arashiyama day trip

Asia , Itineraries , Japan · July 23, 2017

Arashiyama Itinerary: The Perfect Arashiyama Day Trip

Arashiyama is a beautiful town neatly tucked away on the western outskirts of Kyoto. This scenic little town boasts ancient temples, sublime gardens, and peaceful river rides. Follow my compact Arashiyama itinerary to find the best things to do in Arashiyama. Throughout this guide, you’ll also get handy tips to help you plan the perfect Arashiyama day trip.

Any trip to Japan would not be complete without visiting the beautiful mountain town of Arashiyama. It is home to some of Japan’s most iconic sites – from the famed Bamboo Grove to one of the top 5 temples in all of Kyoto .

With spectacular views and gorgeous gardens, it’s easy to see why this area is a National Heritage Site and renowned as a Place of Scenic Beauty.

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Table of Contents

1 Day Arashiyama Itinerary – Quick Overview

Arashiyama is an excellent add-on to your  day trips from Kyoto  list, as well as any Japan itinerary. Whether you’re only spending a few days in the western region or planning a   two-week Japan itinerary , visiting Arashiyama on a day trip is highly encouraged.

Before we dive right into what to do in Arashiyama, here’s a quick look at what’s covered in this Arashiyama itinerary:

• Cross Togetsukyo Bridge 
• Take a boat ride on the Hozu River
• Wander through the Bamboo Grove
• Explore the largest temple, Tenryuji 

In a rush? Pin this Arashiyama itinerary for later.

Arashiyama Itinerary: Best Things to do in Arashiyama

There’s so much to do in Japan’s Kansai region – from wandering Kyoto’s streets and visiting Osaka’s top attractions. Beyond the bustling cities, however, there’s plenty to keep you busy too. Arashiyama is one of Japan’s most revered tourist attractions and a huge must on a Japan trip.

In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do on an Arashiyama day trip. You’ll have a chance to see all of Arashiyama’s best bits in as little as one day! Wander through the famous Bamboo Grove, explore the gorgeous temples, or perhaps even take a relaxing boat ride! Whatever you choose to do, there’s plenty to do on a 1-day Arashiyama itinerary.

If it’s your first visit to Japan, make sure to read these  Japan travel tips  and this guide on the best places to visit in Japan during fall . 

Ready to dive into Arashiyama’s top attractions on a 1 day in Arashiyama itinerary? Let’s go! 

Togetsukyo Bridge

The  Togetsukyo Bridge  was initially built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and is one of the town’s most famous landmarks. It is a symbol of blessing to young Japanese children, and more interestingly, the river changes names on either side of the bridge. Interestingly, the river’s name differs depending on which side you are – on the west, it’s called the Hozu River, while on the east, the Katsura River.

Besides taking a gentle stroll over the bridge, it’s also the perfect place to take some photos with the river and mountains as a backdrop. The bridge is only 155m long, so it’s easily walked in a few minutes. 

Pro Tip : If you are traveling to Arashiyama by bus, the closest stop to the Togetsukyo Bridge is the Arashiyama Park bus stop.

Any day trip to Arashiyama wouldn’t be complete without exploring the gorgeous natural scenery. And, one of the best ways to do this is by boat. Luckily, there are a few options to choose from, especially if you visit Japan on a shoestring. 

The first option is to rent a small boat or kayak and paddle along the main Hozugawa river area by yourself. Some local boats provide short boat rides along the river too. Simply go to one of the many stalls that line the river to organize the above. 

But, if you want to get a  real  feel of what the Hozu river has to offer, take a short train trip to the neighboring city of Kameoka. From here, you can board a Hozugawa Kudari boat ride. It’s one of the most famous river routes in Japan and dates back to 400 years. For more details on Hozugawa River Cruises, visit their website   here .

Pro Tip : This ride between Kameoka and Arashiyama takes about 2 hours, so if you are on a tight schedule, be sure to keep this in mind. 

Also read: What to do on a Nara One Day Itinerary

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama’s most iconic attraction is undoubtedly the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The walking path cuts through swaying bamboo forests and offers countless amazing photo ops. 

If you’re traveling  Kyoto with kids , the bamboo grove is a great add-on to your Arashiyama day trip itinerary, as there is no entrance fee.

Pro Tip : The Bamboo Forest is very popular among locals and tourists, especially if you are traveling during peak seasons, like spring or autumn. Therefore, it’s best to time your visit here. To skip the crowds and tour groups, I recommend visiting here either in the early morning or late afternoon. 

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji  is the largest temple in Arashiyama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was founded in 1339 and is ranked as one of Kyoto’s top 5 Zen temples. And it’s easy to see why. Apart from the impressive temple, the gardens and numerous walking paths are beyond spectacular.

Work on spending at least 2 hours here, as the gardens are sublime. Be sure to also duck into the temple before making your way along the little winding paths through the gardens. If you’d like to take a breather or admire the natural scenery, there are many resting stops along the way. 

Opening hours:  8:30 – 17:30 (Oct – Mar: 8:30 – 17:00)

Entrance fee:  ¥500

How to get to Arashiyama

You can easily reach Arashiyama by train or bus from Kyoto Station. But if you are pressed for time, or not comfortable using public transport, you might want to consider taking a  half-day tour to Arashiyama .

The fastest way to reach Arashiyama, however, is by train.  Take the JR Sagano/ San-in Line  to  Saga-Arashiyama Station . If you haven’t purchased a  JR Pass , prices start at  ¥240  (single journey), and the ride takes about 45 minutes from Kyoto. Prices do, however, differ per train, so be sure to keep an eye out for this. 

Alternatively, you could also reach Arashiyama by bus from Kyoto Station. Simply  take Kyoto City Bus #28  and get off at the  Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae stop . The bus ride takes about 1 hour and costs ¥230 for a single journey.

Have you visited Arashiyama yet? What travel tips do you have for fellow travelers planning an Arashiyama itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, connect with me on  Instagram  or  Facebook  for instant updates on my travels. Also, feel free to subscribe to my mailing list to get all the good stuff delivered straight to your inbox.

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July 24, 2017 at

Japan’s Arashiyama Bamboo Groove is so lovely. I would love to walk alone so I’d be going very early in the morning when I visit. And to think the entrance fee is FREE makes me hunger for a visit.

July 31, 2017 at

Early morning would defo do the trick! Thanks for stopping by, Lydia.

Looks like you visited at a perfect time! We were in Kyoto this last winter but didn’t make it to Arashiyama because we were short of time. Fall is my favorite season so we’ll have to try to get back that way then!

Oh, that’s a pity! But, it’s the perfect excuse to go back! 😊

Wow! The colors are stunning! I love how Japanese, as modern in technology as they are, still retains the beauty of their nature, and preserving trees like these! You took wonderful photos.

Thanks Jen! When I think of Japan I think of AI’s, neon lights and technology…and of course, sushi! Haha! But, how they preserve their historical sites and nature is truly astonishing.

July 25, 2017 at

The colours are absolutely amazing. Japan has been on my bucket list for ages, I hope to cross it off next year. The bamboo grove is magical, I would spend hours wandering around, admiring the beauty of it. You visited Japan at a perfect time, love all the pictures.

The colors of these trees are absolutely stunning! So much beauty in each shot! I would love to go see these in person!

July 27, 2017 at

Wow! Now, after seeing all of it I regret not booking my trip to Japan for longer than just 3 days in Tokyo! I have heard so many good stuff about Kyoto recently! Your photos are fabulous! I wish I could be there for fall season!

Thanks Ada! Kyoto and the surrounding area is awesome – totally worth a visit!

I fell in love with China when the colors were changing… and Japan looks as amazing or better! Thank you for sharing and making me lean towards Japan for our next trip across the Pacific!

July 29, 2017 at

OMG. I’m a sucker for autumnal colours and these are just bloomin’ divine. I adore them, the colours of the leaves, I could really imagine walking through them feeling totally at peace. What a pretty place to visit!

July 30, 2017 at

The autumn in Japan looks more impressive than the pink season, I think I’d prefer to go then after seeing your photos, it’s probably quieter too. The Togetsukyo Bridge is impressive as is the age of it, I love when there are historic buildings / bridges to see especially when they are over 1000 years old.

I would love to visit Japan during cherry blossom season, but I’ve heard it is jam-packed then! Autumn is extremely popular too, but I guess, it all comes down to timing! Thanks for stopping by, James.

I totally love these colorful vibrant pictures. I have never been to a part of the world to witness such beautiful foliage colors in person. But through your pictures I could experience something very close.

Thanks so much, Neha! Hope you get a chance to travel here one day!

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14 Amazing THINGS to DO in ARASHIYAMA, Kyoto (Map+Useful Tips)

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Arashiyama is a beautiful area located on the western outskirts of Kyoto . A visit to Arashiyama can be overwhelming as there is so much to see. Here is a handy list of 14 amazing things to do in Arashiyma to make your visit fun and memorable!

Are you planning any more day trips from Kyoto? How about Miyajima Island, the island of the Gods? Check out: Perfect Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima .

And now, with no further delay here are all the details on how to get to Arashiyama and the amazing 14 things to do in Arashiyama :

14 Amazing Things to Do in Arashiyama 

Learn More About Kyoto: 

Stunning Golden Pavilion in Kyoto (How to Visit and What to See)

What to See at Nijo Castle in Kyoto (10 Top Things to Know)

Amazing Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto (8 Things to Know Before You Visit)

Perfect ONE DAY in KANAZAWA – 7 Things to Do (BEST TRIP from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka)

You Might Also Like: 

7 Fun and Easy DAY TRIPS from KYOTO (Useful Maps+Photos+Tips)

Discover 6 JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY STEPS for a Meaningful Experience

Ultimate 16-DAY JAPAN ITINERARY for Marvelous Culture, History, and Nature

• 1. Where Is Arashiyma Located and How to Get to Arashiyama from Kyoto
• 2. Map of Arashiyama
• 3. 14 Amazing Things to Do in Arashiyama
• 3.1. Take a Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• 3.2. Go for a Rickshaw Ride Through Arashiyama
• 3.3. Take a Walk Across Togetsukyo Bridge
• 3.4. Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama
• 3.5. Visit Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama
• 3.6. Stop by Nonomiya-jinja Shrine
• 3.7. Take a Tour of Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden
• 3.8. Explore Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama
• 3.9. Head to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
• 3.10. Take a Stroll Along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
• 3.11. Take a Ride on Sagano Romantic Train
• 3.12. Join Arashiyama Cormorant Fishing Tour
• 3.13. Attend Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination Festival
• 3.14. Go on Hozugawa River Boat Ride
• 4. Intrepid Scout's Tips for Things to Do in Arashiyama

Where Is Arashiyma Located and How to Get to Arashiyama from Kyoto

Arashiyama ( Storm Mountain ) is a district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan.

There are several options for getting to Arashiyama from Kyoto.

• First of all, you can take Kyoto Bus #72 or #73 (Bus Stop C-6) from Kyoto Station and get off at Arashiyama. The cost of the bus ticket is 230 yen.
• Or, you can take the local JR Train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, specifically, to Saga Arashiyma Station . The journey time is 10-15 minutes depending on whether you get a rapid train or not. The cost of the train ticket is 240 yen.

If you have a JR Pass , then the cost of your ticket will be covered by the pass.  You can purchase JR Pass here .

Map of Arashiyama

Map of Arashiyama / Image Credit: Japan National Tourism Organization / Things to Do in Arashiyama

To Print the Map of 14 Things to Do in Arashiyama 

Click: HERE

14 Amazing Things to Do in Arashiyama

Take a walk through arashiyama bamboo grove.

Hands down, one of the top things to do in Arashiyama is to take a walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove .

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a beautiful and peaceful bamboo forest. It looks absolutely amazing if there is a bit of sunlight filtering through the tall bamboo trees or if there is some light breeze that will make the stalks gently sway and let in the dappled light.

If you like photography, then this is the place to go! You will have a lot of fun taking pictures of this place.

Take a Walk Through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove / Things to Do in Arashiyama 

Things to Do in Arashiyama

What you need to know is that Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a very popular place! You will have a lot of company everywhere you go and it is almost impossible to get any pictures without tourists in them.

So, to get the best pictures, head to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early in the morning. You will avoid the large crowds of tourists that swarm this place starting at about 9 or 10 am (especially on the weekends) and you will have the place pretty much to yourself.

It is super easy to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove from JR Saga Arashiyama Station. Once you exit the station, turn right and proceed towards the grove.

It is no more than a 10-15 minute walk from the train station.

The nice thing about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is that it is completely  free  and you can  visit at any time.

Go for a Rickshaw Ride Through Arashiyama

Ok, you cannot miss a rickshaw ride in Arashiyama ! It is so much fun and trust me, you will love it!

My recommendation is to book an Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour . This tour will take you through Bamboo Grove and some of the most scenic and historic districts in Arashiyama.

Go for a Rickshaw Ride Through Arashiyama / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Take a Walk Across Togetsukyo Bridge

Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark is the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge . It is located no more than 10-15 minutes going south of Bamboo Grove.

Some sources claim that the Togetsukyo bridge spans the Katsura River . And, some sources say that it goes over the Oi River .

So, to clarify, the river is referred to as the Oi River until it reaches Togetsukyo Bridge. After it passes under the bridge, it is referred to as the Katsura River.

It is believed that the bridge was built in 836 AD  when the priest Dosho (a disciple of Kobo Daishi , founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism ) was conducting construction work along the Oi River.

Togetsukyo Bridge is also known as the Moon Crossing Bridge  after Emperor Kameyama stated that the bridge appeared to stretch to the moon.

Take a Walk Across Togetsukyo Bridge / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama

When you cross the Togetsukyo Bridge turn right and you will see a sign for Iwatayama Monkey Park .

First of all, what you need to know, is that the hike up to the park is fairly strenuous. It is pretty much up a hill hike at a steady incline.

It will take you about 25-30 minutes to reach the top of the mountain where Iwatayama Monkey Park is located.

My recommendation is to just take your time and rest along the way. Specifically, if you are hiking during the summer months , make sure to have plenty of water with you and just take it easy.

If you want to feed the monkeys , you can purchase some food for them at the small shop located at the entrance to the park. Then, you will need to enter a shack with wires on the windows. The monkeys will be hanging on the wires and begging for food.

I do not particularly like this setup, because it trains the monkeys to beg for food.

When I visited the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park located in the Nagano Prefecture on a day trip from Tokyo, it was an awesome better experience.

First of all, the monkeys are free to roam and come down from the mountains during feeding times or to soak in the hot springs.

Second, visitors are not allowed to feed the monkeys so they do not beg for food but instead go around their monkey business like playing, grooming each other, or enjoying the hot springs.

So, if you are looking forward to seeing monkeys in Japan, then hands down, go and see Jigokudani Snow Monkeys !

Intrepid’s Tip: 

Read: 14 Practical Tips How to See SNOW MONKEYS in JAPAN (Best Trip from TOKYO)

Visit Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama / Things to Do in Arashiyama

However, what I really like about Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama is that it sits on top of the Arashiyama Mountian and the views of Kyoto are absolutely breathtaking!

You can visit  Arashiyama Monkey Park  any day of the week from 9 am until 5 pm (March 15th through September 30th), or until 4 pm (October 1st through March 14th).

The entrance ticket to Arashiyama Monkey Park is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children ages 4 to 15. Children younger than 4 can monkey-watch for free.

Visit Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama

Tenryuji Temple is no more than a 10-minute walk from JR Saga Arashiyama Station. Once you exit the station, go west and the temple complex will be right in front of you.

The temple was established in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji.

It is known that Takauji dedicated the temple to the memory of  Emperor Go-Daigo.

Both, shogun Ashikaga Takauji and Emperor Go-Daigo  used to be good allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a struggle for supremacy over Japan.

After Emperor Go-Daigo passed away, Takauji built the temple to appease the former emperor’s spirits.

Tenryuji’s buildings were repeatedly lost in fires and wars over the centuries. Mostly, what we see today are buildings that date from the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

In 1994, Tenryuji Temple was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of the “ Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto “.

Visit Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama / Things to Do in Arashiyma

There is a lot to see around the temple grounds. However, I think that you should visit:

• Hatto – Dharma Hall
• Kuri – Temple Living Quarters
• Hojo – Abbot’s Quarters
• Sogenchi Teien – Sogen Pond Garden

The Hatto – Dharma Hall  was used for sermons. Nowadays, it is used for  important ceremonial functions .

In 1899 the Hatto’s paneled ceiling was adorned with a large painting of a  cloud dragon  by the Meiji-period artist  Suzuki Shonen.

In 1997 the old cloud dragon was replaced with a  new cloud dragon  painting by the  nihonga  artist  Kayama Matazo It was created to commemorate the 650th anniversary of the death of Tenryuji’s founder, Muso Soseki.

Unfortunately, the visitors are not allowed to take pictures of the famous cloud dragon painting.

Needless to say, the painting of the cloud dragon by Matazo Kayama is amazing! I recommend that you see it!

It represents a massive blue-grey dragon that swirls out of the clouds and stares down at you no matter where you stand in the room. This effect, known in Japanese as happo-nirami – all-direction gaze , symbolizes the all-seeing eyes with which the dragon protects Buddhism.

Next, make sure to stop by Kuri – Temple Living Quarters .

Inside Kuri’s entrance hall is a large painting of Bodhidharma , a Buddhist monk who, according to Zen tradition, introduced Zen teachings to China 1,500 years ago.

The painting was done by the late Rev. Hirata Seiko, Chief Abbot of Tenryu-Ji.

Visit Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Next, make your way to Hojo – Abbot’s Quarters .

The Hojo is made up of two sections, the Daihojo – Large Hojo and the separate Kohojo – Small Hojo, both of which are connected to the Kuri.

The Daihojo, Tenryu-ji’s largest building, has beautiful wide verandas. The ones on the back face the Sogen Pond. And, it is a perfect spot to take a short break here.

In addition, it is a great place to take a look at another large cloud dragon painted on the sliding doors by the artist Wakasa Butsugai.

Finally, make sure to stop by Sogen Pond Garden .

Unlike the Tenryuji’s temple buildings, Sogen Pond Garden created by the famous garden designer Muso Soseki nearly 700 years ago, survived the centuries in its original form.

Notably, it was designated by the Japanese Government as a Site of Specific Historic and Scenic Importance.

Sogenchi Teien – Sogen Pond Garden was designed as a ‘strolling pond garden’. It means that the the path surrounding the pond takes the visitors around the pond and allows them to appreciate the scenery from a variety of perspectives.

In addition, it employs a ‘borrowed scenery technique’ –  shakkei, which means that the surrounding scenery is incorporated into the garden.

Tenryuji Temple is  open from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and the last admission is at 5 pm. However, from October 21 through March 20, the opening hours are 8:30 am to 5 pm and the last admission is at 4:30 pm.

The  entrance ticket  to the garden is 500 yen.  If you wish to tour the garden and the Tenryuji buildings, then there is an additional charge of 300 yen. And, finally, if you want to see the painting of the Cloud Dragon, then there is a separate entrance ticket with costs an additional 500 yen.

The Dharma Hal, where the painting is located, is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only. And, the opening hours are from 9 am till 5 pm. However, during winter months (October through March), the opening hours are 9 am to 4 pm.

Stop by Nonomiya-jinja Shrine

Nonomiya-jinja Shrine is a small shrine but it has a fascinating history and it is worth the stop . Of all the things to do in Arashiyama, this place had a special charm for me.

The shrine was formerly known as a purification shrine for imperial princesses appointed as priestesses for Ise Grand Shrine .

Emperors often sent their unmarried daughters to serve as high priestesses at the Grand Shrine of Ise. However, before they could acquire a status of a high priestess, they had to spend one to three years of their lives undergoing a purification process at Nonomiya-jinja Shrine.

Despite being a small shrine, Nonomiya-Jinja is very popular. It is believed that a visit to this temple can help single women and men with the matchmaking processes . In addition, mothers-to-be pray here for safe delivery.

Stop by Nonomiya-jinja Shrine / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Nonomiya-jinja shrine is located right next to Tenryuji Temple .

So, right after you are done visiting Tenryuji Temple, exit the temple grounds and continue west for no more than 5 minutes before you reach Nonomiya-jinja Shrine.

Take a Tour of Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden

Of all the things to do in Arashiyama, visiting Okochi Sanso Villa and strolling through the garden is one of my favorite things to do .

Okochi Sanso Villa is a stunning residence of the former Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro .

Okochi Denjiro was born on February 5, 1898 in Iwaya-mura, Chikujo-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan as Masuo Oobe. He was an actor and writer, known for No Regrets for Our Youth (1946), Sanshiro Sugata (1943), and The Men Who Tread on the Tiger’s Tail (1945). He died on July 19, 1962.

Take a Tour of Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Take your time and explore the villa and the surrounding areas around the villa.

However, what really should deserve your full attention is an exquisite garden. The garden is simply manicured to perfection! It has lots of intriguing pathways and several stunning views of the mountains.

