Day 2 After waking up bright and early I set off for Arashiyama. I initially got on the wrong bus (it was headed for the general Arashiyama area, but not Tenryuji, my goal), but a Japanese mother and daughter who also happened to be on the bus helped me find the right stop and transfer. Neither of them spoke English, and communication was mainly done via pointing and waving on a map.
Man, Japanese people are so cool
I entered Tenryuji expecting it to be super lame, but it ended up being one of the more enjoyable temples I've been to. The garden was beautiful, and numerous little paths allowed for some exploration. I probably spent a good hour or so just relaxing there.
Part of Tenryuji's expansive garden
After Tenryuji, I walked through the bamboo grove next to it and set off to find Gio-ji. I got a bit lost on the way there, but after wandering into numerous 'No trespassing' and 'Do not enter' roadblocks, as well as another cemetery, I managed to reach my destination. It was a small temple, but it was quite serene inside. They also had this little white cat sleeping by the exit.
Everybody loves cats
Gio-ji was indeed a bit out of the way, but I felt it was worth the detour. After a long trek back to Tenryuji I moseyed on over to the Togetsukyo bridge which, unfortunately, just didn't look that spectacular at this time of year. Regardless, my feet were killing me so I took a break by the river before heading back to Kyoto station.
Lonely Planet states that Kyoto Station is "an attraction in its own right," and they weren't kidding. 15 stories filled with restaurants and cafes, numerous open-roof decks, and a skywalk on the 11th floor meant plenty of things to explore.
Climbing those far escalators with the sun beating down at you actually sort of sucks.
After returning to my host Katsuya's place, we headed out to get dinner. Katsuya took me to a a ramen restaurant named Ippudo. I was suprised when I was told that it was a chain restaurant, because it was probably one of the best Japanese-style ramen I've ever had (which isn't saying much, now that I think about it).
Yum
After our meal Katsuya and I headed home to have beer. Or rather, a beer. Katsuya claimed his tolerance was really low and he wasn't kidding; he was glowing after one can.
Great blog, the really nice pictures breaking up the small amounts of text makes for a good reading experience. I think you have the wrong caption below the kimono picture.
On September 10 2011 23:22 Suc wrote: Great blog, the really nice pictures breaking up the small amounts of text makes for a good reading experience. I think you have the wrong caption below the kimono picture.
Looks like you had/are having an amazing time.
Ah, thanks for catching that! That's what happens when you just copy-paste shit everywhere. :F
On September 10 2011 23:22 Suc wrote: Great blog, the really nice pictures breaking up the small amounts of text makes for a good reading experience. I think you have the wrong caption below the kimono picture.
I don't know what it is, but there's something really nice about your pictures, you take great photos. I'm also such a sucker for girls in kimonos/yukatas
Yeah I was really surprised at just how big Kyoto station was too, especially with all the floors, to me it was kind of like a shopping center of its own. (I mean the stations in Melbourne are tiny compared to Japan).
Looking forward to your next blog.
btw may I ask what particular camera you're using? I really like your pictures in case you haven't noticed lol
And yes, I shoot Nikon. Nikon D40 to be exact; got it second-hand for real cheap. As for lenses I use the Nikon 18-55mm that came with the body with an ass-tastic Zeikos polarizer (it sort of gets the job done, for cheap), a Nikon 55-200mm VR, and a Nikon 35mm prime.
Great pictures, really dig the kimono/yukata girls with their keitai denwas. I wish I had planned my Arashiyama trip better, Tenryuji's surrounding looks breathtaking.
Edit: lol I just realized that I've actually been there but it was already closed down. I didn't know it was Tenryuji though, just stumbled upon it during my random walk around Arashiyama.
Always wanted to go to Japan, this just confirms my desire. And I'm sure a lot of us enjoy the stories and pictures of those who basically make a trip for us too :D really appreciated that you shared this.
EPT
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