Popular Spots and Activities in Kyoto’s Arashiyama

Arashiyama is one of Japan’s most famous tourist destinations, overflowing with attractions such as rich natural beauty and historical buildings. Visitors can enjoy the seasonal landscapes—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and enchanting snowscapes in winter.

Famous spots and activities in Arashiyama include the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, and Hozugawa River Boat Ride. Additionally, there are many important cultural properties such as Tenryuji and Daikakuji Temples, each with its own unique history and beautiful gardens.

This article introduces popular spots, activities, and important temples in Arashiyama.

Arashiyama is one of Japan’s iconic tourist destinations, famous for its beautiful scenery in all four seasons, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The views from Togetsukyo Bridge and the mystical atmosphere of the Bamboo Grove Path are particularly popular for their quintessentially Japanese character. The area also hosts many temples designated as Important Cultural Properties, offering a deep dive into Japanese culture.

Access is convenient by train and bus, making it easy to travel from Kyoto city center.

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Next, let’s introduce some popular spots and activities in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. If any of these spots pique your interest, be sure to visit.

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The name of Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River, is derived from the phrase “crossing the moon.” The views from the bridge are picturesque throughout the year, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.This historic bridge frequently appears in literature and paintings, making it a popular spot embodying the spirit of Japan.

Walking through the Bamboo Grove Path is a must when visiting Arashiyama. Tens of thousands of bamboo stalks reach straight towards the sky, creating beautiful sounds with every breeze. This path is known as a symbol of Japan’s natural beauty and is a popular spot for photography, attracting many tourists and photography enthusiasts.

Okochi Sanso Villa was the private residence of Denjiro Okochi, a movie actor from the Showa period, and features a popular garden with views from Arashiyama to Hozukyo Gorge.

The garden, along with structures such as the Nakamon gate, Daijokaku, Jibutsudo, and the teahouse Sekisuitei, are registered as Tangible Cultural Properties in Japan.

Located in a nature-rich park, Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama is home to many wild Japanese macaques.

e monkeys playing freely up close and can also experience feeding them, making it a unique spot for interacting with wildlife in nature.

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The Hozugawa River Boat Ride is a tourist activity where you can travel down the Hozu River in Kyoto’s Arashiyama by boat, enjoying the seasonal natural scenery for about 90 minutes.

Kameyama Park offers a panoramic view of the beautiful natural scenery of Arashiyama, including Togetsukyo Bridge and the surrounding mountains.

The park has walking paths, allowing for peaceful strolls in a quiet setting. Although small, it is a recommended spot to visit when in Arashiyama.

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The Sagano Scenic Railway runs along the Hozugawa River gorge. It is a very famous train in Kyoto tourism, characterized by its large windows and open feel. The 25-minute train ride between Saga Arashiyama Station and Kameoka Station allows you to enjoy beautiful scenery and a pleasant journey.

天龍寺の桜 (3月30.31日.4月1日撮影)#京都 #天龍寺 #桜 #祈り #合掌 #Tenryuji #CherryBlossoms pic.twitter.com/KaTFSlVUZW

— 大本山天龍寺〈公式アカウント〉 (@tenryu_ji) April 1, 2023

The Arashiyama area of Kyoto is dotted with many temples. Visit temples like Tenryuji and Jojakkoji to experience the old history and traditional Japanese culture they offer.

特別展示 ｢雲龍図｣曽我蕭白(そがしょうはく)筆(高精細複製品)
期間:2021年6月1日(火)～7月19日(月)
時間:午前8時30分～午後4時30分 受付終了
場所:天龍寺 大方丈 pic.twitter.com/P5f1SSr5JK

— 大本山天龍寺〈公式アカウント〉 (@tenryu_ji) June 20, 2021

Tenryuji, located in Arashiyama and designated as a World Heritage Site, is a Zen temple founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji. It is especially famous for its garden.

The garden is considered a masterpiece of the kaiyu-shiki (stroll garden) style, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of each season. The views from the main hall and study are spectacular, providing a tranquil atmosphere that embodies the spirit of Zen.

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Jojakkoji was established over 400 years ago by the monk Nisshin and served as his retreat.

Lacking the typical moat found in many temples, it harmonizes with the surrounding natural environment, offering visitors a serene impression. The temple’s development was supported by feudal lords such as Kobayakawa Hideaki, and historical features include a guest hall relocated from Azuchi Castle to serve as the main hall.

Gioji is a temple known for its poignant story and the beauty of its natural surroundings. It appears in the Tale of the Heike; Gio, a shirabyoshi (court dancer) favored by Taira no Kiyomori, became a nun due to the twists of fate. Her tragic story is deeply rooted in this location.

The temple is famous for its “Rainbow Window,” a large circular window that frames the sunlight filtering through green leaves, casting beautiful colors onto the shoji screens.

Nisonin is renowned for housing the cenotaphs of several emperors, including Emperor Saga and Emperor Tsuchimikado, and is also famous for its connection to the monk Honen.

A particular highlight is its pathway known for autumn leaves, where maples and cherry trees alternate along approximately 100 meters, providing a vibrant display of colors in the fall.

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Atago Nenbutsuji, founded in the Nara period by Emperor Shomu, is now known as The Temple of 1,200 Rakan. Originally named Atago Temple, it has undergone several periods of decline and restoration over the centuries.

The temple grounds include the main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property, as well as the Fureai Kannon Hall and Jizo Hall, each contributing to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere for visitors.

今朝、虹がとても綺麗でした。
上にもうっすらと。
ダブルです。 pic.twitter.com/CTqmcPaLfe

— 化野(あだしの)念仏寺 (@adashino_kyoto) October 28, 2023

Located along the route from Arashiyama to Kiyotaki, Adashino Nenbutsuji is a Pure Land sect temple whose history began with Kukai collecting and memorializing the bones of the deceased who had been left unburied. The temple grounds feature an area known as “Saiin no Kawara” with about 8,000 stone statues and pagodas.

The bamboo grove in the inner part of the temple grounds is particularly popular for its quiet beauty, offering visitors the chance to appreciate the natural scenery throughout the seasons.

Daikakuji, up until the early Meiji era, was a prestigious site where emperors and imperial family members served as chief priests, and is therefore deeply intertwined with Japan’s political history.

Located east of the temple, Osawa Pond is Japan’s oldest artificial pond garden. Approximately 1 km in circumference, and with its stunning landscape, tea houses, Heart Sutra pagoda, and the historical site of Nagasone no Taki falls, it is also a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

Arashiyama is an enchanting tourist destination where visitors can fully enjoy nature and history. When in Kyoto, be sure to explore its numerous famous sites like Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove Path, each offering beautiful views through the seasons.

Additionally, Arashiyama is home to many historic temples and shrines, including the world-renowned Tenryuji with its beautiful Sogen Pond Garden. Enjoy leisurely activities such as the Hozugawa River Boat Ride and the Sagano Scenic Railway.

*This article is based on information current as of April 2024.