Okochi Sanso Villa is located west of Nonomiya-jinja shrine and west Tenryuji Temple. It will take you no more than 10 minutes to reach Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden if you are walking from Tenryuji Temple to Nonomiya-jinja Shrine.

You can tour Denjiro’s mossy, manicured gardens daily from 9 am until 5 pm. The admission is 1,000 yen and includes matcha green tea and cake.

Explore Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama

Once you visit Jojakkoji Temple, you will agree that it is one of the best things to do in Arashiyama !

Jojakko-ji Temple is nestled on the slope of Mount Ogura. This Nichiren sect temple was opened in the late Momoyama period (14th century) by a monk who had used it as his retirement residence.

First of all, you enter the grounds of Jojakkoji Temple through Sanmon Gate , which is the main gate. It is built with rectangular timbers arranged in the beautiful latticework. The gate was renovated in the late Edo period (1603-1868).

Explore Jojakkoji Temple in Arashiyama / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Next, you continue on to the next gate – Niomon Gate , which served originally as the south entrance to the Guest Hall.

Finally, you will reach the Main Hall. This Main Hall was originally a Guest House of Momoyama Castle and it was moved to Jojakko-Ji Temple.

I want to encourage you to continue hiking up the mountain. On your way, you will reach Tahoto Pagoda (Two-storied Pagoda).

At this point, you are almost at the top of the mountain. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent views of the Sagano area .

On the way down make sure to stop by the Monks’ Quarters .

Jojakkoji Temple is located no more than a 10-15 minute walk from the Bamboo Grove going north.

However, if you are heading from Okocho Sansa Villa and Garden then Jojakkoji Temple will be your next stop going north.

Jojakkoji Temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. The admission fee is 300 yen.

Head to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple was founded in the 9th century by the monk Kodo Daishi who placed stone statues for the souls of the dead . Today the temple is home to thousands of stone statues.

There is a somber, reverent atmosphere here. You can only take pictures from the distance.

If you have a camera with a good lens, then you will be able to take some great pictures of the stone statues.

Head to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple / Things to Do in Arashiyama

The added bonus is t he most beautiful, quiet bamboo grove.

Here, you will finally be able to stroll around all by yourself. Strangely enough, the crowds of tourists are completely unaware of this beautiful place.

I honestly feel that the bamboo forest surrounding Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is Arashiyama’s hidden gem !

It is super easy to get to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.

First of all, from the last location, continue north.

You will pass the Sagano Doll House Museum and shortly, you will reach Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street .

Once you reach Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, turn left and walk for no more than 5-10 minutes.

The Temple grounds will be on your left.

The opening hours are from 9 am to 4:30 pm March through November and 9 am to 3:30 pm December through February.

The entrance ticket is 500 yen.

Take a Stroll Along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street

When you exit Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple continue east.

You will be strolling along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street in about 10 minutes after you exit the temple.

Saga Toriimoto Street has been preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912).

Take a Stroll Along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Many of the buildings are traditional machiya (townhouses) that served as private residences but have since been converted into shops and restaurants.

Take a Ride on Sagano Romantic Train

Sagano Romantic Train travels from Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station .

Take a Ride on Sagano Romantic Train / Things to Do in Arashiyama

It is a beautiful 7 km (25 minutes) ride along Hozukyo Ravine .

The ride is fun no matter what time of the year you are visiting! Moreover, the train goes at a leisurely pace, which will allow you to take plenty of pictures.

You can board the train at Saga Torokko Station , which is next to JR Saga Arashiyama Station .

After the train ride, when you reach Kameoka Trokko Station , you can hop back on the return train and get back to Arashiyama, or you can walk to JR Umahori Station and catch a train back to Kyoto.

What you need to know is that the trains leave every hour between 9 am and 5 pm.  However, Sagano Romantic Train does not operate on Wednesdays. In addition, it stops operating from the end of December through the end of February.

It is a good idea to purchase the train tickets in advance  since the train is very popular!

You can reserve the tickets through  JR West online reservation service   starting one month prior to the train ride.

Where to sit on Sagano Romantic Train? The best car is The Rich Car. It is an open-air car.

However, the advance tickets for The Rich Car are not available. There are only same-day sales!

My recommendation is to go to Saga Torokko Station as soon as you arrive in Arashiyama and purchase the tickets. Or, you can exchange the tickets you bought in advance for “The Rich” Car tickets (if available).

Join Arashiyama Cormorant Fishing Tour

If you are visiting between July 1st  and September 23rd , you should look into a cormorant fishing (ukai) tour.

It is a traditional fishing method that uses trained cormorants called ‘Umiu’ to catch fish.

The fishermen use large flaming torches to attract fish. They make cormorants dive under the water and catch the fish by swallowing them. The fish is kept in the cormorant’s throat and later on retrieved by the fishermen.

This traditional fishing method has almost disappeared, and these days, ukai is held mainly as an attraction for tourists.

Join Arashiyama Cormorant Fishing Tour / Things to Do in Arashiyama

The first cormorant fishing tour leaves at 7 pm, followed by the second tour scheduled at 8 pm.

The cormorant fishing tours are expensive but totally worth the cost. Expect to pay 1,800 yen for a single adult ticket.

The cormorant fishing tours are located right next to Togetsukyo Bridge. If you are arriving at JR Saga Arashiyama Station , then head south towards Togetsukyo Bridge .

Continue south and you will reach Togetsukyo Bridge in about 10-15 minutes.  The boats are located right next to Togetsukyo Bridge .

Attend Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination Festival

If you are visiting Arashiyama in December , then it is perfect timing to attend Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination .

Notably, Kyoto’s Hanatouro Festival is held twice a year. During the month of March, it is held in the Higashiyama area, and in December, it is scheduled in Arashiyama. By the way, Hanatouro means “ path with flower and light”.

During Hanatouro illumination Festival in Arashiyama , the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, and the foothills of the surrounding mountains are all lit up. It is a visually stunning sight !

Attend Arashiyama Hanatouro Illumination Festival / Things to Do in Arashiyama

Go on Hozugawa River Boat Ride

Hozugawa River Boat Ride is an awesome boat ride on the Hozugawa River that takes you on a 2-hour journey (16 kilometers) from Tanba-Kameoka all the way to Arashiyama in Kyoto.

The scenery along the way is absolutely breathtaking!

Go on Hozugawa River Boat Ride / Things to Do in Arashiyama

One of the highlights of this boat ride is seeing how the 3-person crew navigates the boat through some rapids using long bamboo sticks.

Each crew member has a distinct role!

The boat person at the bow is the sao-sashi , and their job is to use the long pole and push the boat forward and adjust the direction. The kai-hiki uses the oar and acts as the engine. At the stern of the boat is the kaji-tori who operates the rudder to navigate the ship.

The most important thing is for the three-person crew to work as one.

What you need to know is that you should combine the Hozugawa River Boat Ride with the Sagano Romantic Train Trip , as they both run in the same area. You can take the Sagano Romantic Train one way and the Hozugawa River Boat Trip back, or vice versa.

From Kyoto Station , take a 20-minute train ride to JR Kameoka Station . Then, you can either take a short bus ride (ticket cost is 160 yen) or a 10-minute walk to the Hozugawa River Boat Ride boarding site .

Hozugawa River Boat Rides start from 9:00 AM and cost 4,100 yen for adults and 2,700 yen for children four years of age to elementary school students.

Intrepid Scout's Tips for Things to Do in Arashiyama

Now, this is quite a list of things to do in Arashiyama! What if you only have one day in Arashiyama? What do you do? Here are the top things to do in Arashiyama that you should add to your Arashiyama itinerary.

• Hands down, one of the top things to do in Arashiyama is to take a walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Gove . It is absolutely stunning! Make sure to get there as early in the morning as possible to avoid the crowds and capture some awesome pictures.
• Next, visit Tenryuji Temple and stroll through the wonderful temple grounds. And, check out the stunning garden.
• Lastly, head to Jojakkoji Temple . The temple grounds are beautiful and if you are up to it, then hike all the way to the top of the hill for the most spectacular views of Kyoto .

Now, if you prefer to join a guided tour, then my recommendation is to check out: Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour . You will stroll over the Togetsukyo bridge and then make a few stops to sample local delicacies. After a visit to the 14th-century Tenryu-ji temple, you will head over to the beautiful bamboo forest and afterwords try some traditional Japanese sweets.

Did You Find Things to Do in Arashiyama Useful?

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Please let me know! Drop me a quick comment right below!

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More Information About Kyoto and Other Stunning Places in Japan:

WHAT to EAT at Osaka KUROMON MARKET – 10 Culinary Experiences You Can’t Miss

First Visit to Kyoto – How to Visit and What to See (11 Things You Can’t Miss)

Perfect Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima

2 Days in Kyoto: The Perfect Kyoto Itinerary

10 Amazing Things to Do in Hiroshima on Your First Visit 

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14 Valuable TIPS for FIRST-TIME VISITORS to KYOTO

8 THINGS You Can't Miss - Perfect 2 DAYS in KYOTO

Perfect ONE DAY in KANAZAWA - 7 Things to Do (BEST TRIP from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka)

Perfect DAY TRIP to MIYAJIMA from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima (9 Things to Do)

Amazing FUSHIMI INARI TAISHA in Kyoto (8 Things to Know Before You Visit)

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43 thoughts on “ 14 Amazing THINGS to DO in ARASHIYAMA, Kyoto (Map+Useful Tips) ”

I’ve just visited here! The bamboo forest was amazing! Great post ?

Hi Hannah! Thank you for your comment! I am so glad you got to visit Arashiyama. It is a great place to explore. Good luck in your travels! Anna

We only did Sagano Romantic Train, Bamboo Forest and Tenryu-ji while at Arashiyama. Such a serene place and I would love to climb up Jojakkoji Temple to catch the view from Mount Ogura next time!

Hey Dan! Thank you for your comment! There is so much to do in Arashiyama that it is hard to get it all done in one day. Maybe you can go back and re-visit one day?

Oh wow, such an exotic place! This must have been kind of a dream come true to visit this magical fairytale 🙂

And may I just say, I absolutly adore your blog, you have found a great way to tell your stories! 🙂

Thank you, Ann! So very kind of you!

Didn’t have enough time to visit Arashiyama on my last trip to Japan. From these suggestions, I wish I had. Would love to visit the Bamboo Grove. I always do touristy stuff early too to avoid crowds.

Well, now there is a reason for you to go back! It will be all worth it!

Wow, there certainly is a lot to do here. Did you do this all in a day? Was this combined with a multi-city vacation? Thanks for sharing this detailed list. I like all the details that you took the time to share, especially the prices and the hours of operation.

It is a list of all the possibilities worth looking into. However, I got it all done in one day. The distances are all walk-able and the sites do not take a lot of time. I always try to include the opening hours and the cost. It helps other travelers plan better trips. Thank you for your comment!

I wish I had this guide when I visited Kyoto, I had no idea the bamboo forest was THAT CLOSE and I missed it 🙁 next time right?! great post

Oh no! Arashiyama is great for a visit while in Kyoto. As you said, next time!

Great list! There is heaps and heaps of useful information here for itinerary planning!

Thank you so much, Melissa!

All the bamboo really surprised me. It’s beautiful. And I would love to walk across the Moon Crossing Bridge!

Sharon, the entire Arashiyama area is worth a visit. Bamboo forest is a highlight, but besides the forest, there is so much to do!

That bamboo forest would be worth getting up early for. Bet it was fabulous to wander around. I’d love to take my watercolors and try and capture it.

It must be done early in the morning. Otherwise, it gets very crowded. It really is one of those unmissable places!

Never had the willing of visiting Kyoto but, it looks so romantic. Thanks for the post 🙂

Thank you for your comment, Agnese! Kyoto is a great place to explore. There is so much, it will keep you busy for days. And, don’t miss Arashiyama!

The rickshaws look quiet interesting. I wonder how long the tour takes. I love the bamboo forest too, I would not mind going there on a walking trail.

The rickshaw ride can be 30-minute affair or you can go for longer rides. They are fun, but expensive.

I went to Japan many years ago but didn’t make it here, and never heard about it before now. Wow, this looks beautiful.I was in Kyoto though and managed to get through that hole in the giant wood column which apparently was good… 😉

Hey Heather! Would it be possible that you are referring to Nara? And if so, wow, I am impressed!

Yes ! I went to Kyoto and Nara. There’s a wooden Buddha and I remember crawling through this small hole to see if I’d find love our something like that lol!

Ha ha ha! You are amazing! I was not brave enough to crawl through this narrow opening. I saw a couple of people get stuck in it. It is part of the experience and I hope it brought you some luck.

Lol thanks! It was years ago. I’d probably get stuck in it now but yes I am sure it brought me luck and made someone laugh that day. Or I hope so because really you have to be a bit crazy to crawl through that thing! ??

Crazy in a good way! and, it is what we will remember down the road!

That’s so true!

I spent an entire summer in Japan during college. My biggest regret is not making it to Kyoto. Someday I’ll go back. It looks so amazing!

Oh, lucky you! That must have been an awesome experience. And, as you said – Kyoto next time!

You will love it! I spent numerous hours feeding them and taking their pictures, instead of exploring Nara.

Those bamboo forests look amazing, my mum used to have a small bamboo plant in the garden and it sounded amazing rustling in the wind, I bet this sounds phenominal. What a peaceful place it looks.

Hey Becki! Thank you for your comment! I loved Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest. It is a serene place and when the sun and a little wind hits the grove, it really becomes magical.

You are absolutely spot on with Arashiyama. Brought back many happy memories of my stay in Japan. Great tips.

Very well presented post. Loved it. Japan has always been on our list. Saving your post for future reference.

Thank you, Sana, for your comment!

Great and detailed post. Japan is truly a hidden gem.

I was there in April 2017, only knew about the bamboo grove, which I loved and the monkey park, which I declined to visit. Thanks for all the info. Next trip to Japan in 2021.

Great! I am glad you found it useful. Good luck with your next trip to Japan!

Hi Anna, this is Anna too. Great read and this piece is so informative. Our family has also caught the travel bug and can’t wait for the lock down to be over.

Hello Anna! Thank you so much. I am glad you found it useful. I know! I can’t wait to start exploring again.

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Asia Itineraries , Itineraries · March 2, 2021

Kyoto Itinerary: One day in Arashiyama

The Arashiyama neighborhood of Kyoto is famous for a reason. It’s a cool area with a lot of history… but to be honest, I had never heard of it before I started researching Kyoto and Japan! I’m sure glad I found out about it because there are tons of cool things to see in this district. Arashiyama is located a 30-40 minute train ride from Kyoto station. Read on to hear all about our Arashiyama itinerary, and make sure to scroll to the logistics section for some extra tips based on our experience!

Arashiyama/Kyoto Itinerary

• Arrive at Arashiyama Station
• Monkey Park Iwatayama
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Tenryuji Temple
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji

How to Get There

Our hotel was located close to Shijō Station so we were able to easily jump on the Hankyu-Kyoto Line heading towards Osaka and then transfer at Katsura Station to the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line towards Arashiyama.

If you’re staying closer to the Kyoto Station you can take a bus directly to Arashiyama, though it will be a bit slower. Or, take the faster train up to JR San-In Line to the Saga-Arashiyama station on the north side of the bridge. If you take the JR train, you will have to backtrack a bit to follow my itinerary, but it’s only a few minutes out of the way!

Start your day by making your way to Arashiyama Station . Your first stop will be Monkey Park Iwatayama , a park literally crawling with wild monkeys! Exit Arashiyama station and head west towards the base of Togetsukyo Bridge. Instead of crossing the bridge, continue along the south side of the river and follow signs up the staircase to Monkey Park Iwatayama. For more information about Monkey Park Iwatayama check out my post with all the details !

After you get your fill of the monkeys, head back down the hill and cross Togetsukyo Bridge . Togetsukyo Bridge is a touchstone for Arashiyama; it has beautiful views of the river and mountains on both sides. After you cross the bridge continue straight along the main street, browsing the stores and grabbing a snack.

Eventually, you will make your way to Tenryuji Temple , originally built in 1339. This is the most important Buddhist temple in Arashiyama, and while the buildings have had to be rebuilt over the years, the original garden structure remains intact. You can choose to wander the gardens (500 yen) or pay extra to enter the buildings (an additional 300 yen). We chose to just stroll through the gardens, and were able to get some good pictures of the temple grounds!

Follow the Tenryuji gardens to the north exit, take a left and head straight into the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Groves . WIdn your way through the bamboo forest on the uphill path. If you go midday as we did it will probably be fairly crowded, so if you’re hoping to get good pictures you will need to go early. If you happen to be traveling in December make sure to check your dates; there is a 10-day period in the winter where the whole garden (and much of Arashiyama) are illuminated with lanterns!

After you exit the bamboo forest make your way through the rural backroads to Saga-Toriimoto, a preserved street on the Northside of Arashiyama. If you’re going to rent a bike (more info about this in the Tips section below) this is when you might want to do that (or, bike through the bamboo forest to Saga-Toriimoto).

The Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street is just that… a street preserved in time! It’s been preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), with many of the buildings (which used to be homes/townhouses) converted into stores or restaurants. Saga-Toriimoto was virtually abandoned when we visited, so everything got very quiet and sacred. It literally felt like we just stepped out of time!

This area was one of the less tourist-friendly areas we visited in Japan. We needed to get lunch but were a bit intimidated. That said, I think it was mostly in our heads. There are plenty of restaurants, they just seem intimidating because everything about the area felt so austere! If you’re less comfortable with that, make sure to get your lunch back in the downtown area before heading over to the bamboo forest and Saga-Toriimoto.

Keep heading north through Saga-Toriimoto until you come to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji , famous for its 1200 stone statues. Unlike others you will see in Japan, this is not an ancient temple – it was actually built in the 1980s! Despite that fact it was still one of the most special places we visited in Japan and a total highlight. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was completely empty when we visited, which added to the sacred vibe of the whole place. A must see! For more details about Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, check out my post for all the details !

Once you finish Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, retrace your steps through Saga-Toriimoto and head back to the downtown area. Grab a couple of snacks if you wish, and then grab a train back to your hotel. We took a short break before dinner in downtown Kyoto.

Logistics & Tips

• There are two Arashiyama stations, so make sure you know which one you’re heading to! This itinerary assumes you’re arriving at Arashiyama station south of the river, but both stations are relatively close, so if you end up at the other one, it’s not a big deal. When you’re leaving Arashiyama, take whichever station gets you to where you want to be!
• Arashiyama and Sagano are very popular tourism areas, especially during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons. Expect a lot of people!
• The area north of the bridge is technically Sagano, but is often referred to as Arashiyama.
• When we visited there were a lot of street vendors in the Arashiyama Park Nakanoshima Area. We chowed down on dumplings and other street food. Street vendors tend to open around lunch time and stay through the afternoon.
• A common recommendation is to bike through the bamboo groves to Saga-Toriimoto. We didn’t try this ourselves, but I wish we had! The bamboo grove trail is uphill, but you’ll probably walk your bike through that section as there are a lot of people. Once you exit the grove, the trail opens up and there is a stretch where there isn’t much to see. If we were to do this trip again, I would definitely try renting bikes! Checkout JapanTravel for more information on renting bikes in Arashiyama. You can do it directly at the train station!
• I recommend having an early lunch near the downtown section of Arashiyama. We waited to eat until we were in Saga-Toriimoto, which had less options than we expected.

**Featured image by Matteo Ferrero

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Day Trip To Arashiyama Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on April 5th, 2024

Planning on visit Arashiyama in Kyoto? Read on our walking guide with Arashiyama itinerary with top things to do listed for half day trip to Arashiyama during cherry blossom.

Arashiyama (嵐山) is one of the popular sightseeing places in Kyoto. It is famous for its beautiful scenery, well-preserved ancient buildings, and sightseeing experience. No doubt, there are many things to see and do in Arashiyama. All the must-visit attraction is ideal to put into one-day itinerary from Kyoto. However, if you only have limited time, Arashiyama is a good place for a half-day trip to explore its natural beauty.

Arashiyama also rated as one of the best spots for March/April cherry blossom and November fall foliage in the Kyoto district. We visited Arashiyama during early April in the cherry blossom season. It is so amazing with sakura in full bloom.

Read on how we plan on our half-day Arashiyama itinerary from Kyoto .

How To Get To Arashiyama

First of all, Arashiyama is located slightly far distance with seven kilometers away from downtown Kyoto. However, it is pretty easy to get to Arashiyama from Osaka and Kyoto by train or bus. The train is a better option as you may get struct in the traffic by bus.

From Kyoto to Arashiyama by train or bus.

• By JR train : Take the JR Sagano train to JR Arashiyama station from Kyoto. The 15 minutes train journey will cost about ¥240.
• By Sagano Scenic Railway : From JR Umahori and transfer to Kameoka Torokko station. Next, take the Sagano Torokko to Arashiyama with a scenic train ride.
• By Bus : From Kyoto station and take the Kyoto City Bus (#28) and get off at Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae.

