Today we started off with a visit to the Northwest suburbs of Kyoto -- the Arashiyama district. Arashiyama is located at the base of the mountains and is considered Kyoto's most important sightseeing district after Hagashiyama. And even though it wasn't the weekend (yet), on this Friday it seemed everyone in Kyoto was out here viewing the spectacular sights.

We started off by taking the metro to Kyoto Station where we needed to get on the JR Sagano line and take it a few stops out to Arashiyama. Our JR Passes were no longer valid, so we had to suck it up and pay the 200 yen one-way trip. As we exited the station in Arashiyama we didn't immediately know which way to go to see the sights, but we simply followed the throng of people through the little town and into the countryside.

We were anxious to see the famed Arashiyma Bamboo Grove, so that was first on our list. Walking into this extensive bamboo grove was like entering another world -- the thick green stalks seem to continue forever. Pictures definitely don't do this area justice as they don't appear terribly appealing, but the place has a magic about it that needs to be experienced.

We continued along the road/path and the next major site was the Okochi-Sanso Villa. The entry price of 1000 yen seemed a bit steep, but we bit the bullet and paid to enter. This is the estate of Okochi Denjiro an actor famous for samurai films. The garden was indeed very nice, especially after climbing up some of the stairways which offered a great eastward view over the city of Kyoto. Part of the 1000 yen fee covered a spot of tea and a hard biscuit at the tea house. Definitely can pass on that and instead cut the fee down to 500 yen to enter.

The next stop was Jojakkoji Temple which provided a gorgeous display of fiery maple trees clustered across a mossy hillside. We continued onward and after stopping for a red bean bun, visited the Gioji Temple. This one was probably our favorite of the morning as it is far enough that it wasn't bursting with visitors. We were rewarded with a lush moss garden and beautiful foliage set against the backdrop of the lovely thatch-roofed hall of the temple.

After Gioji we made the walk back to the JR station. We didn't realize how far we had walked, so it took us some time to get back and our feet were starting to ache. We decided to grab lunch at an organic food restaurant not far from the station. The service was slow, but that's because everything was made fresh. It was one of the more delightful tofu meals we had experienced.

We returned to Kyoto Station and hopped on another JR line (our friend the Nara line) and took it south 2 stopped to Inari station. Just outside the station is probably Kyoto's most famous sight -- the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha which comprises a seemingly endless arcade torii shrine gates spread out over a wooded hillside. Somewhat similar to the bamboo groves, you kind of have to be here to really appreciate the vibe as pictures don't really do it justice. We enjoyed wandering around the complex taking pictures, but opted against the 4km hike all the way to the top of the hill.

After Fushimi-Inari, we got back on the Nara line and went one stop north to Tofuku and walked a bit to the Tofukuji Temple. This relatively quiet temple is typically off the main tourist trail, but in November it becomes one of Kyoto's most popular sites because -- you guessed it -- the changing leaves. Tofukuji didn't disappoint -- the display of fall foliage was amazing. We were there quite late in the day (around 4:30), so it was getting dark and the hoards from the tourist buses were leaving the complex as we were entering, so we were able to enjoy this wonderful place with just a hint of solitude.

Our sightseeing for the day complete, we freshened up at the Sakara and headed back to our favorite downtown area for dinner. We were in the mood for non-Japanese food tonight, so we first stopped for a pizza (at a place called G Love and Special Sauce -- gotta love that)! We walked some more, caught some nice nighttime views of the Gion district, and then popped into a Spanish restaurant for some mediocre tapas. The ended the day with some coffee and green tea cake and called it a day. Life is good. Wish we could stay here longer...