For those who love natural scenery, a trip to Japan must include Kyoto’s Arashiyama. Just a half-hour drive from Kyoto Station, it’s not only conveniently accessible but also offers countless attractions—cherry blossoms, bamboo groves, autumn leaves, snowscapes, and numerous temples offer different surprises all year round. In addition, you can take a scenic train ride, cycle, or even ride a rickshaw through the bamboo forest. Spending a whole day in Arashiyama is definitely not a problem. With so many different ways to enjoy it, come follow our travel experts as we explore how to plan a one-day itinerary in Arashiyama.
Kyoto?How to get to Arashiyama?
There are many different ways to get to Arashiyama, and it is recommended that you choose based onyour place of residenceandyour schedule for the day.For example, if you're staying near Kyoto Station, you can take a train directly; if you’re staying in areas like Kawaramachi, you might opt for the Hankyu Railway. If there are no nearby trains or Hankyu lines, then taking a bus is your only option. The second factor is choosing based on the activities you have planned—if you have other nearby attractions scheduled for the day, you may want to take the Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen), or if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Hozugawa River Valley, you can choose a combination of train and scenic railway.
Here are five different transportation options for your reference.
- Train:Take the JRSagano Line to Arashiyama Station
- Hankyu Railway:Take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station
- Kyoto Bus:You can take buses such as the11,28, and93, but these also depart from Kyoto Station and the journey takes about45minutes—twice as long as the options above—and is thusnot recommended.Take.
- Keifuku Electric Railroad (Randen):Take the RandentoArashiyama Station (A13)
The Eizan Electric Railway (Eiden) passes by many attractions along the way, such as Kinkaku-ji, Toei Kyoto Studio Park, and Tenryu-ji Temple in Arashiyama.
Fares:The Eizan Electric Railway has a flat fare for the entire line,12Adults over 220years old:12years old and under:110years old and under: free.6Free for those - Combining with the sightseeing train experience:If you want to take a sightseeing train, it is recommended to take the Sagano Line and get off at Makino Station first, then take the Sagano Romantic Train from Saga-Arashiyama Station directly to Arashiyama. JRSaga-Arashiyama Station directly to Arashiyama.
KyotoArashiyama Attractions & Food Guide
Before the introduction, take a look at the distribution of attractions and food spots in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. Circle the places you want to visit and plan your route in advance so you don’t miss out on anything?!
KyotoMust-Visit Attractions in Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove Path
When it comes to Kyoto Arashiyama, one spot you absolutely can’t miss is the world-famous—Bamboo Grove Path. A whole stretch of tall, upright bamboo trees standing in rows is an incredibly spectacular sight, especially when you look up and see the natural canopy formed by the bamboo—it’s truly awe-inspiring and amazing, and the feeling it brings is beyond words. I was almost moved to tears (wiping away tears).
SpecialHow to enjoy:Tryingto ride a bicycle or take a rickshaw through the bamboo grove is also a great option～
By the way, Arashiyama holds the annual Kyoto Arashiyama Light Path event every12month. During the event, there are light displays on both sides of the Bamboo Grove Path, and the Togetsukyo Bridge and nearby streams are also illuminated, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere where Arashiyama remains brightly lit even after dark. It’s a truly unique experience to enjoy the different beauty of Arashiyama at night.
2018Kyoto Arashiyama Light Path Dates:12/8(Sat)～ 12/17(1)17:00 - 20:00
Nomiya Shrine
When strolling through the bamboo forest, you’ll come across Nomiya Shrine, which enshrines various deities. These include Nomiya Daimyojin, the god of health and wisdom; Shirafuku Goinkaku Daimyojin, for fertility and safe childbirth; Hakuhō Benza Ten, the deity of career and academic success; Ryūjin, for healing; and Nomiya Daikokuten, for love and good fortune. Among them, Nomiya Daikokuten and Hakuhō Benza Ten are especially renowned, believed to be incredibly efficacious for those praying for love or academic achievement. Be sure to offer your prayers sincerely!
P.S.: Legend has it that if you touch the turtle stone next to Nomiya Daikokuten and make a wish, it will come true within a year.
Monkey Park
Another super popular spot is the wild Monkey Park, where the adorable monkeys are loved by both adults and children. Families with kids definitely shouldn’t miss this place. Occasionally, you might even spot tiny baby monkeys sitting by the roadside, gazing at you with their big, watery eyes — it’s enough to melt even the coldest heart.
But we should warn you: visitors with mobility issues may find it less suitable, as the Monkey Park is located in the mountains and requires climbing a mountain path for about 20 minutes to reach, with many steps at the beginning that can be quite exhausting.
Reminders:
1. Although the monkeys in the park are not particularly aggressive, it’s still advised not to touch them to avoid any risk.
2. Avoid eating outdoors to prevent monkeys from trying to snatch your food. Instead, enter the small building nearby where you can feed the monkeys through the wire mesh.
3. Respect the local ecosystem and remember to take your trash with you.
KyotoArashiyama's Secret Cherry Blossom and Maple Viewing Spots
In spring, admire the cherry blossoms; in autumn, enjoy the maple leaves. Arashiyama offers both of these stunning seasonal views, so visiting twice a year is totally justified — there’s something beautiful to see in every season!
