Going to Japan in April 2025 was one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. One of the first places I visited was Arashiyama in Kyoto, known for its stunning shopping streets and bamboo forests. The name Arashiyama (嵐山) means Stormy Mountain, and when I arrived, it was pouring. With a small group of friends, I set out to explore the area.
The first place we stumbled upon was a small shrine tucked away from the main road. What fascinated me most was how completely empty it was despite being surrounded by a crowded tourist area. Different plants and wildlife had begun reclaiming the pathways and wooden structures, making it feel wonderfully isolated.
After leaving the shrine, we entered the famous bamboo forest. Although crowded, it was breathtaking. We wandered through more shrines hidden among the bamboo before eventually ending up on a quiet side street.
There was a small laundromat there, and beside it stood a few vending machines selling mostly bottled teas. I bought a tiny bottle of Ito En matcha, the most expensive drink in the machine. Surprisingly, it was one of the best matchas I had ever tasted. It wasn't overly bitter and had a rich umami flavor with pleasant nutty notes that reminded me of a well-made usucha. Sadly, I never found that exact tea again after that day.
We eventually made our way through the shopping street, where I bought a small bamboo tea cup while my friends filled their bags with all sorts of souvenirs. It was one of those places where it felt impossible not to stop every few minutes to admire something.
The scenery throughout Arashiyama was unforgettable. Cherry blossoms and vines covered the landscape, all backed by rolling, stormy mountains. The rain gave everything a quiet atmosphere that somehow made the crowds disappear.
For lunch, we found a tiny restaurant tucked above a house, surprisingly far from the busiest parts of Arashiyama. I ordered a cup of sencha alongside the best udon I have ever eaten, topped with rich wagyu beef and egg. The meal ended with a small jelly dessert that wasn't quite to my taste, but it hardly mattered. Looking back, that rainy afternoon in Arashiyama remains one of my favorite tea memories.