Friday, 18 May 2018
We set out in the morning with Yasu sensei and Mayo san for Arashiyama. They were quite exhausted due to Kaya's being sick all night with Noro virus. She was able to stay with her grandmother, so in spite of all these goings on, we spent the entire day on an outing with the Oyama's. Weather exceedingly hot and muggy! Arriving at Arashiyama, we rented bikes, but between my wobbly and insecure riding and the crowds of people and cars, soon parked them and walked through the beautiful green-grey bamboo forest with a light rain of tan bamboo leaves. On to the mountain home and garden of Denjiro Okochi, one of the most famous silent film actors in Japan. A handsome man, his persona was fierce, with a huge fake scare across his right eye and cheek. The home is a beautiful and peaceful retreat with lovely gardens and a tea house where we enjoyed matcha and a sweet, It was our second visit here, and it always seems especially enjoyable to see a familiar place anew. We listened to the gong from the temple across the river (Daihikaku Senkoji) and walked along the Oi River, watching the boats and then finding a quiet place for lunch. Zaru Soba (cold soba) tasted delicious. Following this we took a short boat ride, availing ourselves of the snacks being sold on the river . (beer, squid, mochi, etc). Finally we walked back to the bike parking place, and set off, myself with a little more confidence. Ended up at the Seiryo-ji Temple, a Buddhist temple from the 5th cen. with a famous Buddha that was found to have silk internal organs inside.
Biked back, passing Basho's cottage. Then back to home. We found the lovely little restaurant (Chocana) recommended by Mayo and had an excellent meal, even though there was no menu in English. Every
course was artfully served, including salad, soup, appetizer and excellent roast beef with black sesame sauce. A good way to end the day.
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| Oi River |
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| Boat on the OI River |
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| Oyama sensei and Mayo san |
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| Okochi |
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| Seiryo-ji Temple |
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