🌟 What is Arashiyama?
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a breathtaking district on the western edge of Kyoto, beloved for its serene landscapes, cultural heritage, and seasonal beauty.
From the iconic Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge to ancient temples and river cruises, Arashiyama offers a relaxing escape from Kyoto’s city center — perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and cultural explorers alike.
Especially popular during cherry blossom (spring) and autumn foliage (fall) seasons, it’s a must-see area for your Kyoto itinerary.
🔍 Why Visit Arashiyama?
🎋 Bamboo Forest – Walk through a magical path of towering bamboo stalks
🌉 Togetsukyo Bridge – A scenic landmark over the Hozugawa River
🚂 Sagano Scenic Railway – Ride a nostalgic train with river & mountain views
🐒 Iwatayama Monkey Park – Hike up to meet wild monkeys with panoramic views
⛩️ Tenryu-ji Temple – UNESCO Zen temple with a stunning pond garden
🚣 Hozugawa River Cruise – Traditional boat ride through natural canyons
🍡 Street Snacks & Souvenirs – Enjoy matcha sweets, yatsuhashi, and more
🗂️ Key Spots to Explore
| Place | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Bamboo Grove | Peaceful and photogenic path through tall bamboo |
| Tenryu-ji Temple | Zen garden and seasonal foliage views |
| Togetsukyo Bridge | Symbol of Arashiyama, beautiful in all seasons |
| Monkey Park Iwatayama | Over 100 macaques and a city view from the top |
| Sagano Romantic Train | Scenic 25-minute train ride along the river |
| Hozugawa Boat Ride | 2-hour river cruise with boatmen guiding the way |
🎟️ Admission & Hours
💴 Area: Free to walk around
💡 Attractions:
- Tenryu-ji Temple: ¥500–800
- Monkey Park: ¥600
- Scenic Railway: ¥880 (one way)
- Boat Ride: ¥4,100 per person (reservations recommended)
🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (varies by site)
🗓️ Open daily (weather may affect boat rides or train)
🚨 Visitor Tips
👟 Wear comfortable shoes – many paths are gravel or uphill
📸 Bamboo Grove gets crowded – best early morning or late afternoon
🧥 Dress for the season – hot in summer, chilly in fall/winter
🌸 Cherry blossoms in early April, red maple leaves in November
📶 Some areas have limited mobile signal – plan maps offline
🚉 Access
- JR Saga-Arashiyama Station – Best for Sagano Scenic Railway
- Arashiyama Station (Keifuku/Randen) – Closer to Tenryu-ji & Bamboo Grove
- Hankyu Arashiyama Station – Short walk to the bridge
🚌 From Kyoto Station: 30–40 minutes by train or bus
🍱 Nearby Food Options
- Arashiyama Yoshimura
🍜 Soba noodles with a river view
📍 Near Togetsukyo Bridge - Musubi Café
🍱 Healthy lunch sets with local ingredients
📍 Hidden spot near Tenryu-ji - Chasanraku
🍵 Matcha parfaits & Kyoto sweets in a garden teahouse
📍 Near the Bamboo Grove
🔁 Sample Plan: “Nature Escape in Arashiyama”
🕐 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎋 Start early with a peaceful walk through the Bamboo Grove
⛩️ Visit Tenryu-ji Temple and stroll through its Zen garden
🍜 Enjoy soba lunch with scenic views
🚶 Cross Togetsukyo Bridge and head to Monkey Park
🚂 End the day with a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway
🛍️ Shop for local souvenirs and Kyoto sweets
📍 Area & Contact
Area
Arashiyama District, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Phone
📞 Varies by attraction – check each site’s official page
Tourism Info
https://www.kyotokankou.com/en/ (Kyoto Tourism)
✨ Arashiyama is Kyoto’s natural wonder — a peaceful blend of bamboo, temples, and timeless beauty.