Arashiyama Day Trip: The Best Things To Do
Any trip to Kyoto, or Japan as a matter of fact, would not be complete without a visit to the beautiful mountain town of Arashiyama. This guide highlights the best spots to visit on your Arashiyama day trip, as well as provides tips and tricks to help you plan the perfect Arashiyama day trip.
Found on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is home to some of Japan’s most iconic sights – from the famed Bamboo Grove to one of the top 5 temples in all of Kyoto. With spectacular views and gorgeous gardens, it’s easy to see why this area is a national Heritage Site and renowned as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Join us on a photo journey through the most amazing spots on an Arashiyama day trip, below.
Discover the best things to do on your Arashiyama day trip from Kyoto here in this guide. Plus awesome travel tips that will help you make the most of your day trip.
In a rush? Pin these Arashiyama day trip tips for later.
Arashiyama Day Trip Tips and Must-do’s
Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and is one of the town’s most important landmarks. It is a symbol of blessing to young Japanese children, and more interestingly, the river changes names on either side of the bridge. On the west of the bridge, the river is called the Hozu River and on the east it is known as the Katsura River.
Apart from its rich history and iconic status, crossing the bridge is a must on your Arashiyama day trip. Enjoy a leisurely stroll across the wooden bridge whilst taking in the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Pro Tip
If you are coming to Arashiyama by bus, hop off at the Arashiyama Park bus stop. From here it is only a few minutes walk. In addition, the bridge is only 155m in length, so it’s easily walked in a couple of minutes. Unless of course you are like me and like to enjoy the scenery and stop for photo ops.
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Hozu River
A trip to Arashiyama wouldn’t be complete without exploring the gorgeous natural scenery, and one of the best ways to do this is by boat. Luckily, there are a few options to choose from, especially if you are visiting Japan on a shoestring.
The first option is to rent a small boat or kayak and paddle along the main Hozugawa river area by yourself. There are also some local boats which provide short boat rides along the river.
Simply go to one of the many stalls that line the river to organise the above.
But…
If you want to get a real feel of what the Hozu river has to offer, take a short train trip to the neighbouring city of Kameoka. From here you can board a Hozugawa Kudari boat ride. It’s one of the most famous river routes in Japan and dates back 400 years.
For more details on Hozugawa River Cruises, visit their website, here.
Pro Tip
This ride between Kameoka and Arashiyama takes about 2 hours, so if you are on a tight schedule, be sure to factor in the time.
The Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama’s most iconic sight is without a doubt the Bamboo Grove. Or more commonly known as the Bamboo Forest. Follow the walking paths that cut through the swaying bamboo forest for some amazing photo ops.
One of the perks about visiting the Bamboo Grove is that there is no entrance fee. So there’s really no reason not to add it to your Arashiyama day trip itinerary.
Pro Tip
The Bamboo Forest is very popular among locals and tourists alike. Especially if you are doing an Arashiyama day trip during a peak season, like spring or autumn. Therefore, it’s best to time your visit here. To skip the crowds and tour groups, I recommend visiting here either in the early morning or late afternoon.
Tenryuji Temple
Tenryuji is the largest temple in Arashiyama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1339, Tenryuji is ranked as one of Kyoto’s top 5 Zen temples. And it’s easy to see why. Apart from the impressive temple, the gardens and numerous walking paths are beyond spectacular.
You could easily spend 2 hours here, walking along the winding little paths, admiring the temple and let’s not forget the sublime gardens. There are loads of little resting stops along the way, so reminder to enjoy the scenery!
Operating hours: 8:30 – 17:30 (Oct – Mar: 8:30 – 17:00)
Entrance fee: ¥500
Getting there
You can reach Arashiyama easily by train or bus from Kyoto Station. If you have already purchased a JR Pass, you might want to consider traveling by train.
The train ride from Kyoto takes roughly 45 minutes and prices start at ¥240 per single journey, depending on which train you take. Take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
Alternatively, you could also reach Arashiyama by bus from Kyoto Station. Simply take Kyoto City Bus #28 and get off at the Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae stop. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and costs ¥230 for a single journey.
So…
Have you ever been to Arashiyama? What tips or ideas do you have for an Arashiyama day trip? Let us know in the comments below.
Also, head to our Japan section for more insights on top attractions and what not to miss in the Kansai region.
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This post was updated on 5 January 2019.
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Japan’s Arashiyama Bamboo Groove is so lovely. I would love to walk alone so I’d be going very early in the morning when I visit. And to think the entrance fee is FREE makes me hunger for a visit.
Early morning would defo do the trick! Thanks for stopping by, Lydia.
Looks like you visited at a perfect time! We were in Kyoto this last winter but didn’t make it to Arashiyama because we were short of time. Fall is my favorite season so we’ll have to try to get back that way then!
Oh, that’s a pity! But, it’s the perfect excuse to go back! 😊
Wow! The colors are stunning! I love how Japanese, as modern in technology as they are, still retains the beauty of their nature, and preserving trees like these! You took wonderful photos.
Thanks Jen! When I think of Japan I think of AI’s, neon lights and technology…and of course, sushi! Haha! But, how they preserve their historical sites and nature is truly astonishing.
The colours are absolutely amazing. Japan has been on my bucket list for ages, I hope to cross it off next year. The bamboo grove is magical, I would spend hours wandering around, admiring the beauty of it. You visited Japan at a perfect time, love all the pictures.
The colors of these trees are absolutely stunning! So much beauty in each shot! I would love to go see these in person!
Wow! Arashiyama looks so beautiful. I could have a field day walking around this area and taking in the breathtaking colours. My camera battery might run out as well.
Wow! Now, after seeing all of it I regret not booking my trip to Japan for longer than just 3 days in Tokyo! I have heard so many good stuff about Kyoto recently! Your photos are fabulous! I wish I could be there for fall season!
Thanks Ada! Kyoto and the surrounding area is awesome – totally worth a visit!
I fell in love with China when the colors were changing… and Japan looks as amazing or better! Thank you for sharing and making me lean towards Japan for our next trip across the Pacific!
OMG. I’m a sucker for autumnal colours and these are just bloomin’ divine. I adore them, the colours of the leaves, I could really imagine walking through them feeling totally at peace. What a pretty place to visit!
The autumn in Japan looks more impressive than the pink season, I think I’d prefer to go then after seeing your photos, it’s probably quieter too. The Togetsukyo Bridge is impressive as is the age of it, I love when there are historic buildings / bridges to see especially when they are over 1000 years old.
I would love to visit Japan during cherry blossom season, but I’ve heard it is jam-packed then! Autumn is extremely popular too, but I guess, it all comes down to timing! Thanks for stopping by, James.
I totally love these colorful vibrant pictures. I have never been to a part of the world to witness such beautiful foliage colors in person. But through your pictures I could experience something very close.
Thanks so much, Neha! Hope you get a chance to travel here one day!