Best Things to do in Arashiyama, Kyoto’s Magical District
Last Updated on 27th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
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One of the most magical districts in Kyoto has to be Arashiyama, 嵐山. A fairytale landscape filled with cherry trees, a forest of bamboo shoots that stretch high into the sky and an enchanting villa with a garden full of breathtaking viewpoints. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Arashiyama.
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Where is Arashiyama?
Arashiyama is a district located in the northwestern outskirts of Kyoto. Centred around the Katsura River (also known as the Oi River) and the surrounding Arashiyama Mountains which translate to “Storm Mountains” that serve as a picturesque backdrop.
Exploring Arashiyama makes for a great short day trip from Kyoto, as there’s several sights to keep you busy for the day and it’s the perfect place to explore Japan’s natural landscape away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In fact, although it’s considered to be part of Kyoto, this picturesque feels miles away from the big city.
What is Arashiyama known for?
Arashiyama is a district famed for its natural beauty and is brimming with cultural sights so magical they leave you feeling as though you’re starring in a Studio Ghibli film. Characterised by its abundance of cherry blossom trees, which truly come to life during the springtime, there’s a lot to love about this pocket of Japan.
Arguably the most famous of its attractions is that of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which draws in millions of visitors annually. Arashiyama district is also known for its picturesque landscape that changes colours with each season.
Best things to do in Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove
One of the main reasons that many people choose to visit this district is for its famed Bamboo Grove, sometimes referred to as Sagano Bamboo Forest, this enchanting spot covers an area of 16 km2.
The forest is made up of mōsō bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) and is punctuated by various winding pathways to wander along. The bamboo shoots stretch high into the sky, offering a captivating view when looking upwards (which is also the best way to angle your camera in order to capture a unique view of the forest).
The best time to experience the Bamboo Forest is when rays of sunlight leak through dense canopy of leaves aboveand twinkle, creating a dappled effect on the paths below. Bamboo has been grown for centuries in Japan, it’s used in order to create various products, including baskets and fencing.
Arashiyama Bamboo forest is free to visit and is open 24 hours a day, meaning that one of the best ways to beat the crowds is by visiting early in the morning (7 AM or 8 AM) and on a weekday. You will likely only need an hour as it’s an easy route and the path goes around in a 1.7 mile loop trail.
Tenryruji Temple (天龍寺, Tenryūji)
Often said to be one of the most beautiful temples in Kyoto, the temple was ranked first among the city’s five great Zen temples and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Founded in 1339 by the ruling shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, this spot was dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo (just after his passing). Although many of the temple buildings in the complex were repeatedly lost to fires and rebuilt several times, the gardens have survived in their original form.
You can also visit the traditional Japanese garden which is tranquil in ambience with a beautiful still pond that’s surrounded by pine trees and rocks. In the distance the Arashiyama mountains poke out of the landscape, only adding further to its serene nature.
Monkey Park
Officially known as Iwatayama Monkey Park, it is a commercial park situated on the Arashiyama mountainside where a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys reside.
The Japanese macaques, also known as ‘snow monkeys’ are native to Japan. When visiting the park you will see plenty of signs asking that you do not touch the monkeys, you can feed them but from a distance, but as a sign or respect don’t get too close or disturb them (they deserve space too).
Contrary to the location that seems to be listed on Google maps, the Monkey Park is actually situated on the opposite side of the Bamboo Groves across from the Ōi River.
Ichitani-Munakata-Jinja Shrine
This small Shinto shrine is situated on the hillside of Mount Arashiyama and overlooks the Hozu and Katsura rivers, it’s a peaceful spot where you can really appreciate the calm and meditative stillness of the district. The stone steps lead up to the Monkey Park.
Cherry blossoms
There’s nothing quite as magical as visiting Japan during sakura season. Every year from late March to early April, bursts of pink and white fluffy blossoms are smattered across the landscape, and one place in which it is particularly special is in the Arashiyama district.
Painted across the rolling hills, the cherry blossoms look like an inviting bed of soft clouds, truly a wonder! Some of the best places to view the cherry blossoms in all their glory are: the hill at the top of Monkey Park, from Togetsukyo Bridge (where they are reflected in the water) and, if you are up for the walk, the viewpoint from the top of Arashiyama Mountain is simply stunning!
If you happen to be lucky enough to be visiting Japan during sakura season then be sure to, read our guide on where to find the best cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
Togetsukyo Bridge
One of the most scenic and enchanting spots of the Arashiyama district is this majestic wooden crossing! Togetsukyo bridge spans a stretch of 155 meters across Katsura River right in front of the picturesque Arashiyama Mountain.
Loosely translated, ‘togetsukyo‘ means ‘bridge over the moon’ and it very much gives that fairytale vibe upon visiting. A timeless icon for centuries, with its origins dating back over 1,000 years ago (the first parts of construction were completed in 836). The bridge has been at the centre of artistic vision for poetry, paintings it has also featured in several Japanese films.
Okochi Sanso Villa
Best viewed during the fall when all of the beautiful foliage looks its best, this is the former estate and home to the famous Japanese actor, Okochi Denjiro.
The villa itself is quite large. It was built in the 1930s on the slopes of Mount Ogura and was opened to the public in 1962 after Okochi’s death. From its setting down to the very design and construction, it’s obvious how much love and thought went into making this spot a home.
Set within a fairytale landscape, the standout of Okochi Sanso Villa has to be the gardens. Designed to show off all four of the seasons, thanks to its position on the hill there are several viewpoint in which to see the change of colours as the year goes by.
Winding paths that meander through, you can go to a viewpoint which overlooks Kyoto city in the distance. Also within the gardens is a charming Shinto shrine and a traditional Japanese tea house, where you can get a cup of Matcha tea with a sweet as you soak up the tranquil ambience.
The villa is open daily from 9am-5pm. It has to be said, this is certainly one of the more costly attractions to visit, an adult ticket is 1,000 yen (worth noting, the Matcha tea & sweet are included in the ticket price).
Sagano Romantic train
As the name suggests, this is truly one of the most romantic ways to soak up the natural beauty of Arashiyama. This is especially worth taking if you happen to be visiting in the peak of sakura season or during fall.
Established in 1990, the train runs on a loop that travels along the Hozugawa River and through the valley. Offering a short ride with spectacular views, and picture perfect moments. It’s recommended to book in advance. You could consider booking a day trip from Kyoto like this one, which also includes several other sights to see as well as this scenic train ride.
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