Known for its eclipsing bamboo groves and stunning mountainous forests, Arashiyama is one of the coolest districts to visit in Kyoto, Japan!
Arashiyama is a must-visit town in Kyoto prefecture for anyone traveling to Japan. Its beauty extends beyond the bamboo groves and natural mountainous forests and you’d appreciate spending a full day here if you can!
Hitting up the bamboo groves first
Not far from Kyoto station is the iconic bamboo grove which has become an automatic association with the district of Arashiyama. If you’ve ever seen postcard photos of tall bamboo forests in travel magazines or websites, then you’re looking at Arashiyama in Kyoto.
The key to a truly memorable experience at Arashiyama is to hit up the bamboo forest first thing in the morning because it gets packed out fast! While some may prefer the touristy vibe of a crowded site, I recommend soaking in the park’s natural beauty and allowing your mind to wander as you stroll through this artistic piece of mother nature in solitude or with a friend.
Walk along the Katsura River
Arashiyama isn’t all bamboo grooves and forests, as you can follow the signs down to the gorgeous Katsura River after your stroll in the woods. After being in a narrow forest for an hour or so, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the wide open space of the river and boat docks is just what you need.
Take a timeout at Tenryu-ji Temple
Just outside Torokko Arashiyama station is the Zen Buddhist temple known as Tenryu-ji, a place of worship that was founded way back in 1339. It’s just a short walk from Arashiyama bamboo forest and is a great place to relax after a morning of walking on your feet.
The admission fee is 500 yen (< 4 USD) and is a totally worthwhile experience as you get to enjoy the beautiful landscape garden surrounding a crystal clear pond. Take a seat on the temple’s porch and enjoy a nice hot vending machine drink as you look out to the colorful autumn leaves of Tenryu-ji temple.
With all this stunning natural beauty and scenery, it’s no wonder Arashiyama is nationally designated as a Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. You haven’t seen Kyoto until you’ve seen Arashiyama, so make sure to add it to your itinerary for your next trip to Japan!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!