A major tourist spot, about a 20 minute train ride outside of Kyoto, is Arashiyama. It is known for the scenic mountain and river valley, temples, and a bamboo grove. The train station is in the middle of the ordinary-looking part of town, so when I got off the train I didn't really now where to go as the maps I had did not have a lot of detail. So, when in doubt, follow the tour groups.
I arrived at a nice walkway along the river. The mountain side has cherry blossoms mixed in with the other trees, which is quite striking. There are boat tours up and down the river. I follow the path going away from town for a while, and then follow a sign for a lookout. Turned out to be the right way to do, the view up the valley was breath-taking.
A little further and the path took me to a Japanese garden built by a Japanese silent film star, which was well worth a look and had great views back over Kyoto. Next to it is the top of the famous bamboo grove. Very magical setting, despite being full of people.
The bottom of the bamboo grove takes me to the entrance to the garden of Tenruji temple. I explore the garden for a while, but is packed with tourists. Interestingly, I hear more Mandarin spoken around me than anything else.
I leave the temple, and walk down the main tourist street through town to the Togetsu bridge. While the bride is billed as a tourist attraction, it doesnt seem like anything special. However on the other side, on a large island in the river, is a nice area with blossoms along the river, an open area with blossoms for picnicing, and restaurants and food stalls, with a real holiday atmosphere.
Afterward I make my way back through the crowds to the train station, and back to Kyoto.
From Kyoto station I walk to a temple called Sanjusangendo. This is a very old temple building with a large hall containing 1001 statues of Kannon, the bodhisatva of compassion. An amazing sight, but unfortunely no pictures were allowed.
I stop at the station again on the way back to the hotel for something to eat. I found the next thing in fast food. There is no cashier. You order food and pay for it using a machine, which gives you a ticket. You then take the ticket to the counter to get your meal. Now that now what this is, Ive seen it quite a bit. I wonder how long it will take to come to Canada.
I arrived at a nice walkway along the river. The mountain side has cherry blossoms mixed in with the other trees, which is quite striking. There are boat tours up and down the river. I follow the path going away from town for a while, and then follow a sign for a lookout. Turned out to be the right way to do, the view up the valley was breath-taking.
A little further and the path took me to a Japanese garden built by a Japanese silent film star, which was well worth a look and had great views back over Kyoto. Next to it is the top of the famous bamboo grove. Very magical setting, despite being full of people.
The bottom of the bamboo grove takes me to the entrance to the garden of Tenruji temple. I explore the garden for a while, but is packed with tourists. Interestingly, I hear more Mandarin spoken around me than anything else.
I leave the temple, and walk down the main tourist street through town to the Togetsu bridge. While the bride is billed as a tourist attraction, it doesnt seem like anything special. However on the other side, on a large island in the river, is a nice area with blossoms along the river, an open area with blossoms for picnicing, and restaurants and food stalls, with a real holiday atmosphere.
Afterward I make my way back through the crowds to the train station, and back to Kyoto.
From Kyoto station I walk to a temple called Sanjusangendo. This is a very old temple building with a large hall containing 1001 statues of Kannon, the bodhisatva of compassion. An amazing sight, but unfortunely no pictures were allowed.
I stop at the station again on the way back to the hotel for something to eat. I found the next thing in fast food. There is no cashier. You order food and pay for it using a machine, which gives you a ticket. You then take the ticket to the counter to get your meal. Now that now what this is, Ive seen it quite a bit. I wonder how long it will take to come to Canada.
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