Posted on November 20, 2023
This post is the second part of the my travel in Japan from March 23 to April 14, 2023. This time I visited Arashiyama, Kyoto. Arashiyama is written as 嵐山 which means Storm (嵐) Mountain (や). A beautiful place to view the cherry blossoms in spring.
This trip happened on March 27, 2023.
Arashiyama
I was still staying on Osaka when I looked at the weather and the Sakura report where it indicates that Kyoto, or specifically Arashiyama is in full bloom sakura tomorrow and it is a sunny day. I knew that it only takes an hour to ride from Osaka to Kyoto from Osaka station so I took a chance. This is my 6th time in Japan after all.
By 9:00 AM, I started my day and I rode the Hankyu-Arashiyama line from the Osaka-Umeda station. If I remember, it takes around an hour and a few minutes to get there. Besides, there are tons of beautiful views along the Hankyu line in cherry blossoms seasons.
I arrived at around 10:30 AM, I expected a lot of people but the crowds in Kyoto is really overwhelming. Sidewalks are fully occupied by pedestrians, the road traffic is bad, the restaurants and stores are full and you have to line up to get a good food.
The last time I went in Arashiyama was 2016 in fall season. We rode the scenic train before but right now, I chose to visit the Tenryuji garden, the Kameyama park and roam around the area to get a great photo.
I did not have specific plans to visit any place. Everything is spontaneous. I absolutely enjoy being free of travel planning. Being able to spend your time is a luxury I can only afford when I am traveling so I gave my best to enjoy this spontaneity, freedom and scenery.
If you plan to ride the scenic train, it's best to book in advance. They rarely accommodate walk-in passengers due to the demand of train. It is a 30 minute train ride with open and closed window seats. Standing is fine as well since you can go around the train to take pictures and photos.
At around 3:00 PM, I decided to go to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. It is located on the southern side of the bridge. Beware, if you are going to the park, it requires you to hike for at least 15-30 minutes depending on your stamina and endurance. The path can be easily traverse with concrete stairs covered with tall trees.
While the best part of the park are the monkeys, however it is one of the places around Kyoto that offers the scenic view of the city.
You can buy a snack which contains peanuts, bananas and other fruits then to give to the monkeys. However, you can hand them the food inside the cottage where a fence divides you between the monkey. While the monkeys seem tame enough, they might hurt someone especially if it is because of food.
There were plenty of monkey fights I witnessed while I stayed on the park. They were really agile.
If you plan to ride the scenic train, it's best to book in advance. They rarely accommodate walk-in passengers due to the demand of train. It is a 30 minute train ride with open and closed window seats. Standing is fine as well since you can go around the train to take pictures and photos.