♥ sassycat ♥: Day 3 – Japan trip (Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge & Kyoto tower)

On day 3, we woke up earlier to visit yet another most photographed tourist destination in Kyoto. Arashiyama is located at the Western district of Kyoto and we took the JR line to catch the San-In line towards Sonobe and get off at Saga-Arashiyama station. Before that, here’s some pics of our early breakfast. ∩__∩y

Who says you can’t eat instant noodles for breakfast? O.o

Colourful eye-popping pastries & onigiri assortments (*^▽^*) They even had Sake onigiri!

Once we reached Arashiyama, we were greeted by the panoramic view of railway track with hilly mountain behind it.

The steam locomotive & piano museum made a perfect backdrop for us.

As usual, we always aim for the map before setting out our journey for the day. To our surprise, there’s an old uncle who gave us some advice on how to travel up to the forest. In fact, he happily volunteered his service to the tourists and locals despite can’t speak English. Such a kind uncle! (^∇^)

The place was teeming with crowd but luckily, we arrived early in the morning so that there’s still some fresh air and before the sun comes out to bake our path. Well, the boys spotted a beer vending machine and with sheer exhilaration, they bought some to drink along their way up. (*≧▽≦)

Some of the grey stones and mini "Torii" we spotted along our way.

And some dainty flowers at the roadside. (❛▿❛✿)

We stopped by at the Arashiyama shopping street and were intrigued by the long queue of a “special” soft-serve stall. Apparently, the ice cream was so popular due to its non-fall off “special” ingredient when held upside-down.

An exaggerated version of me holding it down.

We walked around 15 minutes and upon reaching the bamboo forest, I felt a sense of tranquillity looking at the canopy of tall bamboo trees. The entrance is FOC and it is opened 24 hours. Fyi, it is one of the UNESCO world heritage site.

There was also a spot dedicated to prayers whom would like to write down their wishes on the wooden boards. An uncle was busy serving his customers with his hand-drawn postcards.

With a gentle breeze sweeping our face and the sound of rustling bamboo leaves, we were mesmerized with the beauty of Nature. Right across the Sagano bamboo road is Tenryu-ji Temple; largest in Arashiyama district.

Feeling “zen” again….

Posing with the bamboo groove. 🎍

Selfies along the way.

Hubby with the shrubs.

Tucked at the end of the forest, we uncovered a lake, fluffy cherry blossoms and beautiful landscape.

Different forms of green shades.

There were even a wooden house and glass house to add to its mysterious allure.

A microscopic view.

Some Insta-inspired photos ∩__∩y

There was even a resting point for us take five at a booth which served hard-boiled egg with salt seasonings and custard pudding as seasonal food for Spring.

Purr!~

There were line of quaint shops and quiet neighborhood dotted along the street.

After an exhaustive 40 – 45 minutes walk at the forest, we followed the path which lead us to Arashiyama mountain located at the north central of Arashiyama. We stopped for a while to have a look at the various shops selling some cute kitschy souveniers and unique café. Yes, there was an OWL café…

As we reached the mountain, we were awe struck with the vast mountain, long bridge and a flowing dam. We just sat quietly to enjoy the moment of calmness and serenity which stretched beyond the horizon. And, posed against the abundance of green shrubs at Togetsukyo bridge. The beauty of Spring will strongly etched in my mind. (*⌒▽⌒*)

There was a small pier on the river but too bad we did not take the cruise down. Here are some postcard-worthy photos!

We walked up to the nearby Monkey forest but as it was closed so we did not enter the trail of bushes.

As night falls, we made our way to the Kyoto tower which was illuminating with neon light when we reached. Apparently, Kyoto tower is an unique architectural structure as it does not use steel frame but was built using a special steel plates to form a cylinder. Too bad, we did not visit the iconic landmark as the entrance fees were pretty expensive (700 yen). Posed against the striking building.