Summary of Recommended Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama Area.

This article summarizes the main tourist attractions in Arashiyama Area.
In this area, you can enjoy various scenic views throughout the seasons, including the Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers different beauty with each season, and a straight path through a bamboo forest.
Be sure to check out this article and consider a trip to Kyoto.

Togetsukyo Bridge

A symbol of Arashiyama, and it’s no exaggeration to say, is the Togetsukyo Bridge.

The name is derived from Emperor Kameyama, who said, “It resembles the moon crossing the sky without clouds.”
This means, “On a clear night, the moon appears as if it’s crossing a bridge in the sky.”

From the Togetsukyo Bridge, you can enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of the four seasons.

During my visit in the height of summer, the lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see.

As night falls, the area is beautifully illuminated, offering breathtaking views. It’s a common spot for couples, and the entire area, including the Togetsukyo Bridge, is perfect for a date, thanks to its stunning scenery.

Information

• Address: 1-5 Sagatenryuji Mononobambaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR San’in Main Line Saga-Arashiyama Station.
  • Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Station.
  • Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Hankyu Electric Railway Arashiyama Station.
• Phone Number: 075-213-1717 (Kyoto City Tourism Association)
• Operating Hours: Open for self-guided exploration
• Admission: Free

Bamboo Grove

This is a pathway that spans approximately 200 meters, leading from Nonomiya Shrine to the Okochi Sanso Villa Garden.

On both sides of the path, lush bamboo grows, towering so high that it seems to cover the sky.

The surrounding area is home to iconic spots in Kyoto, such as Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge, creating a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by nature in the entire Arashiyama region.

When you visit Arashiyama, be sure to take a stroll along this Bamboo Grove Path.

You can even travel along the Bamboo Grove Path in a rickshaw, so if you have some extra money to spare, it’s an interesting option to consider.

The Bamboo Grove Path may be familiar to some people even if they haven’t visited it in person.
Even during the height of summer, the interior of the Bamboo Grove Path remains pleasantly cool, with a refreshing breeze, making it a delightful experience.

The Bamboo Grove Path sees a constant flow of tourists, making it challenging to capture photos during moments with fewer people.

However, because every section of the Bamboo Grove Path can be considered a photography spot, it’s enjoyable to patiently explore the short path while taking pictures.

If you want to experience the tranquility of the bamboo grove, early morning or rainy days are excellent times to visit, as they tend to have fewer visitors.

Information

• Address: Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Randen Arashiyama Station and JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
  • Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
• Phone Number: 075-861-0012 (Arashiyama Hosho-kai)
• Closed on: None
• Operating Hours: Open for self-guided exploration
• Admission: Free

Hogon-in

Hogon-in is a Buddhist temple.

Hogon-in is a historic temple dating back to the Heian period and is particularly renowned for its beautiful gardens and scenery.

The garden called “Shishiho no Niwa,” created by Zen master Sakuho Shuroryo, is a highlight, and you can enjoy autumn foliage there.

Hogon-in is a precious site that is only open to the public during spring and autumn.

It’s a good idea to check the official website for the opening dates before planning your visit.

It is among the top places in Kyoto to enjoy exceptionally beautiful landscapes, and it’s one of the author’s favorite spots.

During the special autumn openings, you can also witness the breathtaking spectacle of a carpet of vibrant autumn foliage.

Information

• Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Mononobambaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • Approximately 15 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
  • Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Station.
• Phone Number: 075-861-0091
• Operating Hours:
  • Normally closed to the public.
  • Special openings typically occur during the following periods:
    • Spring Special Opening: Mid-March to the end of June, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM).
    • Autumn Special Opening: Early October to mid-December, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission for the main hall at 4:30 PM, and for the garden at 4:45 PM).
• Admission Fee:
  • Adults: 500 yen
  • Elementary school students: 300 yen
• Official Website: Hogon-in

Tenryu-ji

Tenryu-ji is also a well-known Buddhist temple, celebrated for its historical architecture and beautiful gardens from the Heian period.
Tenryu-ji was founded during the Muromachi era. In 1339, it was established by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.

The temple was built to console the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo, who had been a lifelong rival of Ashikaga Takauji.
Notably, the famous “Tenryu-ji ship” was constructed to generate funds for the construction of Tenryu-ji and was named after the temple.

One of the most renowned features of Tenryu-ji is its location amidst the beautiful natural surroundings of Arashiyama, offering breathtaking gardens and landscapes.
The gardens are especially famous during the autumn foliage season, attracting numerous tourists who come to appreciate the stunning fall colors.
Additionally, the temple’s buildings and cultural treasures are noteworthy, providing an opportunity to immerse in Japan’s Buddhist culture.

Information

• Address: 68 Sagatenryuji Mononobambaba-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • Kyoto Electric Railway Arashiyama Line, “Arashiyama” station (alight before arrival)
  • JR Saga Arashiyama Line, 13 minutes on foot from “Saga Arashiyama” station
  • Hankyu Railway, 15 minutes on foot from “Arashiyama” station
• Phone Number: 075-881-1235
• Closed on: Open year-round
• Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:50 PM)
• Admission Fees:
  • Gardens (Sogenchi Pond and Hyakkaen Garden):
    • High school students and above: 500 yen
    • Middle and elementary school students: 300 yen
    • Preschool children: Free
    • Visitors presenting a disability ID card and one accompanying caregiver: 100 yen discount
  • Various Halls (Daikaku-ji, Shoin, Tahoden):
    • An additional 300 yen with garden admission fee
    • Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:45 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
  • Special Viewing of “Cloud Dragon” in the Hodo Hall:
    • 500 yen per person (Separate from the regular admission fee)
    • Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
• Official Website: Tenryu-ji

Saiho-ji (Koke-dera)

Within the gardens of Saiho-ji, there are approximately 120 different types of moss covering the landscape.
This enchanting temple, beautifully adorned with lush green moss, is often referred to as the “Moss Temple.”