From Osaka to Arashiyama is also doable by train. There are few train operators connected between Kyoto and Osaka such as JR, Hankyu, or Keihan Main Line. It depends on where is your departure from Osaka or arrival stop in Kyoto.

• By JR train : Take the JR train from Osaka to JR Kyoto station, then transfer to JR Saga-Arashiyama station.
• By Hankyu train : Take the train to Katsura Station, and then transfer to Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama Itinerary

When you are getting to Arashiyama, all the attractions are accessible by walking. There are many things to do on a sightseeing trip to Arashiyama. The whole visit can be finished by one day or a half-day trip within four to six hours.

Here is my walking route on Arashiyama itinerary for things to do in one-day:

• Ride on Sagano scenic railway (1 – 2 hours)
• Leisure walk in the bamboo grove – Must visit spot in Arashiyama (1 hour)
• Pray on Nonomiya Shrine (30 minutes)
• Visit World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple (1 hour)
• Have Some Snack at Food Street (30 minutes)
• Try the traditional Kyoto yudofu (30 minutes) 
• Cross the Togetsu-kyo Bridge (30 minutes)
• Hozugawa River Boat Ride (1 -2 hours)

1. Ride on Sagano Scenic Railway

The scenery train ride on Sagano Railway is one of the popular activities in Arashiyama. Enjoy the beautiful countryside mountain view with nostalgic trains along the Hozugawa River.

This scenic train takes around 25 minutes for a single ride from Kameoka to Saga Torokko station. However, you can choose to take off at Arashiyama Torokko station which located nearby the bamboo forest. It is a great stop to proceed for our next stop in Arashiyama’s visit.

Read more :  Ride on Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway

Very popular and you need to get your ticket before boarding the train.

• Getting there : Take JR train from JR Kyoto Station to JR Umahori station. Next, board the Sagano Scenic Train at Kameoka Torokko station for scenery ride.
• Train fare : 620 yen, 25 minutes

2. Leisure Walk in Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama bamboo grove or bamboo forest is another must-see in Arashiyama, Kyoto. It is also one of the top sights where you can discover the refreshing natural beauty.

From Arashiyama Torokko station, take a short walk will lead you to the bamboo grove. Word couldn’t describe our excitement as these places have been in our travel bucket list for so long. It is a leisure walk with soaring stalks bamboo aside along the path. Sadly that it is very much touristy very many people surrounded. Probably it’s better to come here in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowd for a peaceful visit. Worth visiting when visit Arashiyama.

Besides, you may also take advantage of the Arashiyama rickshaw tour . This tricycle experience tour will bring you through the bamboo forest and few best sight in the forest. A great option for those who want to save some walking energy.

• Getting there : 5 minutes walk from Arashiyama Torokko station.
• Entrance fee : Free

3. Pray at Nonomiya Shrine

The Nonomiya Shrine (野宮神社) is a small Shinto shrine located in the Arashiyama bamboo grove. It is dedicated to the Sun Goddess and to the deity of fire. Locals and visitors, especially for single ladies, are coming to Nonomiya Shrine to seek for purity and pray for love.

Not too big but worth taking a look when passing by. It was beautiful as it located in the forest surrounded by trees and bamboo. A brief stop when you are in the bamboo forest.

• Getting there : located inside the bamboo forest.

4. Visit World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is one of the important temples in Kyoto. It is a famous Zen temple and now registered as a world heritage site.

The most beautiful part of Tenryu-ji Temple is the finest garden inside with a tranquil atmosphere. It features a is a beautiful pond surrounded by pine trees, rocks and mountain view of Arashiyama. The view is very beautiful, especially in sakura or autumn foliage season.

• Getting there : less than 10 minutes walk from Nonomiya Shrine
• Opening Hours : 8:30 to 17:00-17:30
• Entrance fee : ¥500 (additional ¥300 to temple buildings)

5. Have Some Snack at Food Street

From Tenryu-ji Temple to the Togetsukyo bridge, there are a lot of restaurants along the roadside. Take a stroll along the street and choose what to eat in Arashiyama. From a Western cafe, Japanese restaurants or small shops are all available on the main street.

Added, there are also many Japanese local street snacks to try along the way. Take the opportunity to grab some snacks and refreshments.

Getting there : 5 minutes walk from Tenryuji Temple

6. Try the traditional Kyoto yudofu

Kyoto is the place in Japan to eat yudofu. There are many places to try this specialty in Kyoto.

If you want to have a great tofu dining experience in Arashiyama, you should try Yudofu Sagano ! This restaurant is famous for tofu dishes in Arasihayama. Your food journey will be pleased not only through your taste buds but also through your eyes, as the restaurants are located in the beautiful gardens. The Yudofu course meals are generally available from 3,000 yen up to 4,000 yen depending on the number of items in the meals.

Another worth recommendation is the Yudofu Chaya Sagatofu Sanchu . This cabin kiosk offers some quick snacks, noodles dishes, and yudofu at a decent price. This may be a perfect stop on your way when visiting Arashiyama.

7. Cross the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Walk along the main street of Arashiyama toward the riverside. The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is another iconic landmark in Arashiyama. It is a well-known symbol of Arashiyama which spans across Katsura Rivers for more than 1000 years.

It was so beautiful with cherry trees along the river. Locals were picnic at the riverside park which adjacent to the Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

8. Hozugawa River Boat Ride

If you are interested, you may consider to include the Hozugawa River Boat Ride in your Arashiyama itinerary. The boat will be rowing at the Hozugawa river with beautiful scenery along the journey. It one of the best ways to embrace the greatness of mother nature in Arashiyama.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this boat ride before our Arashiyama trip. And only get to know this amazing experience when we take the Sagano train. Hopefully, we have a chance to come back for the boat ride.

Anyway, this 1 to 2 hours Hozugawa River Boat ride is not cheap. But worth for the best view especially during cherry blossom or autumn foliage.

• Getting there : Purchase your boat package at the ticket counter (train station). Get to boarding point which required 5 minutes walk from Kameoka station. 
• Boat Fare : ¥4,100
• Official website : https://www.hozugawakudari.jp/en

Where To Stay? Kyoto Or Arashiyama

Arashiyama is very ideal for a day trip from Kyoto with well-connected transportation. But, it is great to stay overnight to enjoy beauty peacefully when all the day-tripper leaving. If you want to stay overnight in Arashiyama, we highly recommend you to stay overnight in a traditional ryokan there.

Rangetsu , Suiran Hotel , and  Arashiyama Benkei are the best finest ryokan in Arashiyama. All are perfect traditional ryokan that made you feel like your own Japanese home with onsen facilities. A great place for your perfect stay in Arashiyama who want to be based here. Friendly reminder that limited rooms are available for ryokan. Reserve your rooms as earlier as possible to avoid disappointment.

Arashiyama Itinerary Tips

Plan for at least three to four hours to visit Arashiyama in leisure.

Sakura season and Autumn is the best time to visit Arashiyama.

Arashiyama is one of the must visit in Kyoto especially for first time visitor. The bamboo grove is the top popular sights in Arashiyama.

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano/San-in Main Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station with approx. 15 min train ride. Next, another 10-min walk will get you to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

• Half Day Trip To Arashiyama

All in all, we enjoy our half-day trip to Arashiyama . All the must-visit attraction was included in my walking itinerary. It is a leisure trip and a great retreat outside of Kyoto city. Even if you only have half-day in Arashiyama, you still can manage to accomplish most of them.

However, if you have time for one day in Arashiyama, we highly recommended go for the Hozugawa River Boat ride and enjoy nature along the river. There are still many places like Jojakukoji Temple, Gioji temple, Hogonin, monkey park to visit in Arashiyama. In short, Arashiyama worth for allocating more time for exploring. If you are interested, continue to read on my related travel blog on Kansai itinerary planning.

How to Plan Your 7 Days Kansai Japan itinerary

Osaka itinerary:

• Things to do in Osaka: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Osaka Amazing Pass itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Osaka Food Guide: Top 8 Unique Food To Eat in Osaka
• Where to Stay in Osaka: Namba or Umeda

Kyoto itinerary : 

• 15 Things To Do and Eat for 3 Days in Kyoto
• Where to Stay in Kyoto + Itinerary Guide
• Ride On Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway
• Trip To Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion
• Kiyomizudera Itinerary with Walking Guide
• Nishiki Market Travel Guide: What To Eat and Buy
• [Cherry Blossom in Kyoto] Philosopher’s Walk

Best Day trip from Kyoto or Osaka

• Nara Itinerary: Perfect Day Trip From Osaka & Kyoto
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: A Complete Travel Guide
• Uji Itinerary: Best Day Trip From Kyoto

How to travel to Osaka, Kyoto & Nara :

• The Best Kansai Train Pass: Budget Guide & Transport Tips
• Kansai Airport to Osaka with Cheapest Transportation
• How To Get To Kyoto From Kansai Airport, Osaka & Tokyo
• From Tokyo To Kyoto: Cheapest Or Fastest?

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Arashiyama 1 Day Itinerary: Plan Your Day Trip from Kyoto

Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest and scenic train route, but is there anything else to do there to warrant a full day visit? I guess the title of this article is giving it away, so no surprise there: Yes! Arashiyama is perfect for a one-day trip from anywhere in the Kyoto-Osaka monster mega city (though you’ll find out soon enough that part of that full day isn’t really in Arashiyama, so even a half day will do it).

To be clear, Arashiyama is inside Kyoto, and though it’s at the very northwestern edge of it, you’re never leaving the city when you go there. But I suspect you’ve looked at a map and knew that already.

In this article, I’ll try to arm you with all of the Arashiyama info you could ever want :

• Most importantly, a full Arashiyama itinerary for 1 day . It has all the details you need, you basically need to just rock up and follow along.
• Then, a small FAQs section about how long to spend in Arashiyama, the things you can do there, train details, and visitor information for the bamboo forest .

To start out, let’s look at the top places you’ll be visiting in Arashiyama:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest : a 20-minute walk through Arashiyama's main claim to fame, the bamboo forest
• Sagano Romantic Train : a scenic ride on an old wooden train, through the picturesque ravine
• Tenryuji : visit the most important zen temple in Kyoto
• River walk and Arashiyama Park : take a walk up and around the hill that’s at one end of the bamboo forest walk and along the Katsura River
• Jōjakkōji : a peaceful temple with magical, mossy paths, in the forest, overlooking the city
• Ninna-ji, Ryōan-ji, and Kinkakuji : think sand gardens, rock gardens, and a golden temple on a lake a bit outisde of Arashiyama

Here’s the itinerary I put together based on my experience in Arashiyama . It will keep you busy for a full day, or just a half day if you don’t count (or don’t visit) the last three temples (I warn you though, you may regret it!):

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 1: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The famous Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama  

Time spent at this stop: 20 minutes

The highlight of Arashiyama and the main reason everyone visits the village of Sagano is the Bamboo Forest. Given its Insta fame and crowdedness (just you wait and see!), you may be surprised that it’s just a 500 m (0.3 mi) long walk. Depending on how long you take trying to get your photos at just the right angle, expect to be done in 20 to maybe 45 minutes if you are moving at a snail’s pace.

Tip: Remember that everyone tried to take their pics the moment they spot a bamboo tree, so if the photo crowds are too much, just move on further down the path where it usually calms down.

I was surprised that although it’s just a forest of bamboo trees with a path running down the middle, it’s quite impressive! Those things are massive! I really thought bamboo tree trunks are thinner for some reason…

The bamboo forest is free to enter and there’re no access hours, it’s open 24/7 . The earlier you go, the less people will be photobombing you. There’s literally one path through the bamboo trees, meaning you can’t walk inside through the forest all willy nilly, so everyone is condensed to one narrow sidewalk.  

Where to enter Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Even with the crowds, you take take a quick snap without them if you’re patient enough  

You can enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest from either end , either near the Torokko Arashiyama Train Station (which is only a stop on the Sagano Romantic Train but not JR trains, so you can’t get off there when traveling from Kyoto), or from the main street behind Tenryu-ji (temple)—see the map below.

The train from Kyoto will drop you off at JR Saga Arashiyama Station, and most parking is along the main road of Sagano, so both of these options predestine you to enter the Bamboo forest from the eastern end.

It makes sense to buy your Sagano Romantic train tickets either in advance so you can end your bamboo forest walk at the Torokko Arashiyama Station and then hop on the train there once your time comes.

The east entrance to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a 15-minute walk from the Saga Torokko Station/JR Sara Arashiyama station.  

If you drove from Tokyo city center, there are many parking lots around the start of the bamboo forest trail along the main street, so just pay attention to the prices—they increase in peak tourist season. Some are paid by the hour, some have a daily fee (around JPY 1000 per day). 

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 2: Sagano Romantic Train 

Sagano Romantic Train  

Time spent at this stop: 1.5 hours

Next, hop on the “Sagano Romantic Train” which takes you—slowly but surely— through the nearby ravine, offering half an hour (one way) of picturesque scenery. You’ll take it twice (there and back), so that’s 1 hour of very slow, romantic nature-watching !

Tip: Unless you’re visiting when the weather sucks, try to get tickets for the coveted “rich car” . Car no. 5 is open-air, while all other cars have glass windows. They do open but it’s not the same as getting the breeze of fresh ravine air guaranteed. Then again, umbrellas are forbidden on the train, so expect to get wet when it rains.  

Buying tickets for Sagano Romantic Train

Like I said, if you’re visiting in peak tourist season, which is basically any time except for winter, you’ll want to get your Sagano Romantic Train tickets in advance (on Klook, at travel agents, or at any JR ticket office), or at least get to the Saga Torokko station there right at 8:30 am when the ticket office opens.

You’ll get a ticket for a specific time , so, depending on how sold out the tickets are by the time you get yours, you may need to switch the stops on your Arashiyama itinerary around a bit to accommodate the time you get (trains start going at around 9 am).

They sell tickets for the seats first, then you can get a few standing tickets , and then the train is sold out and you’re out of luck.

Make sure to get a return ticket for the train as well, get back to your car and head out—it’s time to see some temples!  

• Tickets : JPY 620 (one way) 
• Sagano Romantic Train official website  

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 3: Tenryuji

The very, very old and very, very nice Tenryuji temple  

Time spent at this stop: 30 minutes

Tenryuji is the most important zen temple Kyoto, having been built by the ruling shogun for the former emperor in 1339 after the old emperor had just died. Something about making amends after turning against him in his last years, trying to take over power. Not gonna lie, I think getting a posthumonous present like that—one that probably just made the shogun look good in the public eye —just made the dead emperor angrier.

Unlike the temple‘s gardens, which are very, very old and very, very nice, the buildings all had to be rebuilt several times after burning down in fires and wars and such, so they’re actually pretty new. The scenery of the Arashiyama mountains doesn’t hurt it either. It’s a very tranquil place, something you’ll need after walking through the tourist masses at the bamboo grove (don’t get me wrong, all the crowds come here, too, they just have more area to spread out).

When you visit Tenryuji, try to imagine that originally, the property was about 4 km 2 (1.5 square miles), a far cry from what it is today. It was all taken away by the Meiji government at the end of the 19 th century. Again, that must’ve been one displeased dead emperor!

You can choose from admission to just the gardens or also to some of the buildings. Then there’s the special cloud dragon ceiling painting in the dharma hall which is another extra fee, but that’s only available on weekends and holidays.

• Tenryuji official website
• Open daily 8:30 am – 5 pm
• Tickets: JPY 500 to just the gardens, JPY 300 extra for the buidings, JPY 500 extra for the dragon painting (only on weekends and holidays)

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 4: River walk and Arashiyama Park 

Take a walk along the Katsura River and stop by (or at least notice) the old Togetsukyo Bridge  

Time spent at this stop: 1 hour

From the temple, make your way down towards the Katsura River—you’re now ready to explore the beautiful walk along the river and towards the hills and viewpoints of Arashiyama Park . Don’t be tempted to skip this part of the itinerary, because it’s really beautiful. Arashiyama is all about the scenery, so to the scenery we go !

You can take a small detour on the start of the walk to the famed Togetsukyo Bridge , a 155 m (500 ft) wooden bridge that isn’t really all that wooden, but they like to call it that. It’s not spectacular or anything, but you can get nice pics from it.

Then, just walk on the narrow path along the river . You’ll see many small boats taking tourists for a slow trip on the water, and the trees of the hill on the opposite bank will either be nice and colorful or not, based on the season you visit in. We went in the summer, so they were just green.

Arashiyama Park  

Eventually, you’ll reach stairs that’ll lead up to higher ground and through Arashiyama Park’s many paths . Wow, that “eventually” makes it sound like this is a super long trail! Let me set your expectations straight— the river walk portion is only a 15-minute stroll, tops . Wander around and try to find the 3 observation points, all of which give you similar views, but there are benches to sit on, so they are a nice place to take breather if you need it. It was a million degrees when we were there so even though the terrain is very easy, the heat wasn’t!

Up right by the western end of the bamboo forest walk is a Japanese garden with a tea house , which could be an alternative rest stop if you like yours with a chilled matcha (or something else). There’s an entrance fee of JPY 1000 and it’s worth it for the drinks and emptiness alone. As with all Japanese gardens, it’s tranquil and meticulously planned, easy to spend 20 minutes in (even if you’re already over-gardened and just have the tea!).  

After the Japanese garden, you’re perfectly situated to move on to the next thing to do in Arashiyama: Jōjakkōji Temple.

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 5: Jōjakkōji

Jōjakkōji  temple  

This wouldn’t be Japan (and Kyoto, specifically), if there weren’t at least another couple of temples on your Arashiyama day trip itinerary… it’s temple central ! Or have you not seen my Kyoto – Osaka – Nara itinerary yet? Yeah, temples are sort of a thing in these parts!

So, first, I recommend walking 10 minutes north from the northern edge of Arashiyama Park along a pleasant path to Jōjakkōji—a temple on the side of Mt. Kokura, in the middle of a forest, with views for days . Nuff said!

Imagine winding paths and old staircases shaded under the trees , moss covering the rocks like a soft blanket, stones and shrubs meticulously placed in just the right spots, and—wait for it— bamboo trees! The ones at Jōjakkōji took me by surprise, as if they weren’t supposed to be there. It felt like these are the real things, just growing there for their own pleasure, not giving a splat if the tourists see them or not. There’s not that many of them, but they’re there!

Oh, and this is a temple, so, of course, there are also temple buildings and structures. They’re cool, too. Dark wood, carvings, gates, pagodas, the usual . I’m sorry if this sounds like a boring description, it’s just that after your first few temples in Japan , it gets a tad repetitive. Not bad, not not worth going, just more of the same. They each have a distinct feel and atmosphere , and Jōjakkōji is definitely one of those places that’s fabulously placed in its surroundings. So, go and see it.

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 6: Ninna-ji and Ryōan-ji

Ninna-ji  

Time spent at this stop: 1.5 hours total, slightly more if you’re there for the cherry trees at Ninna-ji

Now obviously, you could spend a whole day in Arashiyama, trying to see all of its temples and each and every bamboo tree grove (yes, there are more, like at Adashino Nenbutsuji ), but unless you’re a die-hard temple-o-phile, you need to pace yourself so you don’t burn out. So, after Jōjakkōji, I’d wave farewell to Arashiyama and drive 15 minutes to Ninna-ji and then its neighbor, Ryōan-ji, both UNESCO Hertigate Sites. Realistically, you can visit Arashiyama proper in just a half day, but I think it makes sense to add these next temples and call it a full day trip.

Getting to Ninna-ji and Ryōan-ji

Getting to these next spots is going to be way easier if you have your own car , which is why I had my own car. It saves you so much time and annoyances like scheduling your sightseeing around train times and being in tight quarters with other humans.

But if you don’t have a car, there is a train line that runs from Arashiyama called Keifuku Kitano Line . It starts at the train station close to Arashiyama’s Tenryu-ji and stops just a few minutes from Ninna-ji’s Niomon Gate.

Then again, without a car, getting back to your hotel in Kyoto (or wherever you’re heading back to) will be an epic pain. Speaking of hotels, I’m partial to KAYA Kyoto Nijo Castle in Kyoto because sleeping in those rooms was just like being in the tatami rooms of Ryōan-ji’s Hojo!

Anyway, let’s talk about what you’re going to see on this stop in the itinerary and worry about getting to your hotel later:

Ninna-ji was founded in 888 by the reigning emperor, and a member of the imperial family always served as head priest there, which is probably why the temple grounds are so grand. It’s a big place with gardens that are very well kept, as expected. My favorite part are the sand gardens —they’re just perfect and minimalist, and I can appreciate the work that goes into keeping them that way.

You enter through the impressive Niomon Gate that stands rather awkwardly centimeters away from the road, complete with traffic lights. But you get used to things being out of place like this in Japan. Not surprisingly, the most impressive building inside the complex is the place where the head priest used to hang out, called Goten . It’s built like an imperial palace.

