The Arashiyama/Sagano area, a scenic spot in Kyoto, is a popular sightseeing area where you can feel the unique nature of Kyoto. There are abundant natural spots such as the Togetsu Bridge over the Katsura River and the Bamboo Grove Path, which is surrounded by bamboo. A leisurely stroll along the river will naturally calm your mind. In this issue, we would like to introduce some of the best places to visit in Arashiyama/Sagano, which offers a variety of attractions.
Togetsukyo Bridge（渡月橋）
The Togetsukyo Bridge was named after the moon, which appears to be crossing the bridge. It is the symbol of Arashiyama. The view from the bridge is a perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of Japan in each of the four seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow in winter.
Bamboo Forest（竹林の小径）
One of the most popular walking spots in Arashiyama and Sagano is the bamboo grove path. Tens of thousands of bamboos grow along the 400-meter-long path, providing a typically Japanese landscape. It is also famous as a photo spot, but it is always crowded these days due to the increasing number of tourists. We recommend that you visit early in the morning if you want to take pictures of beautiful scenery.
Nomiya Shrine （野宮神社）
Nomiya Shrine is a power spot for good marriages that attracts worshippers from all over Japan. It is said that if you pray to the god of Enmusubi, “Nomiya Daikokuten,” while patting the sacred stone “Okameishi” on his side, your wish will be fulfilled within a year.
Tenryu-ji Temple（天龍寺）
Tenryu-ji Temple, registered as a World Heritage site, is famous for its garden, which occupies more than half of the temple grounds. It is recommended to sit on the veranda of the main hall and enjoy the beautiful Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and the seasonal flowers and trees. In addition, the ceiling of the Hatto Hall features the “cloud dragon” painted by Japanese-style painter Matazo Kayama, and is open to the public only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
Hōgon-in Temple（宝厳院）
Hōgon-in Temple was founded in 1461. It is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which attracts many tourists. Hōgon-in Temple is especially famous for its “Shishiku-no-niwa” (lion’s roar garden). The fresh greenery in early summer and the autumn leaves in fall are beautiful, and can be seen only in spring and fall during special visits.
Jojako-ji Temple （常寂光寺）
Located halfway up Mt. Ogura, Jojako-ji Temple is a well-known spot for viewing the autumn leaves. Located slightly outside the center of Arashiyama, it is a relatively quiet spot for viewing the autumn foliage outside of the season. The 12-meter-high Dabotou (pagoda) on the temple grounds makes for a beautiful photo opportunity when photographed together with the view of Arashiyama from the surrounding area.
Sagano Romantic train（嵯峨野トロッコ列車）
The Sagano Romantic train is a sightseeing train that rumbles along the Hozu River. The speed is about 25 km/h, which gives passengers plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, and the train slows down in areas with beautiful scenery, so passengers can enjoy a relaxing view of the beautiful valley from inside the train. The standard course is to take the trolley from Arashiyama and return on the Hozugawa River.
Car 5 “Rich”, an open car, is especially popular as it allows passengers to feel the wind and sound of Arashiyama as it is. In case of rain, there is a possibility of getting wet, so make reservations with the understanding that you may get wet.
Hozugawa-kudari（Boat Ride）（保津川下り）
Although Hozugawa-kudari haveagood-holiday been used since before the capital was built in Kyoto as a means of transporting goods to Kyoto and Osaka, they are now popular as a sightseeing tour to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Hozu River Gorge.
On the 16-km (2-hour) descent from Kameoka to Arashiyama, you will feel the thrill of passing through large rocks and mountains, as well as the energy of nature. You will find the beauty of nature even more overwhelming than when viewing the Hozu River from afar. This is an experience spot especially recommended for those who do not want to stop at just viewing the river from the Togetsu Bridge and want to leave behind a special memory.
Yakatabune (houseboat) of Arashiyama Toushifune（嵐山通船の屋形船）
Arashiyama Tousoufune operates houseboats and sightseeing boats with meals in the area of the Oigawa River upstream of the Katsura and Watarigatsu Bridge. Unlike the Hozu River cruise, this is a relaxing and scenic experience.
The history of Arashiyama houseboats dates back to around 805, when they were considered a form of entertainment for aristocrats. The Arashiyama Yakatabune continues to attract visitors by changing its appearance with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
Especially recommended is the summer cormorant fishing, a traditional fishing method that has been practiced for 1,000 years, which can be viewed up close on a sightseeing boat.
Kimono Forest（キモノフォレスト）
Kimono Forest, located in a commercial facility called “Hannari-Hokkori Square,” is a popular photogenic spot. About 600 poles made of Japanese and modern yuzen are lined up, and their beauty makes you want to take pictures when you visit. When illuminated, the scenery becomes even more magical.
Toei Kyoto Studio Park（東映太秦映画村）
Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a movie theme park. The open sets that recreate the streets of the Edo and Meiji periods are sometimes used for actual TV and movie shootings. Visitors can enjoy dressing up in more than 30 types of authentic period costumes, and there are also a variety of hands-on attractions such as ninja experiences and sword fighting classes. This is a great spot for children.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama（嵐山モンキーパーク いわたやま）
Arashiyama Monkey Park is home to about 120 Japanese monkeys living in the wild. Here you can walk along the mountain paths and see the monkeys living freely. You can also feed the monkeys at the rest area at the top of the mountain. You can experience monkeys to your heart’s content.
The summit of the mountain also offers a spectacular view of the city of Kyoto. On a clear day, you can even see Kyoto Tower. The long slide and other playground equipment are also available for both children and adults to play on.
% Arabica Kyoto
Stylishly decorated with a %% logo, % Arabica Kyoto is located in a location with a view of the Watarigatsu Bridge and Katsura River. Taking a picture with this coffee near the Wataratsuki Bridge became a boom in Japan for a while. The glass-walled interior of the store offers a clear view of the scenery and allows customers to enjoy the view of Arashiyama while waiting for their drinks.
eX cafe
Speaking of popular cafes in Arashiyama, don’t forget eX cafe. The café is housed in a renovated Japanese-style house, and the interior is as lovely from the outside as it is inside. The “Hokuhoku Dango Set,” in which you warm the dumplings yourself over a shichirin and enjoy them freshly made, is a popular menu item. Two types of dumplings, simple white dumplings and mugwort dumplings, are served with Mitarashi and azuki beans, according to your preference, along with matcha green tea.
Sagano- Yu（嵯峨野湯）
Sagano-Yu is a café renovated from a public bathhouse. The tiles on the walls as well as the faucets are still there, but the interesting point is that they are balanced as an interior design. Fluffy pancakes and tofu pasta mixed with tofu on a wooden board are the standard menu items, and they are delicious. This café satisfies both the eye and the palate.
