pace. Head west from the Kinosaki Onsen train station to one of the town’s main streets. Here you will pass by souvenir shops, storefronts, and restaurants. Those visitors not staying at a ryokan that includes meals should eat at restaurants that serve Kinosaki’s local specialties of crab and beef. For meat eaters make sure the menu serves the local Tajima beef, the root of the beef known the world over as Kobe beef.

At the end of this main street, you will reach a river that flows through the town. Here you can walk along the river, using small bridges to reach both sides of the street. Sprinkled throughout the town you will find various temples. From the temples, to the buildings, the river and bridges, makes Kinosaki charming whether it be day or night, sunny or rainy.

Daytime in Kinosaki

Night in Kinosaki

Onsen – Japanese Bathhouses

As you walk around Kinosaki, you will see visitors wearing yukata. Yukata are light, casual, versions of kimonos, the traditional Japanese garment. Those wearing yukata are most likely heading to a bathhouse, known as onsen. The yukata allows for quick changing while at the onsen. Kinosaki has seven public onsen. Those staying at either a hotel or ryokan should receive free passes that allows access to each of the seven public onsen. Anyone visiting Kinosaki for the day may pay an entrance fee to access a particular public onsen. If you prefer a more private bathing experience check with the various ryokan in town. A few ryokans may offer, with a reservation fee, private hot spring rooms.

Goshonoyu Bath, an onsen in Kinosaki

Satonoyu Bath, an onsen in Kinosaki

Mandarayu Bath, an onsen in Kinosaki

Bathing in an Onsen

Anyone new to using Japanese onsen will want to know the rules associated with visiting a hot spring bathhouse. Public onsen have separate bathing facilities for men and women. You will bath without clothing, not even a swimsuit. When you arrive at an onsen use the provided lockers to disrobe and to store your clothing and belongings. Before entering the hot spring, rinse yourself with the showering stations set along the wall.

At the shower station, wash yourself with the provided soap and shampoo. Rinse the soap and shampoo off before entering the hot spring. This way you are clean when you enter the bath and no soap or shampoo chemicals will get into the hot spring water. Place the small towel provided by the onsen either on your head or beside the bath. Do not put the towel or your locker key in the water. Nothing but your skin should enter the hot spring or touch the water. Once in the hot spring sit back and relax in the natural waters.

Stand in front of Chaya to warm up eggs

Using hot spring water to boil eggs at Chaya

Soft boiled egg from Chaya

Hot Springs Alternatives

Kinosaki’s hot spring water isn’t found just inside the onsen. In a few locations around the town you will find foot massage pools. Here you can dip your feet into water pools full of fresh hot spring water. These spots are a perfect way to rest those tired feet after strolling around town. Near one particular foot pool is Chaya. This food stand serves drinks, ice cream, and a unique egg experience. First, buy a small sack containing three eggs. Then tie the sack to the wooden plank hovering above a pool of hot spring water. Leave the eggs in the hot spring water for twelve to thirteen minutes and you’ll have a delicious soft-boiled egg.

Besides foot pools and egg cooking you’ll find around the town hot spring drinking water fountains. These fountains are not your regular drinking fountains. You don’t push a button for the water. Use the provided cups by the fountain to capture the water to drink. The drinking water is helpful for those suffering from chronic digestive organ problems or chronic constipation. Be aware though that signs near the fountain will warn you not to consume the water over a long period of time. The reason being that the water has sodium chloride and calcium chloride. Infants and those with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or are prone to swelling should not drink the water.

Hot spring drinking water - Kinosaki, Japan

Hot spring drinking water stand in Kinosaki

Hot spring drinking water in Kinosaki

Kinosaki Spa Ropeway

Another popular site to visit is the Kinosaki Spa Ropeway, for its panoramic views of Kinosaki. In total the Ropeway has three stations along a mountain. The first of these stops is at the foot of the mountain, next to the earlier mentioned food stand Chaya. Buy tickets for riding the gondola cable cars at the first station. Those not wanting to ride the Ropeway can use pathways to walk up the mountain. The pathway is not an easy hike, and it takes up to an hour to reach the top of the mountain. Taking the gondola cable cars is a much faster way to ascend to the top of the mountain.

