[ Travel ] Arashiyama, Kyoto – Bamboo Groves


After Jojakkoji we went down to the famous Bamboo Grove. I actually had a lot of expectations for this because I just watched Rurouni Kenshin: Legend Ends and some of the scenes were beautifully shot with the bamboo grove as a backdrop. Well, I’m pretty sure it was shot somewhere else, but yeah. However, I was disappointed because the scene and calm vibe that I was expecting was ruined by the horde of tourists that assaulted us in every direction. Well, more like, we were going against them since we did the usual route in reverse. I couldn’t really complain since I was just too happy being in Japan, only slightly underwhelmed. It was pretty hard to take photos without including other people in it so decided not to save for the one above and another commemorative shot of myself. I was impressed however by how they were able to preserve the bamboos really well. Although, I did wonder what they do with the brown, mature ones. Cut down I suppose since I didn’t see any.

Towards the end of the bamboo grove we dropped by a smaller shrine. Sorry, I couldn’t remember what it was called. A lot of people were paying their respect and praying and some younger ones wishing on a stone that’s supposed to be shaped like a tortoise. Although, I struggled to see the resemblance. All throughout my sightseeing I keep seeing these  stones by the side of the road and in temples. People touch them all the time and make  a wish so I did exactly the same. When in Rome…




Finally, we reached the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge again and of course I had another of those Rurouni Kenshin moment. It was hard to get one of those feels earlier when we were cramped back to back in the bus.  It’s full of people by this time. We crossed the bridge and had some delicious Yakisoba by the riverbank while my guide was telling me about Arashiyama mountains in the background. He really knows his mountain but too bad I couldn’t remember the names. By the way, I’m tickled I’m looking at the very same landscape that Kenshin saw when he went looking for Aoshi. Okay, I’ll stop.





Next, we’re going to Nishiki Market. But first, I’m leaving you with these photos I took at the train station. Gosh, you can’t possibly take a bad photo in Japan. Everything looks great, even the train platforms. 

 

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