Mifune Matsuri and off the road temples

Travel Reports by Joshua Hugh

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May 19, 2013 - Mifune Matsuri and off the road temples

Off Philosopher's path, about three side streets down from Silver Pavillion is Hon'en-in. A quant curvy path with trees and bamboos leads the way.

Some unique decor.
Brick of sand & Beads fountain.

Indeed, hanging by a thread.

Onto Arashiyama.

Clear water. Pebbles and moss is visible.

On the third Sunday of every May, there is a festival at Arashimaya. It starts at a temple and continues to the river. The highlight are the songs, dance, and of course the clothing. The kids are the main stars.

Too bad it was raining. After a while, most of the spectators left.

Hi there!
The kids are the real stars. They get to take turns to dance on the ?main? boat.

If you take the boat ride from Sagano you can experience the event up close.

The people watch as more reinforcements come from Togetsukyo.

After the music and crowd started to die down, I started a walk through the rain.

Wanted to revisist Tenryuji. But the main hall is covered in white. Probably renovations. A number of other tourist, especially visiting school children also turned away. Guess it was an unannounced renovation.

Thus I fought the rain through side streets and winding roads to Jojakkoji. Beautiful road leading up to it and to Nisonin.

It is not only Tenryuji that is near bamboo.

View of Kyoto from the near-top of the mountain. Jojakkoji is reminiscent of Okochi Sanso Villa but the path is more confusing and with a lot more trees. As I hiked Kurama mountain and Fushimi Inari mountain on the days leading up to this, I didn't find the nature all that inspiring. But it is certainly worth the time if you are only going to Arashimaya.

Compared to the bamboo grove, this location feels more rustic and un-manucured.

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List of Posts:
2014/12/28 - Kyushu in winter
2013/11/15 - Off the beaten path- Western Japan
2013/05/21 - Getting lost on the outskirts of Kyoto
2013/05/20 - Uncommon but fun places
2013/05/19 - Mifune Matsuri and off the road temples
2013/05/18 - Off the beaten path