Entrance to Kinosaki Ropeway

Kinosaki Ropeway gondola cable car

Statue found at the mountain top of the Kinosaki Ropeway

View from the mountain top of the Kinosaki Ropeway

At the second station of the Ropeway you will find the Onsenji Temple and Kinosaki Art Museum. The top most station of the Ropeway has a viewing platform. Here you can see Kinosaki, the surrounding town, Maruyama River, and the Sea of Japan.

Kinosaki

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Jizouyu Bath: 35.626658, 134.812567

Kinosaki Train Station: 35.623680, 134.813460

Goshonoyu Bath: 35.625903, 134.807370

Mandarayu Bath: 35.624462, 134.805707

Satonoyu Bath: 35.624288, 134.813457

Chaya: 35.625585, 134.804290

Kinosaki Spa Ropeway: 35.624004, 134.800590

Yanagiyu Bath: 35.675147, -224.121094

Ichinoyu Bath: 35.626448, 134.810470

Kounoyu Bath: 35.626260, 134.804486

	Jizouyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan Kinosaki Onsen-eki, Japan
	Kinosaki Train Station Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan Kinosaki Onsen-eki, Japan
	Goshonoyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan 御所の湯, Japan
	Mandarayu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan まんだら湯, Japan
	Satonoyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan さとの湯, Japan
	Chaya Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan Kinosaki Onsen-eki, Japan
	Kinosaki Spa Ropeway Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan 城崎温泉ロープウェイ, Japan
	Yanagiyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan Kinosaki Onsen-eki, Japan
	Ichinoyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan 一の湯, Japan
	Kounoyu Bath Kinosaki: A Hot Spring Town in Japan 鴻の湯, Japan

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November 23, 2016 CB4YT

Featured Photo Kinosaki - Kinosaki, Japan

Natural Portland

Oregon’s city of Portland and the surrounding towns have much to offer both the active and passive nature lovers. Within walking distance from the city center is Washington Park. Washington Park includes the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. To experience even more of natural Portland within driving distance is Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and Vista House on Crown Point.

Washington Park

By car Washington Park is a ten-minute drive from the Downtown district of Portland. It is a thirty-minute walk from the center of Portland to the section of Washington Park that leads to the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden. The walk is uphill and a great workout, and if you’ve walked the hills in San Francisco before the walk won’t be a challenge. The walk is an opportunity to see quaint residential homes along the way. After walking through the nice neighborhoods at the top of the hills you’ll find yourself at the intersection of SW Park Place and SW Lewis Clark Way. The entrance found here into Washington Park will lead you into the midst of sprawling trees and a playground. Washington Park has plenty of attractions such as the Oregon Zoo, an arboretum, children’s museum, memorials, and gardens.

Statue of Sacajawea and her son Jean-Baptiste found in Washington Park

International Rose Test Garden

One of the main attractions of Washington Park is the International Rose Test Garden. This is the oldest public garden of its kind in the United States. The garden has over 500 varieties of roses and more than 7,000 plantings. This section of the park is free for visitors so you can spend whatever time you want during the garden’s open hours strolling through the various roses. Your experience of the roses will differ depending on the time of year you visit. Fall and winter months the garden does not offer much in the way of roses. Visit the garden during the spring and summer months and the roses will be in full bloom.

International Rose Test Garden in winter

International Rose Test Garden in summer

Portland Japanese Garden

Next to the International Rose Test Garden is the Portland Japanese Garden. To access this sight you will need to pay an entrance fee but what you pay is well worth the cost. The Japanese Gardens are well manicured and offer a different natural Portland experience depending on the season and weather. In the wintertime the frost and snow settles along the various rocks, plants, and statues. During the fall months the turning of the leaves creates a colorful landscape. Spring and summer the plants are green and vivid. Wander the various lanes past ponds full of koi, small waterfalls, and rock gardens. The Japanese Garden has a lookout point with a magnificent view of Portland’s city skyline and Mount Hood. Please note that according to their website the Japanese Garden is closed from September 8, 2015 until March 1, 2016 due to construction for their Cultural Crossing expansion project. While the Japanese Garden itself will re-open in March the Cultural Crossing expansion construction will continue with an estimated completion of Spring 2017.

