The emerald green forests of Arashiyama offer more than meets the eye. Come for the bamboo but stay to explore the charming temples, beautiful shrines and cherry blossoms along Ōi River.

Though I'd already lived in Asia, some of Japan's rules were simply lost on me. And as predicted, it was a tough country to explore on my own. Tricky transportation, swarming tourists and wild weather were a challenge to navigate.