Morning in Arashiyama: A River, A Bridge, and Ten Ways to Taste Tofu

#summervacay #thingstodo #naturalwonders #staycation #tofu #arashiyama #kyoto As dawn unfolded over Arashiyama, I set out for an early walk through the tranquil village. The air was still tinged with that quiet prelude only morning knows. Alongside me, a gentle river meandered beneath a timeless bridge, its surface catching glimmers of first light. The path beside the water felt like something out of an old painting—lined by lush forest, mist curling over the hills, and the rhythmic sound of traditional boats gliding slowly downstream, carrying tourists in hushed awe. The boats didn’t just move through the river—they seemed to float through history. The real surprise, though, came in the form of breakfast: a renowned multi-course tofu set, famed in this region. Ten small dishes arrived, each one a meditation in texture, flavor, and form. Silken tofu soups, chilled tofu salads, grilled tofu bites with umami-rich glaze, and even delicate tofu-based desserts—all crafted with the kind of care that makes simplicity feel luxurious. It wasn’t just a meal. It was a narrative—told in soy, broth, and grace. Every dish was different, yet they belonged together like chapters of the same story. Light yet fulfilling, subtle yet memorable. That morning, the forest, the river, and the tofu set didn’t just feed my senses—they calmed something deeper.