We kicked off our morning bright and early because we knew that the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove gets crowded later in the day. But apparently our definition of “early” didn’t quite match everyone else’s. By the time we arrived, the line to enter was already stretching well beyond the official gate, possibly a mile long and full of equally hopeful tourists.
With a full day still ahead and not wanting to inch through a crowded path, we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to splurge on a rickshaw ride. Yes, it was pricey, but absolutely worth it. These rickshaws have a special entrance lane, letting us bypass the crowds entirely. Our rickshaw driver was more than just a guide. He also became our unofficial photographer. He whisked us to the best photo spots, snapped some amazing pictures, and even extended our ride to include a bonus loop around the scenic Katsura River waterfront. The Bamboo Grove was truly beautiful. Towering stalks of green bamboo with sunlight filtering through created a magical atmosphere.
We also stopped at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, a neat little temple where the highlight was 1,200 stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. We also walked through the beautiful grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple. Another cultural note for curious Indians who might think that “ji” at the end of temple names is a sign of respect. Japanese temple names often end in “ji” because the Japanese word for temple is “tera,” which can also be pronounced “ji.” So are they being rude or respectful?
After a while, though, we were glad to escape the crowds and explore the town itself. Arashiyama is more than just the bamboo grove. The streets were alive with energy. Food stalls served everything from matcha ice cream to skewered grilled mochi, and souvenir shops were filled with handcrafted fans and trinkets. Nearby were signs pointing to Iwatayama Monkey Park. We didn’t have time to stop there, but it is on the list for next time.
From Arashiyama, we made our way across the city to one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights: Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. And it is truly a golden temple. Its top two floors are coated in shimmering gold leaf. Originally built in the 14th century as a shogun’s retirement villa, it has been reconstructed multiple times because of fires and war. I don’t know much about Japanese architecture, but apparently each floor reflects a different architectural era. It all seemed very harmonious. Reflected in the still waters of the surrounding pond, the temple is a vision of peace and beauty and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A quick cultural note picked up along the way: temples are Buddhist (think Buddha), while shrines are Shinto, the ones with the iconic torii gates. This helped explain why one place is called a temple and the next is called a shrine.
The final stop was one of those unforgettable sights that stays with you: Maruyama Park, Kyoto’s most beloved cherry blossom viewing area. The timing worked out perfectly for yozakura, the enchanting tradition of nighttime hanami. By the time we arrived, the park was buzzing. Lanterns hung delicately from the trees, illuminating the pink sakura blossoms. Groups of people gathered under the blooms, sharing snacks, drinks, and laughter. Food stalls lined the paths offering takoyaki, yakitori, and plenty of sweet treats.
The highlight was a breathtaking weeping cherry tree at the center of the park, lit from below so it seemed to glow against the night sky. It was surreal. One of those rare moments when everything pauses and you realize you are standing in Japan under cherry blossoms.
A quick detour led to the nearby Philosopher’s Path, a peaceful walkway lined with cherry blossoms that follows a quiet canal. The blossoms there were just as beautiful, though a bit sparser, and the atmosphere felt much more reflective. At one point, a marriage proposal was unfolding nearby, which felt perfectly suited to the setting.
By the time the hotel was reached, everyone was completely exhausted, but in the best way. From the surreal beauty of the bamboo forest to the golden elegance of Kinkaku-ji and the dreamlike magic of yozakura (night time illuminated flower viewing), the day captured everything hoped for in Japan.
