Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Momiji in Arashiyama

A few weeks ago I went to Arashiyama (western Kyoto) with some friends to view the autumn leaves. While we certainly appreciate the foilage in America, leaf-viewing isn't something we normally do, but in Japan they make a big deal about the changing colors. They call it momiji, and come October, an obnoxious amount of people (this year, myself included) go to places like Arashiyama to take a billion pictures. All those snapping cameras and urgent crowds may take away from the natural beauty of autumn in the mountains of Japan, but it was still a gorgeous sight to see.

The day was beautiful, if a little brisk. We had dry roasted sweet potatoes wrapped in brown paper and yudofu (hot tofu simmered in broth and topped with deliciousness) to warm our insides, and got plenty of exercise, as we hiked through the bamboo forest.

For pictures, please click here!