Take Me to Arashiyama, Kyoto

SEE

Arashiyama is famous for its beautiful bamboo path. The beginning of Arashiyama Bamboo Path is usually crowded with people but the most beautiful spot lies further down the path. When the bamboo groves grow further apart from each other, the bamboo become thick and beautiful. 

There are several ways for visitors to enjoy the bamboo path. One can simply stroll the path or rent a bike to enjoy the beautiful sight of the bamboo groves. You can also take a rickshaw ride from the Japanese strong men if you want. The rickshaw ride costs around 5,000 to 7,000 Japanese Yen, depend on where you want to go.

EAT

There are so many street food in Arashiyama, one should take his or her time slowly to check them out one by one. The four color ice cream (with the flavor of sweet potato, sesame, green tea and sweet corn) stall located at the junction leading to the entrance to the bamboo path has a long queue. To tell you the truth, queue can be a good indicator of a good food. Do get yourself a cone of ice cream to make your day sweeter.

If you prefer to eat something big, you should probably make your way to the nearby Tenryuji Temple and pray for it join the queue line (which is expected) at the popular eel restaurant in Arashiyama, Unagiya Hirokawa. 

The restaurant menu does not have much, however, it does best at what it is serving, eel dishes. The unajyu (grilled eel with special sauce on top of rice) taste perfect. The eel has the right texture and size and it is grilled perfectly without being under or over-grilled.

STAY

If you are looking for a ryokan staying experience with an impeccable service, you should try Arashiyama Benkei (10-tatami mat room for 2 person starts from $892). The room is facing the hills and it guarantees a beautiful morning view when you wake up the next morning. The room rate includes a 7-course dinner served in traditional Japanese kiseki style.  There are both public and private onsen for guests to try for a good and relaxing experience. 

RETURN FLIGHT DEAL TO KYOTO

London to Kyoto starts from $671. 

Berlin to Kyoto starts from $733.

New York to Kyoto starts from $1,061.

Los Angeles to Kyoto starts from $693.

Singapore to Kyoto starts from $411.

Jakarta to Kyoto starts from $478.