Tenryū-ji Temple
First up is Tenryū-ji, ranked first among Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples. It is not only a Special Historic Site of Japan but also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The temple’s most famous feature is the Sōgenchi Teien garden, designed by its founding abbot, Musō Soseki. The garden features a large, crystal-clear pond surrounded by mountains and trees. In autumn, the trees turn into vibrant maple foliage, and from inside the temple, you can gaze out at a sweeping view of brilliant red leaves — truly picturesque.
If you’re visiting in spring for the cherry blossoms, I’d personally recommend Tobadon and Hyakkaen over the Sōgenchi Teien. Especially Hyakkaen — as the name suggests (“Hundred Flowers Garden”), it bursts with blooms. It’s the kind of place where, like in the movies, you could pick up a handful of fallen cherry blossoms and toss them into the air while twirling around (though you’d need to have the confidence to not care what others think).
Fun Fact:Kyoto’s Five Great Zen Temples are actually named in imitation of the Five Mountains of the Rinzai sect, though they are temples, not actual mountains. They are Tenryū-ji, Shōkoku-ji, Kennin-ji, Tōfuku-ji, and Mannen-ji.
Jōjakkō-ji Temple
Jōjakkō-ji Temple is another popular destination for maple leaf viewing. Though it also has beautiful cherry blossoms in spring, the grandeur of the autumn foliage overshadows them. Surrounded by woods, the temple grounds turn completely crimson in the fall. Alongside the orange-red maples, you’ll also find golden ginkgo trees, their colors complementing each other without outshining one another — together, they create an even more breathtaking scene.
Apart from the autumn foliage season, You also recommends visiting during the off-peak season when the number of visitors to the temple drops significantly, allowing you to better experience the tranquility and Zen atmosphere of Shōjōkō-ji and take your time to reflect and unwind.
Togetsukyō Bridge
The last must-see spot in Arashiyama is Togetsukyō Bridge, which everyone will pass by when visiting. If you go in winter or autumn, you might not fully appreciate the bridge’s charm because it’s during spring and autumn that the mountains across the river transform into a vibrant display of cherry blossoms and maple leaves. With no obstructions, Togetsukyō Bridge offers an unobstructed view of the entire scenic beauty, naturally making it the best spot to admire the view.
、Famous Maple Viewing Spots in Japan (Part 2)
KyotoMust-Try Foods in Arashiyama
Saga Tofu San-chū
Although Saga Tofu San-chū is just a small food stall, it's considered a must-eat in Arashiyama by many. Not only is the food delicious, but the prices at Saga Tofu San-chū are also very reasonable. The shop owner is so confident that they’ve hung a sign that reads “first-class taste, third-class price.” There’s always a long queue of customers every time you visit. Aside from tofu, Saga Tofu San-chū’s herring soba noodles are also very famous.
Koto-imo Honpo
Koto-imo Honpo is located right next to Saga Tofu San-chū. Despite the name, it doesn’t sell regular sweet potatoes, but rather the Japanese variety known as satsuma-imo and murasaki-imo—local purple sweet potatoes. However, the main reason Koto-imo Honpo is so popular isn’t the sweet potatoes, but the ice cream shown in the photo above. The ice cream here is extremely smooth and rich in flavor, and you’ll see almost everyone in the Arashiyama food street holding one.
Aside from ice cream, the white rice dumplings at Koto-imo Honpo are super cute—three large, plump ones that are soft and chewy. Oh my goodness ┿(??ω`?）*??
% Arabica Cafés
The last spot we’re introducing % Arabica is not only a must-visit Arashiyama food destination but also one of the hottest cafés in Kyoto, having expanded to locations all over the world in just a few years. Unlike the spacious main store, % Arabica the Arashiyama branch is small, but still manages to give off a relaxing, cozy, and tranquil vibe. % Arabica Set away from the bustling main streets and built along the Katsura River, it features white walls, an open kitchen, and lots of glass panels, allowing guests to watch the baristas prepare coffee and enjoy the rich aroma wafting through the air.
The founder, Mr. Kato, hopes that people can connect more through coffee, so I think % Arabica what’s being offered here might be more than just coffee—it feels like a form of art. When you visit Arashiyama, make sure to experience this unique coffee art, especially with the beautiful backdrop of the Katsura River—it’s truly delightful!
After seeing all these attractions, are you super excited? No matter the season, whether you’re traveling with kids or elders, Kyoto Arashiyama has something special for everyone. Be sure to set aside some time to explore Arashiyama when you visit Kyoto, Japan!
More Travel Information:
【Tokyo Tsukiji Market 】 Decades of Great Taste: A Complete Guide to the Iconic Tsukiji Market Dishes Loved by Foodies
【 Japanese Festivals 】2018 A complete list of Japan’s most popular and unique festivals in the second half of the year — dates and highlights included
Super useful Gassho Village Lazy guide pack: The latest info on Gassho Village illuminations, autumn foliage, transportation, guided tours & DIY travel — all the tips you need in one place