Day 04: Half Day Kyoto Arashiyama (京都嵐山)

Today we will do a half day tour to Kyoto Arashiyama (京都嵐山)

Kyoto has many scenic places around the city, such as Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) and Shorenin (青蓮院). 
Even the shopping district in Sanjo (三条) is also a very nice place to spend the day.  But personally i love the beauty and the food in Arashiyama.

So we hopped on the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka => Kyoto Station => Arashiyama JR Station (嵯峨嵐山駅) .  Only challenging part of this journey is to squeeze onto the JR Sagano Line's train.  

Route from Arashiyama JR Station to "Moon Crossing Bridge".

It is recommended to take Hankyu Line (阪急京都本線) from Umeda Station => Katsura Station => Arashiyama Station.  This line is less crowded and the station is closer to the "Moon Crossing Bridge" (渡月橋,Togetsukyō).

嵯峨嵐山駅

The station has a very nice view of the mountain ranges.  The picture was taken just out of the ticket pass gate.  We were so happy that the red leaves were at their peak during this early December 2013.  Normally the red leaves were gone in early December.  Hope this is not the effects of global warning.

天龍寺

This is a UNESCO site and also the first temple we hit while walking down from the train station.  Too bad that day part of the temple was still under renovation, so we can only visit the garden.

The red leaves scene in the temple were fantastic and beautiful beyond description.  Photos show described every words.

   

Lunch at Arashiyama

Lunch Time!!  We went over to a restaurant opposite the temple for a good bowl of soba.  Too hungry till forget to take a photo of the shop front of the restaurant.  The soba was very tasty and refreshing compare to those in Osaka.  However, the restaurant was not very spacious and slightly restricted for one to maneuver within.

渡月橋,Togetsukyō

The best times to see this bridge is at early morning and late at night.  Early morning, the sun will not be so bright and the colour contrast from the mountains is easily seen.  Late at night, the bridge will be lighted up with lights along the bridge.

As we need to catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo, we will have to leave the rest for next trip.  Wish will able to come back during the cherry blossom (花見) in April period.