Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto, is one of Japan’s most famous scenic spots and has been attracting many people since ancient times.
There is plenty to see, including the scenery created by the 382m high mountains and the Oi River, the bamboo forest paths lined with thousands of bamboo trees, and Tenryu-ji Temple, which is registered as a World Heritage Site.
During the Heian period, Emperor Saga built a villa here, and since then it has flourished as a place associated with the Imperial family.
The scenery, which changes with the seasons with cherry blossoms in the spring and beautifully colored leaves in the fall, and the historic temples and shrines in perfect harmony, continues to attract tourists from both Japan and abroad.
Arashiyama is not just a tourist destination, but a place that is rich in more than a thousand years of history and culture, and can truly be called the epitome of Japanese beauty.
In this article, we will introduce the history, highlights, and access to Arashiyama.
What kind of place is Arashiyama?
Arashiyama is a scenic spot located in the western part of Kyoto City, with its 382m high mountains and the Oi River.
Since the Heian period, aristocrats have visited the area to enjoy its natural beauty, and even today it remains a popular spot attracting many tourists from both Japan and abroad.
The landscape of Arashiyama is characterized by the beautiful harmony of rivers, bridges, and mountains .
The Oi River, with its beautiful valley, the Togetsukyo Bridge that spans it, and the mountains that change appearance with the seasons all blend together in perfect harmony to create a unique and beautiful landscape.
The scenery, which changes with the seasons – cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter – and the beautiful harmony of historic temples and shrines, including the World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, continues to fascinate visitors.
History of Arashiyama
As explained in the previous chapter, Arashiyama has been one of Japan’s most famous scenic spots and has attracted many people from the Heian period to the present day.
From the development of aristocratic culture to the construction of temples and shrines, and then its development as a modern tourist destination, it has shown different faces over the years and its appeal has deepened.
In this chapter, we will explore the history of Arashiyama.
Aristocratic culture from the Heian period
Arashiyama developed during the Heian period when Emperor Saga built his detached palace, Sagain (now Daikakuji Temple).
It flourished as a place with ties to the Imperial family and was a popular resort town for members of the imperial family and aristocrats.
It is especially well known that Fujiwara no Teika established Shiguretei at the foot of Mt. Ogura and compiled the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu here .
It also served as the model for the Saga no Mido Hall that appears in the “Matsukaze” chapter of the Tale of Genji, and has been the setting for many classical literary works.
The development and prosperity of temples, shrines and Buddhist temples
During the Kamakura period, Arashiyama also flourished as a center of Buddhist culture.
In particular, Tenryu-ji Temple, which was built by Ashikaga Takauji to commemorate the soul of Emperor Godaigo, occupied an important position as the first of the Five Mountains .
Many temples were also built here, including Danrin-ji Temple, which was founded by Empress Tachibana Kachiko, wife of Emperor Saga, who was known as Empress Danrin.
Development as a tourist destination since the modern era
Its value as a tourist destination was officially recognized when it was designated as a historic site of scenic beauty, “Arashiyama Gorge,” in 1927 (Showa 2), and a scenic area in 1930 (Showa 5).
Since the Meiji period, the area has developed mainly around the lumber and tourism industries, and has grown into a popular destination visited by many tourists from both within Japan and abroad.
Even today, the scenery, which harmonizes the natural beauty of the seasons, such as cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves, with historical buildings, continues to fascinate people from all over the world.
What to see in Arashiyama
Arashiyama is home to many sights that are steeped in over a thousand years of history and culture.
In particular, Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Forest Path, and Tenryu-ji Temple are Arashiyama’s most famous tourist spots and continue to attract many tourists.
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- Bamboo Forest Path
- Tenryu-ji Temple
Togetsukyo Bridge
The 155m-long Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River is a symbol of Arashiyama.
It is said that Emperor Kameyama named it because it resembled the motion of the moon crossing.
The current bridge was completed in 1934, and its beautiful curves and natural surroundings are in perfect harmony.
You can enjoy spectacular views throughout the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.
You can also enjoy boating or pleasure boat rides on the river, and it is a popular spot for taking pictures, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Bamboo Forest Path
It is a 400m road that runs from Nonomiya Shrine through the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple to Okawachi Sanso Villa.
Straight green bamboo covers the space overhead, creating a mysterious space that resembles a large, green tunnel.
There are especially few people around in the early morning hours, and you can enjoy the cool rustling of the bamboo leaves in the forest.
Strolling around in a kimono or taking a rickshaw tour is also popular, making it a spot where you can enjoy traditional Japanese scenery.
Tenryu-ji Temple
This World Heritage temple was founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of the soul of Emperor Godaigo.
