We Out: Japan - Arashiyama/Golden Temple/Manga Museum

The GUNNERPHI crew made it to Japan. In the six-part miniseries “We Out: Japan”, we’ll be documenting our big trip overseas including video, music, and photos  from Clifford S. Coleman. We out!

Our final days in Kyoto mostly found us outdoors, as the area is known for the placidity of its nature.

After a short train ride, we stopped in Arashiyama, or what others call the bamboo forest. This long trail through a forest is flanked by tall bamboo trees. The scenery is amazing and hundreds of other tourists joined us on the path that day. What you won’t find in a quick google search though, is what sits behind the forest. The forest rests on a hill behind the Katsura River. If you get through the path, you get another beautiful view of Kyoto. There are houses in the hills, boats in the river, and bridges connecting the rural and residential sides.

The Golden Temple gives less in the way of exploration. In typical japanese fashion, this monument is preserved. Visitors can look, but they are not permitted to enter. In fact there is a lake that separates pedestrians from the building. The golden temple is the main attraction during a walk through a park with several other temples and shrines to glance at.

I was never one for manga, but I learned that Kyoto is its birthplace, and they have an entire museum dedicated to the history of those comic books. This Manga Museum is a real treat for manga fans, as there are numerous places to read and learn about the art form’s origins. It is not abnormal to see people out reading in the field outside the museum or in any corner within the building. One of my favorite parts was the busts of famous artists hands next to their most popular work. These are the stories that precede almost every anime, and it was nice to see them celebrated.