Having completed my early journey around town and to the Monkey Park it was time to take in the rest of the town. I had worked up a thirst walking up and down the mountain and noticed a nice little ice cream/coffee shop/gift shop not for from the exit of the park.

Arashiyama, Kyoto

I stopped in and enjoyed a nice iced coffee and bough a few small souvenirs. I was able to sit at the counter and enjoyed listening to the shop workers talking with some of the regular customers. They really seemed to have an enjoyable conversation. Before leaving I got a soft-serve ice-cream to go. There is a nice park (Arashiyamahigashi Park) that sits along the river. I sat on a bench and enjoyed the site of some egrets fishing in the water and also took in the view of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge ( 渡月橋) or "Moon Crossing Bridge"

Katsura-gawa (Katsura River) and Togetsukyō

The pulse of Arashiyama seemed so relaxed. Even though there was so much to see and do in the area there is a sort of calm that you don't often feel. To me it reminded me a lot of Miyajima in that sense.

Togetsukyō (渡月橋)

The Bamboo groves were next on my list. Though I quickly walked around them in the morning waiting for the Monkey Park to open they were much more beautiful with the late morning light coming though the high clouds. There were very few people which really surprised me. I took my time and enjoyed the sights and smells of the bamboo grove. It was smaller than I expected but a very special place none the less.

Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama

After my walk around the area I decided it was time for some lunch. I read about a place called Sagano-yu cafe and made my way over. It was not a long walk from the bamboo groves and there were some interesting shops along the way to look at. Sagano-yu is a former bath house converted into a cafe. Once inside I was greeted by such a friendly staff. It was so bright and clean inside it really refreshed and energized me after my walk. I ordered a latte and fruit hot cakes which were really in vogue around Japan at the time.

Saganoyu Cafe

After lunch I walked around a little more exploring the area before heading to Tenryuji temple.