Portland Japanese Garden in winter

Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls

Natural Portland wonders include beautiful waterfalls. Multnomah Falls is a forty-minute drive from either Downtown Portland or Portland International Airport (PDX). The drive is worthwhile especially since it’s one of the few places in the world where one can drive up to a waterfall. There is no need to hike any trails since the parking lot is a short walk to where you can see the waterfall in its glory. A short non-strenuous walk up to a bridge offers a closer view of the waterfall. In the wintertime you will need to be cautious walking as icy conditions may cause you to loose your footing. A mile away from Multnomah Falls is Wahkeena Falls. The easily accessible part of Wahkeena Falls isn’t as dramatic as Multnomah Falls, but is a more rambling waterfall. Although Wahkeena is not a plunging waterfall the water with the trees and plants is worth a photograph. For more spectacular views of Wahkeena Falls hikers may walk the mile round-trip on the Wahkeena Trail.

Multnomah Falls

Wahkeena Falls

Vista House on Crown Point

On the way to Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls be sure to stop at Vista House on Crown Point. This spectacular lookout is located thirty-five minutes from Downtown Portland and offers stunning views of natural Portland. Part of the Oregon State Parks, the Vista House has existed since the early 1900s. This observatory is located over 700 feet above the Columbia River and offers breathtaking views. Regardless if the weather is over cast or sunny this location is ideal for photographs. Be advised that if the weather has been extreme, for example too much snow has fallen, Crown Point may be closed off to tourists. On such days call ahead or visit their website to find out if the lookout is open.

Vista House at Crown Point

View of the Columbia River from Vista House at Crown Point

Portland, Oregon

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Portland Building: 45.515663, -122.678500

Pearl District: 45.530209, -122.681204

Downtown, Portland: 45.513454, -122.680134

Pioneer Courthouse Square: 45.518300, -122.678905

Chinatown Gates: 45.523512, -122.674157

Washington Park: 45.512640, -122.712736

International Rose Garden: 45.518951, -122.705273

Portland Japanese Garden: 45.519136, -122.706780

Multnomah Falls: 45.576160, -122.115776

Wahkeena Falls: 45.574181, -122.127430

Vista House on Crown Point: 45.539579, -122.244446

Voodoo Doughnut ONE (original location): 45.522621, -122.673111

Caffe Vita: 45.522447, -122.672914

Pine State Biscuits: 45.558886, -122.642744

Gaufre Gourmet: 45.521057, -122.680316

KOi Fusion: 45.450419, -122.781197

Lardo: 45.522021, -122.683540

Toro Bravo: 45.540813, -122.663611

Pok Pok: 45.504565, -122.632159

Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB): 45.496893, -122.634884

De Ponte Cellars: 45.262715, -123.058269

Domaine Drouhin: 45.265540, -123.055634

WillaKenzie Estate: 45.360877, -123.137926

	Portland Building Portland: Keeping it Normal Portland Building, Portland, OR, United States
	Pearl District Portland: Keeping it Normal Pearl District, Portland, OR, United States
	Downtown, Portland Portland: Keeping it Normal Downtown, Portland, OR, United States
	Pioneer Courthouse Square Portland: Keeping it Normal Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR, United States
	Chinatown Gates Portland: Keeping it Normal Chinatown Gates Portland, Northwest 4th Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Washington Park Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Washington Park, Portland, OR, United States
	International Rose Garden Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland International Rose Test Garden, Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Portland Japanese Garden Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Portland Japanese Garden, Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Multnomah Falls Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Multnomah Falls, Multnomah County, OR, United States
	Wahkeena Falls Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah County, OR, United States
	Vista House on Crown Point Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Vista House, Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR, United States
	Voodoo Doughnut ONE (original location) Eat Your Way Through Portland Voodoo Doughnut, Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Caffe Vita Eat Your Way Through Portland Caffe Vita, Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Pine State Biscuits Eat Your Way Through Portland Pine State Biscuits Alberta, Northeast Alberta Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Gaufre Gourmet Eat Your Way Through Portland Gaufre Gourmet, Southwest 9th Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	KOi Fusion Eat Your Way Through Portland Washington Square, Southwest Washington Square Road, Portland, OR, United States
	Lardo Eat Your Way Through Portland Lardo, Southwest Washington Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Toro Bravo Eat Your Way Through Portland Toro Bravo, Northeast Russell Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Pok Pok Eat Your Way Through Portland Pok Pok, Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) Eat Your Way Through Portland Hopworks Urban Brewery, Southeast Powell Boulevard, Portland, OR, United States
	De Ponte Cellars Eat Your Way Through Portland De Ponte Cellars, Northeast Archery Summit Road, Dayton, OR, United States
	Domaine Drouhin Eat Your Way Through Portland Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Dayton, OR, United States
	WillaKenzie Estate Eat Your Way Through Portland WillaKenzie Estate, Northeast Laughlin Road, Yamhill, OR, United States