Good news for all of you traveling to Japan in mid-April, just missing the cherry blossoms just about everywhere else, you may be in luck at Ninna-ji—it has a grove of late blooming cherry trees. Around mid-April is when they’re the prettiest , so if you get to Ninna-ji and there’s a long line right after Nionam Gate, it’s because people are queuing to get into the cherry tree garden.

• Tickets to Ninna-ji: JPY 800 to Goten, JPY 500 for cherry blossom garden, free everywhere else

Next, get ready to get your shoes (and maybe even socks) knocked off at the temple next door to Ninna-ji, Ryōan-ji . It’s because Ryōan-ji is famous for its rock garden, which is just a sand garden with rocks plopped onto it. This one is apparently the finest example of dry landscape gardening in Japan ! Given that title, you’d think the thing is bigger than it actually is, but no, it’s small.

Ryōan-ji’s famous rock garden  

Note that to find the rock garden you need to go inside of the Hojo (the head priest’s former residence) and not wander around like a bunch of headless chickens thinking the famous rock garden has disappeared or that you just can’t seem to find it. This is where my clever joke about the shoes and socks comes in—since you need to enter a building to go through and get to the garden (which is outside), you need to leave your shoes at the door . Whether or not your socks will be knocked off is up to you and your tolerance for Buddhist zen symbolism. Want a challenge? They say you can’t see all of the 15 rocks in the garden at once from any one point of the observation area.

But don’t just go running into the garden and take a moment to notice the tatami rooms and paintings on the sliding doors inside the priest’s house. When you’re coming in through the main entrance, look around—you’re in the temple’s kitchen!

The rest of the ground at Ryōan-ji are also nice, if you’re up for another pretty nature walk . I can imagine it packs more of a punch in the fall with all the colorful trees. We got, once again, just green.

• Tickets to Ryōan-ji: JPY 500

Arashiyama Itinerary, stop 7: Kinkakuji 

Kinkakuji temple  

Last but not least, drive or walk from Ryōan-ji to Kinkaku ji . Obviously, I’m driving, but if you are using the train, you better count on doing a lot of walking! If you’re starting to feel over-templed, just bite the bullet for a little while longer; Kinkakuji is worth it.

Kinkakuji is one of the 3 most important buildings in Japan (Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine and Tōdai -ji in Nara are the others), so be ready to be impressed. I was, and you know that’s not an easy feat!

There are two things that make a Kinkakuji special: parking right at the entrance, and trash cans ! Just kidding, that’s not the main thing you’ll love, but I swear that the trash cans made my day.   

Kinkakuji was a shogun’s retirement villa, and I can say he set himself up pretty well: picture a golden pavilion standing on a lake surrounded by luscious nature. It has 3 floors , each built in a different architectural style: the 1 st floor is built in the Shinden style of palaces during the Heian period, the 2 nd floor is gives samurai home vibes in Bukke style, and the 3 rd floor is that of Chinese Zen style, with gold inside and out and has a golden Pheonix on top.  

Tip: The shogun’s son built his own retirement villa modeled after his dad’s Golden Pavillion (Kinkakuji). It’s called the Silver Pavillion aka Gingakuji, and I’ve written about it in my Kyoto itinerary. Maybe you’ll have better luck trying to visit it than I did.

You’ll need to be content with getting a good view of the Golden Pavillion from across the lake, because entrance is forbidden.  There’s a designated walking direction , which helps with crowd control and makes the sea of people flow along nicely. Not nicely enough though—I was fed up with western tourists at Kinkakuji—they butt into shots like they own the place. Japanese visitors, on the other hand, manage to get their own shots and give everyone some breathing room, so it’s proven it can be done. Learn, losers!

And that’s the last one from me. See you again soon!  

After you push all the annoying tourists out of your photos, you continue on through Kinkakuji’s gardens and a teahouse where you can rest a bit under the red maple trees. Being such a small place means you only need an hour or so to see it at a leisurely pace . 

• Tickets : JPY 500   

Once you’re done at Kinkakuji, I think it’s safe to say your Arashiyama day trip from Kyoto (or Osaka) has come to an end. If you came here by public transportation—good luck! Getting back to your hotel in Kyoto will me more effort than I’d be willing to put in.

If you drove, congratulations, you’ll have enough energy for a great dinner tonight! May I suggest the utterly strange Teppan Tavern Tenamonya experience ? You need to make reservations well in advance unless you want to be one of the many people that cry at the locked entrance door. Like for reals, that’s what happens and the reason why they lock their guests inside —the ones that made reservations up front, that is!

Where to next?

You could spend a day in precious Nara (who could resist bowing deer and more temples!) or continue on in Kyoto or Osaka (the perfect blend of old and new with way more to see and do than in, say, Tokyo). Oh, the possibilities!

Let's finish up with 6 FAQs for your Arashiyama 1 day trip:

FAQ 1: How to get to Arashiyama from Kyoto?

Arashiyama is part of Kyoto, so you can expect the trip out there from the city center to take no more than 25 minutes by car and 16 minutes by train when traveling from Kyoto Station (the central station in Kyoto) to Saga-Arashiyama Station on JR Sagano Line.

I personally vote car, because some of the top spots to see in and around Arashiyama are spaced out far away from each other. I’d use public transportation only if I had no other choice. We never met any serious traffic in Kyoto, so having a car handy is certainly more convenient and faster.

FAQ 2: How do you spend a day at Arashiyama?

The top things to do in Arashiyama are:

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Sagano Romantic Train scenic ride
• River walk and Arashiyama Park
• And then I’d add some temples just a short distance away from Arashiyama: Ninna-ji, Ryōan-ji, and Kinkakuji

You can see all of this as a day trip in Arashiyama, no need to spend the night. Arashiyama is in Kyoto, so it’s just a short trip.

FAQ 3: How much time needed for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?

For just the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, all you need is 30 minutes, but why come all this way and then skip everything else Arashiyama has to offer? In all honesty, I would (and did: see my Kyoto itinerary) managed to squeeze in a longer half-day in Arashiyama and didn’t feel like I missed anything important.

FAQ 4: How long is Arashiyama bamboo walk?

The Arashiyama bamboo walk is just 500 m (0.3 mi) long. There’s one path that you can’t leave, and it gets very crowded. Depending on how long you take trying to get your photos at just the right angle, expect to be done in 20–45 minutes. You can spend longer trying to find other bamboo trees in Arashiyama, like at Jōjakkōji or Adashino Nenbutsuji.

FAQ 5: Is Arashiyama walkable?

The main sites in Arashiyama are easily walkable. The bamboo forest trail is just 550 m/0.3 miles from the JR train station. Still, you’ll need to be able to walk at least 5 km/3.5 miles just to see the top things to do in Arashiyama that are close to the bamboo forest. Then there are the further-out spots like the temples near Kinkakuji, and for that you’ll need a car or train/bus.

Arashiyama’s top things to do are mostly in a smallish, easily walkable area. But once you include further-out temples like Ninna-ji, Ryōan-ji, and Kinkakuji, you’ll need a set of wheels for sure.

FAQ 6: What is the best time to go to Arashiyama?

Visit Arashiyama in the fall to see the hills and temple gardens full of gorgeous colors. Or, spring is the obvious choice for cherry blossom lovers. We went to Arashiyama in the middle of summer and it was hot—I put a lot of hope into the bamboo trees, hoping for a respite from the heat, but nope. While they do block the sun's light, they do nothing for lowering the temperature!  

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Hi! I’m Jan. I live in Prague, Czech Republic. I try to experience the best the world has to offer, and I don’t cease to be impressed. But if I’m not, I’m sure going to tell you! You can count on my full honesty and real opinions here. No bullcrap. I own and run several companies, which gives me great (but not unlimited) freedom to roam the world.  

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What to See and Do on a Day Trip to Arashiyama, Japan 

• Destinations

After an early morning start to visit Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine , my husband and I were looking for a relaxing afternoon adventure. Located just 6.2 miles (10 km) west of Kyoto, the sightseeing district of Arashiyama beckoned us with its riverside location nestled against the mountains. Add in temples, imperial villas, and natural forests, it’s not surprising Arashiyama is designated as a ‘Place of Scenic Beauty’ by the Japanese government. 

This tranquil riverside town was once a retreat for royalty escaping city life from as early as the Heian period in 794 to 1185 AD. It’s no less compelling today, offering a walk back in time as you stroll the ancient streets surrounded by visitors in traditional dress. It’s easy to reach from Kyoto and definitely worth a visit, even if you just have a few hours. 

Pro Tip : Spend the morning visiting shrines in Kyoto, and head to Arashiyama in the afternoon. This timing allows you to see the Kimono Forest lit up in the evening.

How to Get There 

Arashiyama is accessible via both the JR Sagano Line and the Hankyu Main line from central Kyoto in 15 to 20 minutes. Another option is to take Keifuku Railways Randen Tram to Arashiyama station. This private electric tram operates small, quaint street car-like trams that let out right at the entrance of the Kimono Forest.

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to bring cash, as some small shops don’t take credit cards. Also, you might need to show your passport when making a larger purchase in shops that do take credit cards. 

Views From the Bridge 

We exited the train station and walked toward the river. Helpful signs in English and Japanese pointed the way. The Togetsukyo Bridge is the main landmark in Arashiyama and a good starting point for a visit. This 400-year-old wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River offers 360-degree views of the hillside, village, and flowing water below.

Arashiyama mountain flanks one side of the river, with fall colors just peeking out on our visit. In spring, cherry blossoms cover the hillside. It’s no wonder many people stop for photos, and filmmakers have been drawn to the bridge for its beauty. 

Taking a Boat Trip on the River

One of the most popular activities in this historic town is taking a boat trip on the river. From the bridge, it’s easy to spot the boat launch sites. There are several options, from renting a rowboat to two-hour excursions. We chose an hour-long trip, with a friendly captain who steered our traditional wooden boat with a single long bamboo oar, pointing out sights along the way. 

We removed our shoes before finding a comfy spot on the cushions on the boat’s floor. It was so relaxing, taking in the fall colors on the hillside and watching the cormorants fish as we drifted along. Young Japanese kids in rowboats, laughing and splashing as they tried to avoid crashing into each other provided additional entertainment. I was surprised when another boat motored right up to us, hovering alongside our vessel. It turned out to be a floating kitchen, with a few enterprising women selling squid grilled to order, mochi skewers, beer, and other snacks. Our fellow passengers happily munched away, offering to share their potato chips and squid. 

Hiking Trails, Monkeys, and Temples 

There’s a line of rickshaw pullers waiting near the boats to give you a ride to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or just around the town. When I saw the beads of sweat on the young men’s foreheads, I decided my own two legs were strong enough to take me where I needed to go. Since we had recently hiked through bamboo groves on the Nakasendo Trail , we bypassed the ones in Arashiyama. If you haven’t experienced the grandeur of walking through a bamboo grove, definitely take the time to visit them here.

There are walking paths on both sides of the river, and it’s common to see young couples in kimonos and yukatas (traditional casual gowns) posing for photos near the shore. Small shops and cafes dot the walkways. If you cross over the bridge from the train station, there are some trails up the hillside you can climb to take in the vista below. A big attraction on this side is Monkey Park , reached by a 15-minute walk up a steep path. Here, you’ll get up close and personal with dozens of Japanese macaques and enjoy views over the river.

The views grow more impressive as you walk away from town. A few people explored on bicycles, which can be rented at the train station. About one kilometer (0.6 miles) upstream from the bridge, steep stone steps lead up to the Daihikaku Senkoji Temple . Look for the bell tower on the way up; a sign invites you to strike the gong if you wish. I took a turn; when else was I going to have this opportunity? Take note, the sign says you’re limited to three turns.

It’s worth the climb through the forest to enjoy the peaceful meditation hall at the top. Take off your shoes before stepping onto the tatami mat floor, where you can linger in silence to take in the views. This petite Zen temple offers a grand view over Kyoto and the hillside. Binoculars are conveniently available to borrow, and padded benches are a great place to rest before heading down.

Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and carry bottled water for a day of exploring in Arashiyama. Trash cans are scarce, so be prepared to carry any garbage back to your hotel.

Exploring the Town and Souvenir Shopping

Plan some time for shopping on your day trip to Arashiyama. We popped in and out of shops selling bamboo kitchenware, ornate fans, sushi-shaped candies, and handmade umbrellas. Compared to Kyoto, shopping here was less crowded with smaller boutiques offering unique gifts. 

When you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of restaurants, snack vendors, and tea houses to choose from. Try a colorful dango skewer—little, dense balls of rice flour covered in sweet sauce, or a soft-serve ice cream in bamboo or cherry flavor. Many stores offer samples and prices are usually low for snacks. Just go ahead and give it a try.

One must-stop shop to hit on the way back to the train station is Akogareya Market . The packaging alone for most items is enough to make you swoon. From food items in fancy packaging to silk scarves, there’s something for everyone on your souvenir list. After much browsing, I bought several dainty compact mirrors, fabric bracelets, and silk scarves. Free samples and an eager sales woman persuaded me to pick up a package of spicy peanuts and a few boxes of beautiful wagashi , elaborately colored sweets traditionally served with green tea. 

People Watching Near the Train Station 

As the afternoon light started to fade and shops were closing, we walked back to the train station. Reluctant to leave this peaceful place, we lingered a little longer, sipping a beer in a small courtyard by the train station. You’ll find shops selling ice cream, stuffed buns, and other treats. There are a few tables and chairs, perfect for watching the world go by. The sun painted the clouds with evening colors as Japanese visitors strolled by in kimonos and yukatas. We lingered until darkness fell, not wanting our time in Arashiyama to end. 

Visiting the Kimono Forest

Just outside the Arashiyama station, 600 cylindrical poles decorated with traditional kimono fabric form a “forest” lining a walking path. There are 32 different patterns of fabric inside clear pillars, creating a kaleidoscope of color. 

Artist Yasumichi Morita designed this public art display to bring new beauty to the station while preserving traditional elements of style. The fabrics displayed on the 2-meter (6.5-foot) high poles are from Japanese kimono fabric maker Kamedatomi, who has been weaving traditional fabric for a century.

We were impressed with the Kimono Forest in the afternoon when we arrived, admiring the colorful ornate fabric woven with flowers, birds, and geometric shapes. The “kimono trees” are lit up with LEDs at night, making it even more magical. I walked the small paths of the forest, lingering to examine the intricate patterns. Many young Japanese visitors come to this spot to take selfies, dressed in kimonos to match the beauty of the place. With permission, I snapped a few photos of them too. 

We visited Arashiyama on a whim, looking for a relaxing afternoon. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in Japan. Strolling by the river, soaking up the fall colors, and people watching in this centuries-old village left a lasting impression. 

Kirsten Harrington is an Orlando, Florida freelance food and travel writer. Her work has appeared in WhereTraveler, The Seattle Times, Edible Orlando, The Beijinger, GoNOMAD, World Footprints, Time Out, Wander with Wonder, Bahamas Air Up & Away, and numerous other publications. When she’s not writing, you can find her scoping out new adventures, hiking or enjoying a meal with her family. Visit www.kirstenharrington.com for more.

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1 DAY KYOTO ITINERARY / ARASHIYAMA

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There are so many amazing things to do in Kyoto! If you need help to decide on what to do at Arashiyama, maybe this 1-day itinerary of Arashiyama can help. It details five of the best things to do in Arashiyama, Kyoto.

When I visited, I spent the morning spent at Kinkakuji Temple . The next stop on the itinerary is Arashiyama. Ideally, you need a full day here to take your time and enjoy the area. It is a bit rushed trying to do both, but if you have time constraints, that’s unfortunately what you have to do. In saying that, it was one of my favourite days of the whole trip. The sights and activities were all varied, so it was a great mix of things to do.

Table of Contents

Visiting arashiyama, how to get to arashiyama, bamboo forest in arashiyama, tenryuji temple, sagano romantic train arashiyama, main street and togetsukyo bridge, iwatayama monkey park arashiyama, add these to your arashiyama itinerary, final thoughts on this arashiyama itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Arashiyama? This is always a tough question to answer because it depends a lot on you! If you want to specifically see the cherry blossoms in Japan, then you’ll need to travel during Spring. The cons are that it is peak tourist time. Everywhere will be busy with people. Because of this, prices for hotels will be more expensive. March and April have slightly higher precipitation rates than October and November.

The Autumn months of October and November are another great time to travel to Arashiyama. The temperatures are slightly higher than in March and April. If you travel during this period, you will have beautiful autumn foliage. It’s no cherry blossom season though. The good thing about that is the crowds should be smaller at the main Kyoto tourist attractions. Because of this, the prices for hotels should be less than during Spring.

My recommendation is always to travel in the shoulder periods. You will typically get more mild weather and the prices are cheaper. This is where flexibility is important for cost control when travelling.

Compensated links are contained in this post. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission. Please read my disclaimer for more info.

The Arashiyama prefecture is in Western Kyoto. There are many public transport options in Kyoto to take you to Arashiyama. These include buses, trains and taxies. There are also private tours of Kyoto that you could book which include ground transport. Of course, these tours will cost more than if you travel by public transport. This will need to be taken into account when setting your travel budget.

In the itinerary that I put together, we visited Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion , before going to Arashiyama. I decided that it was quicker and easier to catch a taxi and it dropped us off at the start of the bamboo grove. When considering your transport options, it is important to weigh up the cost vs benefit of each.

If you are visiting Arashiyama from a major city hub, then read on for details.

Day trip from Tokyo to Arashiyama

You can certainly visit Arashiyama from Tokyo as a day trip. From Tokyo, it will take about 2 1/2 hours on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto train station. For this reason, it is recommended that you spend a few days in Kyoto. Spending time in Kyoto will allow you to visit some of the key Kyoto tourist attractions.

The easiest way to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto station is by catching the Shinkansen. You can buy single train tickets, but it is more cost-effective to buy a JR Rail Pass . The best way to check the Tokyo to Kyoto train schedule is to use the Hyperdia website or app. This app is by far the most important tool for catching trains in Japan. It’s also a great tool in your Japan travel planning.

Related: Order your JR Rail Pass here .

Day trip from Osaka to Arashiyama

A Kyoto day trip from Osaka can be completed easily. The Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station is the quickest way to travel. It will only take around 15 minutes. A special rapid service train will take you around 25 minutes. Again, use the Hyperdia app or website to check the Osaka to Kyoto train schedules.

Make sure visiting Arashiyama is part of your Kyoto itinerary from Osaka. You won’t be disappointed as there are so many things to see and do in Arashiyama.

How to get to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station

If you are coming from Tokyo or Osaka, you will arrive at Kyoto station. Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is straightforward. There’s a JR train that goes from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station on the Sagano Line. This trip will take about 15 minutes. And then, you’re there! You’re at Arashiyama and ready to start your adventure in this area.

1-day itinerary of Arashiyama

Visiting Arashiyama is one of the top things to do in Kyoto. It is a very popular area for tourists. The will be crowds of people you will need to contend with.

One of the things you must do in Kyoto is to visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest. The Arashiyama bamboo grove in Kyoto is one of those iconic tourist attractions in Japan. As soon as you start searching for places to visit in Japan, this will be one of the sights that pop up. And rightly so.

There is something otherworldly about walking through this forest. When the wind blows through the bamboo, it makes the most lovely swishing noises. Enjoy listening to the wind rustling the bamboo.

The bamboo forest is split up into two sections by Tenryuji Temple. When walking from the station, you will come to the first half. In this section, the forest is less dense. There are also typically fewer people here. Take your time here and take your photos. Don’t be in such a rush to get through this section.

As you continue walking you will come to Tenryuji Temple in the bamboo grove. After the temple grounds, the bamboo forest thickens up. It is the prettiest part of the path because of this. This is also the area where the crowds are the largest. You will be jostled along this section of the path.

The Kyoto Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto. There will be large crowds here, so be prepared to have lots of random people in your photos!

How to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

To get from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove will involve two forms of transport. A train and your feet! From Kyoto Station, you will alight from the train at Saga-Arashiyama Station. Then it is a 500m walk to the beginning of the bamboo forest.

At the station, you will find rickshaws waiting to take you to the bamboo forest. The rickshaws are not cheap, but the driver deserves the fee because this job wouldn’t be easy!

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove opening hours

The Arashiyama bamboo forest opening hours are 24 hours! That’s right, the bamboo grove is open 24/7, so you can visit at any time of the day that you like! To avoid crowds, the best time to visit the Arashiyama bamboo forest would be early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove entrance fee

The Arashiyama bamboo forest entrance fee is nothing! True story! Not only does it not close, but it also does not cost you a cent to enter! It’s totally free to visit. It’s another one of many free things to do in Kyoto.

Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Tenryuji complex sits on the site of the first zen temple in Japan. It was built in the 9th century. However, the original temple fell into disuse and disrepair. Tenryuji Temple was subsequently built by shogun Ashikaga Takauji. It was officially consecrated in 1345.

