60 Days in Japan | Kyoto Daytrip | Travel Vlog | EP. 29

60 Days in Japan | Kyoto Daytrip | Travel Vlog | EP. 29

The old way is always the fun way. [Music] After getting down the mountain, I crossed the iconic Togitsukio Bridge and entered the town of Arashiyama. [Music] This place looks like a cross between 1600 Edeto, Japan, and a Drake video. There aren’t too many tourists here. It’s mostly couples on a getaway weekend for Kyoto’s famous onsens and shopping. The fashion styles of Japan are so random but always balanced by the elegance of the kimona. I like the traditional Japan. There are five main Chanzen Buddhist temples in Kyoto referred to as the five mountains. This temple is the most esteemed and ranked number one. It was founded by Shogun Ashikaga Takawji to honor Emperor Godo in hopes of transforming political conflict into spiritual harmony. Muso Soeki, who designed the garden in 1339, also believed in reconciliation through beauty. His integration of Buddhist teachings into landscape design is marked as influential in all subsequent Japanese garden designs. [Music] I’m glad I stopped here. [Music] This is 6 and 1/2 square miles of moso bamboo. The species is actually not native to Japan, but from China. [Music] Had I known the forest would be this intriguing, I would have come in early morning to catch the light. [Music] Okay, one last pinpoint on the other side of town. Down this dark alley in Gillion in a nondescript door may be the best cigar bar in Japan. I would say yes. I had two cigars and only one or five shots of Hibiki before I remembered I had to catch the last train back to Osaka. Me and this lost Indian guy are the last tourist out and I’m hungry. And that’s how I wound up having dinner with the Eley brothers. [Music] [Applause] [Music]

Part II – I decide to take a last-minute daytrip to Kyoto. In the afternoon, I visit Arashiyama Town, Tenryu-ji Zen Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the elusive Sui Cigar Bar in Gion. A busy but very relaxing day!

Welcome to Pinpoints. I’m Rory and this is my travel VLOG. After 30 years of living and traveling overseas, I share my journey of leaving America and retiring abroad. A lifestyle of carefree travel, open itineraries, and global citizenship.

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