Just like the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), the Moss Temple is a historic site registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The temple is designed with an upper and lower garden.
The upper garden features a dry landscape garden called “kare-sansui,” which uses rocks and sand to depict landscapes.
The lower garden utilizes a pond and a circuit-style garden, known as a “pond and stream garden.”
This style centers around garden paths that encircle a pond and its surroundings.

This garden style had a significant influence on later garden designs.
It is famously known that Ashikaga Yoshimasa used Saiho-ji as a model when constructing Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion).

Saiho-ji’s garden presents various facets depending on the season, making it a truly artistic and natural masterpiece worth witnessing.

Please note that a visit to Saiho-ji requires advance reservations, so be sure to check for details [here].

Information

• Address: 56 Matsuo Jingatani-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • From Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto Bus Route 73 or 83, and alight at the last stop “Kokedera Suzumushi-dera.” It’s a 2-3 minute walk from there.
  • From Saga-Arashiyama Station: Approximately a 10-minute taxi ride.
• Phone Number: 075-391-3631
• Closed on: August 14, December 30, December 31
• Visiting Hours:
  • Normally open in the morning (usually from around 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM).
  • Visitation is only possible for those who have made advance reservations.
• Admission Fee:
  • 3,000 yen per person when applying via mail (round-trip postcard application).
  • 4,000 yen per person when applying online.
• Please note:
  • For round-trip postcard applications, the application period is from 2 months to 2 weeks prior to the desired visit date (based on the postmark date).
  • For online applications, the application period is from 2 weeks to the day before the desired visit date.
• Official Website: Saiho-ji

Sagano Romantic Train (Sagano Tram)

The Sagano Scenic Railway, or Sagano Torokko Train, is a popular train that operates year-round.
All seats are designated, and the train is entirely non-smoking.

If you plan to ride the Torokko Train, it’s advisable to first check the seat availability on the [official website].
Tickets are available for purchase from one month before the departure date.
Given its popularity, it’s recommended to purchase your tickets as early as possible.
Seats may become limited if you wait too long, so please be mindful of this.

Throughout the operating season, the train offers a multitude of attractions.
The Torokko Train travels at a leisurely speed of approximately 25 km/h, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery and savor the unique rocking motion of the train.
The large windows provide an excellent view of the landscape even while seated.

In spring, you can admire the full bloom of cherry blossoms and their falling petals.
Summer brings fresh green leaves and a refreshing breeze, while autumn showcases the vibrant colors of fall foliage.
This allows you to enjoy the ever-changing natural landscapes of the four seasons.

The Torokko Train operates not only around Saga-Arashiyama but also has routes to Arashiyama, Hozukyo, and Kameoka.
Each route offers unique and scenic experiences, so it’s a good idea to purchase your Torokko Train tickets based on the tourist destinations you plan to visit.

Additionally, there is an open-air car known as the “Rich Car,” and its tickets are only available for purchase on the day of travel.
If you want to enjoy the views from the Torokko Train to the fullest, consider buying tickets for the Rich Car.
Keep in mind that these tickets may sell out quickly during certain times, so arriving a bit early at the ticket sales office can be a wise move.

Information

• Address: Sagano Tenryu-ji Shado-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access: Adjacent to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, Sagano Line
• Phone Number: 075-861-8511 (Sagano Sightseeing Railway Co., Ltd.)
• Closed on:
  • Wednesdays (Operates during spring break, Golden Week, summer break, and autumn foliage season)
  • December 30 to the end of February
  • Please check the official website for details on operating hours for special trains.
• Operating Hours:
  • Downhill (From Sagano Station to Kameoka Station): [First Departure] 10:02 AM / [Last Departure] 4:02 PM
  • Uphill (From Kameoka Station to Sagano Station): [First Departure] 10:30 AM / [Last Departure] 4:30 PM
  • Special trains are also available; please check the official website for details.
• Fare:
  • One-way ticket 880 yen
  • One-way ticket for elementary school students (under 12 years old) 440 yen.
  • All seats are reserved.
• Official Website: Sagano Torokko Train

Uzumasa Eigamura (Toei Movie Land)

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, also known as Toei Kyoto Studio Park, is a theme park located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto.

It features recreated sets and scenes from historical Japanese movies and period dramas.
This entertainment facility allows visitors to experience a time-travel adventure within the sets of Japan’s cinematic history.

Toei Uzumasa Eigamura offers an opportunity to explore Japan’s film industry and its cinematic history, providing an enjoyable experience for film enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the landscapes, streets, and action scenes of the Edo and Meiji periods, featuring samurais and ninjas.
Additionally, exciting action shows performed by actors and stuntmen can be witnessed.

Information

• Address: 10 Uzumasa Hachioka-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
• Map: Google Maps
• Access:
  • 5 minutes on foot from JR Uzumasa Station.
  • 5 minutes on foot from Randen Uzumasa-Hiro Takiguchi Station.
  • 2 minutes on foot from Randen Satsueijo-mae Station.
  • 2 minutes on foot from the bus stop “Uzumasa Kaicho.”
• Phone Number: 0570-064349
• Closed on: None
• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Please verify on the official website as hours may vary by season and day of the week.)
• Admission Fees:
  • Adults: 2,400 yen
  • Junior and senior high school students: 1,400 yen
  • Children (3 years and above): 1,200 yen
• Official Website: Toei Uzumasa Eigamura

Conclusion

I introduced the main tourist attractions in the central area of Kyoto City.

In Kyoto, you can not only feel the history but also enjoy the changing seasons of nature.

Please consider taking a trip there.