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January 15, 2016 CB4YT

Portland: Keeping it Normal

"Put a Bird on It" (from the IFC show Portlandia) - Bird wallpaper found in a Portland hotel - Portland, Oregon

“Put a Bird on It” (quote from the IFC show Portlandia) – Bird wallpaper found in a Portland hotel

In the Pacific Northwest region of the United States is the city of Portland, in the state of Oregon. If your only experience of Portland is the IFC show Portlandia you may have a skewed perception of the city. The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Portland Weird” and Portlandia does a good job of depicting Portland as a weird city. Portlandia’s characters in various sketches range from cultist organic farmers to cranky feminist bookstore owners to those who put a bird on everything. Tourists who’ve watched the show Portlandia before heading to Portland for the first time may think they will enter a land of misfits once they arrive.

Buildings surrounding Pioneer Square

The truth is first time visitors will find Portland quirky, charming, and nuanced. The city itself is clean with air that is refreshing, albeit sometimes breezy. Portland exudes scenery everywhere being surrounded by the best nature offers in this part of the world. Besides nature the city is a foodie paradise. Restaurants offer top-notch cuisine and a plethora of food trucks stationed throughout the city will make sure you will always have a sumptuous bite to eat. For lovers of food and nature Portland will find a special place in your heart.

Portlandia statue on the Portland Building

Beyond the food and nature Portland’s city itself does not boast many sights. This works for the city because travelers can just enjoy being in the city and not rushing off trying to knock of a laundry list of sights. Of the sights within the city tourists will want to visit the Portland Building. The statue in front of the Portland Building is named Portlandia. It is this statue’s name from which the Portlandia show borrows its name and the statue is seen in the show’s opening credits. Besides the Portland Building visitors can spend the day in trendy shopping areas such as those found in the Pearl District and Downtown. The streets in these areas are not bustling with crowds, and the wide avenues make for a nice stroll. While in Downtown visit Pioneer Courthouse Square. This urban park holds a variety of events and is a perfect place to people watch.

Pioneer Courthouse

To stay at a hotel in the Downtown district of Portland means walking access to the shopping areas around Pioneer Courthouse Square. You will be able to walk to various food truck stands within the city limits. Besides shopping and food within walking distance is Portland’s Chinatown and Washington Park. Within Washington Park you will find the International Rose Test Garden and the Portland Japanese Garden.

Chinatown Gates

To experience more of Portland and the surrounding landscape you will need to rent a car. A rental car will expand the number of restaurants available for you to try as many great restaurants are in the districts outside of Downtown. Having a rental car will allow you the freedom to explore nature spots accessible by car. Within driving distance are two waterfalls, Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls. You can drive to the Vista House on Crown Point for scenic views of the Columbia River. Fans of wine will want to use that rental car to visit the various near by wineries.

Whatever you plan to do on your trip to Portland just remember, you are in the Pacific Northwest. If you travel to this region during the wintertime the weather will be low with a chance for snow. Even during the spring and summer times the weather may be brisk. Check the weather reports before you travel so your clothing choices won’t impede you enjoying your trip.

