Exploring the Kyoto area and Arashiyama

Today we were in the greater Kyoto area and started our day with a scenic train ride. Saw these interesting raccoon statues at the train station.

Once we arrived we had a walk through a beautiful bamboo forest, a type that reaches 25-30 feet high at its peak and can grow a foot a day!

 After the walk through the forest we arrived in Arashiyama which is an area with many temples, shops, and eateries.

We then went to see the Gold Pavilion which is a three story building about 40 feet high, covered in gold leaf. Truly a sight to behold!