forest whispers
Walking back along the main road, through the tourist-targeted shops that lead to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge 渡月橋 (literally “Moon Crossing Bridge”) that spans the Katsura River 桂川 in a graceful arc. With the wide river, flowering trees and mountain backdrop, it makes for a beautiful scene.
Across the bridge and you're at the base of Mount Arashi 嵐山 and the entrance to the path that leads to the Iwatayama Monkey Park 嵐山モンキーパーク. There's no way I could resist checking out some wild monkeys, so I started up through the forest.