About Arashiyama
Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s popular districts, located on the west from the city. If you’ve ever considered visiting Japan, I am sure you’ve heard about this place because it is famous especially for the incredible bamboo forest. However, this area has many more amazing points of interest. It is a little bit further from Kyoto’s city center but if you decide to make a trip here to see the bamboo, I highly recommend you to spend here a whole day and explore it little bit more. arashiyama kyoto
In Japanese Arashi yama means ‘storm mountains’ and this little town is really surrounded by picturesque nature and green forests. I personally love Arashiyama and I keep coming back. Here are my top favorite things what to do here. arashiyama kyoto
1. Bamboo Forest
Of course, visiting the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove is a must, as it is one of the main attractions of Kyoto. There are many smaller bamboo forests scattered around Japan, but this one has the tallest bamboo stems that seem like they are about the reach the sky. It is truly a beautiful place but also very busy. arashiyama kyoto
If you would like to experience it without many people around, I recommend you to wake up very early and arrive just before sunrise. You may enjoy a little peace and tranquility just for yourself. During the day it gets really crowded.
The bamboo forest is free of charge and it is open 24/7.
2. Tenryu-ji Temple
There are many beautiful temples in Arashiyama, but Tenryu-ji is the biggest and the most magnificent. This Zen temple is surrounded by divine Japanese gardens with koi ponds, and the large temple grounds include several buildings and halls. It is not only the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also one of the most important temples in Kyoto. arashiyama kyoto
The original temple was built in the 1339, but because of fire, it was completely re-built. However, the stunning gardens survived the centuries and they are still in their original form.
Opening Hours
The temple is open daily from 8:30 till 4:30 pm in winter (with the last admission at 4 pm). During summer months (from March to October) it is open until 5:30. arashiyama kyoto
Entrance fees
The admission fee is 500 yen per person to enter the temple grounds. If you would like to go inside the actual temple, you have to pay extra 300 yen.
3. Monkey Park Iwatayama
Iwatayama Monkey Park is not far from the Arashiyama Station and it sets on a mountainside of the Arashiyama Mountain. You can chill and hang out here with Japanese macaque monkeys while soak in the views from the hilltop over the town. The view from here is particularly beautiful in autumn when the forest changes colors to red, yellow and orange. arashiyama kyoto
Even though the monkeys live within the park and people take care of them, they are still wild animals so please follow the rules of the park. The signage with pictures is displayed in multiple languages.
Opening hours and entrance fees
The park is open daily from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm during summer season (in winter it closes at 4pm). The admission fee costs 550 yen. arashiyama kyoto
4. Arashiyama Observation Deck in Kameyama Park
If you are visiting the bamboo grove, you probably won’t miss the Kameyama-koen (koen means park in Japanese). The vast park is located on a hilltop and it is directly connected to the bamboo forest. From the Arashiyama Observation Deck you can admire the beautiful nature, mountains, and river with bright blue colors that lazily flows underneath the mountain.
The park is also a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing picnics) as there are hundreds of sakura trees planted. In autumn, on the other hand, you can admire many maple trees changing colors. It is one of the places in Arashiyama where you can find a quiet place even on a busy day. arashiyama kyoto
5. Otagi Nenbutsuji and Adashino Nenbutsuji Temples
These two temples in Arashiyama are my favorite! Especially Otagu Nenbutsuji, which is tucked away in the forest at the very end of the main road. These temples may not be big in size and they might lack glamorous features, but they both have very special mysterious vibe.
Otagi Nenbutsuji is filled with 1200 rakan – small happy Buddha statues made of stone. They are everywhere you look! Adashino Nenbutsuji, on the other hand, is a little bit bigger and besides dozens of rakan, it also features a cemetery and a small bamboo grove. Both temples were built in the 8th century.
Opening hours
Both temples are open from 9:00 but Adashino Nenbutsuji closes early – at 3:30 pm. Otagi Nenbutsuji closes its doors one hour later, at 4:30 pm. They are walking distance from each other. arashiyama kyoto
Admission fees
Just like to any other temple in Japan, entrance fees are charged in these two temples as well. In Otagi Nenbutsuji you will have to pay 300 yen and 500 yen in Adashino Nenbutsuji.
6. Saga Toriimoto Street
Saga Toriimoto Street is beautifully preserved, car-free street with traditional Japanese houses from the 19th century. It starts right under Otagi Nenbutsuji temple and it is full of souvenir shops and tea houses. You will also find here a small town-scape museum where you can peek inside the old houses, Folk doll museum and several restaurants serving traditional cuisine of Kyoto. arashiyama kyoto
7. Katsura River
Katsura River shapes the landscape around Arashiyama and it has very clear water with unusual blue color. On the both shores there are paths to take a casual stroll along the mountain side. Alternatively you can join a boat tour, some of them even serve food on board, or hire a small motor-less boat for yourself and explore the surroundings.
Ukai Festival
In summer months, Ukai festival takes place in the waters of Katsura-gawa. Ukai is cormorant fishing, a unique fishing technique when the fishermen use cormorant birds instead of fishing rods to catch the fish! It takes place at dawn and the tickets can be purchased at the venue for usually about 2000 yen (the prices can differ).
8. Daihaku Senkoji Temple
Another favourite temple of mine is Daihikaku Senkoji. It is a small forest temple located on the mountainside and you can see its colorful flags from the Arashiyama Observation Deck. The hike up there is a little bit steep but not long and at the end you will be rewarded by magnificent views.
