Kyoto

At the gates of Fushimi Inari shrine

We floated through tunnels of bright vermilion, passing by a blur of kanji characters, black font etched in columns on either side. Thirsty and exhausted from the trek up the mountain stairs, we encouraged each other to keep climbing. The steps were a steep incline and our legs trembled against the hard rock, but our senses were alert, piqued byContinue reading “At the gates of Fushimi Inari shrine”

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama is located at the base of Kyoto’s western mountains, and is a lush green town with the famous bamboo grove and the Tenryu-ji temple. The area has always been a popular destination since historic times (Heian Period 794-1185), when aristocrats and nobles would escape the capital to enjoy its natural setting and breathtaking beauty during the cherryContinue reading “Arashiyama Bamboo Grove”