Our night flight landed at Kansai International Airport, and we kicked off our tour in the Arashiyama District. Stepping off the coach, I immediately felt the chill of winter. After a briefing from our local guide, we had two hours to explore Arashiyama. I headed straight for the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge (literally Moon Crossing Bridge, aka Sagano Bridge). Amidst the bustling crowd, notably filled with many Chinese tourists, I realized I was the only Indian there. Yippiee!
Arashiyama Street in Kyoto is a serene and picturesque locale
that embodies the timeless beauty of Japan. Lined with traditional wooden
houses and punctuated by the lush greenery of bamboo groves, the street exudes
an atmosphere of tranquility and charm. The gentle murmur of the Katsura River
flows nearby, harmonizing with the rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the
iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, or Moon Crossing Bridge, gracefully spans the river,
adding a touch of elegance to the landscape.
I totally agree that Arashiyama is an
absolute winter stunner. The colors of nature against the winter backdrop blend
for a stunning view. Continuing my walk, I noticed shops lining both sides of
the street and people cycling by. It was time for the breathtaking Sagano
Bamboo Grove. Breathtaking indeed! Having seen it in the Tamil movie Jilla, starring
Vijay, my excitement tripled. Walking for about 20 minutes along a path lined
with towering bamboo, it felt like stepping into a magical nature trail. (KERALA ALLEPPEY HOUSEBOAT) I
could have walked endlessly or just stood there, mesmerized by the bamboo.
The Sagano Bamboo Grove has a rich history
dating back to the Heian Period (794-1185), when it was part of the
aristocratic estates. The bamboo forest was carefully cultivated over the
centuries, with paths thoughtfully carved to enhance the natural beauty. The
bamboo itself, primarily the Moso bamboo species, can grow up to 30 meters
tall. The grove’s enchanting allure is not just visual; the sound of the wind
rustling through the bamboo, known as “the soundscape of Japan,” adds to its
mystical atmosphere. The meticulous maintenance of the grove ensures that it
remains a serene and captivating experience for all who visit.
However, with limited time in Arashiyama,
I made a U-turn, still in awe of the sights around me. I made a pit stop at
Tenryuji Temple, a historic Zen temple radiating tranquility and spiritual
reverence. The temple's simple yet elegant architecture harmonizes perfectly
with its natural surroundings. Its stunning Sogenchi Garden, a masterpiece of
landscape artistry, features a serene pond reflecting the sky, meticulously
arranged rocks, and lush vegetation that changes hues with the seasons.
The temple grounds offer a contemplative atmosphere, where the rhythmic chants of monks and the gentle rustle of leaves create a meditative ambiance, embodying the timeless essence of Zen philosophy. I felt the Zen, the Nava’s Zen in my soul.
Calm and peaceful, touching my soul, I
walked further and stopped at one of the small cafes for a drink. Communicating
through sign language, I pointed to the hot matcha drink. What a perfect drink
for winter - hot, creamy, and satisfying to the last drop.
Right thereafter, we embarked on a journey
for our steamboat lunch at a restaurant whose name I desperately wanted to jot
down. However, everything was in Japanese, and my hunger got the best of me, so
I didn’t ask the tour guide. The restaurant, though small, truly reflected the
essence of Japanese decor. Our meal was impressively laid out and looked so
pretty, making the lunch truly satisfying as the much-needed food for winter.
The mochi in a glass ended my meal spectacularly.
To be continued...
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