This itinerary is easily combined with our Northern Kyoto Half Day itinerary to make a full day plan. Or consider expanding your plans to explore Arashiyama for a full day.

Several small temples, such as Jojakkoji and Nisonin, are found in the mountains north of the bamboo groves. These temples have a quiet and understated atmosphere, but turn into spectacular and crowded attractions in autumn when the maple trees change colors.

The Saga Scenic Railway runs seven kilometers from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka, mostly alongside the scenic Hozugawa River.

Departing from near the JR Kameoka Station, the Hozu River Boat Tour is a leisurely two hour trip that takes passengers down the winding Hozugawa River to the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura is a fun, history themed amusement park built on the grounds of the Toei film studios. The park is also used for filming historical dramas and includes a replica of an Edo Period town, a haunted house, filming demonstrations and ninja shows.