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Home - Travel - Sightseeing Guide - Kansai - Kyoto - Western Kyoto
Arashiyama and Sagano
# 9   of 56 most visited
sights in Kyoto
access  -  hotels  -  reports  -  ratings  -  tours  -  links
Togetsukyo Bridge in autumn

Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

North of central Arashiyama the atmosphere becomes less touristy and more rural, with several small temples scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area north of the Togetsukyo Bridge is also known as Sagano, while the name "Arashiyama" technically just refers to the mountains on the southern bank of the river but is commonly used to name the entire district.

Pleasure boats and cherry blossoms

One of the most enjoyable and convenient ways to travel around the Sagano area is by rental bicycle, which are available for around 1000 yen near the train stations. Cycling through rural residential areas and past fields while traveling between temples can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a visit to Arashiyama. There is also an attractive preserved town area near the Nenbutsuji Temple.

Arashiyama becomes most attractive (and busy) around early April and the second half of November when the cherry blossom and fall color seasons usually peak. Another good time to visit is during December's Hanatoro illumination, when lanterns line the streets and bamboo groves.

Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge.

Bamboo Groves
The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries.

Okochi Sanso Villa
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 1000 yen
This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama's bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside. Admission includes matcha green tea with a snack.

Monkey Park Iwatayama
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
Closed: Days with heavy rain or snow
Admission: 550 yen
Located in the Arashiyama mountains, the entrance to the monkey park can be found just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. After hiking uphill for about ten minutes, visitors will find an open area with over a hundred monkeys roaming freely. There are also nice views down onto the city.

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
Much of this street along the way to the Nenbutsuji Temple has been preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Many of the buildings are traditional machiya ("town houses") that served as private residences but have since been converted into shops and restaurants.

Rakushisha Residence
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (10:00 to 16:00 from January to February)
Closed: December 31 and January 1
Admission: 200 yen
The Rakushisha Residence is a thatched hut that belonged to the 17th century haiku poet Mukai Kyorai. Mukai was a student of Basho Matsuo, one of Japan's greatest poets. Basho even composed a few poems here. Mukai named his residence Rakushisha ("fallen persimmon hut") after a storm had taken down the fruits of the surrounding trees.

Temples:

Tenryuji Temple (more details)
Hours: 8:30 to 17:30 (until 17:00 from late October to late March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen for gardens, additional 100 yen to enter buildings
Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), the temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths.

Daikakuji Temple (more details)
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen
Daikakuji is a temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Formerly the residence of an emperor, the buildings were converted into a temple in 876. During its history the temple traditionally had members of the imperial family serve as the head priest. Beside the main temple buildings there is a large pond and a pagoda.

Jojakkoji Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 400 yen
This small mountainside temple was founded in 1596. With small, attractive buildings and gates, the temple has a quiet and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss are located just beside the paths and stairs that lead across the temple grounds. From a number of spots, visitors can get a good view of downtown Kyoto.

Nisonin Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 16:30
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen
Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with slightly larger and imposing buildings. A generally understated atmosphere on the temple grounds is partly due to the overhanging trees along the walking paths. Founded in the mid 9th century, Nisonin is a temple of the Tendai sect. There are views over the city from the upper temple grounds.

Gioji Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen
Gioji is even more nestled into the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is known for its moss garden that is punctuated with tall maple trees. The temple's entrance gate and small main hall have thatched roofs. The latter has an attractive round window looking into the gardens.

Nenbutsuji Temple
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen
Located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street, Nenbutsuji is a temple of the Pure Land sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple grounds are covered by hundreds of stone statues and a stone pagoda. The temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed stone statues for the souls of the dead here.

Activities:

Saga Scenic Railway (more details)
See Saga Scenic Railway page for hours and fares.
The Saga Scenic Railway runs seven kilometers from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka, mostly alongside the pretty Hozu River. The trains travel at a maximum speeds of about 25 km/h during its 25 minute journey, so passengers can enjoy the scenery without it rushing by too quickly.

Hozu River Boat Tour (more details)
See Hozu River Boat page for hours and fees.
Departing from near the JR Kameoka Station, the Hozu River Boat Tour is a leisurely two hour trip that takes passengers down the winding Hozu River to the Togetsukyo Bridge. The trip passes by the forested mountainsides along the river. The boats seat 25 people and are heated in the winter.

Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

How to get there
By Japan Railways (JR)

The fastest access from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is provided by the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line). The one way ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes and costs 230 yen. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, central Arashiyama can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk.

By Keifuku Railways (Randen)

The small trains on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line connect Arashiyama with Omiya Station at the intersection of Shijo Street and Omiya Street in central Kyoto (20 minutes, 200 yen). Keifuku Railways also provides access to Kitanohakubaicho Station in northern Kyoto, not far from Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji Temples (20-30 minutes, 200 yen). One transfer of trains is required along the way. Keifuku Arashiyama Station is located in the very center of Arashiyama.

By Hankyu Railways

From Kawaramachi or Karasuma Station in central Kyoto (Shijo Street), take the Hankyu Main Line to Katsura Station and transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for Arashiyama. The one way trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 220 yen. Hankyu Arashiyama Station is located on the opposite side of the river, about a 5-10 minute walk from central Arashiyama.

By bus

Bus lines connect Arashiyama with several parts of Kyoto, however, it is recommended to access Arashiyama by train to avoid the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams.

By car

Access by car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and difficult parking. However, travelers with a car who are interested in also visiting the mountainous Takao region, note that the Arashiyama Takao Parkway toll road conveniently connects Arashiyama with Takao (1150 yen one way).

How to get to and around Kyoto

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News and Reports
December 2, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
by schauwecker
November 30, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
by schauwecker
November 29, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
by scott
November 28, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
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November 27, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
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November 24, 2011
Yoshiminedera and Southwest Kyoto
by Rabbityama
November 22, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
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November 20, 2011
Kyoto Autumn Color Report
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More reports...

Travel Community
Ratings for Arashiyama:
japan-guide.com Rating:
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User Rating (by 584 users):
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  recommended

Popularity of Arashiyama:
Users who have been to Kyoto: 4515
Users who have been to Arashiyama: 1104
9th of 56 most visited sights in Kyoto.
40th of 726 most visited sights nationwide.

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Tours and Packages
Kyoto Tours
Various tours and travel packages for Kyoto and surroundings.
Walking in Sagano Arashiyama
Guided half-day tour in the Arashiyama district.

Japanese Links
Tenryuji Temple
Official website.
Jojakkoji Temple
Official website.
Gioji Temple
Official website.
Nenbutsuji Temple
Official website.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Official website.
Rakushisha Residence
Official website.
Arashiyama Takao Parkway toll road
Official website.

 

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