There's More to Arashiyama than the Bamboo Groves, Kyoto, Japan

The first time I visited Gion and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was last year, both when it was too late to see anything except for little Japanese yokai popping out of the shadows. Not the best time to visit. This year, a second attempt. Last night: Gion. First thing today: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

It is rush hour in Kyoto Station. I feel like I am in slow motion-everyone around me is a blur of blue or black suits. But I am not the only one in slow motion, there are two little kids in school uniforms with matching hats and bags right in front of me taking their precious time chanting as they climb the stairs: 'Saisho wa gu, jan ken pon!' Sounds just like our own jak en poy! It is the same! They are playing rock paper scissors! I look for my platform and the kids disappear behind a jumble of slacks.

I arrive in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. There are only a handful of people scattered along the path. Woohoo! This is close to those beautiful photos of the grove I have seen on the internet. I take in the serene surroundings and are thankful I got here before the busloads of tourists arrive.

There are many places to see in this area, not just the bamboo groves. Should I head south of the groves to recommended sites such as Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge? Or north to less visited sites? I pick north. (In hindsight, Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge would have been better visited early to avoid crowds.) ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).