The temple is not majestic or decorated, it is run by a community and you come there for the cozy atmosphere. Not many people visit this place because it is away of the main Arashiyama trail, but it is really worth your time. arashiyama kyoto
9. Kimono Forest
Kimono forest is a man-made tourist attraction next to the tram station. It consists of series of columns decorated with kimono fabrics, hence the name ‘kimono forest’. It is not big in size but it is free of charge and very cute, or kawaii in Japanese. Moreover, it lights up after sunset.
10. Sagano Scenic Train
Also knowns as Sagano Romantic Train, this scenic ride will take you on an incredible sightseeing journey from Arashiyama to the rural town Kameoka along the river and under the mountains. The trains are very old-fashioned and quite charming and they take their time to show you around. It is really not your regular train ride! arashiyama kyoto
Tickets for the Sagano Scenic Train
This attraction in Arashiyama is quite popular so I would recommend booking your tickets in advance on their website here (especially in autumn and spring). It costs 630 yen for an adult and 320 yen for a child for a standard seat. If you would like to travel in luxury, you can book a seat in “Sagano Rich Car” (you have to say it when purchasing a ticket at the Torokko Arashiyama station).
Getting back from Kameoka
The train ride finishes in Kameoka, at Torokko Kameoka station. From there it is a 5-minute walk to the JR Umahori station from where you can take the JR San-In line back to Arashiyama (7 minutes, 230 yen) or all the way back to Kyoto (25 minutes to Kyoto station, 330 yen).
More interesting places in Arashiyama
Togetsu Bridge
Togetsu Bridge is an iconic landmark in Arashiyama. It is located nearby the train station so you will have to walk across it to get to the town. Its name has a very poetic translation, it means Moon crossing bridge. It was originally built in the Heian Period (8th – 12th century) and you can enjoy from there beautiful views over forested mountains and the river.
Okochi Sanso Garden and Villa
The villa belonged to the former beloved Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962) and it is located right next to the bamboo groves. You will find here several different buildings and beautiful Japanese gardens. The admission fee is 1000 yen but you will also get matcha green tea and a snack in the tea house.
Arashiyama Park on Nakanoshima Island
Arashiyama Park is a popular riverside park adjacent to the Togetsukyo Bridge. It is a perfect place to chill after a long day of walking. There are several cafes, observation deck and children’s plaza. In spring the park is decorated by dozens of cherry trees.
Jojakko-ji Temple
Jojakko-ji Temple is another very popular place to visit in autumn for its countless maple trees. Because it is located on a mountainside, you can also enjoy views over Kyoto from here. The buildings are small and quite charming and it is one of the places, where you might find lesser people. Admission is 500 yen.
Giou-ji Temple
Just like Jojakko-ji, Giou-ji is also a very popular spot for autumn colors. It has small temple grounds nestled in a forest and its gardens are covered in soft layer of moss which makes it very special. The admission to this temple is 300 yen.
Hanatouro Festival
Hanatouro is a seasonal festival that takes place twice a year in Kyoto – in March in Higashiyama district and in December in Arashiyama. For ten days the streets and the bamboo forest are illuminated with hundreds of lanterns, and some temples are open till late so you can visit them after the sunset. Arashiyama is beautiful at daytime, but it is equally charming in a different way at nighttime too.
Tips for visiting Arashiyama
How to get to Arashiyama
Arashiyama has several train stations, a tram and buses cross this area quite often as well. Here are the most convenient routes how to get here from Osaka and Kyoto.
From Kyoto to Arashiyama
There are several options how to get to Arashiyama from the central Kyoto:
- Take purple San-In line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama station (takes about 11 minutes).
- Take the tram from Omiya station to Arashiyama tram station (next to the Kimono forest). The tram journey is a little bit longer, so you have to count with about 25 – 30 minutes.
- You can also get to Arashiyama with any of these buses: No. 28 (Kyoto city bus), 72, 73, 76, 77, 83 and 86 (regular Kyoto buses).
- Hankyu line leaves from any of these stations in Kyoto: Kawaramachi, Karasuma, Omiya or Saiin (you will have to get off at Katsura station and hop on the special Arashiyama Hankyu line).
From Osaka to Arashiyama
The most direct route is from Osaka to Arashiyama is taking the Hankyu-Kyoto line from Osaka-Umeda station directly to Arashiyama station. At the Katsura station, you will have to switch train to local Arashiyama Line.
Another option is to take JR Tokaido-Sanyo line from Osaka station to Kyoto station and make your way to Arashiyama from there (with San-in line).
There are no direct lines from Namba station in Osaka, you will always have to change trains at the Osaka station area.
Best time to visit Arashiyama
Arashiyama is worth visiting all year round. The most popular seasons are spring, when you can see blooming sakura trees, and autumn for its magnificent autumn foliage. Summer brings seasonal festivals such as Ukai (cormorant fishing) and in winter you can even experience snow because it is mountainous region. I think it must be really special to see the bamboo forest covered in soft layer of fresh snow. arashiyama kyoto
Crowds
Arashiyama is a very popular destination for Japanese people. They love to escape the city and enjoy the time in nature here. You have to count with crowds here all year round, especially during the weekend. The bamboo forest attract masses of tourists so I would advise you to come here early in the morning.
If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka for more than just a couple of days, I would suggest you to explore the area of Arashiyama as well. I am sure it will surprise you! If you are looking for more inspiration about day trips from Kyoto, don’t forget to check my article about Uji, lovely mountain town on the south that is famous for the production of green tea.
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