Arashiyama

On Friday Aiko and I spent the day in Arashiyama, on the western outskirts of Kyoto. This is a beautiful area of Japan, where shops and restaurants lie huddled across the Hozu River. There are also zen temples, a bamboo grove and the elegant Mount Arashiyama overlooking it all. We had a lovely day there, and I want to share some pictures here.

Along the Hozu river

My friend Aiko who graciously spent her only day off this week showing me around.

Part of Mount Arashiyama overlooking the river

Lunch!

Around the town...you see as many people in jeans and running shoes
as you see women in kimono.

Even the dolls in the shops bow to welcome us. I wish I could have brought her home!

We sat here, ate ice cream and enjoyed the view of Togetsukyo Bridge

Above are some pictures of the many temples, shrines and small homes that we found on our walk around.

I couldn't resist: these little guys are too cute!

This is a residential area. We were told to walk up this street to find the bamboo groves....

...and look at the beauty we found on the other side!

We took a walk amidst the bamboo groves

There were even small shrines scattered throughout the walk

Then we took a tram (Sagano Torokko Ressha) to tour all the way around Mount Arashiyama. The day was perfect for it!

Above are pictures of our view from the tram ride.