Arashiyama Hanatouro - A Different Kind of Illumination

On Monday night, after work, Mike went to Kyoto to check out a different type of illumination display in one of our favorite areas of Kyoto, Arashiyama. It was called Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro. This is a very special evening where hundreds of ceramic and bamboo lanterns bathe the streets, the bamboo forest, and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge in a soft light. Brightly colored giant paper lanterns and ikebana displays are set up in the parks. In addition, various shades of orange, green, blue, and purple back-light the surrounding mountains, trees, and shrines.

It was a particularly peaceful time, strolling around Arashiyama taking it all in. Everyday Arashiyama -surrounded by mountains, chock full of temples and shrines, and with rick-shaws whisking passengers up and down the main street, lined with traditional craft shops and delicacies - is a treat. Arashiyama by lantern on a cool winter night was even more special. I tried to capture some of the vibe in these pictures, but it was hard to really do it justice.