Last stop, Togetsu-kyo Bridge

It was almost time to leave Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. My legs were tired after some six hours of walking on a thirty degree day, but I had to stand on Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

By the Katsura River

A wide path followed Arashiyama’s Katsura River. Below, boats for hire glided up the river, but I walked on that steamy summer day. Luckily, shade from the lush vegetation provided some relief.

Gems on the way to Katsura River

While hoards of sightseers flooded the main thoroughfare heading towards the Bamboo Forest, I wandered back streets heading in the opposite direction and discovered there was more to admire than just the forest.

The simple delights of nature

I was on my way to the Katsura River and Arashiyama Park in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, but detoured to a pond laden with lily pads.