The crowds are back in Kyoto, but I showed an American and Japanese journalist couple a scenic route with few visitors, from the temple and pond of Daikakuji through the Arashiyama area. Dan @dangillmor and Noriko-san were refreshed when we could enjoy mountain forest scenery a short walk from train stations.
The first photo shows the spacious temple Daikakuji (大覚寺) from across Osawa Pond, Kyoto's oldest man-made pond, harking back around 1,200 years to Emperor Saga in the early Heian Period. The experience of visitors is deepened when the history and lore is explained.
This is not one of the spectacular seasons, but there is some subtle beauty in early fall with leaves starting to change, and bush clover like in the second photo.
Third is the bamboo cathedral of Arashiyama.
Last is a photo by Dan of the gorgeous gorge. One of my favorite places, yet few tourists find it. I often also walk along the other side of the river through the mountain forest.
Add comment