An afternoon in Ohara

Are you feeling stressed/bored by your daily routine? Do you live in Kyoto? Could you use a refreshing break? Do you have no time for taking breaks? If you answered yes to the above questions, or even if you didn't, what you need is an afternoon in Ohara.
Ohara can be reached by a couple of routes as a quick google search will tell you. I took the Kyoto city bus #17 from Kawabata Marutamachi bound for Ohara, which takes ¥460 and roughly 35-45 minutes during which you can enjoy wonderful views of the increasingly rocky and ever picturesque upstream Kamogawa.
Upon reaching the bus terminal, I followed the clear directions to Sanzenji (cross the road on the right of the bus stop and keep going!). The approach to Sanzenji is pretty amazing in itself and you will already be feeling calm and happy by the time you reach the temple. At Sanzenji (entry fee ¥700) you can enjoy several gardens, including the famous moss garden. There are also many seasonal flowers in bloom. I went yesterday (4th July) which is the time for hydrangeas. Apart from appreciating the flowers, you can also treat yourself to some Hydrangea flavoured ice cream, or some iced cucumbers!
After Sanzenji (also saw the 1000 Buddha statues), I headed back to the bus stop, crossed over to its left side and headed towards Jakko-in temple. This is a bit confusing to find, but there are some signages and the locals are very helpful. At Jakko-in (entry ¥600) check out the cool stairway with trees growing through the rocks and head up to the main hall. There is a waterfall at 3 levels which were called the "silent waterfall" because the sound of its falling water was masked by the sutra chanting of the monks. There is a very beatiful pond here which reflects the temple and it is especially beautiful (but oh so crowded) during Momiji season (which arrives in Ohara a good week before Kyoto).
Everything  closes at 5pm so make sure you go early. After Jakko-in we headed over to a wonderful little giraffe themed cafe and enjoyed some delectable desserts. There was a foot spa cafe near Jakko-in, where you can dip your feet in warm hot-spring water while you enjoy your coffee (goodbye stress!!!). Unfortunately I was wearing tights which prevented me from experiencing this indulgence.
All in all, my little trip to Ohara was wonderful. It replenished me and made me whole again! All that in just 4 hours away from my laptop! So what are you waiting for?