Portland, Oregon

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Portland Building: 45.515663, -122.678500

Pearl District: 45.530209, -122.681204

Downtown, Portland: 45.513454, -122.680134

Pioneer Courthouse Square: 45.518300, -122.678905

Chinatown Gates: 45.523512, -122.674157

Washington Park: 45.512640, -122.712736

International Rose Garden: 45.518951, -122.705273

Portland Japanese Garden: 45.519136, -122.706780

Multnomah Falls: 45.576160, -122.115776

Wahkeena Falls: 45.574181, -122.127430

Vista House on Crown Point: 45.539579, -122.244446

Voodoo Doughnut ONE (original location): 45.522621, -122.673111

Caffe Vita: 45.522447, -122.672914

Pine State Biscuits: 45.558886, -122.642744

Gaufre Gourmet: 45.521057, -122.680316

KOi Fusion: 45.450419, -122.781197

Lardo: 45.522021, -122.683540

Toro Bravo: 45.540813, -122.663611

Pok Pok: 45.504565, -122.632159

Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB): 45.496893, -122.634884

De Ponte Cellars: 45.262715, -123.058269

Domaine Drouhin: 45.265540, -123.055634

WillaKenzie Estate: 45.360877, -123.137926

	Portland Building Portland: Keeping it Normal Portland Building, Portland, OR, United States
	Pearl District Portland: Keeping it Normal Pearl District, Portland, OR, United States
	Downtown, Portland Portland: Keeping it Normal Downtown, Portland, OR, United States
	Pioneer Courthouse Square Portland: Keeping it Normal Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland, OR, United States
	Chinatown Gates Portland: Keeping it Normal Chinatown Gates Portland, Northwest 4th Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Washington Park Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Washington Park, Portland, OR, United States
	International Rose Garden Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland International Rose Test Garden, Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Portland Japanese Garden Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Portland Japanese Garden, Southwest Kingston Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Multnomah Falls Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Multnomah Falls, Multnomah County, OR, United States
	Wahkeena Falls Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah County, OR, United States
	Vista House on Crown Point Portland: Keeping it Normal Natural Portland Vista House, Historic Columbia River Highway, Corbett, OR, United States
	Voodoo Doughnut ONE (original location) Eat Your Way Through Portland Voodoo Doughnut, Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Caffe Vita Eat Your Way Through Portland Caffe Vita, Southwest 3rd Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	Pine State Biscuits Eat Your Way Through Portland Pine State Biscuits Alberta, Northeast Alberta Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Gaufre Gourmet Eat Your Way Through Portland Gaufre Gourmet, Southwest 9th Avenue, Portland, OR, United States
	KOi Fusion Eat Your Way Through Portland Washington Square, Southwest Washington Square Road, Portland, OR, United States
	Lardo Eat Your Way Through Portland Lardo, Southwest Washington Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Toro Bravo Eat Your Way Through Portland Toro Bravo, Northeast Russell Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Pok Pok Eat Your Way Through Portland Pok Pok, Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR, United States
	Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) Eat Your Way Through Portland Hopworks Urban Brewery, Southeast Powell Boulevard, Portland, OR, United States
	De Ponte Cellars Eat Your Way Through Portland De Ponte Cellars, Northeast Archery Summit Road, Dayton, OR, United States
	Domaine Drouhin Eat Your Way Through Portland Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Dayton, OR, United States
	WillaKenzie Estate Eat Your Way Through Portland WillaKenzie Estate, Northeast Laughlin Road, Yamhill, OR, United States