In particular, the Sogenchi Garden is the first garden in Japan to be designated as a Special Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty , and is a magnificent structure that incorporates the Arashiyama mountains as a backdrop.
The garden has a different look depending on the season, so we especially recommend visiting it early in the morning when the morning sun is shining.
Additionally, the painting of a cloud dragon on the ceiling of the Hatto Hall is known as a powerful work of art whose expression changes in response to people’s movements.
What is the best season to visit Arashiyama?
Arashiyama is a tourist destination where you can enjoy beautiful scenery in every season, with spring and autumn being especially popular tourist seasons.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms in spring is from late March to early April, and the rows of cherry trees around Togetsukyo Bridge create a magnificent sight.
In autumn, from mid-November to early December, the leaves reach their peak and the view of the red and yellow mountains and Togetsukyo Bridge is breathtaking.
This time of year is especially busy with tourists, so we recommend starting sightseeing from around 8am.
In the summer, you can enjoy the beauty of fresh greenery and playing in the river, and in the winter you can enjoy the tranquil snow scenery.
If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend visiting in summer or winter, when there are fewer tourists.
Furthermore, Togetsukyo Bridge, which shows different faces with each season, is a popular photo spot all year round.
Access to Arashiyama
Arashiyama can be reached by several means of transport.
You can choose the best way to get there, such as by train, bus, or taxi, depending on your budget and time.
In this chapter, we will take a closer look at how to access the area from major stations and tourist spots.
Access from Kyoto Station
From Kyoto Station, you can get to Arashiyama by train or bus.
Access by train
The fastest and most convenient way is to take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Line). It takes about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, or about 10 minutes on the rapid train. The fare is 240 yen.
Access by bus:
Take city bus No. 28 (bound for Arashiyama/Daikakuji Temple). It takes about 44 minutes from Kyoto Station to the Arashiyama Park bus stop.
Access from Kinkakuji Temple
There are two ways to get from Kinkakuji to Arashiyama: by combining train and bus, or by taxi.
Combination of train and bus:
Walk or take a taxi from Kinkakuji to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station and board the Randen (Keifuku Electric Railroad) Kitano Line. Transfer to the Arashiyama Main Line at Katabiranotsuji Station and head to Arashiyama Station. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
By taxi
The most convenient way to get there is by taxi. It takes about 30 minutes from Kinkakuji to Arashiyama, and the fare is around 3,500 to 4,500 yen. During the tourist season, the travel time may vary depending on traffic congestion.
Recommended spots around Arashiyama
We will introduce three attractive spots around Arashiyama. Each has its own unique charm and will make your visit to Arashiyama even more fulfilling.
Jojakkoji Temple
This is a historic temple that is said to have been the site of the mountain villa of Fujiwara Teika, a poet of the Heian period.
The scenery created by the moss and maple leaves is magnificent, and the thatched Niomon Gate and stone-paved approach to the shrine give you a taste of the ancient capital.
In spring, wild cherry blossoms, azaleas and other flowers bloom, making the temple grounds very colorful.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, the contrast between the red and yellow trees, the green pine trees, and the white sand underneath creates a beautiful harmony that attracts many tourists.
Okochi Sanso Garden
Located near Torokko Arashiyama Station, this garden was painstakingly built up by the famous actor Okochi Denjiro of the early Showa period.
You can take a relaxing break at the matcha seat and fully enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto.
From a building called “Tsukika” in the garden, you can look down on the city of Kyoto and see Mount Hiei in the distance.
Especially during the autumn foliage season, the contrast between the red and yellow trees, the green pine trees, and the white sand creates a spectacular landscape.
Nonomiya Shrine
Located on a bamboo forest path, this shrine is known as the shrine for the god of matchmaking.
The approach to the shrine is surrounded by straight green bamboo and is enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere.
There are especially few people around early in the morning, and you can enjoy the cool rustling of the bamboo leaves in the forest.
The temple grounds feature a natural moss garden, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, such as cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall.
Frequently asked questions about Arashiyama
summary
Arashiyama is a scenic spot representative of Kyoto, with over 1,000 years of history and culture.
There are plenty of sights to see, including the Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo forest path, and the World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, and the area’s historical buildings and nature, which change with the seasons, are in perfect harmony.
Depending on the season you visit, you’ll be able to discover different charms: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter.
It is easily accessible from Kyoto Station and Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the surrounding area is dotted with other attractive spots such as Jojakko-ji Temple, Okawachi Sanso Garden, and Nonomiya Shrine.
You can also enjoy the unique atmosphere of Kyoto through a variety of experiences, such as renting a kimono, going down the Hozugawa River, and riding the trolley train.
If you visit Kyoto, be sure to stop by.
