Japan 3rd Day - Arashiyama

Early on the morning of our third day in Japan we caught the JR Sagano train and headed northwestward about 6 stops to the Saga Arashiyama Station.   We wanted to make sure to catch the first Sagano Romantic Train and first Hozu River Boat Ride of the day.

Throughout our trip I liked to sneak shots while inside the trains whenever I could.  I would wait until an announcement came on the speakers to hide the sound of my shutter click.  Here are some kids on their way to school.


After arriving at the Saga Arashiyama Station we walked a few steps over to the Torokko Saga Station where we needed to board the Romantic Train.  We had to stand in line and wait about 45 minutes for the ticket office to open. The . . . minutes . . . ticked . . . by . . . very  . . . s-l-o-w-l-y.   There was a museum of sorts at the station.






The above picture was taken by our new friend Yu Yang who had come from Tokyo with her cute dog to enjoy the day (check out Leslie's blog for a photo of Yu's dog).


The car quickly filled and we were on our way.






After a short 20-minute ride to Kameoka we boarded a bus to the boat launch area.  We were so lucky to have joined up with Yu because we only had a few minutes to find and board the bus.  All we had to do was follow her lead.














One of the boatmen showed me his calloused hands.  I only got this blurry shot but still wanted to share it with you.




Towards the end of the boat ride a snack boat pulled up alongside of us.  I bought these chestnuts for 500 yen.  Looks good yah.  They were dry. Lose money.


After docking we saw this tofu restaurant and decided to give it a try.








It totally hit the spot.


It was raining as we were leaving the restaurant, and the lady there gave us these umbrellas!!  


We then strolled and shopped in the surrounding area.


I bought this red shiso arare for 100 yen.  














Leslie asked these girls to pose for us. They were just tickled to do so.  Cute!!














I wasn't sure we would be able to find the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 'cause my notes placed it before the path to the train station, and it turned out to be after.  Luckily a chestnut vendor pointed us in the right direction. 


Leslie's red backpack made it easy for me to find her.








Leslie bought an ono ume jam thing from a branch of this store in Gion.  We got to sample it again here.  I also bought some marinated garlic for Landon from this place. Sorry, wish I knew the name of the store.




On our way back home we decided to pick up a take-out dinner in case we were too pooped to go out again.  We bought burgers and fries.


Hooo hoooo!  Bacon cheeseburger.  Juicy and yummy and NO CALORIES!   Really!  Hahahaha!