Fires have damaged the buildings in the complex over the years. The Tenryuji complex, as it stands, has been this way since 1934.

Upon entry to the Tenryuji complex, you will walk into a beautiful garden. The garden area is very peaceful. Following the path, you will find yourself at the first building, the Hall of Many Treasures. Continuing along, you will come to the Sogenchi Garden. This Zen garden has a magnificent pond in the middle. Stop here and take in the surroundings. Soak up the atmosphere.

You can then continue walking around the pond and up through the Garden of a Hundred Flowers. There is a small bamboo forest here too.

Exit the Tenryuji Temple complex, turn left and continue walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

How to get to Tenryuji Temple

Getting from Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to Tenryuji Temple is very simple. You will literally walk past the entrance to the temple while you are on the forest’s path. It is also signposted within the bamboo grove. You really can’t miss it!

Tenryuji Temple opening hours

The opening hours of Tenryuji Temple is 8.30 am until 5 pm.

Check the official website for changes.

Tenryuji Temple entrance fee

The entrance fee for the Tenryuji Temple complex depends on what you would like to see. If you only want to walk through the gardens, it is 500 Yen for adult and high school children. 300 Yen for children. If you want to access the buildings also, it is an additional 300 Yen.

The Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Railway is a train ride that meanders alongside the Katsura River. The train ride takes about 25 minutes to travel between Saga Torrokko Station and Kameoka Torokko Station. The length of the trip is just over 7kms long.

This itinerary catches the Sagano Romantic Train from Arashiyama Torokko Station. This is because it is the closest station to the bamboo forest. When booking your train ticket, ask if there is any availability in ‘The Rich’ car (car no.5). This is an open-air carriage without glass windows. It allows you to feel more connected to the nature you are surrounded by. If it rains, you will get wet! But it really is a fantastic experience.

The Katsura River or Hozukyo River is a vibrant aqua colour. You will be able to admire the river as you go past on the train. The autumn foliage was beautiful. I can only imagine how amazing this train ride is during the cherry blossom season.

When you reach Kameoka Torroko Station, there are a few ways to travel back to Arashiyama. You can catch a JR train back from Umahori Station. Or you can take a Hozugawa River Boat Ride. The boat would have been my preferred method, but my travelling partner gets motion sick! So it was better for us to take the JR train back to Saga Arashiyama Station.

How to get to Sagano Romantic Train Arashiyama

When you get to the end of the Arashiyama bamboo forest, you will come to a T-intersection. Turn right and follow the path over the railway line. After a couple of minutes, you will come to the Arashiyama Torokko Station. Here you will find the station building that sells tickets for the Sagano Romantic Train.

Sagano Romantic Train opening hours

The first train commences from Saga Torrokko Station at 9.02 am. The last train departs from Kameoka Torokko Station at 5.40 pm.

Check the official website for more train schedules .

Sagano Romantic Train entrance fee

You cannot catch the Sagano Scenic Railway using a JR Pass. The ticket cost for adults (12 years and over) is 630 Yen. For children below 12, the ticket costs 320 Yen.

Check the official website for more details on ticketing .

If you have followed this itinerary for Arashiyama, you will find yourself back at the Saga Arashiyama train station. If this is the case, you will now need to walk back towards the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to get to the main street. The main street in Arashiyama has a lovely feel! There are the types of stores you expect to see in Japan, the cute candy stores, the quirky and unique souvenir stores. We even found a store selling cat and dog-themed products.

Follow the main road to get to the Togetsukyo Bridge. The Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River. The name means Moon Crossing Bridge. The wooden bridge is 155m long and was originally built in the 9th century. The current bridge was completed in 1934. This area is perfect to visit during autumn and spring as the views are amazing.

How to get to Togetsukyo Bridge

The walk from Saga Arashiyama Station to Togetsukyo Bridge is about 900m. The area is relatively flat, so it’s an easy walk. But by this stage of the day, your feet are probably getting quite sore!

Togetsukyo Bridge opening hours

The main street and bridge is the main thoroughfare of the prefecture, so needless to say, it’s open 24/7! You can view the bridge day or night, whenever you like! However, the shops along the main street have normal trading hours.

Togetsukyo Bridge entrance fee

There is no fee to access the bridge as it is a public road.

Prior to getting to the entrance building for the Iwatayama Monkey Park, there is a shrine. The orange torii gates always stand out so beautifully against the surrounding trees. The monkey park is not very accessible if you can’t walk unaided. There are many stairs, just to get to the entrance.

After paying the entrance fee and entering the park you will need to follow a path to the top of Mt Arashiyama. Immediately you have to walk up a large flight of stairs. Take your time going up the stairs, the climb is far from over. The walk to the top of the mountain takes about 30 minutes. It is not an easy walk, but it is quite nice. There are seats along the way. Stop, catch your breath and have a drink whenever you need to.

Soon enough you will reach the top. It’s a good feeling. And then you see that there are monkeys everywhere and it makes the climb worth it!

At this park, you’re able to hand feed the monkeys. You have to go inside the building to do this though and you feed them through the wired windows. You buy a bag of apple pieces or nuts for 100Y, which is a great price for a little bit of fun. It was amazing to watch the relationships between the monkeys and working out the hierarchy between them.

How to get to Iwatayama Monkey Park

From the Togetsukyo Bridge, it is a 2 minute walk. From Saga Arashiyama it will take about 15 minutes to walk. The walk is very nice though, so your mind is taken off the task at hand.

Iwatayama Monkey Park opening hours

The opening times for the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama will depend on what season you are visiting in. Spring and summer is open from 9 am until 4.30 pm. Autumn and winter is open from 9 am until 4 pm.

Check the official website for more details.

Iwatayama Monkey Park entrance fee

The Arashiyama Monkey Park entrance fee is 550 Yen for adults aged 16 and over. For children under 16 years old, the entrance fee is 250 Yen.

There are so many more things to do Arashiyama that this itinerary hasn’t covered. Here’s a few more ideas for your itinerary:

Jojakkoji Temple

Jojakkoji Temple, ‘the temple with no walls’, is a Nichiren sect temple that was founded late in the 16th century. More details on the official website here .

Nisonin Temple

Nisonin Temple is a Buddhist temple that was founded in the 9th century. More details on the official website here .

This 1 day Kyoto itinerary for Arashiyama is very full on! By the end of this day trip to Arashiyama, you will probably have sore feet! But you will have a camera full of photos and some amazing memories.

I hope this itinerary has helped you work out what to see in Arashiyama! Arashiyama is a beautiful prefecture in Kyoto and should not be missed.

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Arashiyama Kyoto: A Day Trip to Enjoy Bamboo Forest, Sagano Train and More

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Must-visit attractions in the suburbs of Kyoto

Traveling to Kyoto, which places would you like to visit? Besides going to Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine to visit the most traditional Japanese attractions, or go to the busiest center of Kyoto – Shijo Kawaramachi to buy your favorite Japanese products in different department stores?

Apart from these sights in the center of Kyoto, have you ever thought about spending a little time traveling to the suburbs of Kyoto – Arashiyama? In Arashiyama, you can enjoy the most beautiful natural scenery in the Kansai region, experience the unique small trains in Arashiyama, Hozu River cruises, use the most leisurely way to use rickshaws to shuttle through the bamboo forest, and let the local Japanese introduce you to Arashiyama Every story behind the landscape.

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The location and characteristics of Arashiyama

Arashiyama is located on the left side of the center of Kyoto, about a 20-minute drive from Kyoto JR Station. Unlike the center of Kyoto, Arashiyama is a place dominated by the natural environment, and it is easy to find some very historic buildings, bamboo forests, Hozu River, and traditional rickshaw experience, just like bringing you to the former Kyoto. It can be said that it is a must-see attraction for every traveler to Kyoto.

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Transportation to Arashiyama

If you have never been to Arashiyama, Kyoto, you may think that the transportation to Arashiyama will be very complicated. Because in addition to JR trains, there are also Hankyu Main Line, Kyoto Bus, etc. It seems that all means of transportation can go to Arashiyama, but some means of transportation go to Sagano, and some go to Sagano Arashiyama. Which mode of transportation should I choose?

To put it simply, there are 3 main modes of transportation to choose from to Arashiyama. Which way to choose depends on which area of Kyoto you are starting from.

From JR Kyoto Station

Access by jr train.

 If you are departing from JR Kyoto Station, take the "San'in Main Line" at "JR Kyoto Station" to "JR Saga-Arashiyama Station". It only takes 17 minutes, and you can reach Arashiyama and Saga areas without changing other transportation .

After getting off the bus, you can walk to different scenic spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Forest and so on.

To go by Kyoto bus

In addition to using JR trains, if you want to experience the scenery of Kyoto while going to Arashiyama, you can also use Kyoto City Bus Lines 72, 73, 74, and 76 from "Kyoto Ekimae" departs from "Arashiyama Koen" station, or "Arashiyama" station. Take the Kyoto city bus to Arashiyama, and the journey takes about 60 minutes. Although it takes more time for the journey, it is also a special experience to treat the city bus as a Kyoto sightseeing bus.

From Kawaramachi, Gion

You can go there directly by using the Hankyu train. The method is to take the train heading for Umeda from the "Kyoto Kawaramachi" station, get off at the "Katsura" station, and then transfer to the "Arashiyama (Hankyu)" train. After arriving at the terminus, you can go to Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo Forest, etc. Waiting for Arashiyama attractions. It takes about 30 minutes from Kawaramachi to Arashiyama.

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Best time to visit Arashiyama

Best season to go to arashiyama.

Arashiyama is the most popular tourist attraction in the Kansai region, and basically people from different regions go sightseeing all year round. Although some people will say that the best time to visit Arashiyama is the cherry blossom period from March to April, or the maple leaf season in October every year. But in fact, Arashiyama has different characteristics in different seasons. For example, there are cherry blossoms in spring, water activities to cool off in summer, red leaves in autumn, and snow scenery in winter. .

Photo-based itinerary

Also because Arashiyama is a very popular tourist attraction, if your goal of going to Arashiyama is to take photos and share them on social media, basically the sooner you go, the better. Because most tourists will arrive at Arashiyama around 9:00-10:00 in the morning, and around 11:30 will be the most crowded time. At that time, no matter how hot or cold the weather is, the bamboo forest and Togetsu Bridge It will definitely be crowded. So if you want to take a beautiful picture of the scenery, you must set off for Arashiyama earlier.

Sightseeing-based itinerary

If you don’t come to Arashiyama for taking pictures, but just want to see the scenery of Arashiyama, experience the small train and Hozugawa cruise, you will basically arrive at Arashiyama around 9:00 in the morning, and you will have plenty of time to go to every place in Arashiyama. sights. And because most restaurants don’t open until around 10:30, when you arrive at Arashiyama at 9:00 in the morning, after visiting the bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, etc., it’s time for the restaurant to open, so you can experience Arashiyama’s specialties.

Attractions in Arashiyama

Geographically, Arashiyama is a tourist attraction mainly based on natural scenery. It is most suitable to start from Kyoto, spend half a day in Arashiyama to enjoy the tranquil environment, and then return to the lively Kyoto to continue the evening itinerary.

If the different attractions in Arashiyama are divided into several parts, they can be divided into Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama Shopping Street, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, etc., which are the closest to Arashiyama Station, and the Kameoka area, which is the farthest from Arashiyama, Hozu River cruise experience, etc. .

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Togetsu Bridge

Togetsukyo can become a well-known scenic spot because Togetsukyo has a history of more than 800 years since it was built, and when you stand on Togetsukyo, you can watch the flowing water flowing down from Hozu River, so that you can Slowly feel the tranquil side of Arashiyama.

The Togetsukyo Bridge will have different shapes at different times, and the scenery will be different no matter in the morning, noon, or evening. And Togetsukyo Bridge is also the starting point and end point of every tourist who comes to Arashiyama from Kyoto. If you come to Arashiyama by the Landen (Keifuku) Arashiyama Main Line or the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, don’t forget before leaving Arashiyama Stop by Togetsukyo Bridge again!

Togetsukyo Bridge location

Tenryuji Temple

Although Tenryuji Temple is literally no different from an ordinary Japanese temple, it may not be included in your itinerary when you visit various attractions in Arashiyama.

In fact, Tenryuji Temple is a historical building with a history of almost 1,000 years. It has experienced several fires, repairs, and reconstructions in the middle, and finally became a historical site today.

For tourists, the more important thing is that Tenryuji Temple has a vast garden for you to visit. Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring, lake water and sunshine in summer, red leaves in autumn, or snow in winter, you can all experience it in the traditional Japanese garden in Tenryuji Temple. If you are interested in putting Tenryuji Temple on the schedule, you can Preview the garden view of Tenryuji Temple , they will take some latest photos from the temple every season, so that you can pre-determine the itinerary in Arashiyama.

Opening hours of Tenryuji Temple: 08:30 am – 17:00 pm Visit fee: ¥500 (only for visiting the garden) – ¥1300 (visiting the garden, various halls, and dharma hall "Unryutu" in Tenryuji Temple)

Pictures, details: 「Tenryuji」のOfficial ホームページ

Location of Tenryuji Temple

Arashiyama Rickshaw Experience

In the past, rickshaws were a common means of transportation in daily life, but with the evolution of modern transportation, Japanese rickshaws have gradually become a tourist experience in major sightseeing spots.

The biggest difference from traditional rickshaws is that what these rickshaws mainly provide is not a transportation service that takes you from point A to point B, but an experience of "sightseeing x local tour guide". The biggest advantage of using a rickshaw to go sightseeing in Arashiyama is that you don’t have to walk to different attractions by yourself, and you can also ask the driver to introduce the story behind each attraction. You can also exchange Japanese culture with them, although most of them are They are local Japanese, but many of them can speak English and even Chinese. And many of them are handsome guys, they all like to communicate with tourists from different places, so you can also ask them to teach you a few commonly used Japanese, so that your trip to Kyoto will add some special memories!

Arashiyama rickshaw reservation information

Rickshaw fare: Calculated based on the number of passengers, ¥4,000 for a single person, ¥5,000 for a double (calculated for a 10-minute experience in a single section) Rickshaw itinerary: Take a single section as an example for a 10-minute experience. First start from Togetsu Bridge, go to Baoyan Temple, and then return to Togetsu Bridge along Katsura River

If you really experience the rickshaw in Arashiyama, but you are worried that there will be communication difficulties at that time, you can use klook Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Experience Reservation Service , pre-book the rickshaw service for you. In addition, we have specially prepared a itinerary for you to travel through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and visit Nonomiya Shinto. You only need to show the package information and you can start!

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Nonomiya Shrine

In the Arashiyama area, in addition to Tenryuji Temple, there is also Nonomiya Shrine, which is used to pray for studies and marriage. It is located at the corner of the middle section of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you are interested in visiting Shendu, you can spend a little time in the middle of visiting the bamboo forest.

Location of Nonomiya Shrine

Arashiyama Autumn Leaves Experience

Around November every year is the season when red leaves appear in Japan. Arashiyama, as a natural environment-based scenic spot, is of course no exception!

If you are traveling to Japan for the red leaves, if you can seize the opportunity to go to Arashiyama, you will not be disappointed. Because the chances of seeing red leaves in Arashiyama are very high. Whether you start from Togetsukyo Bridge, walk to Tenryuji Temple, Hogan-in Temple, or go a little further to Kao-in Temple and Sagano Train, you can enjoy the scenery of red leaves in the same way. Fill up your phone's space!

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Sightseeing

When you go to Kyoto, you must not miss Arashiyama, and when you go to Arashiyama, you must not miss the bamboo forest! Although it is a bit exaggerated to say this, the bamboo forest in Arashiyama can be said to be a unique scenic spot in the Kansai region.

Although some people will say that it is just an ordinary bamboo forest, what is so special about it?

Perhaps it is a simple bamboo forest, which allows everyone who walks in to enjoy the "sense of tranquility" that is usually lacking, so it has an indescribable magic for many tourists who come from the city. Basically, everyone who comes to Arashiyama will take the time to walk through the bamboo forest. Whether it is the first time he has come to Arashiyama or he has been here many times, he will definitely go to the bamboo forest.

Probably because there is nothing special about the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, there are no aunts dancing in the square, no one hawking, only tourists visiting quietly, and rickshaw drivers leading the tourists, making the bamboo forest in Arashiyama, which has no special features, the most Special attractions!

Travel experience unique to Arashiyama

The most interesting part of traveling to Arashiyama is that in addition to statically visiting different scenic spots, you can also use different means of transportation to experience a different Arashiyama!

If you can spend 3 hours in Arashiyama, and if you can reach Arashiyama in the morning, the following "Arashiyama Sightseeing Train x Hozugawa Cruise" itinerary is very suitable for you to visit the entire Arashiyama area, so that you can experience two kinds of Arashiyama at the same time The most special means of transportation.

The method is to take the Arashiyama sightseeing train to Kameoka Station, then use the Hozugawa cruise along the river to enjoy the natural beauty along the way, and finally return to Arashiyama.

And after completing the whole experience, you can also use the remaining time to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Trail and Tianhua Temple Garden, and then buy some souvenirs at the Arashiyama Shopping Street before returning to Kyoto, so that you have a fulfilling and perfect Arashiyama itinerary

Arashiyama Sightseeing Train

Small train boarding place.

From JR Kyoto Station, take the Sanin Main Line to "JR Saga Arashiyama Station", then walk for about 5 minutes, walk across the JR station, and you will arrive at the small train Saga Station "トロッコ Saga Station". If you like to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest first, you can also walk to "JR Saga Arashiyama Station" first, and then pass through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to the small train Arashiyama Station "トロッコ Arashiyama Station". You can also take the Arashiyama small train to the small train Kameoka Station. Enjoy the rivers, red leaves, and cherry blossoms along the way!

Features of Arashiyama Sightseeing Train

Driving route, scenic features.

The biggest feature of the Arashiyama Sightseeing Train is that it allows you to slowly appreciate the other side of Arashiyama. Because the speed of the Lanshan sightseeing train is not fast, it is only about 25km/h, which happens to be a little faster than a bicycle. Moreover, the total length of the entire route is 7.3km. In addition to the places where you need to stop halfway, you will also stop at designated places to take pictures for you.

In addition, it takes about 25 minutes from "トロッコ Arashiyama Station" to "トロッコ亀冈駅" and within half an hour, you can experience different scenery according to different seasons, such as the cherry blossom tunnel in spring and the red leaves in autumn Tunnels, bright green tunnels in summer, and snowy landscapes in winter. And the whole driving route is along the Hozu River, if you pay attention carefully, you will also see the Hozu River cruise ship passing under you!

compartment design

The Arashiyama Sightseeing Train has a total of 5 sets of cards, and all seats are designated seats that need to be reserved.

One of the cards is an open train, and the top of the car is designed with transparent glass, so that you can take the most beautiful photos. In addition, because there is no blocking of any window glass, many times it will be fully booked by passengers in the first place!

If it is in a popular season, especially the cherry blossom season in spring, the red leaves season in autumn, Japanese holidays, etc., the open carriages on that day will often be fully booked. If you buy the ticket on the same day, you may miss the opportunity to take the open carriage. Therefore, before departure, it is highly recommended to Buy train tickets in advance , to avoid the situation of arriving at the station but not being able to get on the bus.

It is hard to find a ticket for the Arashiyama Sightseeing Train

The biggest difference between the Arashiyama Sightseeing Train and other ordinary railways in Kyoto is that it does not provide a large number of departures and trains every hour to carry passengers back and forth to "トロッコ Saga Station" and "トロッコ亀冈駅", but uses one train from one day to In the evening, I keep going back and forth between the two stations of "Torokko Saga Station" and "Torokko Kameoka Station".

It takes about 25 minutes to drive from "トロッコ Saga Station" to "トロッコぺ庀駅", and then it takes exactly 25 minutes to return to the "Torokko Saga Station". There is a train, and it is also the reason why it can "departure at 00 minutes" and "departure at 30 minutes".

Therefore, there will only be 7 sets of trains departing from "Torokko Saga Station" to "Torokko Saga Station" from day to night, and then only 7 sets of trains will return to "Torokko Saga Station" from "Torokko Saga Station" a day. If you come to Arashiyama to experience the Arashiyama sightseeing train during the spring cherry blossom period and autumn red leaves period, it is highly recommended that you prepare the ticket in advance before departure, so that you can avoid arriving at the scene in the morning, but even the last day in the afternoon The train tickets are also full of embarrassing situations.

The scenery of Arashiyama sightseeing train

In the official video of the Arashiyama Sightseeing Train below, you can preview the cherry blossoms along the way and the scenery of the Hozu River! In addition, if you depart from "Torokko Saga Station" to "Torokko Kameoka Station", you must take the right side of the train , to be able to guarantee a perfect view.

