Review of Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove 🌿

Start your day early by taking the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama Station, which takes about 15 minutes. As soon as you step out of the station, the atmosphere changes completely. It's quiet, peaceful, with a light morning mist in the air. The cool and refreshing weather makes you want to walk all day. 🎋 Bamboo Grove The first destination is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: • A simple pathway flanked by towering bamboo on both sides. The gentle breeze creates a soothing rustle of bamboo leaves. It's a serene kind of quiet, not a boring one. • You can take photos with either a film camera or a smartphone. However, if you visit during peak hours (after 9 AM), you might have to wait for people to clear out of your frame. • Arriving before 8 AM allows you to capture photos without any crowds, and you can truly appreciate the natural artistry of the place. 🏞 Surroundings of Arashiyama After exploring the Bamboo Grove, continue your walk along the Katsura River: • Togetsukyo Bridge, an old wooden bridge crossing the river, offers a view of the mountains, where you can still see the changing colors of the leaves at the end of autumn. • The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, making you wish you could freeze time. • There are rowboats available for rent. If you're with a loved one, it's incredibly romantic. But even if you're alone, like me, you can enjoy a peaceful, solitary stroll without feeling lonely. 🍡 Food & Cafés • Stop by a famous local restaurant called Arashiyama Yoshimura, which serves soba with a river view. The food is delicious, and the view is fantastic. • Try the green tea daifuku from a nearby shop. The large, perfectly sweet treats are complemented by the kindness of the shopkeeper. • There are also many small riverside cafés, perfect for resting your legs and enjoying a warm cup of coffee in a cozy atmosphere.