Oct 17 - Kyoto Tour, Japan, Oct 17, 2017, Ray M

Temples, mountains & mist

Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove and Tenryuji), Gion & Nishiki Market

Outbound to Gufu + Tokyo Japan, Day 14 of 19, October 17, 2017

By: Ray M

Tenryu-ji Temple

Off we went today at 9 a.m. sharp to the far west side of Kyoto to the Arashiyama area to see Several sights including Tenryu-ji Temple (‘-ji’ means ‘Temple’ so this is a bit redundant!). Geiko M is our guide this week in Kyoto.
It was cool, rain had just stopped, and sky was still cloud covered. The temple is nestled next to the mountains, partially obscured by the clouds - just right for appreciating the Temple and gardens.

The Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing) bridge was the first point of interest. It is 490 feet across the Oi River and is very popular with Japanese tourists.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Our path took us by a very small park populated by stone Buddhas. Donors sponsor them and have their names engraved.

Buddha Memorials

The Temple was crowded even in the morning, we didn’t go inside but did enjoy the gardens.

The Japanese Maples were starting to show fall colors.

Bamboo Forest

Our path took us up the lower slope of the mountain into bamboo. Lots of bamboo. Maybe 4” in diameter. The bamboo grows fast, reaches full size in about 5 years. It was fairly dark under the leaf canopy.

Us in the middle of it.

An interesting marker along the path: “May Peace Prevail on Earth” - in 4 languages (Japanese, Spanish, French and English). It resonated with all of us.

A number of visitors were getting rides on rickshaws - a Japanese invention, exported to China.

Lunch at Randen Arashiyama Station

Our lunch was in the upstairs dining area of the Randen Arashiyama Station. Buffet, lots of interesting and tasty Japanese food to try.
(Picture #8 - Andy’s first picture. No caption)
At the ground-level of the station, there was the “Kimono Forest” - 600 clear tubes with kimono fabric.

Pond of Dragon, in the Kimono Forest

Nishiki Market

Back to downtown to the Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s oldest. — dating from its start as a fish market in 1616! This is a massive covered market - 1640 ft long, mostly food and edibles but lots more too.

Geiko-san answering all our questions

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Almost anything you want - even an AK-47 !?!

A gun store - I didn't ask about what you have to do to get a permit for one of these.

Gion Area

Our last stop for the day was in Gion District - Kyoto’s most famous geisha and entertainment area.

One of the streets in Gion Preservation Area

A kimono rental shop. Kimonos are so expensive that most just rent them.

Kimono rental shop

We stopped at a small Shinto shrine along a Gion side-street.  There is a brass cow, polished smooth from people rubbing its head. This is said to give improved understanding/wisdom.

Rub My Head for Increased Intelligence

In Friendship and Peace

Tags/Labels: Japan, Kyoto-Nara Tour, Outbound