How to book Arashiyama train ticket

The method of booking the Arashiyama train is very simple, just go through klook Book Arashiyama Sagano Sightseeing Train Tickets , to claim their recurring offers. Then use the electronic voucher to exchange for a physical ticket at JR Kyoto Station, and you can guarantee a seat on the designated flight, making your itinerary more budget-friendly.

Best way to book popular tickets? [Priority Reservation] Kyoto Sagano Sightseeing Train Make your Arashiyama trip more convenient!

Hozu River Cruise

Because there are no scenic spots on the Kameoka "Torokko-Kameoka Station", most passengers take the Arashiyama train from "Torokko-Saga Station" to "Torokko-Kameoka Station", and then use the same small train Turning back to "トロッコ Saga Station" is like watching the same scene twice, which has a little discount on the entire sightseeing experience.

But if you plan to return to Arashiyama with the Hozu River Cruise, you can enjoy Arashiyama from another angle! Not only will you not feel bored on the return trip, but you can also get a completely different travel experience from other travelers!

Features of the Hozu River Cruise

If you want to talk about the characteristics of Hozugawa cruise ships, you must talk about their speed! First of all, because the Hozu River is a river that flows down from the mountain, the cruise ships on the Hozu River do not need to be equipped with motors, and the boatman can use the torrent-like river water to pass through different rocks and sharp turns, just like taking you on a mobile game. Pass through one after another cherry blossom tunnel and red leaf tunnel.

Sometimes you think that when the cruise ship is about to hit the rocks, the experienced boatman will always have a way to get you to the destination safely. Just like the video below, Hozugawa cruises are very fast, a bit like whitewater sports, but they are definitely safer than whitewater sports, and you can also immerse yourself in the most beautiful natural scenery in different seasons.

Hozu River Cruise Departure Point

After arriving at Kameoka Station "トロッコぺ庀駅" on the small train from Arashiyama, transfer to the "Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus" near the station, and you will arrive at the departure point of the Hozugawa cruise in about 15 minutes.

Hozu River Cruise Course

After arriving at the starting point of the Hozugawa cruise ship, it will continue to descend along the flowing water of the Hozugawa River, cross the Hozugawa Bridge, pass through several twists and turns, pass through sections of cherry blossoms, green leaves, red leaves, and snow scenes, and finally return The terminus near Togetsukyo Bridge.

How to make a reservation for a Hozu River Cruise

There are two ways to book a Hozugawa cruise ship. One is to purchase tickets after arriving at the Hozugawa ferry terminal, but it requires a certain level of Japanese ability to communicate with the staff, and because it can only carry 24 passengers at a time, it may not be possible. Make sure there is enough space.

The other is to use klook's package booking service, and then book the location of the Baojin River cruise ship before departure, and then after arriving in Kyoto, convert the electronic voucher into a physical ticket at Kyoto Station, so that you don't have to worry about arriving at the boarding ground but not being able to board condition of the ship.

In addition, although the official fare is similar to klook's fare in terms of price, sometimes klook will also provide discount codes and additional discounts. For example, the latest klook offers discount codes BetterOnApp For everyone, you can get an extra 5% discount when you book. What's more, you can earn points after booking a package with klook, which will allow you to get additional discounts when you book other travel packages next time.

If you are interested in participating in the Hozugawa cruise, you can check the fare on klook first. Click to claim limited time discount offer: Book Hozugawa Cruise Package

Restaurants worth trying in Arashiyama

When you come to Arashiyama, there are several foods that you must not miss, that is, the soba noodles of Iwao, and the Japanese desserts of Oomatsu!

buckwheat wheat noodles so ば place い わ を 

The reason why I recommend Soba いわを (sobaka – iwao) is because their soba noodles are very famous, and they are now in the third generation of business, whether they are Japanese locals or overseas tourists to Arashiyama, they all love it very much. Their soba noodles.

And their most famous products are prawn tempura soba noodles that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and a la carte soba noodles that experience the level of Japanese craftsmen.

In addition, Buckwheat Place いわを is the queue store in Arashiyama. Although he will not open until 11:00 in the morning, there is already a queue of people at the door at about 10:30, and all the stocks will be sold out at about 1:00. Sometimes you will find them ready to close for a break at 2pm.

buckwheat wheat noodles so ば place い わ を  Store information

Business Hours: 11:00AM – Sold out of same day stock Holidays: Shuyao regular holiday (Wednesday regular holiday) Address: 19 Zoji-cho, Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

Japanese Desserts – Hirokashi Goshosho – Old Matsu

Not far from Soba そばいわを, about a 4-minute walk, you can taste the most traditional and Arashiyama-style Japanese wagashi in Lao Song’s tea room.

The most famous dessert of Laosong is a product called "Summer Orange Candy". "Summer Tangerine Candy" is to first hollow out a mandarin orange, use the pulp of the mandarin mandarin to make jelly, and then put the jelly back into the mandarin mandarin, just like when you open the mandarin mandarin, you will think it is an ordinary mandarin mandarin. It will be a tangerine jelly!

Laosong store information

Business hours: 10:00am – 17:00pm Holidays: Irregular holidays Address: 〒616-8385, 20, Mannobabacho, Saga Tenryuji Temple, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City

Other Recommended Travel Experiences

When you come to Arashiyama, in addition to planning your own itinerary, you can also let the locals plan different itineraries for you! such as participating in Private Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Guided Tour , let the local tour guide take you to visit Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Nonomiya Shrine, and introduce you the stories and cultural significance behind each scenic spot, so that your Arashiyama travel itinerary can get a more in-depth experience.

In addition, the biggest difference between participating in a private Arashiyama bamboo forest guided tour and ordinary free travel is that the private Arashiyama bamboo forest guided tour includes tickets for scenic spots and hotel transportation services, so that you can use the most relaxed mood without chasing transportation attitude to enjoy every attraction in Arashiyama.

Recommended accommodation room

There are many recommended accommodation rooms in Kyoto, but if you want to move around different scenic spots in Kyoto, it is highly recommended to arrange accommodation near JR Kyoto Station.

And because the hotels near JR Kyoto Station are mainly business hotel rooms, the first consideration for ordinary travelers is the comfort of the room, and then the cost performance. In this regard, APA Hotel has always been an expert in this area. Many local Japanese will give priority to APA Hotel when they travel on business. Passengers who stay can focus on their daily itinerary.

Near JR Kyoto Station, there are a total of 4 APA Hotels to choose from, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to book a room and losing your budget. They are:

• APA Hotel – Kyoto Station North APA Hotel Kyoto-Ekikita
• APA Hotel – APA Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae in front of Kyoto Station
• APA VILLA Hotel – APA Villa Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae in front of Kyoto Station
• APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi APA Hotel Kyoto Ekihigashi

If you haven't booked accommodation in Kyoto yet, you can click the above link to claim the room reservation discount.

In addition, if you want to know more accommodation recommendations in different areas of Kyoto, you can check Recommended accommodation in Kyoto .

further reading

Deconstruction of Kyoto Station – Why must travelers who come to Kyoto know about Kyoto Station?

Arashiyama area

Now that you have come to Arashiyama, an area with first-class natural scenery, you will definitely not miss the opportunity to enjoy a comfortable vacation by staying in some simple business hotels.

The most recommended accommodation in the Arashiyama area must be Hoshino Group's "Hoshi no Ya Kyoto". With excellent views, traditional Japanese-style rooms, and the most advanced Japanese cuisine, you will get an absolutely unforgettable memory of your trip to Kyoto.

Hoshi no ya Kyoto accommodation information

Reception address: 〒616-0007 11-2 Motorokuyama-cho, Arashiyama, Xijing District, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Details, reservations: Hoshi no ya Kyoto formula / Agoda Hotel Deals

No matter in any season, as long as you travel to Kansai and Kyoto, Arashiyama is a very worthwhile attraction, especially if you have never been to Arashiyama, you must find a chance to go there once.

It is also because Arashiyama is very close to the center of Kyoto, so you can leave Arashiyama in the morning. After visiting the bamboo forest, Tenryuji Temple, experiencing the Arashiyama train and the Hozugawa cruise, you can return to Kyoto and continue your journey in Kyoto. shopping, gourmet itinerary!

More Kyoto Travel Information

Recommended tourist attractions, restaurants and food

Why do people in Kyoto always go to Kamogawa in summer? Kamogawa scenic spot restaurant food total sharing! Arashiyama Kyoto: A Day Trip to Enjoy Bamboo Forest, Sagano Train and More Everyone must go to Kyoto Station, which can solve all travel troubles in one go! Kyoto Eizan Railway Recommended Souvenirs in Kyoto》Shopping list of old Kaneido wagashi store in Kyoto Manshige Traditional Kyoto Food in Kyoto Station

Featured Kyoto experience recommendation

Kyoto Kifune Noodles and Kawadoko Cuisine experience sharing, a must-see itinerary in summer Kyoto Fushimi Gekekikan Sake Brewery Tour Experience Sharing Kyoto Matcha Ceremony and Kimono Experience Matcha-Tea Making Experience in Kyoto Japan

More Japan Travel Information: Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido | Climbing Mt.Fuji | Hakone | Lake Kawaguchi Tips for Traveling in Japan | Japan Hotel Deals | Klook Latest Promo Code

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Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a picturesque, mountainous area west of Kyoto . It is so beautiful, in fact, that it has been designated as a National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Picture a wide, flowing river, an ancient bridge, lush mountains and an old fashioned aesthetic. That’s Arashiyama. One of the most popular day trips from Kyoto, visitors flock to the instagrammable bamboo grove, monkey forest and shopping street. There are also some stunning and significant temples and shrines to explore in the area, such as Tenryu-ji Temple . After all the exploring, there are also plenty of places to eat in Arashiyama. To help you get around, check out some of our favourite things to do in Arashiyama.

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Bamboo forests in this western Kyoto suburb

Things to do in arashiyama.

Ninna-ji Temple

Daikakuji Temple

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Toei Kyoto Studio Park

Upcoming arashiyama events.

Kahoen Sakura Festival

Kahoen is a mountainside garden in Kyoto known for its seasonal beauty, particularly the numerous sakura trees that bloom during..

Kahoen Hydrangea Festival

During peak hydrangea season, Kyoto's Kahoen garden is set to be filled with around 10,000 hydrangea bushes in bloom.

About Arashiyama

Along a river in the West of Kyoto lies Arashiyama, a rural suburb of Kyoto. Literally “Storm Mountain”, Arashiyama is actually a tranquil place where you can wind down and relax in a beautiful natural setting.

Arashiyama has its fair share of temples, or else it wouldn’t be Kyoto, but you might want to skip having a closer look and instead just stroll along the countryside lanes near the hillside to the northwest of Arashiyama.

These countryside lanes lead you through rice fields and bamboo forests and along the way you pass by some craft shops and cafes.

This is a most pleasant way to observe the scenery and watch the locals go about their business. Discovering Arashiyama at leisure like this can easily take you a whole day.

The heart of Arashiyama centers on Togetsu-kyo (Crossing Moon Bridge), which is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring and for maple leave viewing in autumn.

As the name suggest, the bridge might also be an ideal location for watching a glorious full moon in September. Since the Heian Period (794-1192) Japanese have enjoyed tsukimi (moon viewing).

During other seasons this wooden bridge in traditional architecture is nonetheless scenic against the backdrop of mountains on either side of the flowing water.

Organizers of pleasure boat tours have their piers on either side of the river near Togetsu Bridge. The broad river is also a good place where you can observe night-time cormorant fishing in summer.

The first stop of most bus tours to Arashiyama is Tenryu-ji Zen temple where the main attraction is not the temple building but the temple garden. A fee is charged just for visiting the garden but this is not something that deters Japanese garden connoisseurs who happily splash out the money. Some people prefer to view the garden from the terrace of Tenryu-ji and they swear that this is actually the best view.

If you have overdosed on visiting temples in central Kyoto, then skip Tenryu-ji and just make your way around the garden to its back where you will find a large bamboo groove.

Tall bamboo stalks slightly swaying back and forth and bamboo leaves rustling in the wind, this is the image and sound that best fits Arashiyama.

Most tour groups race through this peaceful place but it is worth a slow stroll with frequent stops to admire the gracefulness of the bamboo plants.

Having passed through the bamboo groove, a country lane runs along the foot of the mountains. Strolling along this lane you will pass by Jojakko-ji Temple first, followed by Nison-in Temple and finally Gio-ji Temple.

These temples are open from 9:00 to 16:00 all year-round. Visitors can enjoy the temple grounds nestled in the mountain side for a fee of yen 400, 500 and yen 300 respectively.

Don’t expect grandeur or anything exceptional; these small temples are rather unassuming and understated and their main attraction is the setting amidst the greenery of the forested mountain slopes.

Administratively, Arashiyama is the place in the south of the river while Sagano is the name of the area north of the river. To add to the confusion, the river that flows through the area is called Katsura River east of Togetsu Bridge and Hozu River west of the bridge. However, for touristic purposes the whole area is referred to as Arashiyama.

Walk along the river towards the south and you will come to a rather odd temple: its main attraction are crickets. Suzumushi Temple is the perfect place for lovers of these little creatures.

Come with your family, partner or friends for a relaxing day out in this leafy suburb of Kyoto. Arashiyama is worth a visit during all seasons, just avoid the stormy days...

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Where to eat in Arashiyama

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Transportation to Arashiyama

There’ s numerous way to head to Arashiyama, the easiest being by train. With three rail stations within walking distance from Arashiyama’s main attractions, you can pick the one most convenient for you.

During autumn and spring, when autumn foliage and cherry blossom are in season, JR’s Sagano sen line is recommended as the train go past scenic areas with an excellent view.

Attractions in Arashiyama

Togetsukyo bridge 渡月橋.

The direct translation for this bridge in English is ‘Moon-walk’ – as it resembles the moon in the dark. The bridge was rebuilt in steel for cars to cross later and a popular place to see autumn colour or cherry blossoms.

Some photo spots would be along the river bank

Kimono Forest @ Keifuku Arashiyama station

Personally, I would recommend going there at night when the Kimono Forest lit up, creating a magical ‘forest’ made of light, colour and pattern. However, if you want to take photos with the coloured trees, it is best to go during the day as it’s hard to capture the pattern with yourself due to backlight.

Tenryu-ji temple

Tenryu-ji temple is the largest temple complex within the five famous temples in Kyoto region. Separate tickets are needed for the main temple and the garden- if you are pressed for time I would suggest forgoing the main temple and head straight to the garden , as you can admire the architecture of the temple from the garden as well. The only thing you will miss is the Daruma portrait .

Tickets are 800Yen in total (which is a bit steep), so if you are tight on budget give the temple a skip too.

Bamboo Forest

After going around the garden, exit Tenryu-ji complex via North Gate and you will arrive and the Bamboo Forest/Walkway. It is very peaceful but unfortunately also flooded with tourist. Unless you arrive early in the morning, it is impossible to get a photo with no one in it (so for those of you who want to enjoy the bamboo forest yourself, get there early!).

Jojakko-ji temple

This temple wasn’t originally on my list and was added when it took me less time than planned to see the other attractions. Unless you are keen on Japanese temples, there’s nothing special about this temple except during autumn and spring for foliage or blossom.

However, there’s a nice view of Arashiyama from the top.

Entrance fee: 400 Yen

Nonomiya Shrine

Nonomiya Shrine was featured in Japanese Literature The Tale of Genji in the early 11 th Century. It is considered the first novel for many and described the lifestyles of high courtiers during the Heian period.

Nonomiya Shrine is famous for two things: relationship and study . Many female and students flock to Nonomiya Shrine for an omamori (Japanese amulets) to help them get the relationship or results they want.

Arashiyama Restaurants

Unagiya hirokawa.

As a fan of Japanese eel rice , I did my research before heading to Kansei region in search for the best eel rice restaurant to go to. There’s mixed review online and in the end, I decided to give this ago due to the Michelin Star recommendation.

The restaurant opens for dinner time at 17:00 , and when I got there at 16:36 there was a bit of a queue already. Fortunately, I was able to get in with the first batch- note that Japanese restaurants don’t do table sharing and allocate tables according to groups, and there are only 8 tables so if you want to check whether you might get in, see if you are in the first 8 group of people.

My mum and I ordered the eel rice box only (which is Y2900)- and it was delicious! I would highly recommend this restaurant, although I have to admit the portion is a bit small, but the rice-to-eel ratio was good. The eel melt in your mouth and my mouth is watering slightly just typing this!

Tel：075-871- 5226

Yung Wing Cheah

6 thoughts on “ a day trip to arashiyama, japan ”.

Allow me to humbly point out that the Kimono Forest is at Keifuku Arashiyama station, not JR Arashiyama station.

Thank you so much for pointing it out – I’ll amend it 🙂

I love Arashiyama and would strongly suggest that you go to the Snow Monkey Sanctuary across the river. Although quite a climb the view of Kyoto and the monkeys are worth it!irna

Snow monkeys! Now I really need to visit that 😀 thanks for the recommendation!

Would winter season be a good time to visit?

It would be beautiful in snow too, though of course be prepared for the cold weather 🙂

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Arashiyama Day Trip from Kyoto – Places to see and not to see

Sahana Kulur

A day trip to Arashiyama wasn’t on our priority list. Because when I hear or read too much about a particular place, I question if it is too touristy. But the bamboo groves were too gorgeous to be ignored. As I researched more while eating my vegetarian burger at Lottera in Kyoto, we decided to give it a try.

Thank god! I wasn’t stupid enough to skip Arashiyama – Because it is beyond the bamboo forest and has some amazing hiking trails.

Don’t have time to read now? Pin it for later.

• Why visit Arashiyama?
• How many days to spend here & best time to visit
• How to get to Arashiyama?
• Best things to do here
• Things that aren’t worth doing in Arashiyama

Is Arashiyama worth it?

A visit to Arashiyama can become the highlight of your Japan Trip!

It is Kyoto minus all the buildings, adding a wider river and more mountains with many trees. There are shrines, hiking trails, boat rides and zen food. And many things are here for free of cost. A hike to the well-preserved village where actual Japanese people live is a great way to meet local people beyond tourists. Or even to feel like part of a Japanese anime themed in a village!

The town is sparsely dense, with landscapes different from what you see elsewhere.

Why is Arashiyama famous?

Bamboo groves are synonymous with Arashiyama. Most people make a trip to Arashiyama solely for this. Indeed all of us want to behold the most beautiful sight. So it makes Arashiyama famous. The crowd follows the famous. Hence you find a lot of tourists in Arashiyama.

Does it mean you are going shoved and pushed here?

Before going there, I was sincerely worried about getting caught up in a situation like  “Hallstatt of Austria .”  Hallstatt and Arashiyama are equally popular. The difference between visiting the two most famous tourist spots is – Chaos in Japan is organized, and we went during off-peak season. We had one whole day and could wander in and around the grove many times to have a place with less crowd.

Plus, Arashiyama’s beauty stretches beyond the bamboo forest. So, we believe you shouldn’t skip your trip to Arashiyama just because it is famous.

How long to spend in Arashiyama?

In any given place, spending at least two nights is better. Saying that, we mortal vacationers with a limited number of offs can’t stretch days longer. Staying in Kyoto for six nights , we made a day trip to Arashiyama and felt quite content with it.

So anywhere between a day or two is good to explore Arashiyama by feet beyond the bamboo groves.

Best time of the year to make a day trip?

Photo by topcools tee on Unsplash

The hills around Arashiyama are like a colour wheel in Autumn. So, visiting Arashiyama from September to December 1st week is best. I would avoid Arashiyama in Sakura season – No doubt about its impeccable beauty of it. If I could see that many tourists in December, I can’t imagine how crowded it would be in December.

How to reach Arashiyama from Kyoto?

Arashiyama is located less than 10km from Kyoto. Hence getting here is super easy. So don’t bother to book a taxi or take a private tour which costs you a fortune. Instead, take a train or a bus, based on your convenience.

How much is the train from Kyoto to Arashiyama?

There are two types of trains.

• JR Sagano line:  The 15-minute train journey will cost you less than 250 yen. JR Pass holds well on this line.
• Sagano scenic railway: T he 25-minute ride is more experience-based than the regular commute. If you are in peak autumn, taking Sagano scenic railway is a great idea to see mountains full of colours. Mind that it costs more than 800 yen per person for one way journey.
• The Keifuku Randen Tram Line  – The purple tram line that runs on the outskirts of Kyoto goes to the train station of Arashiyama near Tenyurji temple. The tram doesn’t leave Kyoto station. So you must catch a bus to Hankyu Karasuma Station and then shift to the tram.

Kyoto to Arashiyama by bus

We opted for city bus number 28 from Kyoto city station to Arashiyama, which takes almost 40 minutes – Honesty, we had been riding trains and metros until then. So taking the bus to Arashiyama was frankly to experience a bus journey in Japan. Plus, it goes through the Kyoto university area. So we could see some of Kyoto’s “non-touristy” neighbourhoods filled with Pachinko slots.

Amazing things to do in Arashiyama.

