Arashiyama in Kyoto

Located in the western part of Kyoto, the Arashiyama district is famous for its beauty of the changing seasons. Its unique location at the foot of the Arashiyama Mountain along with the Oi-gawa River, crossed by the wooden (now partly concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge, creates one of the most beautiful views in Japan.

This district at the outskirts of Kyoto is famous for several tourist destinations like Ryoanji Temple, Togetsu Bridge, Tenryuji Temple and many more.

Its spectacular views of cherry blossom in the spring and maple trees in fall attract a great deal of attention from tourists.

The central area of Arashiyama is the busiest part of the district with numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, the famous Zen temple, Tenryuji and the Keifuku Arashiyama Station.

The north of the central area is famous for the bamboo groves found behind Tenryuji. The bamboo groves stretching along the trail to the Okochi Sanso (a villa complex) are of great use to the Japanese people in manufacturing different products like boxes, baskets, cups, mats and handicraft items.

Okochi Sanso, the villa complex erected by the popular Japanese movie star, Okochi Denjiro offers a beautiful view of Kyoto city.

Togetsukyo Bridge, which literally means "Crossing Moon Bridge", is considered as a distinguishing feature of Arashiyama. This 154-meter long bridge in the lap of Arashiyama Mountain is a very popular place in the Arashiyama district. The riverside parks harmonized with the Togetsukyo Bridge, remain crowded particularly in early April and in November for the great cherry blossom viewing and autumn colors.

Hozu River Boat Tour is another interesting thing to do in Arashiyama area. The two-hour boat tour along the river from Kameoka to Arashiyama, through a beautiful canyon, will surely add to your thrills.
The boat service is available between 9:00 and 15:30 daily. However from December to mid March the timing is different, from 10:00 to 14:30, except from December 29 to January 4, when the boat service follows the usual timing. The pleasant boat ride through the forested valley costs 3900 Yen per head.

You can also opt for a ride in Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Torokko Ressha). The train route, which follows the flow of Hozu River from Arashiyama to Kameoka, offers a spectacular view of the valley.

Tenryuji Temple, the chief temple among the "Five Great Zen Temples" in Kyoto, stands in the center of Arashiyama district. The temple with its beautiful landscape garden is a must see place in Kyoto.

The Arashiyama Higashi Park with its rich collection of pine, cherry, maple, and hackberry trees, stands in perfect harmony with nature.

Several small temples including Nisonin, Jojakkoji and Gioji are found in the Arashiyama area. The former residence of an 18th century Japanese poet, Kyorai Mukai, is located in the Rakushisha area of this district.

How to Reach

The Arashiyama district is well connected with the rest of Kyoto through JR Line and Keifuku Railway.

If you are interested in Japanese culture, Arashiyama is the place, which you cannot afford to miss.

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