Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a scenic district located a short train ride away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto. It’s a popular spot that tends to end up on most Kyoto visitor's’ itineraries, and for good reason. The most famous sightseeing spot is Togetsukyo Bridge that crosses the Katsura River, a wide river running through the area. The river is flanked by steep mountains wrapped in lush vegetation, and particularly beautiful the autumn, when it explodes in all imaginable shades of green, yellow and red. This bridge dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185), and is an iconic landmark often representing Arashiyama.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama

Along the river, there are many small companies organizing boat tours, which are a good option if you want to experience the beautiful surroundings to their fullest. Be advised though that the area around the river is often unpleasantly crowded, as the narrow streets that date back hundreds of years haven’t really coped with the surge in inbound tourism that has occurred in recent years.

Arashiyama also has several beautiful temples and shrines. Most notable is Tenryu-ji, one of the historic monuments of Kyoto and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in the 14th century, and is the head temple of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism school.

The bamboo grove in western Arashiyama is another one of Arashiyama’s most popular sightseeing spots. It has been referred to as one of the most beautiful groves on the planet by CNN, and sees a large number of visitors every day. If possible, we’d recommend that you come here during the early morning or late evening, and weekends should be avoided if you can.

In the northern part of Arashiyama you’ll find the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. This quiet street consists of several traditional townhouses (Machiya), and has many charming cafes, restaurants and teahouses, as well as a few shops selling souvenirs and locally produced handicrafts.

Arashiyama

If you venture even further north, past the Preserved Area, you will reach Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. These two temples are both very beautiful, and noteworthy thanks to the large number of stone sculptures surrounding them. Especially Otagi Nenbutsu-ji stands out, for the sheer weirdness of many of the statues on its premises.

Arashiyama

To get to Arashiyama, take either the JR Sagano Line from JR Kyoto Station, or the Hankyu Line from either Karasuma Station or Kawaramachi Station. Another option is taking the Keifuku Arashiyama Line from Omiya Station.

Arashiyama

Near Arashiyama Station you will also find the Saga Scenic Railway station, where you can board a train that slowly travels up along the Hozu River, to the nearby town of Kameoka. This is a very slow train that is primarily used for leisure rather than as a practical means of transportation, but if you have the time and manage to score one of the tickets (they tend to sell out fast, especially during the autumn leaves season), it’s an experience we highly recommend.

Arashiyama

Arashiyama

Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto City Ukyo-ku Arashiyama

0757010124

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Hotel Arashiyama

1-3 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan

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