Mt. Fuji & rice paddies |
The next morning we're up early to explore Arashiyama, a district in western Kyoto.
Pretty! |
Just hanging around |
Monkey selfie! |
After we finish with the food, we go back outside and see a mother monkey with her baby. It's hard to remember not to crouch down - they are so cute! Especially when the baby monkey tries to walk a few steps and just rolls over. Mom makes sure he isn't hurt.
You also have a nice view of Kyoto from here. You should, after the climb!
Did you observe that the sign is in English, not Japanese? |
On our way back down the mountain, I have to chuckle at the single warning sign along our path. There's a fifty foot drop running along the walkway for most of the trip up to the monkeys. This is all the notice you get. Obviously the "assumption of risk" is at a different level in Japan versus the US! As we near the entrance/exit we also pass the first busloads of people heading up the hill. I knew I was right to get there early!
I think his eyes are following me wherever I go! |
I love the way these shoji doors frame the garden.
Tatami mats, check. Shoji doors, check. House is finished. |
I saw someone else taking this photo and "copied" it. |
Yes, the little stream made a tinkling sound, because this is a Japanese garden, and it is perfect. |
Steve can feel the zen sinking into him. |
As we walk around the different garden sections, one area has the plants and flowers labeled - in English! I'm excited to identify mountain laurel. I've never seen it before (that I know of) but it's been mentioned as scenery in books. Now I can picture it!
Heading out towards the north exit, we drift into the Sagano bamboo forest. This is not the bamboo in your backyard - they must grow 50 feet high and it feels like they go on forever when you stand among them. (You're on a path - you can't actually go walk through them. Probably too many lost tourists!)
Being lost here must be worse than being lost in a cornfield! |
After leaving the temple and walking the rest of the way through the bamboo forest (about 1/4 mile), it only takes a couple of minutes to reach Okochi Sanso Villa. This had been the home of Japan's most famous silent actor, Okochi Denjiro, until he died in 1962. He spent over 30 years working on it, and it paid off because it's gorgeous.
the entrance to the gardens |
a little moss garden |
Steve might have a lot of work in front of him if he wants to do this at our house. |
Not only are the gardens unbelievably beautiful, but we're treated to more wonderful views of Kyoto. I try to be creative and use the maple leaves to frame the city.
I think I see our hotel! |
The mountains make a nice picture, too. Can you see the temple on the bluff?
Can you? Can you? |
Included with our 1000 yen (about $10) admission fee to the villa is a cup of green tea and a Japanese sweet. Steve declares it's the best green tea he's had since he arrived in Japan.
It's only lunchtime! Still lots to see and do around Kyoto!
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