The Old Capital Kyoto -Part II

Our short, organised tours of significant sights and sites around Kyoto have turned out to be really enjoyable. Today was our second morning tour but this time it was a “walking tour” which meant that we met our group, got organised and headed off to the station on foot with our little Japanese gentleman guide holding his flag and leading the way. Herding 20 people is difficult at the best of times but walking around streets and on and off trains adds another level of excitement. 

These are typical private houses in the local streets we walked through. Compact and tidy.

Our main purpose was to see the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove but on the way we were treated to some beautiful temple gardens…the first of which was Jojakko-ji, a Buddhist temple from the 14th Century. And it was a tranquil experience. Manicured and managed to within an inch of its life (it’s not unusual to see gardeners sweeping and picking at the moss to keep it pristine) ….. and it’s a active temple still inhabited by monks. Our guide (who was quite elderly himself) did say however that he’s never seen them and wondered if they spent their time out on the golf course!😂 

The moss is all over the ground and much treasured.
Gardeners maintain it impeccably.

By now we were getting to know a few people. Walking around together in groups allows time to chat (unlike on a bus) and there were six baby boomers ….us, a Canadian expat Welshman and his Canadian wife and a Danish couple. The others were a large group from Mexico (I thought they were Spanish but they assured us that Mexican Spanish speakers are the “happy” ones….and they were) who were all wine producers from Mexico promoting their product in Japan. It was an off handed comment from me that started the ball rolling when I wondered out loud why a woman taking pictures of plants and scenes was holding a bottle of wine at arm’s length out in front of her. It was like a reverse “selfie”…a bit strange. Turned out it was for “product promotion” for her wines from Mexico.

They were young, happy and scatty but the Oldies (who could follow directions) kept things on track and their “organiser” (the chairman of their Chamber of Commerce who organised their whole trip) kept  “rounding them up” like a cattle dog. But they were fun.

We then wound our way through some lanes and back streets with private residences to the bamboo grove ….and then the crowds started. But it was impressive and worth the effort to see. 

As the Welshman said (with cheeky grin) while we were discussing Japanese punctuality “ If you’re  not able to cope with crowds and lining up….you’re in the wrong place!’

The famous “Bamboo Grove” was crowded…but still impressive.

We also visited a very attractive Zen garden…part of another monastery (our guide told us that there are about ten versions of Buddhism)  before we were treated to an unexpected surprise, a punt ride on the local river. By this time we had moved out of the gardens to the streets of Arashiyama where the locals were gathering in force. Being a Saturday  everyone was out and about and, like in most parts of the world,  the young people were out “promenading”. The only difference here was that they love to get dressed up in traditional costume, and it is quite a scene. Wendy and I did ask a couple of times about taking photos but they are understandably a bit shy about it.

This was a party or wedding or something but there were lots of
locals dressed up for their Saturday outing.

The Zen gardens were impressive…which is why we went back for a second look after the tour.

We had a wonderful boating  experience on the river and, when a small boat with snacks and drinks came along side, the Mexicans got stuck right into the beer and saki….and then got even louder😂

This is one of the flat bottomed punts we were on. Sitting cross legged on mats.

The Autumn foliage and scenery has been spectacular in places. Arashiyama is one of them.

By the end of the tour we had quite a time together but Wendy and I decided to stay a while longer and have a close look at the bamboo grove and temple gardens whilst the others were heading back to Kyoto.

As we were saying our goodbyes and …..“it was nice meeting and getting to know you a bit” and shaking hands etc…..I felt a weight delivered into my backpack. It was the Mexican lady with her last promotional bottle of wine (the one taking pictures of it in her outstretched hand) who put it in there and said…

“Enjoy some Mexican wine…Australian”. Lovely gesture ….. and we sure intend to!

So here we are,  at the end of our Japan journey and wondering just where the days all went. Wendy has stayed back to do some last minute shopping and packing and I have gone to one last temple a few K’s out of Kyoto to try for some more Autumnal shots. I read about this place when researching our trip and it seemed like one that could offer some good Autumn shots.

And wasn’t I glad that I made the effort (two trains and a 15 minute walk up hill) to visit the Daigo-ji temple and working monastery. The whole complex was impressive and being a bit off the tourist track pretty quiet as well.

Interestingly, I was befriended by an elderly Japanese man named Shiro who showed me through the whole complex which I really appreciated. He is a retired engineer who worked in the motor development section of Mitsubishi and spent time in America. When he enquired why we were in Japan I showed him a picture of Wendy’s garden…..and he smiled and nodded. We had a very pleasant couple of hours together.

My new friend Shiro. We have found the people really friendly and helpful.

Shiro explained that the three rocks in the pebbles represent (L to R) flowing water, still water and rushing water. There is much symbolism in Japanese gardens and I was glad he took the time to explain.

The temple buildings and interiors are interesting in themselves but the magnificent Zen garden…..rocks, water and raked pebbles was quite the fine example of the art. 

But I was really keen to go further up the hill to the Bentendo pond….which I hoped would be in its Autumn finery. It was ….. and this was the scene that greeted me. Quite spectacular!

No words necessary here but I was reminded of Monet’s garden for some reason. Autumn is so attractive.

Tomorrow is  our last Shinkansen trip (they’ve all been excellent) back to Tokyo to catch our overnight flight back to good old Oz. It’s been a busy, sometimes intense, action-packed visit that we have thoroughly enjoyed. We’ll certainly be returning with many memories, experiences and stories to enjoy for years to come.

So from us it’s ……“sayonara” Japan…..over and out!