Kyoto’s temple are wondrous to behold but don’t make the mistake of thinking they are all the city has to offer. Hop on a bus or train bound for the west of Kyoto and you will find the Arashiyama, a wonderful area at the foot of the Arashi mountains and packed with a variety of sightseeing activities. With opportunities to get up close with animals, taste 1930s luxury and wander through utterly unique forests, Arashiyama is Kyoto at its most diverse and interesting.
-
01
Okochi Sanso
![Okochi Sanso]()
Okochi Sanso
This glamourous villa was once the residence of Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), one of the first Japanese movie stars who achieved international fame. The architecture and the gardens themselves are stunning but the villa also boasts a mountainside view of Kyoto. Entrance fee includes matcha tea and a delicious Japanese sweet.
- Okochi Sanso Gardens
-
![rating]()
4.0
17 Reviews -
-
- Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagaogurayama Tabuchi Yamachi 8
-
-
-
- 0758722233
-
-
-
- 9:00-17:00(Last entry16:30)
-
View All
-
02
Monkey Park
![Monkey Park]()
Monkey Park
Japan has some wonderful zoos but there is nothing like seeing animals in their natural habitat. Arashiyama monkey park offers the accessibility of zoos with the authenticity of monkeys in the wild. The park is home to over 100 Japanese macaques a breed native to Japan. It’s joy to watch them play, eat and interact with each other. Remember that these animals are wild: do not touch them or make direct eye contact for your own safety and do not carry food on your person unless provided and advised by the park staff.
- Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
-
-
- Kyoto Kyoutoshi Nishikyou-ku Arashiyamanakaoshitachou 61
-
-
-
- 0758720950
-
-
-
- [Admission Available Hours] …
-
View All
-
03
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
![Arashiyama Bamboo Grove]()
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
As much a symbol of Kyoto as Kinkakuji, if you don’t visit the iconic Arashimya bamboo forest you haven’t truly experienced Kyoto. The beautiful tall bamboo give the light a mysterious quality and you feel you have left the modern world and entered a timeless realm. Take your time on this 500m path (you can walk or hire a bicycle) for a truly atmospheric experience.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto
12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
-
-
04
Kimono Forest
![Kimono Forest]()
Kimono Forest
From a bamboo forest to a… kimono forest?! Kyo Yuzen dyeing is a special dyeing technique used to make beautiful Kyoto Yuzen kimono. Whilst these kimono are beautifully modelled on the bodies of Kyotoites strolling the city center, in the Kimono Forest they can be viewed in a different guise in cylinder shaped pillars lining the street and train station in a way that mimics actual trees. Head to Randen Arashiyama Station for this utterly unique and fantastical sight.
-
05
Gio-ji Moss Garden
![Gio-ji Moss Garden]()
Gio-ji Moss Garden
Kyoto is, arguably, the spiritual heart of Japan and there are a few places where the Kyoto magic can truly be felt. Gio-ji Moss Garden is one of these places. In the shadow of the small but exquisite Gio-Ji temple (complete with authentic Japanese thatched roof!) lies the beautiful moss garden. A little off the beaten track from the other Arashiyama hot spots but the resulting lack of crowds only adds to the feeling of serenity. Though the moss looks soft enough to lie in, bear in mind that the ‘no touch’ rule is what preserves its essence so well for other visitors.
- Giouji Temple
-
-
- Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagatorimotokozakachou 32
-
-
-
- 0758613574
-
-
-
- 9:00-17:00(16:30Last entry)
-
View All
Go here
