There is so much to see and do in Arashiyama that a full day is not enough time to explore the sights! However, many of you must have limited time for a single trip.

Therefore, in this article, we recommend a model course for those who wish to conquer the main tourist attractions in Arashiyama in half a day (4 to 5 hours). In particular, first-time visitors to Arashiyama should check it out!

Arashiyama is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. In fact, it is located far from the main sightseeing spots in the city.
When sightseeing in Kyoto, be careful about the distance from the main sightseeing spots. Please know this in advance to avoid having to change your plans because it takes longer to get there than expected, or not being able to visit the places you wanted to go.

For reference, the following table lists the time required to and from major tourist attractions when traveling by public transportation such as trains and buses.

Kinkaku-ji⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 40-50 min.

Ginkaku-ji⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 1hr 10min

Kiyomizu-dera Temple⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 1hr 10min

Fushimi Inari Taisha⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 40-50 min.

Byodoin Temple, Uji⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 1 hour

Since the roads are congested during the tourist season, you should expect that the time required may be longer than this if you use a bus.

For your information, the distances to major cities in Kansai are as follows.

Osaka Umeda⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 1 hour

Kobe Sannomiya⇔Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge : approx. 1 hr. 30 min.

From here, we will introduce a specific model course for half-day sightseeing in Arashiyama. Please note that due to congestion, it may take longer than usual to get from one spot to another and to stay in one spot, so please use this information as a guide only.

Recommended for
〇People who want to visit major sightseeing spots
〇Want to avoid crowds and tour efficiently
〇Want to enjoy the natural beauty of Arashiyama
〇People who like vehicles

We will start our activities before 8:00 a.m. and make the most of our time by visiting the sights first, which can be visited 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition, enjoy the magnificent Arashiyama nature by taking a retro train or river cruise!

Time required: approx. 15 min.

Hours available for viewing : 24 hours

It is a representative view of Arashiyama, and is best viewed from the west side of the Togetsukyo Bridge or from the riverbed on the east side. With the mountains in the background, the Togetsukyo Bridge in the center and the Katsura River flowing in the foreground, these three elements create a spectacular view.

Time required: approx. 15 min.

Hours available for viewing : 24 hours

The bamboo forest covers the area like a tunnel, creating a picturesque walking path. The bamboo, which stretches for about 400 meters, is evergreen, so visitors can see beautiful green bamboo groves all year round.

Travel time: 25 minutes one way
Hours of operation: Between 9:00 to 10:00～ – (last train depends on the season)

This sightseeing train runs along the Hozugawa River valley, and its main attraction is the magnificent beauty of the valley! The windowless open cars are especially popular. The train’s hours of operation are fixed, so be sure to make reservations in advance. It is convenient to board the train at the Trolley Arashiyama Station near the Sagano Bamboo Grove.

Travel time: approx. 2 hours
Hours of operation: Weekdays 9:00-15:00 (departs at 00:00 every hour during regular hours), weekends and holidays depart as soon as capacity is reached (approx. 24 passengers)

To return to the sightseeing area at the foot of the river from Torokko Kameoka Station, the last stop on the trolley train, we recommend taking a boat ride down the world-famous Hozu River. The boatman will guide you through the winding valley. Experience the thrill and beauty of nature as you gaze at the majestic giant rocks, soaring waves, and mirror-like fountains.

Recommended for
〇People who want to see the major tourist attractions.
〇Want to see World Heritage temples
〇People who are interested in Japanese culture and art

In addition to the Watarigatsu Bridge and the small path through the bamboo grove, this course features especially popular tourist attractions such as World Heritage temples and art spots.

Duration : 15 min.

Hours available for viewing : 24 hours

Time required: approx. 40 to 80 minutes
Viewing hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (registration closes at 4:50 p.m.)

The temple is so vast that a full day would not be enough to fully appreciate the temple.
Particularly worth seeing are the Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden), which is beautiful in all four seasons, the huge ceiling Cloud Dragon painting (open only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and during special visitation periods), and the Bodhidharma painting at the main entrance of the “Kuri” (the inner sanctuary).

