The Howl & Moon: More Kyoto and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama

Kyoto has unlimited charms. There are so many places to visit that it can be overwhelming to decide which ones: umpteen temples, shrines, parks, shops, and there are many places to make day trips. And for sure there is bountiful nightlife out there, in a far away land beyond the toddler zone. We decided to go see the famous bamboo forest in Arashiyama which is also home to the World Heritage Site Tenryuji Temple et al.

The tram rail took us to the fetching little town full of delightful shops and restaurants and street vendors selling pickles on sticks. (Take that corn dogs!) It was a leisurely walk to the forest where, if you've seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, you have an idea of the scope of it. We were hoping for some wind to hear them playing their song, but it was not to be. We did however get to see another Praying Mantis which is one of Hopper's favorite insects.

On our way back to the station, we visited the Tenryuji temple and it's gorgeous grounds. It was established in the 1300's so someone has been overseeing the gardens for over 700 years! It's just perfect, with nooks and crannies, and steps here and there, and delicate little bushes and ancient knotty trees and gurgling streams and just perfect perfect perfect everywhere you look. It's enough to make you blase about prize orchids, that the little mosses covering the ground is the perfect vibrant shade of green to highlight everything else around it.

We enjoyed it as much as people with a stroller can. And a 2 year old who wants to hide between bushes and walk up and down the same jaggedy steps with a pointy stick. And then does a poopoos and refuses to be changed and yells all over this peaceful sacred place. And despite this, I still felt something magical, untouchable, serene. And wished I could've had a few quiet moments to myself, to let it seep in a bit deeper. I think that's what Japan has done to me over the years, made me want to be still and figure out the magic.