1. walk on the banks of the katsura river and togetsukyo bridge..

The bridges are meant to connect either side of a river bank. Togetsukyo Bridge bridge does the same with river Katsura with aesthetics.

First of all, the locality of the river with a bridge itself is pleasing. Though it was the second week of December, autumn foliage dotted the forest around. The chilling wind got colder on the river bank by the river. The water level wasn’t higher, and the banks were cosy enough for us to lie down for a while under the sun.

The name Togetsukyo translates to “Moon Crossing Bridge,” and it’s said to have been given this name by an emperor in the 13th century, who noted that the moon’s reflection on the river resembled a bridge crossing it. The current bridge was reconstructed in 1934 but still maintains its traditional design and aesthetic.

2. Try vegetarian Temple Meals at Shigetsu.

It had been Ashrith’s food bonanza throughout the Japan trip. It isn’t that I starved to death – There was veg food for me in Japan – I mostly ate Italian for meals and 7/11 bread rolls for breakfast. So I was craving one authentic Japanese meal, which is veg.

Here at Shigetsu in Arashiyama, my dream came true, my stomach was full, and my soul was healed with a delicious and healthy vegetarian authentic Japanese meal on our day trip to Arashiyama.

The restaurant is in a traditional Japanese building that overlooks a tranquil garden, creating a serene and relaxing atmosphere perfect for enjoying a delicious meal. You sit on the floor of a Tatami mat – So it is divinely delightful food.

But it’s not just the ambience that sets Shigetsu Tenryuji Restaurant apart – it’s the food. The restaurant specializes in shojin ryori, a type of vegetarian cuisine that’s traditionally served in Buddhist temples. The dishes are visually stunning, incredibly flavorful, and satisfying despite being completely meat-free.

What is Zen in food?

We are no culinary experts. So we didn’t know what zen food was. But we can tell you it is healthy, simple yet good-looking, has lots of Tofu and is delicious.

When the waitress got the starters with many pastes/dips, we wondered how to eat them! Don’t worry, here at Shigetsu, they come with a booklet in which someone has nicely sketched each dish that you will be served with an explanation of the ingredients. Thankfully it even shows if you eat something with your hand or chopsticks. If that booklet wasn’t there, surely I would have dipped my Tofu sauce with rice- Believe me, when you use sauces wrongly in Japan, it upsets the chefs and waiters!

Is Shigetsu Arashiyama expensive?

Each meal set we took (one soup and five side dishes) cost us 3500. So lunch for two cost us 7000 yen – This is the most expensive meal we had in Japan. But it is worth it. It isn’t just for what you eat – but for the experience as a whole. Mind that the restaurant is open from 11 am to 2pm only. After walking on the river bank/ town and before heading to Tenyutji temple, have your meals here and go ahead.

3. Visit Tenryuji Temple – a world heritage site.

A Buddhist temple built in the 14th century is one of the most famous Buddhist temples. Zen monks consider it one of the five holiest temples of Kyoto. So, the beautiful temple’s magic amplifies with the chants that you here, as many monks live here.

What to See at Tenryu-ji

Apart from the religious significance, the unique feature of the temple is a large painting of Bodhidharma! Indeed, it surprised me to see Bodhidharma here because he was a south Indian prince who turned into a disciple of Buddha and spread Buddhism across China! Never expected to have a little south Indian connection here at a temple in Arashiyama.

The giant painting is visible from the courtyard itself at the entrance. So you need not enter the temple to see it.

But my favourite part of the temple complex remains the garden. Unlike typical Japanese gardens, this is huge! The beautiful garden landscape features a central pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains.

I wished I was there in Autumn peak to have a kaleidoscopic treat. To cheer me up, there were many birds. Especially a giant stork stood and went on fishing in the pond.

Tenryu-ji Temple admission fees.

There is an admission fee to enter the temple premise. So we bought an entry ticket to the garden only and wandered outside the temple, on the premises, before heading to the bamboo forest.

The admission fees per one adult costs (as of December 2022)

• Garden only: 500 yen
• Tenryu-ji Garden and Buildings: 800 yen
• Other halls + gardens + other temple buildings – 1300 yen.

4. Lose yourself in the iconic bamboo forest

When you look at google search results for the Arashiyama day trip, at least the first 10 images show you a bamboo grove that seems too perfect to exist. The Arashiyama forest is home to towering bamboo stalks that rustle in the wind, creating a symphony of sounds that’s both calming and invigorating. Or spooky, if you are the only tourist there!

Bamboo creates a canopy on the top, and a minimum amount of light penetrates, creating a hypnotic atmosphere. Usually, we keep our sight straight and walk ahead. But you may want to walk for a few seconds at least here with your heads held up – Don’t blame me if you feel dizzy.

Is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest a tourist trap?

It depends on how you take it. In our view, it isn’t a tourist trap but a unique landscape which you get only a few places in Japan. The Arashiyama bamboo grove in which you can walk around is 200m, and the rest of the area is fenced, where tourists aren’t allowed to enter.

How long does it take to walk through Bamboo Grove?

The grove is just 200m long. But I am warning you – it is one of the most famous spots in Kyoto (or even Japan?). So there will be a lot of tourists. So go early in the morning if you want to take pictures alone because the TikTokers and Influencers will take over the pathway. And avoid post-lunch. Evenings are better for strolling and not great for photographs.

Or go during the off-season as we did in December. Spend much time here instead of just waiting to get that “photo for the gram.” Because it is fun to watch how crazy tourists can go here and forgets the world to take a perfect photo.

How do I get to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

Saga Arashiyama station, where JR lines stop, is a kilometre walk from the grove. We chose to enter the forest through Tenyurji temple from Arashiyama town. Irrespective of your chosen path, you will walk at least 500m to the grove.

How much does it cost to go to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

Arashiyama bamboo is open 24hrs, and there are no entrance fees.

5. Hike along Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street

The best part of our Arashiyama day trip was our hike from the bamboo forest to Otagi Nenbutsu ji temple. The hike was in the plan, but we were totally unaware that we would be walking in one of the most beautiful villages in Japan.

The area is quaint and makes a nice stroll. There are signs in the area directing visitors to different sights and back to Saga-Arashiyama station. A 4km one-way walk is easy and involves walking on straight paths with little slope.

History of Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street.

During the Edo period (the 1600s-1860s), Saga Toriimoto was a bustling commercial hub, serving as a stop on the famous Tokaido Road that connected Kyoto and Edo (present-day Tokyo). The area was known for producing textiles, particularly silk and cotton, and many merchants and craftsmen.

What is special about this Street?

The hike begins at the bamboo forest and takes you through the woods and a small pool. Probably 5% of tourists who come to Arashiyama bamboo forest walk 4km to the Saga Toriimoto. So all you hear is bamboo rattling, birds chirping, and leaves rustling.

As you wander down the narrow road, lined with traditional machiya townhouses, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to another era.

What are Machiya houses?

Machiyas are traditional urban houses of the Edo period with wooden facades and delicate latticework on the windows. The sliding doors adorned with intricate designs will make you feel like you’re walking through a living museum.

I felt like I was the main character in Ghbli’s movie, especially Totoro – A girl walking to her home in a Japanese village.

But don’t be fooled by the antique appearance of this street – there are plenty of modern flairs to be found here as well. Because most of these houses are occupied – It isn’t an open-air museum. Everything that happens in any Japanese village happens here. The postman comes and delivers letters on his bicycle. Cafes and shops receive goods in a minivan. Some houses are converted into shops with quirky and creative goods by the local artisans who call this street home.

There are many cafes – most of which were closed in December 2023! I am not sure of the reason – It may be because it was December and a non-tourist season. Or it could even be Post Covid effect.

What to see along the Saga Toriimoto hiking trail?

You come across several shrines along the way. But, remember, most of them have a hefty entrance fee.

• Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji temple – We wanted to visit this temple because it has 1200 unique and whimsical statues covered partly in moss until we reached the temple gate, only to realize the entrance fees are 400 yen/person.
• Gio-Ji Temple – Another interesting temple you can add is Gioji temple which is famous for its moss garden. Mind that the moss garden remains lush green during peak autumn and summer.

6. Take a stroll through Kimono Forest.

The Keifuku Randen tram line’s station at Arashiyama has the craziest installation ever – There are cylinders a bit taller than human size wrapped with Kimono fabric, creating a unique pathway around the station.

While the Kimono Forest might seem like a whimsical art installation, it actually has a deeper meaning. The installation was created as part of a revitalization project for the Randen tram line, which runs through Arashiyama. The pillars of fabric are meant to evoke the feeling of a forest, a nod to the area’s natural beauty. At the same time, they pay tribute to the traditional textiles of Japan, which have been woven into the country’s cultural history for centuries.

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Visiting this during day time is less interesting than you do it after dusk – These cylinders get lit and are a great way to end your Arashiyama day trip.

Places in Arashiyama that aren’t worth your time.

Hailing from India, we have seen enough monkeys. But, of course, there is a difference between the Japanese macaque and the Indian rhesus monkey. Seeing Japanese monkeys in the Nagano snow forest is fascinating since it is one of a kind. But not in the gardens of Arashiyama.

Many bloggers talked about Arashiyama street food. And we were excited about it. However, after gobbling various things at Matsura Dori street of Gion in Kyoto at an affordable price, the similar overpriced food of Arashiyama was underwhelming. But I am sure we couldn’t have asked for a better zen food experience than Shigetsu.

Found our blog on the Arashiyama Day trip interesting? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Hi, Ashrith & Sahana here.

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Enjoy Kyoto's Arashiyama Onsen: 5 Recommended Ryokan Inns, Perfect for a Day Trip

Arashiyama is a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto, known for its traditional Japanese scenery and the Togetsukyo Bridge. There are a number of famous shrines , temples , and gardens , as well as the hot spring hot-spot known as Arashiyama Onsen . Although there are only a few onsen inns and day-trip facilities in the area, tourists love visiting for its convenient access to and from attractions, and the delicious foods and baths you can enjoy at your leisure. Arashiyama Onsen is the perfect travel base for sightseeing around Tenryu-ji Temple , Daikaku-ji Temple , or the famous bamboo groves of Sagano. Here are 5 recommended Arashiyama Onsen facilitates you'll want to visit, any time of the year!

What kind of onsen does Arashiyama have?

Getting to arashiyama, arashiyama seasonal highlights & best time to visit, sightseeing in arashiyama, 5 must-visit onsen ryokan inns and day trip facilities in arashiyama.

Arashiyama is located on the western edge of Kyoto City, with gorgeous scenic landscapes on display every season . About 100 years ago, there were only 2-3 hot spring inns in the area. But after a new spring source was discovered in 2004, the number of bath facilities has since increased. The water quality is that of a simple alkalescent hot spring , characterized by a still, soft texture. A soak in these springs is also said to aid in several health conditions, including neuralgia, muscle, and joint pains, bruises, chronic digestive issues, cold sensitivity, and fatigue.

Public Transportation

From Kyoto (and Tokyo area) ・From JR Kyoto Station , take Sanin Main Line (Sagano Line) to JR Saga - Arashiyama Station (approx. 16 min). From there, it's about 20 minutes on foot. ・From Kyoto Municipal Subway Kyoto Station , take Karasuma Line (approx. 4 min) to Shijo Station, and transfer to Hankyu Line. ・From Hankyu Karasuma Station, take Kyoto Line to Katsura Station (approx. 8 min), and transfer to Arashiyama Line to Hankyu Arashiyama Station (approx. 7 min). It's a short walk from there. From Osaka ・From Hankyu Umeda Station, take Kyoto Line via Katsura Station to the Arashiyama Line Arashiyama Station (approx. 47 min). It's a short walk from there.

From Kyoto (and Tokyo area) ・Take Meishin Expressway Kyoto South IC via National Route 1 and National Route 171 (approx. 40 min) From Osaka ・Take Kyoto Jukan Expressway Kutsukake IC via Route 9 (approx. 25 min)

Arashiyama is so close to the mountains , you'll be able to watch the leaves change colors with every season . Spring brings lovely cherry blossoms to Nakanoshima Park on the southwest side of Togetsukyo Bridge. Many people flock to see them during sakura season ! In the summer , you can watch the cormorants fishing for their meals from the pleasure boat that sets sail from north of Togetsukyo Bridge . Autumn dyes the mountains in delightful shades of red and yellow, and some temples and shrines in the Arashiyama area even hold nighttime illuminations. (Check our autumn foliage forecast for details before heading out!) And while tourism may dwindle in the winter , that makes it the ideal time to experience the still, quiet Arashiyama atmosphere.

There's much to see and do in Arashiyama . But one of the first places you'll want to visit is the Togetsukyo Bridge. Grab your camera and aim toward the mountain from the downstream side of the bridge. Now that's Japanese scenery! Then, take the road from the north side of Togetsukyo to Randen Arashiyama Station. It's lined with souvenir shops and restaurants you'll definitely want to check out on your way to Tenryu-ji Temple , the registered World Heritage Site that lies just beyond. Visit the scenic Japanese gardens , or rent a bicycle for a ride around the Sagano area and the Arashiyama bamboo forest ! (However, be sure to check out the sightseeing routes in advance to avoid getting lost!)

1. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho: Your own private open-air bath

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho is a Japanese inn right before Hankyu Arashiyama Station. You'll love the delicious food and the traditional Kyoto vibe. There's even an authentic Japanese tea room called Josuian, near the 1F waiting room. After checking in, you can select a yukata and obi of your choice. Couples can match outfits by choosing a pair with matching, traditional designs! Rooms come in three styles. Kyo Machiya is a Western-style room designed in the image of a townhouse, with beautiful screens and lattice frames. Kyo-wafu is a relaxing Japanese-style room, and Kyo-modern is a more Western take on the Kyoto atmosphere. There are nine types of rooms in all, differing by floor plan. Whether traveling with friends and family or alone, you'll be sure to find the perfect space to accommodate your trip!

The large, indoor public bath is a stone bath called 'Heian-no-Yu.' There's also a medicinal, open-air bath surrounded by rocks. You can also enjoy five types of private baths at no additional charge, each ranging in style and type: the barrel steam bath, 'Kiri-no-Yu,' the soothing, aromatic cypress bath, 'Musou-no-Yu,' the open-air radium bath, 'Akane-no-Yu,' the open-air carbonated bath, 'Takeniwa-no-Yu,' the open-air silk microbubble bath, 'Kinu-no-Yu.' However, note that there is no reservation system in place, so please check that the 'bath in progress' light is off before heading in. Also note that, unfortunately, guests with tattoos are not permitted in the public baths but may freely enjoy the private baths.

For dinner, dine at the hotel 's food alley, Kitayama Yusui, which happily serves all-you-can-eat homemade obanzai (Kyoto-style side dishes) and tempura . Sit at the window seats and look out at the courtyard, or dine in peace in the semi-private or completely private rooms. After dinner, walk off the meal with a stroll around the area. And if the hunger sets in again later on, grab a free yonaki soba (late-night ramen )! For breakfast, start the day on a healthy note with a Japanese set meal that includes even more Kyoto obanzai. (Note that this facility only supports Japanese language). Health & Safety Measures Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Masks requested/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

• Address 5-4 Arashiyama Nishiichikawacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-0003
• Phone Number 075-863-0489

・Check-in: From 3:00PM (Please contact regarding check-ins after 6:00PM) ・Check-out: From 11:00AM

2. Arashiyama Onsen Saishiki no Yado Hanaikada: A scenic, open-air bath

Arashiyama Onsen Saishiki no Yado Hanaikada is an inn south of Togetsukyo Bridge. Located right next to Togetsukobashi Bridge, you'll enjoy the picturesque scenery of pleasure boats floating down the stream right before your eyes! The open-air bath also boasts an incredible view of the Togetsukyo Bridge, Oi River , and Arashiyama landscape , which varies in color with the seasons . A soak in this spring with such a beautiful view is guaranteed to make an unforgettable memory of your trip!

The large communal bath area includes indoor baths for men and women, as well as an open-air bath. Open-air baths Oigawa and Katsuragawa offer views of the sacred mountain , Mt. Atago, towering at 924 meters tall! Note that men's and women's bathing times alternate, so be sure to check in advance before you go. In general, tattoos are not permitted in the public baths. However, guests with tattoos may reserve a private bath.

Seasonal dishes of local Kyoto vegetables and delicious tofu are served on beautiful tableware, and come in a variety of styles of Japanese cuisine , including kaiseki cuisine and hot pots. There's also a popular day trip plan for Kyoto cuisine and hot springs alone. Pamphlets are available in English and Chinese, and some indoor signs also include English. They are currently working on adding more basic English support. Health & Safety Measures Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Disinfection after each guest - Ventilation measures taken - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Masks requested/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

• Address 57 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-0004 View Map
• Nearest Station Arashiyama Station （Keifuku Dentetsu-arashiyama Line）

Vacancy search, reservation

• Please enquire directly about rates. View Deal

Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

3. Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto: Relaxing hot springs and delicious local Kyoto cuisine

Upstream of Togetsukyo Bridge, along the Hozu River , lies Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto, a popular inn that many also visit for its restaurant, teppanyaki , and tea house alone. A free one-way taxi service to the inn operates from JR Kyoto Station . You can also take a free, one-way rickshaw ride from JR Saga - Arashiyama Station, Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Line, and Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Reception is available 24 hours a day in English, Chinese, and Korean. Room service and concierge services are also available for your comfort.

The inn has 39 modern guest rooms decorated with traditional Japanese beauty . Of these rooms, 17 include their own natural, open-air hot spring . On the 3rd floor are two private, natural hot spring spas, called 'Raku' and 'An.' Both are exclusive to hotel guests. (Reservations required / 45 min limit per person or group / 4,427 yen per person / bathing tax 150 yen per person)

Autumn foliage season lasts from mid-November to early December. At this time, you'll be able to enjoy the colorful Arashiyama scenery from the private garden , the bath, and from some of the popular rooms with a view.

The restaurant, Kyo-Suiran, was renovated from a Meiji Era villa that belonged to a business family. Here, you can indulge in innovative dishes that combine kaiseki and French cuisine, from the luxurious atmosphere of a fancy mansion. Vegan and vegetarian options, as well as options for people with allergies, may also be arranged, but be sure to consult with them in advance. Health & Safety Measures Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Disinfection after each guest - Ventilation measures taken - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Masks requested/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff - Automatic check-in - contactless correspondence

• Address 12 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8385 View Map
• Nearest Station Torokkoarashiyama Station （Sagano Sight-seeing Tram）
• from 117,585JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal
• from 119,945JPY 1room, 2adults View Deal

4. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei: A relaxing soak and delicious meals

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei is a long-established hot spring inn built in 1897. There are two buildings for food and bathing: the riverside building, Hekisenkaku, and the mountainside building, Shuzankaku. All rooms are designed in the traditional Japanese style, with tatami mats and shoji screens, creating an atmospheric space perfect for relaxation.

The Arashiyama -no-ma room bath on the first floor of Shuzankaku is a natural, wood-scented hot spring bath attached to a beautiful courtyard with flowing waters. Take a leisurely soak as you enjoy the garden view through the glass window. This space was created in response to feedback from guests who wanted to enjoy the springs without having to use the large public bath. Of course, you may still stay in a regular room and soak in the large public baths if you want to! Soothe away your fatigue in the abundant hot waters, regardless of which bath you choose.

Meals are in the traditional Kyoto Kaiseki style. The aesthetics of the inn and the skill of the chefs stand out in these gorgeous gourmets, from the light soup stock and delicious ingredients, to the beautiful, colorful presentations of each dish. Breakfast includes boiled tofu from a famous local tofu shop. Brochures, building displays, and customer service are available in English. Health & Safety Measures Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Disinfection after each guest - Ventilation measures taken - Plastic partitions installed - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Masks requested/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

• Address 54-4 Arashiyama Nakanoshitacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-0004
• Phone Number 075-871-1310

・Check-in: From 4:00PM ・Check-out: From 10:00AM

5. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Yubadokoro Fufu-no-Yu: The perfect hot spring for a casual day trip

Head to Nakanoshima from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, which connects to Togetsukyo Bridge. Right in front of Nakanoshima Bridge is the day-trip hot spring facility, 'Fufu-no-Yu,' the perfect spot for a daytime soak followed by a stroll around Arashiyama and Sagano. You may also want to stop by on your way back from sightseeing. The facility is conveniently located a short 3-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

The indoor bath area has not only the hot springs , but a dry sauna, a mist sauna, a silk bath, and a cold bath. Relax your body and mind as you soak in these open-air baths while gazing out at the garden . The women's open-air bath area also has a cherry blossom tree. So if you visit during the spring , you can even watch the cherry blossoms as you bathe!

