Arashiyama, one of the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto, has been a favorite scenic spot for many years. Arashiyama has everything you need for sightseeing, shopping, and dining, but if you’ve come to Arashiyama, you’ll want to visit the famous places. We have compiled a list of recommended spots in and around Arashiyama.

Start your sightseeing from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, located at the western end of the Arashiyama area, you can first cross the Togetsukyo Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Arashiyama. After that, you can go into the center of the city where souvenir stores are lined up, so you can save time by not having to go backwards on your sightseeing course.

Access to Arashiyama Station
【From Osaka】
Hankyu Osaka Umeda Station → Kyoto Line → Katsura Station → Arashiyama Line → Arashiyama Station
【From Kyoto】
Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi/Karasuma Station → Kyoto Line → Katsura Station → Arashiyama Line → Arashiyama Station

The current Togetsukyo Bridge was rebuilt in 1934. It has been loved for a long time since the Heian period (794-1185) and is a place where you can feel the natural beauty of Japan. The name “Togetsukyo” comes from the fact that the bridge over the Katsura River resembles the moon crossing the sky.

If you take the riverside walkway leading north from Togetsukyo Bridge, you will be greeted by the beauty of the valley with mountains rising up on both banks of the Katsura River. Taking a houseboat or boat upstream is also a great way to see the sights.

The scenery of Arashiyama seen from the surface of the water has a beauty that cannot be felt just by walking around. You can also enjoy a variety of scenery in each of the four seasons.

The Hogonin temple is one of the pagodas of Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage Site. The garden, “Shishikuno-niwa”, was designed with the concept of enjoying the garden with all five senses. Don’t think about difficult things, just enjoy the beautiful scenery to your heart’s content.

Hogonin is only open to the public in spring and autumn. Especially in the fall, when the leaves turn red, it’s a must-see!

The path from Nomiya Shrine to Okochi Villa is about 400 meters long, with beautiful bamboo stretching straight to the sky. On a windy day, you will be surrounded by the sound of shifting leaves, and when it rains, the bamboos get wet and the area is filled with the fragrance of bamboo. The expression of the bamboos changes with the seasons and weather, and it is always refreshing to see them again and again.

As you walk along the path of the bamboo grove, look upward. Look at the various expressions, such as the way the bamboos are lined up straight and orderly.

The Nonomiya Shrine stands at the entrance to a small path through a bamboo grove. The torii gate of Nomiya Shrine is the oldest torii gate in Japan, made of black wood with the bark of the sawtooth tree left on.

It is said to be beneficial for good relationships, childbirth, and learning. It is a small shrine, but the location surrounded by bamboo groves is special.

After passing through a small path through a Sagano Bamboo Grove and heading towards the Torokko Arashiyama station, you will find the Mikami Shrine nearby. It is a shrine that grants wishes related to hair, and is visited by people who want to keep their hair beautiful and those who work in the beauty industry.

There are many hair-related amulet with motifs of scissors and combs.

Horinji Temple, which has a stage in its precincts, offers a panoramic view of the center of Arashiyama. Be sure to visit the temple for the view that awaits you after climbing the stone steps.

Horinji Temple has a “Denden Shrine” dedicated to the god of electricity, and has unusual charms and fortunes related to electricity, such as the “Micro SD Amulet” and the “Denden Mikuji”.

Senkoji Temple is located about 1km upstream from Togetsukyo Bridge. From the Kannondo (Goddess of Mercy) Hall, Daigikaku, built on the steep rock face of the Oigawa River, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Arashiyama Gorge.
It is a bit of a hike up a hill, but it is highly recommended for those who want to see Arashiyama from a different place.

This is a museum with a modern Japanese architecture that has a collection of about 1,500 artworks, mostly related to Kyoto. It is a rare museum where you can take photos of all but a few of the artworks, and you are welcome to share them on social media.

It is also popular for having a cafe overlooking the Togetsukyo Bridge. You can enjoy the 180-degree panoramic view while enjoying the limited edition sweets. This is one of the best view spots in Arashiyama!

A rickshaw ride is a great way to get a deeper appreciation of the Arashiyama tourist area. Riding a rickshaw is a great way to get a higher perspective and see the scenery differently.

The rickshaw pullers are also excellent guides to Arashiyama and will tell you stories that you won’t find in the guidebooks.

Arashiyama Marun is located right after crossing the Togetsu Bridge. The colorful and cute sweets are perfect as Kyoto souvenirs.

Marun’s original cookie “Kimono Shokora” is very popular because of its vivid kimono pattern, which is very Kyoto-like.

What did you think? There are many places to see, and the charm of Arashiyama is that you can enjoy combining as many of them as you like.
Please find your favorite place and enjoy sightseeing.