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

Tenryuji (45 minutes)

Visit Tenryuji and leave the temple through its north entrance which leads directly into the bamboo groves.

Bamboo Groves (30 minutes)

Walk the paths among the bamboo groves toward Okochi Sancho. Return toward Tenryuji and Arashiyama Station. Walk along the shops and restaurants of Arashiyama's main street toward the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Togetsukyo Bridge (30 minutes)

Explore the riverbanks around the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Monkey Park (90 minutes)

The entrance to the Monkey Park lies to the south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. It takes about 20 minutes to climb the mountain to see the monkeys.

Recommended additions

Kyoto Half Day Itineraries

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.

Jojakkoji and Nisonin

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.

Sagano Scenic Railway

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

Hozugawa River Cruise

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

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.