Don't worry about bringing too much of your own stuff. The bath provides rental towels for 200 yen, or you can buy your own for only 100 yen! It also includes plenty of other leisure facilities, including a rest area, a manga corner, a shop, and a hand massage corner. Please note that guests with visible tattoos and guests who are intoxicated are not permitted in the bath. Also note that the facility is only available in Japanese. Health & Safety Measures Indoor disinfection measures taken - Sanitizer available - Ventilation measures taken - Staff wear masks, gargle, wash hands regularly, and monitor body temperature - Capacity limited/increased space between seats - Admission restricted; reservations advised - Entry declined to anyone feeling unwell - Masks requested/temperature check enforced - Restrictions on room service (entry) for staff

• Address 1 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-0001
• Phone Number 075-863-1126

Hours: 12:00PM-10:00PM (Last reception: 9:30PM) Price: Adults (junior high & up): 1,000 yen (Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 1,200 yen) Children (3 & up): 600 yen Babies (2 & under): 300 yen Closed: Irregular holidays

Arashiyama is a wonderful area with so many sights and attractions, one day isn't possibly enough to cover them all! So why not book a hot spring inn, indulge in delicious Kyoto cuisine, and check out the shrines and temples while you're there? Then, after a round of sightseeing, ease your fatigue at a day-trip facility before moving on to round two! No matter where in the world you come from, visitors from all over are bound to find something they love in amongst these little-known, wonderful hot springs ! *Information in article as of October 2022. Please see official websites for the latest updates & information. English translation by: Krys Suzuki

• Area Arashiyama, Uzumasa
• Category Other Accommodations Ryokan

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Arashiyama Half Day

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

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Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan’s most incredible sights. Our walking tour route allows you to enjoy the Bamboo Grove and the surrounding sights while avoiding the worst of the crowds.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Introduction

Located about 7km west of downtown Kyoto, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing districts. The heart of the district is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing grove of thousands of tall bamboo plants. A paved walkway runs through the middle of both sections, forming the famous “Bamboo Alley,” one of Kyoto’s most photographed sights.

It was possible to have the entire place to yourself just a few years ago. Now, if you go during high season, you’ll find almost as many selfie sticks as bamboo stalks. Luckily, the crowds tend to thin out as you make your way away from the main street of Arashiyama. Our walking tour below is designed to get you away from the crowds as quickly as possible.

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About the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is really two separate bamboo groves, both of which are sandwiched between Tenryu-ji Temple grounds and the JR Sagano-Saiin line train tracks. The combined length is about 500 meters, and the grove is about 140 meters wide. In the middle of the eastern section, near the main street, you’ll find Nonomiya-jinja Shrine, a popular Shinto Shrine, while on the southern edge of the western section, you’ll find the beautiful gardens and halls of Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s most beautiful Buddhist temples.

Many people wonder about the meaning or purpose of the bamboo grove. As a matter of fact, it’s merely decorative. Arashiyama has been a favorite location of imperial and noble villas and temples from the days of classical Japan (the Heian Period). Bamboo was a popular element in the gardens of these villas. During the Edo Period, bamboo was cultivated in the area for use in many Japanese crafts, as well as for eating (bamboo shoots are a popular ingredient in Japanese food). Due to economic changes in the modern era, many bamboo groves in Arashiyama were abandoned or turned into residential areas. However, the government acted in in 1967 to protect the remaining bamboo groves, so that today we can enjoy the fantastic grove we see today.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour Route

While it’s possible to enter the Bamboo Grove directly from the main street of Arashiyama, we find that the first section is always too crowded. Thus, in the following route, you will enter via the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple. This allows you to enjoy the temple and also skip the worst of the crowds. After traversing the best part of the Bamboo Grove, you’ll visit Okochi-Sanso Villa and then enter Kameyama-koen Park, before descending to the Katsura-gawa River and walking downstream back to the main street of Arashiyama.

This walk can be done in about an hour if you walk non-stop. If you slow down and enjoy the sights along the way, plan on three or four hours. Hint: the restaurants are usually pretty busy in Arashiyama, so consider picking up some picnic supplies at a bakery or convenience store before heading out to Arashiyama and eating them in Kameyama-koen Park (along the route). For transport directions to Arashiyama, see our main Arashiyama page .

The route and the sights mentioned here are all shown on the map at the end of this page.

Arashiyama Benkei

Start your walk from the main street of Arashiyama near Keifuku Arashiyama Station. Walk north (away from the river). You will soon see the main entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple on the left. Enter through this entrance.

If you missed the main entrance, there is another entrance just a bit further along. They both go to the same place.

Walk toward the temple (in the direction of the mountains). You will soon come to a sign for the temple and the ticket booth. Continue straight toward the temple.

The next sign indicates the choice between visiting the garden and visiting the main hall of the temple. We recommend visiting the garden only, so take a left here.

Buy your ticket at the ticket booth and enter the garden. The garden here is one of the best in Kyoto, so take your time to enjoy it before continuing.

Make your way past the pond and work your way uphill toward the Tahoden Hall. Just beyond this, you will see the North Exit of the temple.

Exit the temple via the North Exit. You will find yourself at the bottom of the western section of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Take a left and walk uphill.

Walk uphill through the famous “Bamboo Alley.”

When you reach the top of the slope, look to the right and you will see entrance to Okochi-Sanso Villa diagonally across from you. This superb villa and garden is well worth a visit. Be sure to hold onto your ticket as it will get you a cup of matcha tea and a sweet after you explore the garden.

Here’s a picture of the sign at the entrance to Okochi-Sanso Villa.

We recommend following the full route through the garden at Okochi-Sanso. It’s clearly marked with signs. Then, make your way to the tearoom area when you’re done for a nice break.

When you have finished your tea break, exit the villa the way you came in. Take a right at the bottom of the slope and walk south (toward the open park area). This will bring you to the entrance to Kameyama-koen Park.

Shortly after entering the park, take the cobblestone path uphill. Keep walking until you reach the summit of the park.

There is a viewing area at the summit of the park that affords excellent views of the Arashiyama Mountains and down to the Hozu-gawa River (the name of the river changes to the Katsura-gawa just downstream from here).

Now, walk downhill, sticking to the pathways on your right (the southern edge of the park).

You will soon come to a narrow footpath branching off on your right. Take this path.

The path descends some cobblestone steps.

Keep heading downhill, sticking to the right. You will soon pass the wooden sign for Shorai-an, a traditional tofu restaurant. The river will also appear through the trees at this point. Head down the paths to the river.

You’ll soon arrive at the pleasant, flat walkway along the Katsura-gawa River. Take a left and follow it downstream.

A few hundred meters of walking along the river will bring you back to the heart of Arashiyama and the main road. To the left is Keifuku Arashiyama Station, to the right, across the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, is Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour Map

All the sites mentioned here are on this map. The map also shows the walking tour route described above:

View a full-sized version of the Arashiyama map.

Places to Stay and Eat in Arashiyama

For our recommended restaurants and accommodations in Arashiyama, check out our main Arashiyama page .

Kyoto Walking Tour: Arashiyama

Kyoto vacation checklist.

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

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Best Onsen Near The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

The  Arashiyama Bamboo Groove  is one of the places you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting  Kyoto . And even though this isn’t one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring resorts, there are a few  onsens near Kyoto’s bamboo forest  that you could enjoy before heading back to Japan’s former capital to see even more beautiful temples and shrines.

For day trippers the best onsen near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest are Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Hanaikada, Fufu no Yu Onsen, Tenzan no Yu, and Nizaemon No Yu. Except for Nizaemon No Yu, they are all within walking distance of Kyoto’s bamboo grove and can be reached in 15 – 20 minutes.

There are more beautiful hot springs nearby, but they belong to Onsen Ryokans and can only be used if you stay for one night. Since I’m sure that an authentic ryokan experience is also really high on your list, I have listed them after my onsen recommendations. Just be aware that most ryokans in Arashiyama are expensive, because, in ancient times, this was a resort area for the royal family and nobles.

Best Onsen Near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

After some research, I found 4 onsens near the bamboo forest in Kyoto that you can visit as a non-staying guest. One of them is also an onsen ryokan and is a bit more expensive, but the other 3 are public hot spring baths with normal prices. The closest onsen is just 14 minutes away from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

1. Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Hanaikada (14 minutes away)

Location:  14 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

General Information:  Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Ryokan Hanaikada (嵐山温泉 彩四季の宿 花筏) is an authentic Japanese-style ryokan hotel just 14 minutes away from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Other famous sights nearby include the Togetsukyo Bridge, the symbol of Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Gio-ji Temple. They can be reached in 5, 10, and 20 minutes on foot.

About the Onsen:  The ryokan’s onsen has 6 types of baths as well as a private onsen with views of the Togetsukyo Bridge. All of the baths are filled with 100% natural hot spring water that comes from the Arashiyama Hot Spring. One of their bathing facilities features a beautiful indoor bath entirely made of cypress and a rotenburo made of bamboo. Bathing is possible from 11:00 – 13:00 o’clock and from 17:00 – 09:00 o’clock the next morning.

Private Onsen:  You can rent Hanaikada’s private open-air onsen for 1,500円 (about $14 or 12€) if you stay overnight or book one of their meal day trip plans. Each bathing session is 40 minutes and please note that you have to make a reservation beforehand.

Day Visit:  The onsen ryokan welcomes day visitors but only in combination with a meal plan which you need to book in advance. Their cheapest plans start from about 3,500円 (about $32 or 30€). For about double the price you will get your own private tatami room and the food will be served there. And if you should be willing to pay about 10,000円 (about $90 or 85€) you will get a room with a private onsen. Bathing is possible from 11:00 – 14:30/17:30.

Stay:  From 20,000円 (about $185 or 169€)

Access:  The nearest JR station is Saga-Arashiyama Station from where it is a 13-minute walk to the Onsen Ryokan. From Kyoto, the whole trip will take about 30 – 40 minutes.

Website:   www.hanaikada.co.jp

2. Fufu No Yu Onsen (17 minutes away)

Location:  17 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

General Information:  Fufu No Yu Onsen (風風の湯) sometimes also written as Fu-fu-no-yu is a hot spring bathing facility south of Togetsukyo Bridge. Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is about 17 minutes away. This onsen is the only real public onsen bath near the bamboo groove and the perfect place to experience a Japanese hot spring if you don’t want to stay at one of the onsen ryokans.

About the Onsen:  The public hot spring has gender-separated bathing facilities that feature 2 indoor baths and 1 outdoor bath each. The smaller one of the 2 indoor baths has silky white water while the water of the other 2 is clear. You can also enjoy 2 different kinds of saunas, a dry sauna, and a mist sauna. The onsen is open from 12:00 until 21:30 and the last entry is at 21:00 o’clock. There are no regular holidays but sometimes the bath might be closed for maintenance. So better check their homepage before you want to go.

Access:  The nearest JR station is Saga-Arashiyama Station from where it takes about 16 minutes on foot to the public onsen. From Kyoto Station, the whole trip will take about 35 minutes.

Price:  On weekdays it is 1,000円 (about $10 or 8€), on weekends it is 1,200円 (about $12 or 10€). If you can bring your own towel or otherwise you have to borrow one for an additional 200円.

Website:   www.hotespa.net/spa/fufu  (Japanese)

3. Sagano Onsen – Tenzan No Yu (18 minutes away)

Location:  18 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Sagano, Kyoto

General Information:  Tenzan No Yu (天山の湯) is a bathing facility located in Sagano, which is the name of the area east of the Katsura River and Arashiyama. Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest is still easily accessible, though. On foot, it will take you about 28 minutes to get to the onsen. But you could also take the Random Tram Line to Arashiyama Station and get to the bamboo forest in 18 minutes (a 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station). However, please note that the streetcar is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

About the Onsen:  Tenzan No Yu Onsen is a real hot spring oasis that features all kinds of tubs in its gender-separated bathing facilities. In the outdoor area, there are 2 rotenburo, 2 tsubo (pot) baths, and a lie-down bath. Indoors you have a large indoor bath, a jet bath, and an electric jet bath, and a cold water bath.

The women bathing facilities also have a silky nanobubble bath, and hot water pot baths as well as a rocky sauna and a salt sauna. While in the men’s area you will find a lukewarm pot bath, a sitting bath (looks like a bank), and a theater sauna with TV. Near the relaxation area, you can also find different footbaths and a fish spa (costs extra, though). This is by far one of the best-equipped onsens I have seen so far.

The opening hours of the onsen are from 10:00 o’clock in the morning until 01:00 o’clock at night. So you could easily stop by on your way back from Arashiyama to Kyoto. The last entry is at midnight. If you would also like to enjoy one of their renowned meal sets you can do this from 11:00 – 23:30.

Price:  1,050円 (about $10 or 8€). Don’t forget to bring a towel or you will have to pay an additional 200円 to borrow one. The tickets allow for “re-bathing”. So you can relax in the rest area or enjoy their delicious traditional Kyoto cuisine and bathe one more time.

Access:  The nearest JR station is Uzumasa Station. This is one station before Saga-Arashiyama Station. From Uzumasa Station you can walk to the onsen in about 14 minutes. From Kyoto Station, it will take you about 30 minutes.

Website:   www.ndg.jp/tenzan

4. Kyoto Katsura Onsen – Nizaemon No Yu (40 minutes away)

Location:  38 minutes away from the Bamboo Forest, Katsura, Kyoto

General Information:  Nizaemon No Yu (仁左衛門の湯) is a hot spring bathing facility about 38 minutes further south of Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest. It is located in the Katsura district of Kyoto. This area has been a popular location for moon viewing among the nobles of the Heian court. Just a bit further west of the station, near the river, you can find the Katsura Imperial Villa. This historic palace from the 17th century has a scenic Japanese garden with small teahouses.

About the Onsen:  This onsen has 2 different bathing facilities. One of them features an open-air rock bath and the other one features an open-air cypress bath. The bathing facilities are alternated between the genders on a daily base. If you prefer one over the other you can check on their homepage beforehand. Besides the outdoor bath, you can also enjoy a large indoor bath, a jet bath, a jacuzzi, and a sauna. The spring water comes from 2 natural hot springs that flow 600 and 1,500 meters deep. Bathing is possible from 10:00 o’clock in the morning until 02:00 o’clock in the evening. On weekends they open at 8:00 o’clock.

Price:  700円 (about $7 or 6€) on weekdays and 850円 (about $8 or 7€) on weekends and national holidays. The additional fee for a towel is just 100円.

Access:  From Arashiyama you can ride the Hankyu-Arashiyama line to Katsura Station from where it is a 27-minute walk to the hot spring. This will take about 50 minutes from the Bamboo Forest. A faster way is by bus. It only takes about 30 – 40 minutes but you need to transfer once at Matsuo Taisha Mae. From Kyoto Station, you could get to the onsen in 30 minutes.

Website:   www.nizaemon.com  (Japanese)

Onsen Ryokan Near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto

While I was very happy that I found a few nice hot springs you can visit as a day tripper, most of the onsens near the bamboo forest are actually exclusively for staying guests of onsen ryokans. They are definitely not the cheapest ryokans you can find around Kyoto, but some of the best. So if you don’t have any plans to visit one of Japan’s famous onsen towns or if you are still looking for a beautiful ryokan near Kyoto, here they are.

Arashiyama Benkei (13 minutes away)

Location:  13 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

General Information:  Arashiyama Benkei (嵐山辨慶) is located right in the center of Arashiyama and just a short 13-minute walk away from the famous bamboo grove. This is one of the best and most renowned ryokans that you can find in Kyoto. As you would expect from such an upscale ryokan everything from the traditional Kaiseki course meals to the Japanese rooms, to the views over the river and the forested slopes are exceptional. Sights nearby are Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, the Kimono Forest, and Kameyama Park.

About the Onsen:  The ryokan’s small onsen facilities are gender-separated indoor onsen baths. The bathing water comes from the Arashiyama Onsen hot spring. Nothing too special but if you book from their webpage you can use their private open-air baths for free.

Private Onsen:  Arashiyama Benkei has 3 private onsen baths that can be used for free for 45 minutes if you book via their official homepage. One of the private baths is a wooden barrel, while the others are normal Japanese-style pools. All of the private onsens are open-air baths and you can even enter if you have tattoos. On their webpage, they even directly invite the LGBT community which in my opinion is very nice and rare in Japan.

Stay:  From 40,000円 (about $371 or 339€)

Access:  From Saga-Arashiyama Station, the nearest JR Station it will only take you 12 minutes to walk to the Onsen Ryokan. From Kyoto, it will take you 29 minutes in total.

Website:   www.benkei.biz

Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel (10 minutes away)

Location:  10 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

General Information:  Suiran (翠嵐) is a luxury-style Ryokan set along the Katsura River and right in front of Arashiyama. It is probably the closest Onsen Ryokan to Kyoto’s Bamboo Forest. Kameyama Park and Togetsukyo Bridge are also just around the corner. Here at this luxurious but authentic Ryokan, you can experience Japan’s hospitality, traditional Kyoto cuisine, and architecture at its finest. From the Ryokan, you have beautiful views over the jade-green river and when dining in the 100-year-old Japanese villa you can overlook the Japanese Garden. But as the name already suggests, this is an expensive stay.

Private Onsen:  Suiran doesn’t have a public onsen bath, only private ones. 17 out of their 39 rooms have a hot spring bath directly in their room, but they also have 2 private onsens with bigger open-air baths that can be rented for 3,500円 (about $32 or 29€). They can be rented from  6:00 –  11:00 and from 15:00 – 23:00. The hot spring water for the private onsens comes from the Arashiyama Onsen Spring.

Stay:  Way too expensive

Access:  The nearest JR station is Saga-Arashiyama Station from where it is an 18-minute walk to the Onsen Ryokan. From Kyoto, it will take you 35 minutes to get here.

Website:   www.mariott.com/hotels/travel/suiran

Togetsutei (14 minutes away)

General Information:  Togetsutei (渡月亭) is a long-established Ryokan in Arashiyama with a history of more than 150 years. The inn is located south of Togetsukyo Bridge opposite the banks of an inlet of the Katsura River. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is just a short 14-minute walk away and to Iwatayama Monkey Park it also only takes 12 minutes on foot.

About the Onsen:  The onsen facilities of the ryokan are pretty basic but with an ancient touch. Unfortunately, the marble and granite make the bath look more western than Japanese, but still, I think it looks beautiful. There’s only one indoor bath in the gender-separated bathing areas, but the water comes from the Arashiyama Onsen spring. Bathing is possible from 16:00 o’clock until midnight and in the morning from 6:00 – 9:oo o’clock.

Private Onsen:  Togetsutei Ryokan also has a private onsen that can be rented for 2,500円 (about $24 or 22€) for 45 minutes or for 5,000円 (about $46 or 42€) for 105 minutes. The private onsen has a similar Romanian style.

Access:  Saga-Arashiyama Station is the nearest JR Station. From the station, you can walk to the Onsen Ryokan in 14 minutes. The whole trip from Kyoto will take about 30 minutes.

Website:   www.togetsukei.co.jp  (English Translation available)

Kadensho (16 minutes away)

Location:  16 minutes from the Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama, Kyoto

General Information:  Kadensho (花伝抄) is a luxurious onsen ryokan located in Arashiyama. Kyoto’s bamboo groove is just a short 16-minute walk away and other sites like Togestukyo Bridge or the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama are even closer. The traditional inn is highly recommended and has everything you would want from a ryokan experience, but please read the details about the hot spring baths below.

About the Onsen:  The bathing facilities of the ryokan consist of a large indoor bath with a silk bath, and a rotenburo. On their webpage, it says that the water comes from the Arashiyama Onsen spring, a weak alkaline thermal spring with a lot of beauty benefits for the skin, but only the indoor baths are real onsen. The open-air baths are actually Kusuri-yu, which means that bath salts are added to the water. On another Japanese webpage, I also read that actually only the men’s indoor bath uses real hot spring water, but this might be outdated information. Nevertheless, if you want to soak in a real onsen, it might be better to skip this one.

Private Onsen:  A very nice thing about this onsen ryokan is that there are 5 private baths that you can rent for free. 3 of them (Ichi no Yu, Ni no Yu, and Shi no Yu) have a traditional Japanese style while the 2 others look more like a Romanian bathhouse. You also don’t need to reserve them in advance, as long as the in-use lamp is off you can enter.

Stay:  From 15,000円 (about $139 or 129€)

Access:  The nearest JR station is Saga-Arashiyama Station from where it is an 18-minute walk to Kadenshou Onsen Ryokan. From Kyoto, the whole journey will take 35 minutes.

Website:   www.hotespa.net/hotels/kadensho  (Japanese)

More Onsen Near Kyoto

If you want to take a look at even more hot springs, check out my post about the best onsen towns near Kyoto and Osaka . You will find some of the oldest hot spring resorts and some really nice beach onsens with ocean views .

Hey. I'm Alex. I've been living in Japan since 2015. Before moving to Tokyo, I traveled through Japan for 7 months to visit all 47 prefectures. Traveling and living in Japan has been so much fun and such an incredible experience that I decided to write about it. Hopefully, my articles help you to get the most out of your trip and to fully enjoy your time in Japan! Feel for free follow me on Twitter and/or Instagram .

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