Saturday, July 12, 2014

Japan Day-3

Second day in Kyoto was all about Arashiyama, a district in western outskirt of Kyoto. Depending of were you want to visit, you need at least half day to spend here. But hey, it was all worth it! We took JR train from Kyoto station to Arashiyama station. The train ride was around 25-30 mins. From the station, there wasn't really any sign board that show where we should be heading. We just keep walking and praying that we are in the right direction towards Tenryuji Temple. We passed by small shops, which were still closed at that point of time.

 Arashiyama small shops. Oh so cute.

It was about 10mins walk from the station went we found the temple. Tenryuji temple compound is large. It has it's own garden like the other temple in Japan but the Tenryuji garden is said to be still in its original formation, created during Meiji period.

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji Temple Garden

Just beside the temple, is the Bamboo Grove. This is one of the must-go place in my list and the main point of heading to Arashiyama. This place is so beautiful which my photo do not do justice to it. It's weird how such an ordinary thing, like a bamboo can make such a different feeling.





After Bamboo Grove, we then proceed to Togetsukyo Bridge. The bridge is Arashiyama iconic trademark. It was built during Heian period. 



From the bridge, we lingers around the park beside the river bank for a while. It was quite a tiring day and my feet hurt really badly. Afterwards, we went back towards the Bamboo Grove to Torokko Saga station to catch the Segano Scenic Train which also known as romantic train. The train ride was about 25mins with open window and cost 620yen, one way. We stop at Kamaeko station. Walked for about 7mins to Umahori station to go back to Kyoto.





Upon back to Kyoto, we purchased 1 day bus pass (which I regretted not buying before going to Arashiyama as the area is inclusive in the day pass). Anyway, from Kyoto Station, we took a bus to Fushimi Inari Shrine. This shrine is the most beautiful amongst all. I was almost 3pm when we arrived as the bus towards this shrine only available once in every hour.




To reach the peak, you need to climb a whole lots of stairs. As we came quite late, it was almost dark when we decided to turn back. Beside, we are too tired to continue for the hike. We bought Toriyaki as our lunch before we went back to Kyoto Station and had our lunch there. Afterwards was Gion. Main objective was to catch a glimpse of Geisha. But unfortunately, we didn't find any. 




We went back to our hostel thereafter.