Explore around Kyoto

Arashiyama Full Day

One day itinerary in Arashiyama

duration 8 hours

budget* Around 4000 yen

pace Average pace

* Budget includes approximate transportation costs and admission fees only

The following is a suggested full day itinerary for medium paced travelers that takes you through Kyoto's Arashiyama District. This itinerary can be modified with a few recommended additions.

See full screen itinerary map

Start

Start at Arashiyama Station

Walk to the Monkey Park Iwatayama

10 minutes

Monkey Park

A monkey park in the mountains 90 minutes

The monkey park is on the south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. It takes about 20 minutes to climb the mountain to see the monkeys, and there are good views of Kyoto from the top.

Walk to Togetsukyo Bridge

5 minutes

Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama's most iconic landmark 15 minutes

Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge and spend a few minutes viewing the bridge. Some of the best views are from downstream of the bridge.

Walk to Tenryuji Temple

5 minutes

Tenryuji

Arashiyama's most important temple 45 minutes

Explore the expansive garden and rooms at Tenryuji Temple.

Leave Tenryuji through the back entrance

Bamboo Groves

Iconic attraction in Arashiyama 30 minutes

Explore the bamboo groves behind Tenryuji Temple.

Walk to Arashiyama Station

5 minutes

Rent a bicycle

Cycle to Jojakkoji

10 minutes

Jojakkoji

Quiet temple known for its fall colors 30 minutes

Explore Jojakkoji. The temple is best in autumn when the leaves change colors.

Continue north from Jojakkoji to Gioji

5 minutes

Gioji

Quiet temple with a moss garden 45 minutes

Gioji is a small, quiet temple known for its maple trees and moss garden.

Cycle northwards along the main road

5 minutes

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street

Historic street lined by traditional townhouses 45 minutes

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street is a historic street lined by traditional townhouses (machiya). Explore the shops and restaurants along the way. This may be a good place to have lunch.

Continue north along the main road

5 minutes

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Temple famous for its 1200 stone rakan statues 60 minutes

Otagi Nenbutsuji is a temple whose grounds are covered in hundreds of small stone statues.

Backtrack to Daikakuji Temple

10 minutes

Daikakuji

A large temple of historical importance 90 minutes

Explore Daikakuji, its buildings, museum and the Osawa Pond. It is one of the best places to feel the ancient court atmosphere and is often used for filming historical dramas.

Return to Arashiyama Station

10 minutes

Finish

Kyoto Half Day Itineraries

Although already a full day's itinerary, fast travellers may wish to combine this with our Northern Kyoto itinerary.

Nisonin

Nisonin is another small temple between Jojakkoji and Gioji. This temple has a quiet and understated atmosphere, but turns into a popular autumn color spot in the second half of November.

Adashino Nenbutsuji

Not to be confused with nearby Otagi Nenbutsuji, the Adashino Nenbutsuji is another interesting temple in the area. It has hundred of stone statues as well as a small bamboo grove.