Kyoto, Japan - Day 3, 21th January 2023

Our plan was to meet Kaz, Eri and Emma at the historic Kaifuku tramway, which started conveniently close to our accommodation and would take us to the historic Arashiyama district, riding in style in the beautiful old tramcar.

Emma had other ideas and was apparently delayed by a major wardrobe crisis. Nonetheless, Kaz went ahead with us to take a look around the gorgeous town, where our explorations probably took us farther in any case than Emma's two-year old legs may have permitted.

Our hike took us through the famous Bamboo Grove, past beautiful family homes, and fascinating cemeteries until we reached Gio-ji temple with its lush moss garden. The temple was named for Gio, a traditional dancer who, when replaced in her lover's affections by another dancer, dedicated herself there as a nun. Her replacement later joined her there not long after.

On the tram to Arashiyama with Kaz.

Bamboo Grove

Gorgeous home in Arashiyama

Arashiyama Cemetary.

Moss Garden at Gio-Ji

Moss Garden at Gio-Ji

Moss Garden at Gio-Ji

Ojizo Statues dressed in red to ward off evil.

Our walk was long but we didn't resort to this.

Seiryo Ji Temple

By the time we had worked up an appetite for lunch, Eri and Emma had caught up with us. We got lucky, grabbing the last table at a lovely restaurant which had always been full when our friends had visited previously. After a delicious lunch, Emma unwrapped our gift of a Welsh red dragon, for which we were rewarded by a lovely grin. When our friends had returned to Japan, Emma wasn't yet talking although she understood our English perfectly well. Now she was a little baffled as to why we were unable to understand her when she spoke to us.

Lunch

Emma's gift from Wales

Decorative Saki barrels.

Eager to visit something which would interest a two-year old, we walked through the town's main street and crossed the river bridge to reach Monkey park.

Unfortunately at the entrance gate, the ticket seller advised Emma to put her beloved teddy bear, Bob - a gift from nurses during a hospital visit in Wales - into her bag, as it wouldn't be safe for him to be exposed to the wild monkeys. At this comment, Emma decided if the park wasn't safe for Bob, it wasn't a place she was going either.

Poor Kaz had to wait with her at the bottom of what turned out to be a long, uphill walk to the area where the monkeys roamed wild. Once we made it to the top with Eri, we decided that carrying Emma all the way up wouldn't have been much fun for him anyway.

Arashiyama River Bridge.

One of the strange sights along the way.

Kaz, Emma and Bob waiting safely at the bottom of the hill.

Wild Monkeys and a fantastic view of Kyoto.

Without a two-year old accompanying us, what excuse do you two have for this behaviour??

Tram station decor.

Keifuku Randen Tramway.

Tired but happy at the end of another day covering miles on foot and visiting fascinating sights, we took the tram home again, making a stop at our favourite supermarket to choose delicious delights for dinner.

A local metalworker shows off his skills in our neighbourhood.