Saiin Station
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Hankyu Saiin station (西院駅, Saiin-eki) is the 22nd station along the Hankyu Railway Kyoto Line, which departs from Osaka's Umeda station and terminates at Kyoto's Kawaramachi Station. It is the 4th to last station before reaching Kawaramachi station.
Saiin Station is serviced by local (準急) and rapid express (快速急行) trains, while limited express (特急) trains do not service the station. The subterranean station is windy, as it has only one entrance, and arriving and departing trains force air up and down the station's narrow pair of staircases.
Location
Saiin station's singular entrance is situated on the southwest corner of Shijo street and Nishioji street in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
History
Saiin Station was constructed in 1928. At the time of the construction, a plan was tabled to link Saiin Station with the smaller and older Sai station (located 1 minutes walking distance east on Shijo street) by means of an underground path. The plan was eventually scrapped, due to strong opposition from people living in the area.
Attractions
Dining
A variety of quaint restaurants, izakaya, and fast food locations lie within short walking distance of the station. These Fast Food locations include: McDonalds, Mister Donuts, Mos Burger, and Yoshinoya
Retail
A few large retail outlets and a variety of small shops line the streets surrounding Saiin Station. These large retail outlets include: Daimond City - Hana, and Joshin Electronics.
Hotels
In addition, the Rhino hotel[1] is located directly beside Saiin station and contains a health club equiped with a pool.
Historical Sites
Kozaiji Temple A small, but beautiful temple is located directly across from Saiin Station, on the north east corner of Nishioji street and Shijo Street, less than 1 minutes walking distance.
Sai Station a smaller older station (constructed in 1910) uses romantic old-fashioned trains to shuttle tourists to Arashiyama, a desirable locale with beautiful mountain paths and scenic vistas. The local suttle trains are reknowned for their spring time Cherry Blossom veiwing tours.