Duration : 15 min.

Hours available for viewing : 24 hours

Time required: approx. 30 min.
Viewing hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (registration closes at 16:30)

This temple is located on the mountainside of Mt. Ogura. You can feel the uniquely Japanese “wabi-sabi” in the calm and rustic atmosphere of the temple. The temple grounds are planted with about 200 maple trees, which provide a magnificent view of the temple as if they were pouring down from overhead.

Hours available for viewing : 24 hours

Arashiyama Park, which you will pass on the way to the next spot, Arashiyama YUSAITEI. The park, which takes advantage of the hilly terrain, is surrounded by red pines and other flowers such as cherry blossoms, maples, and azaleas. If you have time, it is recommended to stop by if you go to the observatory, where you can see a magnificent view of the trolley train running through the valley, which looks like a miniature train.

Time required: approx. 30 min.
Viewing time: Varies depending on the season.
Priority is given to reservations.

The more than 150-year-old building, which once flourished as a ryokan (Japanese-style inn) where maiko and geiko used to admire, is now an art gallery and can be visited for a fee. The reflection of the autumn leaves outside the round window on the lacquered desk is breathtakingly beautiful! Reservations are recommended as it is especially popular during the fall foliag

Time required: approx. 15 min.
Viewing time: 24 hours

An art installation with 600 poles decorated with gorgeous yuzen patterns. It is especially magical at night, when the lights turn the scene into an even more gorgeous, Kyoto-like scene.

If you get hungry between strolls, you will want to taste the sweets and gourmet foods unique to Arashiyama. Please refer to the following article for a list of recommended stores, including “miffy sakura bakery.”

▼For more information about Arashiyama Gourmet, please see this article.▼

8 Sweets in Arashiyama, Kyoto, from Easy Eats to Stylish Cafes

8 Best Gourmet Restaurants in Arashiyama, Kyoto!

If you have a little more time to spare, or if you would like to rearrange the courses we have introduced, here are some other recommended spots. Please feel free to arrange your trip as you wish.

Hogonin
Hogonin is famous for its garden with a borrowed view of Arashiyama and giant rocks such as “Shishi-iwa” (Lion Rock), and is also famous for its autumn foliage. The garden can be viewed only during special viewing periods, so if your timing is right, be sure to visit!

Nonomiya Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to the god of marriage. The black wooden torii gate, made of unpeeled sawtooth oak, is said to be the oldest style of torii in Japan and exudes elegance. It is located at the entrance of a small path in a bamboo grove and is easy to stop by.

Monkey Park Iwatayama
Approximately 120 Japanese macaques live in the wild. It is a scenic spot with a panoramic view of Kyoto City. It is a 20-minute walk from the entrance to where the monkeys are.

Rickshaw Experience
The rickshaw stops at the foot of Togetsukyo Bridge.
The shortest course takes about 12 minutes, and there is also a 30-minute rickshaw tour through the bamboo grove.

Saga Arashiyama Bunka-kan
This museum conveys the history and charm of the Hyakunin Isshu, a set of 100 poems said to have been born in Arashiyama, as well as the essence of Japanese painting. In the Tatami Gallery, Japanese paintings are displayed in a grand hall of 120 tatami mats, offering visitors a glimpse of Japanese culture.

Matsunoo Taisha Shrine
Matsunoo Taisha Shrine is believed to be the god of sake brewing. The shrine grounds are lined with sake barrels donated from all over Japan, and the contemporary garden consisting of three gardens is also a highlight. It is a short walk from Hankyu Matsuo-taisha Station, a 5-minute train ride from Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama, rich in nature, offers different scenery in each season and many sights to see, so you will never get bored no matter how many times you visit. Even if you only have a short stay in Arashiyama this time, we hope you will come back again to enjoy the area at your leisure!

▼Click here for a one-day model course in Arashiyama▼

Arashiyama, Kyoto-1 Day Trip｜From Popular Spots to Best Kept Secret Spots!