Arashiyama: A photo diary of the most beautiful sights
If you are planning a trip to Japan during the autumn leaves season, one stop to add to your list, is the beautiful mountain area, Arashiyama. 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 Kyoto. With spectacular views and gorgeous gardens, it’s easy to see why the area is a national Heritage Site and renowned as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Catch a glimpse of this wonderland here, in Arashiyama: A photo diary of the most beautiful sights.
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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.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll across this wooden bridge whilst taking in the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Stroll along the river
If you aren’t much of a walker, another great way to explore the area is by taking a river cruise or even renting a boat and rowing around the Hozugawa area. You can rent a boat at one of the many stalls along the Hozu River. Or, why not take a river cruise? For more details on Hozugawa River Cruises, visit their website, here.
READ: Top sights not to miss in Kyoto
The Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama’s most loved sight, is its Bamboo Grove. Follow the walking paths that cut through the swaying bamboo forest for some amazing photo opportunities.
Travel Tip: During peak season, tons of tour groups flock to the Bamboo Grove and surrounding area. So, it’s best to come in the early morning hours or late afternoon.
There is no entrance fee for the Bamboo Grove.
Explore the magical gardens of 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.
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 ride is roughly 45 minutes long 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 reach Arashiyama by bus from Kyoto Station. 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.
Location
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Have you ever visited Arashiyama? We’d love to hear what you thought about this beautiful area in the comments below. To learn more about our travels in Japan, feel free to head to our Japan section for more insights on top attractions in the Kansai region. In the meantime, why not connect with us on Instagram or Facebook for instant updates on our travels in Asia?
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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!