Arashiyama aka: 嵐山

I finally went last week. It was wonderful. The bamboo paths, the houses, the little shops… Loved it. I especially loved Otagi Nenbustuji, where there are hundreds of unique Jizo. Great photography opportunities.

Not far from Arashiyama is a town called Kameoka. If you take the train to Kameoka, there is a lovely river cruise that will take you to Saga-Arashiyama. Two years ago, that ride cost me about 4000 yen, but it’s a fantastic way to pass a couple of hours, and the ride ends up in a pretty convenient part of the city, close to shopping and restaurants and the monkey park.

Can’t believe I spent a year in Kansai and never made it to Arashiyama… Never mind, I plan to spend a day there when I visit in the fall. I want to wander around the bamboo forest, drink tea in a garden, see monkeys and enjoy the autumn leaves.

I’ve been to Arashiyama a few times now. There’s a boat trip you can take down the Hozu river that ends up in Arashiyama. I also love Tenryuji – it has an amazing zen garden and the setting for this temple is lovely.