The Pill That Cures

Arashiyama looks near to my aparment in Rakusai on the map, but a bicycle ride to Arashiyama took me more than half an hour, much longer than I expected. The supposedly refreshing ride was actually tiring due to the summer heat.


The lake in Arashiyama is created from the retention of the downstream flow of Hozugawa.


I have never rowed a boat before.


If you walk along the trail that runs along Hozugawa, you will see this bright shale (is it shale? ) at the end of the trail.


At the end of the trail.

For those who seek more adventurous hike, there is a small trail which lead to the upper part of the stream, where the flow is more powerful. But, the trail is a bit dangerous and sometimes slippery.




There is a narrow shore upstream, where you can do some picnic and barbecue. Away from normally crowded picnic sites, this place is peaceful. Occasionally, you can see the red Romantic Arashiyama train passing by, up above you.


To me, sitting down on the beach, hearing the sound of water gushing down, smashing on rocks is worth the hike.



Tips for photographer:

Hozugawa divides the Arashiyama mountain into 2 sides, one facing the rather south and the other facing rather north. Because Japan is in the North Hemisphere, during autumn, the sun does not really set exactly in the West, and rise exactly in the East, but rises rather North-East and sets in the South-West

In autumn, the sun will shine on the side facing the north. Be early if you want to take good picture of the beautiful Arashiyama mountain. 7 am or 8 am is the best time.
Past noon, both sides of the mountain will be rather dull, as the sun goes behind the mountain. As evening is short in autumn, the side facing the south will only have slight amount of sunlight.

Be as early as possible.