Arashiyama

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Arashiyama, a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan in Kyoto, is still as charming as it was back in the Heian period (794 - 1192), when aristocrats selected here as their getaway to rest their body and soul. At the foot of Arashiyama Mountains by the Katsura River, the area is home to temples, shrines, imperial villas, a park of monkeys, as well as the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It’s most spectacular during spring and autumn – there will be cherry blossoms and fiery maple leaves all over.

Landmarks of Arashiyama

Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Moon Crossing Bridge

Constructed in the early Heian era, the Togetsu-kyo Bridge has a name said to derive from a whim of Emperor Kameyama (r. 1259-1274), after he noticed a full moon crossing the bridge while visiting here. 155 meters (508 feet) long, it spans over the Katsura River linking the Mount Arashiyama and the major scenic area. The bridge we see today is a work rebuilt in 1934, which was set up with ferroconcrete but appears to be wooden - railings were indeed made of wood. An outlook to view the season-changing colors on the mountains, Togestu is a portal to access the beauty of the area.

Tourists on Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Streetscape near Togetsu-kyo

Popular things to do at/near Togetsu-kyo Bridge:

Have a panoramic view of Mount Arashiyama. You can go especially for springtime cherry blossoms or fall foliage. It’s also a spectacle when carpeted with snow.

Watch nearby locals fish with the help of trained cormorants between May and October. This activity is called ukai.

Boat on the Katsura River. There is a rowboat rental spot a few minutes’ walk away from the northern end of the bridge.

Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO-Listed Zen Temple

Based on the site of Danrin-ji Temple built by the wife of Emperor Saga (r. 809 - 823), the UNESCO-honored Tenryu-ji Temple subtly blends an aristocratic elegance and Zen culture. You can expect a representative classical Japanese garden, which uses the art of shakkei, or borrowing distant scenery as part of a garden. People flock here in spring to appreciate hundreds of cherry blossom trees snowing with petals, and a pond reflecting the scene just adds to the magic.

Entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple

Opening hours: Opens all year round
Admission fee: 500 yen; plus 300 yen for entering the main hall

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Iconic Bamboo Forest of Kyoto

Outside the northern gate of Tenryu-ji Temple lies the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, aka Sagano Bamboo Forest, an oasis with a 400-meter-long (1312-feet-long) path sheltered by dense towering bamboo. To feel the rustles of bamboo leaves and filtered sunlight can sooth your soul. The path forks at some point, one branch leading to the imperial villa of Okochi Sanso, and another to Nonomiya Shrine.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and girls in kimono

Nonomiya Shrine, with a Rare Primitive “Black Wood” Torii Gate

Built during the reign of Emperor Saga, Nonomiya Shrine originally served as a place for the purification of unmarried princesses selected to be priestesses. You can find such story in Japan’s classical work of The Tale of Genji, the oldest long novel in human history. Its kuroki (“black wood” in English) torii gate, different from other torii gates that are usually red, is a rare primitive type made of bark-kept log and leads you to the world of Shinto spirits of wisdom and happiness.

Opening hours: Opens all year round
Admission fee: Free

Visitors standing before Nonomiya Shrine

Easy Ways to Get There

From Kyoto Station, take JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama Station (17 minutes). The Nonomiya Shrine is nearby.

If you are taking Hankyu Line, get off at Katsura Station, and transfer to its branch line to the Arashiyama Station, which is next to Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

The Keifuku Randen Tram Line takes you to another Arashiyama Station, which is next to Tenryu-ji Temple.

Tour by Bike, Rickshaw, or Sightseeing Train

The essence of Arashiyama would take a whole day to fully explore on foot, but there are alternative ways to save your energy: by rental bike, rickshaw or Sagano Romantic Train. You can rent a bike inside Arashiyama Station to tour around at your own pace, hop on a booked rickshaw to effortlessly experience the area from a different perspective, or simply let a rail train drop you at places you can’t wait to go.

Rickshaw ride through bamboo grove

Boats moored at the rental spot

What is Sagano Romantic Train?

Sagano Romantic Train, or Sagano Scenic Line, is a retro-style sightseeing train running through Arashiyama along the Katsura River. The train has 5 cars with one open without windows and 4 stops, namely Torokko Saga Station, Torokko Arashiyama Station, Torokko hozukyo Station, and Torokko Kameoka Station. A one-way-ticket would take you 25 minutes/7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the first station to the last.

Recommended route

Take JR Sagona Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station, walk 10 minutes to change to Sagano Romantic Train at Torokko Kameoka Station, and get off at Torokko Arashiyama Station.

Most landmarks are found between the station you get off and the first Torokko Saga Station, including Tenryu-ji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine. And you will be surprised by the bamboo grove located right outside.

Fare and Operating time

One-way ticket: 880 yen
Operating days: March 1 – December 29

Closing days: Every Wednesday, except Wednesdays in national holidays and peak seasons.

Nearby Don't-Miss

TOEI Kyoto Studio Park (10 minute’s train ride to the east): TOEI Kyoto Studio Park is where the TOEI Company’s open film set for Edo-era dramas is located and a hot entertainment venue to cosplay as ninja or other Japanese characters, encounter movie stars, learn the history of Japanese cinema and animations, etc.