Kyoto - Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

We visited on a beautiful clear day with the autumn colours at their peak.  It was lovely

Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. The temple was established in 1339, at the beginning of the Muromachi Period(1338-1573), and like many other temples burnt down several times over its history. The current buildings date from the Meiji Period.

Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden which, unlike the temple buildings, survived the many fires and is considered one of the oldest of its kind.Tenryuji has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995.

The Saga Romantic Train runs seven kilometers from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka, mostly alongside the pretty Hozu River. The trains travel at a maximum speeds of about 25 km/h during its 25 minute journey, so passengers can enjoy the scenery without it rushing by too quickly.

Hannah thought it was too noisy when the train went through tunnels so she asked Baba to cover her ears.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.