Bamboo Forest Arashiyama

The bamboo grove is just outside Kyoto. Getting wonderful use out of our JR passes. The grove is a short walk through these immense bamboo trees for want of a better word. Near the Arashiyama station there were poles with decorated kimono fabrics. From here we caught the bus to the Golden Temple. The top two floors are decorated in gold leaf. The gardens were beautifully designed and maintained. In all the gardens the pruning of the trees made them more like oversized bonsais. Another bus and train we made it to the Imperial Palace. The palace is set inside a huge park area. Kyoto was once the seat of government for Japan until the emperor moved to Edo (Tokyo). The lifestyle while formal was quite onerous. Then a well earn treat at the end of the day. A friend from NYC, son runs an award winning cafe. A very charming young man who made us most welcomed.Baca selengkapnya