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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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“.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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).

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.

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.

The added bonus is the 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.

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).

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

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

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).

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.