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Arashiyama, in the Northwest of Kyoto is famed
for its bridge (Togetsukyo) crossing the Katsura river. At the
right time of year you can watch cormorant fishing, but sadly not
the same time of year as the cherry blossoms line the river, nor
when the trees are in their autumn glory. So, an essential
three visits here at least! Loads of
temples, shrines, old streets (and inevitable tourists shops) with
great choice of restaurants overlooking the river. You can get
there either by the picturesque train on the Keifuku Line from
central Kyoto or on the city bus routes for the standard fare of
230¥ from anywhere in Kyoto. Although the buses do tend to be
crowded in peak tourist seasons, our particular bus was quite eerily
empty when we left Arashiyama before 8 PM in the evening.
One benefit of the train option is that you
arrive at the station which has been decorated with the Kimono
Forest, a thousand or so perspex cylinders lined with decorated
textiles and lit up at night as a memorial to the local kimono
making heritage. |
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