2nd Day Kyoto-Arashiyama

Took our breakfast at the train station. We arrived 7am at Saga-Arashiyama Station and saw this yellow tree outside. Took a picture of it, was Ecstatic since this is the 1st time I ever see it up close.

We were too lazy to open up our Google Maps and just followed the people from the train. When we came to the familiar road, we crossed the street and entered the small alley that says Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This is not the same street we entered the previous visit. I think that time, we entered near Tenryuji.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

this part of the Bamboo forest is closed. I remember seeing tourists on a rickshaw here. there must be a special fee when you want to get inside.

the best spot to take photos here in Bamboo forest but the crowd here is non-stop.

you can just take snaps when you get the chance

or you can just blur the people walking if your phone has long exposure capability.
Samsung has it as live view while for Huawei you can use the silky water mode or the pro mode if you know the correct settings.

 

Must be TenRyuji at the left

|We were too early for Okochi Sanso Garden opening so we decided to go to Kameyama Park. We got lost in the Bamboo Forest but when we got back on track, we passed by a small store with full Peak of Autumn Colors. We dropped by to get us a hot drink from the vendo and take some pictures.

this is actually to warm our hands than our tummy..lol

We thought Kiyumizudera was the highlight of our trip but then Arashiyama is definitely better with its colors. 

• Kameyama Park

We went uphill to the Viewing Deck 

Look at the view, I think my heart fluttered a bit here

Had to get a picture here

This is the viewing deck

From Viewing deck , we turned right then down to the side of the riverbanks. We were again greeted by Autumn's grandeur

We continued to walk down till we saw a flight of stairs going to the side of the river. It was steep though so you might need to be careful here.

We chanced a bunch of photographers under a tree, with their model in Kimono.

 And we just had to take pictures too..Look how lovely it is !

Upon passing the tree, realized I knew one of the photographers! Took a selfie with Win, Chris, his brother at the back. 

my eyes are feasting with Autumn Colors!

Yellow boat complimenting the trees at the back

We walked the riverside and to the Togetsukyo Bridge while enjoying the view. Passed by a long line of people buying their coffee. Oh. the famous Arabica!

another line for a restaurant

Tourists posing before their Rickshaw Ride begins

• Togetsukyo Bridge 

The best photospot for this is just across the road, giving you the view of the river and the bridge at the background. We did not cross the bridge as we are not going to the spots at the other end , the monkeys for example.

before the bridge

the bridge view is crowded

We bought pasalubong at the intersection near the bridge. It's the store famous for Filipinos as it was featured by a vlogger.

After buying, we head out to eat our lunch at a restaurant before the Kimono Forest. This is at 10:48 AM.

• Kimono Forest

Better to go here after sunset as these colorful pillars light

took a picture with some tourists wearing traditional outfits.

GGSS mode activated

Took a train to Enmachi Station, supposedly we need to take bus from Enmachi to Kinkakuji but my friend wanted to take a taxi instead as he doesn't want to wait for the next bus as it is full everytime. So we took a taxi to Kinkakuji for 1100 Yen for the 3 of us. 

Just after alighting and walking towards the entrance, my friend said he must have left his phone in the taxi. We walked back to the taxi stand but he is no longer there. We don't even remember the color of the taxi nor the plate number. Good thing I took a video while we were riding and caught the driver's id as I was sitting at the front. We asked the drivers at the taxi stand how we can contact the taxi driver. showed them the photo and then they gave us a number to call. But my Globe postpaid sim is not allowing me to call, getting barred error when calling. 

I called my cousin, Jocelyn who has been residing in Japan, and asked for help in contacting the taxi company. Sent her the photo of the driver's ID as well. She reached back after 5mins and told us the driver is already away from our location and it will take him an hour to get back. He will return the phone but he will charge us for the trip coming from where he was back to Kinkakuji. My friend is ok with the charge. Not wanting to waste an hour waiting for the driver, my friend told me proceed with the Kinkakuji Pavillion Tour without him. He will just wait for the driver at the taxi stand. But I literally went alone as my son did not accompany me! He said he's ok waiting for the driver too.

• Kinkakuji Pavillion (The Golden Pavillion)

it's still a long walk from here

During itinerary planning, I was really going to scrap this spot. Then I asked my friend who was here before if she can recommend this place and she said she did enjoy the place. The pavillion is a beauty. So I said to myself, ok I'll give it a chance. And now, I'm finally here alone! hahahaha.. So anyway, I was amazed, really. It was not in my expectation that I will be awed. No wonder it's called the Golden Pavillion. It just shines like real Gold.

view from the back
The top 2 floors are completely covered in Gold leaf. When you are a the back side , the Pavillion is now closer to your eyes and will make you see the sparkling light at the top reflected by the pond. It just glistens what a wonderful sight!

I went back to the taxi stand by 2pm and we had ice cream while waiting.

After this, we went hunting for thrift stores but never really scored one. Not only are they expensive but they are not much to our liking.