A day at Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of the most visited areas in Kyoto. It is very famous for its bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji temple. Though on my day there, I missed visiting both of them.

Park by the Katsura river

Lined by cherry trees, this is the place to visit during the cherry blossom time. The entire area is full of cherry trees and luckily we are in Kyoto to see the full bloom. The park is lined with eateries and people all around are enjoying the bloom and the weather.

Since the kids love throwing stones in the river, it’s a perfect thing to do after dinner and before an ice-cream!

Randen Arashiyama station

Kawai as the Japanese would say for ‘cute’. I have never seen a station so beautiful. They have a nice small foot bath in between the platforms. Get a 200 yen ticket from the station office and soak your tired feet.

The ‘Kimono forest’ installation surrounds the platforms.

Bamboo grooves

Lovely bamboo grooves all around this area.

Gioji temple

This is a hidden gem. It’s a small walk around and they have an amazing moss garden.

The 30–40 minute walk from Gioji temple to Tenryu-ji temple is really nice with many bamboo grooves and temples and cafes. But with kids, most likely you will not make it. :)

Yudofu Sagano

In Japan, Kyoto has the best tofu. And Yudofu Sagano is one of the best places to have a kaiseki meal with every course made from tofu. Added plus, it is located within an amazing garden.

The food was good and filling (ofcourse, you eat so much tofu). Not very yummy as per my taste palate. But the entire experience was fantastic.

Macrobiotics Pruns

A vegan cafe which has sushi rolls, miso soup and gyoza. The food is not outstanding but you will find proper vegetarian meal.