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Arashiyama - Second Most Important DistrictExplore > Japan > Kyoto > Arashiyama - Second Most Important District
OverviewUp in the hills, temples hide amongst the greenery and bamboo forests. We walked the path through the bamboo groves and I will forever remember that experience. Arashiyama, a district in the western outskirts of Kyoto, has been a popular destination since the Heian Period, from 794-1185). Nobles found it a natural setting and the former villa, Okochi Mountain Villa, was the home of the popular Samurai film star Okochi Denjiro. It consists of several beautiful gardens and building including living quarters, tea houses, and a zen meditation hall. The gardens are particulary lovely and the gateway to your next adventure, the bamboo groves. Relax here and enjoy some matcha green tea with a snack. A walk will follow, as you find yourself surrounded by Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves, which are particularly attractive when there is a light wind which results in the swaying of the tall bamboo stalks. But regardless, windy or still, this is an impressive experience and one that will stay with you forever. The atmosphere is other worldly, almost hypnotic as the stalks seem to continue forever in all directions. The bamboo here is used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops for centuries. Nonomiya Shrine in Kyoto is the shrine that Imperial unmarried princesses spent a year preparing to become High Priestess of the Grand Shrine of Ise. It could take a year or longer to purifying themselves for this position. In "The Tale of Genji", the Shining Prince meets the Rokujo Lady at Nonomiya. And following this, a visit to Tenryuji, ranked among Kyoto's 5 great Zen temples, it is the most impressive temple in Arashiyama. It was founded in 1339 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built on this site, they say, after a priest dreamt of a dragon rising from the nearby river. The dream was interpreted as a sign that the emperor's spirit was uneasy and the temple was constructed as an appeasement - hence the name which means Heavenly Dragon. Along with its UNESCO designation, the 14th century Zen garden remains the main attraction. - This tour is an easy walking tour once you reach your destination. - Please dress comfortably. Days offered: 7 days a week Departures:
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