✈ Kyoto Travelogue | Ayashiyama x Bamboo Grove x Tofu Ryori

We travelled to the western outskirts of Kyoto to Ayashiyama for its famous bamboo groves. Ayashiyama, a popular area for day trips, has much to offer be it travelling by foot or by bicycle.

Directions to Ayashiyama
Take JR Sagano Line to Sago-Ayashiyama from Kyoto Station

The 10-minutes walk from the JR station to Ayashiyama was a pleasant one. The cotton-like clouds that spread across the clear blue sky was an instant mood-lifter, and we were blessed by the sun which gave us some warmth from the chilly weather.

"The Sagano Bamboo Forest is one of Japan's national treasures. It is spectacularly beautiful - not just visually, but aurally as well. The sound of culms knocking together and the wind sighing through the upper branches is an extraordinary sensory experience."

The lush greenery and rustle of bamboo leaves is definitely a sight that city dwellers like us do not get to see everyday.

Tenryū­ji's scenic garden designed by the Zen master Musō Soseki 

There are many different types of Ryori that is unique to Kyoto, such as Shojin Ryori, Obanzai Ryori, Kawayuka/Kawadoko.

Famous in Ayashiyama/Kyoto for its tofu cuisine which include yudofu (boiled tofu), koyadofu (dried-frozen tofu) and yuba (bean curd skin), we had to give it a try! It wasn't an ordinary vegetarian meal but a delicious and satisfying one. The yudofu simmered in vegetables and broth was so soft and simply melted in one's mouth. If only more healthy dishes could be this delicious!

So many things to uncover about Kyoto, so little time. We ended our Kyoto leg with Kinkaku-ji Temple. Such a pretty sight, with the golden reflection of the Golden Pavilion shimmering across the pond.

Beautiful landscapes captured in the train from Kyoto to Osaka