Originally Posted by
Pickles
This information isn't a secret. It is well-known that central Kyoto isn't exactly a beautiful sight. Geographically, it doesn't lend itself to that (flat land, square grid, miserable little river cutting through it). However, the U-shaped area around it, which includes Higashiyama, Rakuto, and Arashiyama, is some of the most stunningly beautiful combination of nature and human hands.
Whenever I'm in Kyoto, I literally head for the hills. I'm never disappointed.
The hunting grounds of Pickles-sama also include some of the most beautiful and pleasant al fresco eateries on the planet.
Imagine yourself on a tatami mat above a mountain stream, the sun setting in the background. In front of you the finest local produce and small
raku mugs filled with carefully paired
shochu...