Walking through beatutiful Bamboo Forest at Arashiyama, Kyoto : 8 Recommended Things To Do

2020/01/14

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Arashiyama is a tourist spot that represents Kyoto. 

Designated as a national historic site and famous scenic spot, there are many Kyoto-like highlights such as Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Forest. 

Various sceneries can be seen in spring, summer, autumn and winter, so you will not get bored in any times. 

This time, I will introduce recommended places you must go at popular Arashiyama area!

1. Take a stroll along the “Bamboo Forest Path”

One of the most popular spots in Arashiyama is the bamboo grove that extends northwest of Togetsukyo Bridge. 

The area, where tens of thousands of bamboos grow, has a small path that stretches in a bamboo grove. 

The beautiful scenery like a large green tunnel is a popular spot for Instagram.
In the summer, you can feel the coolness of the bamboo winds!

Because it is a popular spot, the bamboo grove is always so crowded.
If you wear a kimono and take a walk, there is no doubt that it will attract attention!

It is also recommended to take a stroll through the bamboo grove on a rickshaw for sightseeing.
The rickshaws are expert in this area, so they will give you detailed information on the historical background of surrounding temples and other tourist information about Kyoto that is not included in the guidebook!

In the winter (December), a light-up event called "Hana-Toro" is held to illuminate the whole area including Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Forest, and you can enjoy a slightly different bamboo forest.






2. Make a wish at the popular power spot "Nonomiya Shrine"

Nonomiya Shrine stands in a bamboo grove in Sagano, an old shrine where a princess, who was selected as a Saiku, visited before going to Ise Jingu Shrine to purify her mind and body. 

The deity of this shrine is for "marriage" and "safe childbirth" and many people all over Japan come here to make a wish.

It is a recommended power spot that you should stop by because it is on the route of the walking course of Bamboo forest.
After visiting the main shrine, please stop by Nonomiya Daikokuten located on the premises. 

It is said that you wish will come true within one year if you make your wish while rubbing the god stone "Okameishi" near Daikokuten.

In recent years, it has been introduced in guidebooks as a popular spot, and it is quite popular on weekends and consecutive holidays.
If you want to visit in a quiet time, it is recommend visiting early in the morning.

3. The Symbol of Arashiyama "Togetsukyo Bridge"

Togetsukyo means "passing moon".
The bridge was named "Togetsu-kyo" because the Emperor Kameyama gave an impression in the Kamakura period that it resembled the crossing a moon.

The bridge is about 155 meters long and spans the Oigawa River.
The pier is made of reinforced concrete, but the balustrade is made of cypress and designed to fit into the surrounding landscape. 

It is also the center of events such as cormorant fishing, lanterns and maple festivals.

4. Tenryuji Temple is full of attractions

Tenryuji temple, founded in 1339, was founded by Takauji Ashikaga and was built to mourn the emperor Godaigo. 

When it first opened, it was positioned at the top of Kyoto Gozan, and has been counted as one of the most important temples in the history of Kyoto temples.

It is also one of the "Cultural Properties of Ancient Kyoto" which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1994, and is a particularly popular spot.
This is a must-see sightseeing course in Arashiyama! 

In addition to the temple buildings such as Hatto Hall, Kuri and Hojo on the site, there are many historical buildings such as Ryumontei, Yuunan, Shounkaku, Kan-utei.

In particular, the Sogenchi Garden is a garden that has earned a reputation for being designated as Japan's first historic site and special scenic spot, and is a must-visit spot when visiting the Arashiyama area. 

Tenryuji temple is located in the center of the Arashiyama area. 
Because it is very close to the popular bamboo grove, it is always crowded during the day.
It is recommended to visit in the morning when there are few tourists.

Entrance fee 
[Garden (Sougenchi Garden / Hyakka-en)] JPY 500 for adults / JPY 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students
[Temples (Dai-hojo, Shoin, Tahoden)] JPY 300 per person added to the garden fee




5. Enjoy the beauty of the valley on the "Sagano Romantic Train"

The "Sagano Roamtic Train" goes up the valley along the Katsura River. 
It is a sightseeing train that connects approximately 7.3 km from “Torokko Saga Station”, which is right next to “JR Saga Arashiyama Station”, and “Kameoka Station” in about 25 minutes. 