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January 8, 2016 CB4YT

Visiting Windsor and Eton

Visitors to Windsor and Eton will find two charming English towns right next to each other. Windsor is famous for Windsor Castle. Windsor’s neighbor Eton is home to a prestigious boys’ boarding school. It is easy to visit both towns as they are within walking distance of one another. In fact, a seven-minute walk separates the two train stations that bring travelers to Windsor and Eton. If traveling from London, Windsor & Eton Central services travelers from London Paddington (via a platform at Slough). Travel between the two stations can take anywhere between 27-49 minutes depending on which train you catch. Travelers from London Waterloo will arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside in one hour. Windsor & Eton Central is the train station closest to Windsor Castle, while Windsor & Eton Riverside is closer to the River Thames and Eton. Listed below are the main sights to visit in Windsor and Eton.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Upon exiting the train at Windsor & Eton Central you walk into the open air Windsor Royal Shopping center. The center was once a Victorian railway station and parts of the original architecture remains. A variety of shops and restaurants are at your disposal to cure your hunger or shopping pangs. If you are hungry and aren’t able to decide which restaurant to eat at try the Cinnamon Cafe. The Cinnamon Cafe serves pastries such as scones and other traditional English foods such as jacket potatoes. In addition to restaurants and clothing stores, Windsor Royal Shopping has candy and souvenir shops. Even more stores are found in the streets surrounding Windsor Royal Shopping. Both established English retailers and international brands are there to fulfill your shopping needs.

Windsor Royal Shopping

Windsor Castle

The highlight of Windsor is Windsor Castle, one of the residences of the Royal Family. When the Royal Standard flag is flying above the Castle the Queen is home. If the British (Union) flag is on display the Queen is spending her time elsewhere. As Windsor is located near London many tourists flock to Windsor Castle via tour groups. If traveling without a group when you arrive at the Castle you may see a long line of people snaking along the street leading up to the ticket booth entrance. That long line is for tour groups and if you aren’t connected to a group you may go ahead to the ticket booth entrance. A Windsor Castle attendant will guide you to the line for non-tour group visitors. Admission to Windsor Castle includes a handheld device with a self-guided multimedia tour. Your ticket gives you access to the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and St. George’s Chapel. Keep in mind that St. George’s Chapel is closed to tourists Sundays. If you plan on watching Changing the Guard be sure to check on the Windsor Castle website beforehand for up-to-date times.

Windsor Castle’s Round Tower

Windsor Great Park

The easiest way to gain access to Windsor Great Park is by walking to the end of Park Street. There you will find the Park Street Gate. The Park Street Gate is closed during the nighttime but when open it allows you direct access to the Long Walk. The Long Walk is a three-mile tree-lined path through a section of Windsor Great Park. With Windsor Great Park stretching over 8 square miles of land, the Long Walk provides just a glimpse of the grounds. A view of a statue of George III rewards those who traverse the entire path. If the walking made you tired go to the pub right next to the Park Street Gate where you can grab yourself refreshment and recuperate.

Park Street Gate and Windsor Castle - Windsor, England

Park Street Gate (to the left) and Windsor Castle (center)

The Long Walk, Windsor Great Park

River Thames and Eton

The River Thames separates the two towns of Windsor and Eton. Walk along the river to see swans frolicking in the water. You can watch rowing and motorboats sail the river. The river flows past the Alexandra Gardens. The gardens are open to visitors and are next to a parking lot if you drive to Windsor and need a spot to leave your car. Besides walking next to the river, several companies offer various boat trips along the river. You can cross over the River Thames by way of the Windsor & Eton Bridge, which connects the two towns of Windsor and Eton. At night Windsor Castle is lit up and the bridge provides a spectacular view. Across the bridge, on the Eton side, are several restaurants of which a few offer riverside seating. If you continue past the restaurants you will wind up on High Street. This street is lined with shops and leads you to Eton College, a boys’ boarding school. The architecture of the shops, restaurants, and boarding school are worth the stroll through the town of Eton.

River Thames - Windsor and Eton, England

River Thames and the Windsor & Eton Bridge

Windsor and Eton Sights

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Windsor Royal Shopping: 51.482834, -0.609454

Windsor Castle: 51.483889, -0.604408

Windsor Great Park: 51.463062, -0.606337

Eton College: 51.495735, -0.604440

Alexandra Gardens: 51.484611, -0.613870

	Windsor Royal Shopping Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Royal Shopping, Goswell Hill, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Castle Visiting Windsor and Eton Windsor Castle, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Windsor Great Park Visiting Windsor and Eton The Long Walk, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Eton College Visiting Windsor and Eton Eton College, Windsor, United Kingdom
	Alexandra Gardens Visiting Windsor and Eton Alexandra Gardens, Windsor, United Kingdom