Japan Trip 2016: Day 10 Part 2 11 Dec 2016 Sun - Arashiyama (嵐山), Kyoto

A big Thank You to my Primary 4P 1999 student, Pamela who suggested meeting up and going to see the Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro 2016 which was taking place between 9 to 18 December. 
We met Pamela at JR Umahori Station and walked a little distance to Kameoka Torokko Station which is the start of the Sagano Romantic Train ride. :) 

Along the way to Kameoka Torokko Station

My student, Pamela and us

Hmm, looks like rain clouds...

We managed to get seats on Car No. 5, which is the uncovered portion of the train for the 3:35pm Sagano No. 14 train. Although it was cold (today was only a max of 8C) riding in the uncovered portion of the train, the view of Hozugawa Ravine was beautiful and unhindered. There were a smattering of autumn fall colours here and there. We alighted at Arashiyama Torokko Station.

Kameoka Torokko Station

Train incoming...

Hozukyo Torokko Station

Arashiyama Torokko Station

While walking towards the Sagano Bamboo Forest Walkways, we stopped to have a snack of toasted mochi. Nice and warm on a cold winter day. :) The bamboo forest is so beautiful. It invokes such a sense of serenity and otherness.

We visited the Nonomiya Shrine while waiting for the Arashiyama Hantouro 2016 illumination to come on at 5pm.

The illumination came on promptly at 5pm to lots of Ahs and Oohs. It was very crowded and we could hardly get any nice photos. But what we could see with our eyes, the beauty of the bamboo forest amidst the lights could not be fully captured by the camera. Hopefully I can remember the images in my mind for years to come.

It started raining during our Arashiyama Hantouro 2016 stroll and we decided to head back towards Arashiyama Station as it was very cold and wet. The rain stopped when we got to Arashiyama Station and we were able to view the illuminated Kimono Forest, where pieces of Kyo-yuzen textile in cylindrical poles were installed all around the station and the railway tracks. It is a mighty breath-taking sight.

Autumn leaves! So in love!

We stopped to have a gelato, soya milk flavour and it tasted like Mr Bean's soya ice cream haha. We took a bus back to Kyoto Station where my student, Pamela took us to Torikizoku, a yakitori chain restaurant nearby for dinner. With its low prices (around 280 JPY) and 30 kinds of yakitori, no wonder the restaurant was packed. But the food is really, really delicious!

On the bus back to Kyoto Station

Most happy with my grilled chicken liver!

After dinner, we parted ways with my student, Pamela as she had to go back to Osaka where she is living. Thank you, Pamela for meeting up with us and for suggesting the visit to Arashiyama and dinner at Torikizoku. It has been a really great day for us, great company, beautiful views, and most delicious food.

Kyoto Tower

Reflection of Kyoto Tower on Kyoto Station building