Open vehicles without windowpanes and stove trains with coal stoves during the cold season will also appear.

It is loved by all ages, as you can see the colors of the valley in the four seasons while swaying on a truck. 
The recommended course is to get off at “Hozukyo Torokko Station” and walk about 1 km to “JR Hozukyo Station”. 

While listening to the babbling of the river, cross the suspension bridge and walk along the valley. 
You will be healed by the negative ions created by nature.

During the fresh green and autumn leaves season, the train is in the high season and it is easy to fill up the vacant seats, so it is recommended to book an advance ticket (all reserved seats, some tickets are available on the same day. It can be purchased at a green window from a month ago).

Price (one way): 
Adult (12 years old and over) 620 yen /
Child (6 years old and over) 310 yen 
* Under 6 years old free of charge per adult









6. Feel the coolness! "Downstream the Hozu River"

After strolling around “Hozukyo Station”, take the Sagano Romantic Train again to visit “Kameoka Station”, the last stop. 

Around the station, you can enjoy rafting on the Hozu River and strolling by sightseeing carriage.

Furthermore, if you extend your way to JR Kameoka Station, you can also experience the "Downstream the Hozu River", which is a 16km boat ride down the natural Hozukyo Gorge. 

A thrilling river downstream takes about 2 hours. 
The valley of Hozugawa has a deep abyss, a torrent, and strange rocks and monster stones. 

In addition, you can enjoy various sceneries throughout the four seasons, including spring cherry blossoms, summer fresh greenery, vivid autumn leaves, and winter snow scenery. The skilled boatman's handling of rods, rudders, and oars, a unique guide, and a winter heating boat are also recommended points.

Price: JPY 4,100 for adults
          / JPY 2,700 for children (4 years old to elementary school)

7. Take photos that look great on SNS at Kimono Forest

Arashiyama has three railway stations, and the one that boasts an excellent location right in front of Tenryu-ji Temple is the “Ardenyama Station” on the “Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Line”. 

Kimono Forest is located on this premise and has an attention as a photo spot mainly for female tourists. 

It is a spot where about 600 poles about 2m high using “Kyo-Yuzen” stand like a forest. 
It was designed by designer Yasumichi Morita at the time of the renewal of the station in 2013.

There are 32 types of poles in all, as if you were lost in a museum. 
At night it is lit up and its appearance becomes more fantastic. 

The station premises are free to enter and exit, so you can visit Kimono Forest up close without using a train. 
If you come in kimono, you will be able to take more elegant photo!




8. Japanese style cafe "Arashiyama Rirakkuma Chabo"

Japan's first permanent Japanese café with the theme of "Wa(Japanese) x Rilakkuma". 
The two-story teahouse reminiscent of a white stucco storehouse offers a variety of cute gourmet dishes, such as a set of Rilakkuma & Korilakkuma rice balls and a sushi of Kiiroitori, and a cafe latte marshmallow set with a marshmallow Rilakkuma.

Take out sweets and drinks using honey are also available. Limited goods are also good for souvenir!



[Access to Arashiyama]

Arashiyama area is a place where you can enjoy the natural scenery of Kyoto. 
Please come and visit as many times as you can see a completely different scenes from season to season.

The roads are very crowded during the cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons, so it is recommended to use a train that does not fit into the traffic.

From Kyoto Station: About 16 minutes on the JR Sagano Line (San-in Main Line), get off at “JR Saga Arashiyama Station”

From Kawaramachi Station: Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line, transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line at Katsura Station, and get off at Arashiyama (Hankyu) Station for about 20 minutes

From Kitano-Shiraumecho Station: Take the Keifuku Kitano Line, transfer to the Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Line at “Katabirano-tsuji Station”, and get off at Arashiyama (Kyofuku) Station for about 30 minutes.

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Hi! I am Silvie, a penguin girl who loves travelling!! I would like to introduce you the wonderful places in Japan and in the world where I've visited!

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