Traveling Japan – Arashiyama, Kyoto

March 3, 2026

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The last time I went to Kyoto, I was there for a day and then got sick, so I never got to see all the cool stuff that I’m getting to see this time around.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Near one of the temples was a bamboo forest. It was not the signature one you’ve probably seen (which I’ll show later in this post), but I liked how the light was hitting this smaller forest. It made for a great landscape photo.

Ju-San Mairi Girl

It’s traditional for 13-year-old Japanese kids to visit a temple to “worship for knowledge” and “receive knowledge.” They often dress in traditional Japanese clothing. Girls are given the Kimono cut in the adult way.

The practice seems to work because little Japanese kids are always smart.

I often don’t ask when taking pictures. But when it’s children with their parents, I ensure it’s ok first out of respect for the kids and families. I wouldn’t want some creepy gaijin taking pictures of my kids.

The Japanese Rickshaw

You see these dudes always running around Kyoto. It adds to the ambiance. They always have super buff legs, too.

I can barely carry my camera with a couple of lenses without hurting my feet. I don’t know how they do this all day, every day.

The Resting Rickshaw

I saw this just sitting near a temple; nobody was around, and the light was perfect.

Kyoto Cherry Blossoms

On my first day in Kyoto, the weather was pretty bad. It was very windy, very cold, and raining on and off. The rain made quick work of the cherry blossoms, and it’s not easy to find them in perfect condition anymore, but it’s not impossible either.

The Kyoto Bamboo Forest

This is the bamboo forest you’re probably used to seeing in Kyoto. It’s pretty cool. The walk through it is only 150-200 yards, and the bamboo is massive. I think it’s the fastest-growing land plant.

It’s been really busy this week, likely because of the cherry blossom season, so it’s been really hard to get great shots without people in them. Shots like this are great because you can just pan up and crop them out, and it doesn’t hurt the shot.