Elevation gain: ~1K (Trail high point is ~2,900 feet.)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your speed and fitness level.
Popular with locals and visitors alike, this trail is a great go-to if you’re in the area and have a limited window for a hike or trail run. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and a great workout. I enjoyed jogging the climb so much, I forgot to take pictures-lol, so you’ll have to come see the views for yourself. The trail doesn’t let you scramble to the actual peak, but tops out and then drops you down the other side.
Notes: Parking is free, but limited. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. Pinnacle Peak Park has a visitor center and restrooms, interpretive signs along the trail, and apparently rock climbing routes too. They offer fun activities as well, including moonlight walks, astronomy talks, yoga classes.
Getting there: 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262 · (480) 312-0990.
Whether you explore the historic Arashiyama District by foot, bike, boat, rickshaw or all of the above—it’s a Kyoto must do. Along the lovely scenic paths are temples, shrines, a bamboo forest, artisan shops and restaurants. Read on to discover the top 3 things to do in the area.
Wow, those strong legs!
Many of the signs are also in English so it’s easy to navigate.
You’ll pass through residential areas as well and see people going about their daily routines, sweeping the streets with handmade brooms, tending their gardens, etc.
I love that the Arashiyama District is very walkable and bikeable with something new to see around every blossom-lined corner. It easy to see why this charming area is one of the most popular sightseeing districts in Kyoto.
Plan on spending a half or full day here, soaking in the sights, shopping and getting a taste of the culture and cuisine. If you only have time for two quick stops, you’ll want to check out the Bamboo Forest and the Tenryu-ji Zen Temple. If at all possible, make the time for a leisurely explore and include an excursion on the Hozu River. You’ll be glad you did.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Disapproving mother-in-law lurking in the background?
While many say that this bamboo forest is the “star” attraction of the Arashiyama District, I was a bit underwhelmed by it (crowds and a path running through it).
Tenryu-ji Zen Temple One of the Top 5 Zen Temples in Kyoto, this temple has an amazing Zen garden that dates back to the 14 Century. The beautiful garden features a pond that is framed by maple trees, rocks and mountain views. Admission Fee: ~$5
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Hozu River You can take a short scenic boat ride here or start from nearby Tanba-Kameoka (16K away) and embark on a leisurely two hour boat ride that takes passengers down the winding Hozu River to Arashiyama. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time, but it sounds like a wonderful experience – self propelled on a rental canoe or escorted.
Cheers to another memorable day in Kyoto.
Getting there: Take the JR Sagano (also known as JR San-in) Line from Kyoto station to JR Saga-Arashiyma station.The local and express (or limited) lines are on platforms 32-35. The express makes 3 stops, local makes 6. It approximately a 15 minute ride and costs ~$3.
Had the good fortune to travel to Japan on business and to stay in the luxurious Prince Hotel, Minato, Tokyo. My bathroom and room had tremendous view of Tokyo tower (aka Eiffel Tower knock off). I have never been in such a large or luxurious bathroom – huge walk in shower, deep jacuzzi bathtub and enough room left over for a small dance party. Seriously, the bathroom seemed more spacious and outfitted than the room itself. In case you haven’t heard, the Japanese have a thing for outfitted toilets (heated seats, warm water spritz wash (biddett & hot air dry, etc…) and deep soaking tubs. We Westerners could certainly learn a thing or two from Japan and improve our WC experience…
The bathroom was so big, I couldn’t get it all in 1 photo.
Tokyo Tower view from the shower, tub or throne.
While I was in town for business meetings, I still managed to sneak in a couple strolls and a quick run around the area to take in a few of the nearby scenic highlights.
As my Japanese grand finale, I indulged in a sushi dinner at Hamashiba restaurant in the hotel. Forget everything you’ve heard about hotel restaurants – this one is superb. The sushi is outstanding, by far the best I’ve had and no doubt, will ever have. The maguro / tuna was absolutely exquisite and it was a treat and once in a lifetime experience to watch the master sushi chefs at work. Was it expensive? Duh. Was it worth it? Absolutely! (The company didn’t pick up this one.)
Sumptuous sushi assortment
Magnificent maguro & yellowtail
Sayonara!
Garden and City views from my room at The Prince
Oh, and it looks like the sole homeless person in all of Japan was sleeping under my window at The Prince.
Stay tuned for adventures in Kyoto and Hakone…Arigato.
Alas, every trip must come to its end. Enjoyed Sun Valley so much, I opted for another day there, which left me with only an hour or so to explore Boise before catching my flight. I opted for a leisurely ride along the Boise River Greenbelt. For a trip that started in Spokane with a bike ride, it seemed fitting to conclude with one in Boise. Read more →
Left Yellowstone at sunset, sacrificing any scenery to darkness along the 110 mile drive . The first thing you see as you get near city range, glowing a bit too bright in the distance, is the Mormon Temple. No dark sky preservation here. It was a bit of a shock to my system to be entering a more congested area (1.6 M pop) after the bliss of the natural parks, historic towns and small resort villages.
Cheers to another memorable day in Kyoto.
On the Loose Live 