Our 3rd day included the Monkey Park (previous posts) and a boat ride down the Katsura River which runs below it. Across the river is a famous bridge that people like to photograph, the Togetsukyo or “Moon Crossing bridge”. It provides beautiful views of the river and mountain.

It was very bright and hot that day.

At the base of the mountain (right outside the gates of the Monkey Park) are many boats. The covered boats are moved up and down the river by the boatmen using long bamboo poles.

It was a very tranquil setting until a boat slid up beside us, engines blaring and food steaming.

It all seemed to fit right in. Grilled octopus and squid, cold beer and other Japanese delicacies at your finger tips.

I would imagine this is the most amazing of boat trips in the fall, when the entire mountain is coloured red and orange. I think we will need to go back.