Arashiyama

Arashiyama is the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto, a historic district and mountain in western Kyoto, Japan, famous for its scenic beauty and attractions. Learn about its bamboo grove, monkey park, temples, shrines, bridges, and transport options. The most famous attraction is the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Arashiyama Area Description

Arashiyama is in the far west of Kyoto, tucked along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains (meaning “Storm Mountains”). It’s a fair distance from the center of Kyoto: whether you go by train, bus, bicycle or taxi, you’re generally looking at about a 30-minute trip. Still, it’s worth it for the number of great sights here.

Important Note: Don’t Be Put Off By The Crowds

The main street of Arashiyama, along with the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which form the heart of Arashiyama, is nothing but a tourist circus. But don’t despair. As quickly as you can, walk upriver to Kameyama-koen Park, or into Tenryu-ji Temple and on into the Bamboo Grove. If you’d like to get away from the crowds and still see the highlights, check out our Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour, which outlines the best route to follow.

Arashiyama Highlights

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Tenryu-ji Temple
• Gio-ji Temple
• Arashiyama Monkey Park

Things To Do And See In Arashiyama

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world.

• Tenryu-ji Temple
  Tenryu-ji Temple is the headline attraction in Arashiyama, a sprawling Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto and wonderful mountain views.
• Kameyama-koen Park
  Escape the crowds and (if you’re lucky) mingle with the monkeys at Arashiyama’s lovely hilltop park, Kameyama-koen Park.
• Arashiyama Monkey Park
  If you want to check out Japan’s famous monkeys, we strongly recommend Arashiyama Monkey Park. It’s a short walk from central Arashiyama and it’s great for the kids.
• Okochi-Sanso Villa
  Okochi-Sanso Villa is one of the top sights in Kyoto. It rivals any of the city’s imperial properties, and you don’t need reservations to enter.
• Nison-in Temple
  Nison-in Temple is a lovely Tendai sect Buddhist temple that is best known for its lovely maple- and cherry-lined arcade leading to the main halls.
• Rakushisha Poet’s Hut
  This quaint hermit’s cottage was once the home of one of haiku master Matsuo Basho’s disciples. It’s a good palate cleanser between the area temples.
• Jojako-ji Temple
  Jojakko-ji Temple is a quaint temple on the main Arashiyama tourist route that offers a chance to escape the crowds that plague the rest of the area.

• Gio-ji Temple
  Tiny Gio-ji Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Arashiyama. The thatched-roof main hall overlooking a moss-covered grotto is a magical sight.
• Adashino-Nembutsu-ji Temple
  A touching temple at the top of the Arashiyama sightseeing district, you’ll find 8000 Buddhist statues here placed in memory of those who died without kin.
• Arashiyama Boat Rental
  One of the best ways to explore the Arashiyama area is by renting a boat and rowing around the lovely lower Hozu-gawa area, especially when the cherry blossoms are out.
• Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa
  Katsura Rikyu Imperial Villa is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese architecture and garden design.
• Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
  Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is a temple on the outskirts of Arashiyama with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. It’s a rarely visited and interesting place that rewards the adventurous visitor.
• Tenzan-no-yu Onsen
  Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a huge bath and spa complex on the west side of Kyoto. It’s one of the few onsen in Kyoto and it’s well worth the trek across town to relax here.
• Sagano Romantic Train
  The famous Sagano Romantic Train follows a river through the mountains west of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district — it’s a great way to enjoy the stunning scenery.

Getting To Arashiyama

• By JR Train from Kyoto Station: Take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
• By bus from Kyoto Station: Take Kyoto City Bus # 28 and get off at Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae (about 30 minutes).
• By Hankyu Line (from Osaka etc): Take any train from Kawaramachi, Karasuma, Omiya or Saiin stations, and get off at Katsura Station and then take the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station.
• By taxi: A taxi from downtown will take about 25 minutes and cost ¥2000.
• By subway from Kyoto Station: Take the Karasuma Subway Line to Karasuma-Oike Station and change to the Tozai Subway line heading west. Get off at the last stop, Uzumasa-Tenjingawa and change to the Randen Street tram to Keifuku Arashiyama Station.
• By bicycle: Cycle all the way west on Marutamachi-dori.

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