Early Morning Kyoto Adventure! Securing a Ticket for the “Pochi” Railway Model Sale & Enjoying Kinshi-don in Shijo
What You’ll Learn in This Article
How to get a numbered ticket for the “Pochi” railway model sale
Details about Kyoto’s famous Kinshi-don and where to find it
Kyoto’s bread culture and recommended bakeries in the Shijo area
A model itinerary for an early morning Kyoto adventure
Saturday Morning — Heading to Shijo Before Dawn!
On a Saturday morning, with barely a car on the road, we made our way to Shijo-dori in Kyoto.
The Mascots were fidgeting with excitement — “Are we getting something?” But the shop we were heading to was still firmly closed. While the Mascots looked on in bewilderment, this was all part of a carefully laid plan.
The Shijo Area of Kyoto is easily accessible from Hankyu Kyoto Line’s Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station and JR Kyoto Station, with plenty of sightseeing, dining, and shopping on offer. Early morning on Shijo-dori, with almost no one around, offers a rare and precious glimpse of Kyoto’s quiet, peaceful side.
Securing a Numbered Entry Ticket Before Opening — That Was the Whole Plan!
The shop opens at 10 AM — but numbered entry tickets are distributed before opening, which is why we set out so early in the morning (laughs).
With our ticket successfully secured, all that was left was to relax in a nearby café until opening time. A morning café in Kyoto is a truly special experience in itself.
Tips for Getting Your Numbered Ticket
The more popular the event, the earlier you’ll need to arrive
Check the official SNS accounts in advance for ticket distribution times
Once you have your ticket, a nearby café is the perfect place to wait
Time for the “Pochi” Railway Model Sale! Sneaking Off While the Mascots Sleep
When the time came, we made our way to the “Pochi” railway model sale.
But just at that moment, the Mascots surrendered to sleepiness and dozed off inside the bag. “Now’s our chance!” — and so, carefully avoiding waking them, we quietly slipped off to the battleground (laughs).
We successfully secured the trains we had our eyes on — an absolute dream for any railway model enthusiast!
“Pochi” Railway Models is a well-known shop specialising in the buying and selling of second-hand railway models. Their sales events often feature rare and limited-edition vehicles, drawing railway fans from all across Japan.
Next Stop: Kinshi-don at the Legendary “Kyogoku Kaneyo”
With the model sale thoroughly enjoyed, it was time for a proper meal. Our destination was Kyogoku Kaneyo — a Kyoto institution, unmistakable by its famous signboard.
Here we enjoyed the Kinshi-don — a uniquely Kyoto dish featuring a generous topping of finely shredded kinshi (golden) egg over an unagi (eel) rice bowl. Paired with a beautifully dashi-flavored chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), the refined, elegant flavors were everything we had hoped for.
Kinshi-don is one of Kyoto’s most beloved local dishes. A bowl of unagi rice topped with delicate shredded egg, it carries the gentle, sophisticated flavors that define Kyoto cuisine. Kyogoku Kaneyo has been serving guests for over 100 years and remains a firm favourite with both tourists and locals alike. Lunchtime can get busy, so arriving early is recommended!
One Last Treat Before Heading Back to Osaka
Back at Kyoto Station for a commemorative photo, we prepared for the return journey to Osaka — but not before stopping at one of Kyoto’s famous bakeries for a little something extra.
Kyoto is known as one of Japan’s most competitive cities for bakeries, and the Mascots were absolutely delighted to have secured a shio-pan (salt bread) for the journey home (laughs).
Kyoto’s bread culture ranks among the very best in Japan. The Shijo and Kawaramachi area is home to many popular bakeries, and food-hopping between them is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Make sure to add a bakery stop to your Kyoto itinerary!
Model Itinerary for an Early Morning Kyoto Adventure
Time
Activity
Early Morning
Head to Shijo-dori to secure a numbered ticket
Morning
Wait at a nearby café until opening time
From 10 AM
Enjoy the “Pochi” railway model sale
Noon
Kinshi-don & chawanmushi lunch at Kyogoku Kaneyo
Afternoon
Commemorative photo at Kyoto Station / bakery stop
Evening
Return to Osaka
Summary | Early Rising Is the Secret to a Perfect Kyoto Morning!
Spot
Highlights
“Pochi” Railway Model Sale
A must-visit event requiring a numbered ticket — fans travel from across Japan
Kinshi-don (Kyogoku Kaneyo)
Over 100 years of history — shredded egg over unagi rice, simply exquisite
Kyoto Bakeries
Salt bread is a must — the perfect treat for the journey home
Kyoto rewards early risers — start your day before the crowds and you can pack an enormous amount into a single day. Popular spots and events often require numbered tickets or advance reservations, so always check ahead before you go!
