Exploring Kyoto: A Cultural and Historical Adventure with Friends

Whispers in the Bamboo

Today, Kyoto unveiled another layer of its enchanting soul to me. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of the Kyoto Watazen Ryokan, my friends and I ventured into the renowned Arashiyama district. With cameras in hand and spirits high, we prepared ourselves for a day filled with natural beauty, spiritual enrichment, and a touch of playful mischief.


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Kyoto Watazen Ryokan, where traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern comforts in a prime location.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It felt a little strange eating pizza so early in the morning, but I have to admit, the stone-oven baked dough was delicious. It was the perfect fuel for the day ahead.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

Our first stop was the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I had seen countless photos of this place, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Stepping into the forest felt like entering another world. Towering stalks of bamboo soared into the sky, their slender forms swaying gently in the breeze. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the path below. It was an ethereal, almost spiritual experience, and the air was filled with a sense of tranquility that I've rarely encountered.

Experience the tranquility of Kyoto's Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene escape in nature's embrace.

We strolled along the winding path, our voices hushed in reverence. The forest seemed to whisper secrets to those who listened closely. I closed my eyes for a moment, breathing in the fresh, earthy scent of bamboo, and felt a deep connection to nature. It was a truly magical place, and I knew that this was an experience I would never forget. I was so glad we arrived relatively early, as I hear the crowds swell later in the day. Walking deeper into the grove, the crowds thinned, allowing us to truly appreciate the serene atmosphere.

Emerging from the bamboo forest, we made our way to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This Zen temple, founded in 1339, is a testament to the enduring beauty of Japanese architecture and garden design. As we entered the temple grounds, I was immediately struck by the sense of peace and serenity that permeated the air.

Discover the tranquil beauty of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, surrounded by stunning gardens and rich history.

We wandered through the temple's meticulously manicured gardens, admiring the carefully placed stones, the tranquil ponds, and the vibrant cherry blossoms that were still clinging to the branches. The Sogenchi Garden was particularly breathtaking, with its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. I could easily see why this garden is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese landscape design. The artistry with which the natural surroundings were incorporated into the garden was simply amazing.

Inside the main hall, we paid our respects to the temple's enshrined deities and took a moment to meditate in the serene atmosphere. It was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was interesting to learn that Tenryu-ji was built by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo and founded by the Zen master Muso Soseki. The temple has such a rich history and has survived many centuries.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the simplest of settings, where nature and culture intertwine to create a moment of pure magic.

After a morning of tranquility and reflection, we decided to embrace our playful side and head to the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. I had heard stories about this place, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As we began our ascent up the mountain, I quickly realized that this was not going to be a leisurely stroll. The path was steep and winding, and I found myself huffing and puffing as we climbed higher and higher. I was starting to regret forgetting my umbrella, as the sun was beating down on us.

Discover Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama: A thrilling encounter with wild Japanese macaques amidst lush landscapes and stunning views.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we reached the summit. And there they were – the monkeys! Scores of Japanese macaques roamed freely around the park, their mischievous eyes darting about in search of food or amusement. It was quite a sight to behold. I must admit, I felt a bit apprehensive at first. These were wild animals, after all, and I wasn't sure how they would react to our presence.

But as we watched them interact with each other, we quickly realized that they were more curious than aggressive. We purchased some monkey food (peanuts, of course) and ventured into the feeding area. It was an experience like no other. The monkeys swarmed around us, their nimble fingers reaching out to snatch the peanuts from our hands. Some of them even climbed onto our shoulders, their soft fur tickling our necks. It was both thrilling and slightly unnerving, but ultimately, it was an incredibly fun and memorable experience.

One particularly cheeky monkey even tried to steal my camera! Thankfully, I managed to hold on to it, but it was a close call. I couldn't help but laugh at the monkey's audacity. They really are quite intelligent and resourceful creatures. Besides the monkeys, the view from the park was simply stunning. We could see the entire city of Kyoto spread out before us, its ancient temples and modern buildings blending seamlessly together. It was a perfect panorama, and I felt grateful to be able to witness it.

After spending a couple of hours with the monkeys, we descended the mountain and made our way to Yasakadori Enraku for lunch. The restaurant had a calm atmosphere with all private rooms. The dishes were exquisite with their delicate dashi flavors. It was the perfect spot to recharge after our adventurous morning.

Experience the artistry of Kaiseki dining at Yasakadori Enraku in Kyoto – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at L'Escamoteur, a bar known for its unique atmosphere and magical cocktails. Run by a Frenchman, the bar felt like stepping into another world, a mix of alchemy and magic. It was cash only, but definitely worth it. What a perfect way to end our day in Arashiyama, with a dash of French flair in the heart of Kyoto.

Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!

For dinner, we ventured to Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, eager to indulge in a delicious meal. Unfortunately, upon arrival, we discovered that the restaurant was temporarily closed. Disappointed, we had to quickly find another spot for dinner. We ended up at a small, local eatery where we enjoyed some traditional Kyoto cuisine. It wasn't the teppanyaki experience we had hoped for, but it was still a delicious and authentic meal.

Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the day's adventures, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Arashiyama is a truly special place, a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and playful charm. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to experience it with my friends. And tomorrow, we set off to see Kinkaku-ji and Ryoan-ji, followed by shopping at the Kyoto Crafts Store. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!