Arashiyama Guide: Itinerary and Essential Tips
Last updated: August 22, 2025
Arashiyama is located about 10 kilometers from central Kyoto.
The area features a river, mountains, bamboo groves, and temples, making it one of the best spots for autumn foliage.
photo by Atsushi Tsubokura | Masaaki Komori
How to Get to Arashiyama from Kyoto
By JR
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station.
The ride takes about 16 minutes and costs ¥240.
Covered by the JR Pass.
By Hankyu Railway
From Karasuma Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto Line Limited Express to Katsura Station.
Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line and get off at Arashiyama Station (Hankyu).
The whole trip takes about 19 minutes and costs ¥240.
Arashiyama Itinerary
Autumn Foliage Season
The foliage season in Arashiyama is quite short, usually from mid-November to early December.
Plan a full-day trip if you’re visiting during this time. The highlights are Hōgon-in Temple and Jojakko-ji Temple, both known for their breathtaking autumn colors. Of course, don’t miss the Sagano Romantic Train for scenic views.
Other Seasons
Outside the foliage season, a half-day trip is usually enough.
You can focus on Tenryu-ji Temple and its surrounding area. The Sagano Romantic Train is less impressive at this time and is mainly worth it if you’re traveling with kids.
Getting Around
The main attractions are close to each other, and you can easily explore the area on foot.
Refer to the walking route shown in the map below.
Attractions in Arashiyama
1. Sagano Romantic Train
This is not regular transportation but a sightseeing train. It runs at about 25 km/h along a 7.3 km track, taking 25 minutes for a one-way trip. It’s especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season. In other seasons, the scenery is rather ordinary, so it may not be worth a special trip unless you are traveling with kids.
Operation Dates: March 1 - December 29 check timetable for details
Fare: Adults 880 yen, Children 440 yen. Tickets are available at the station, but online booking is recommended.
Official Site: sagano-kanko.co.jp
Route and Stations：Take the JR train to Umahori Station (on the far left in the map below), then walk about 10 minutes to the Torokko Kameoka Station. From there, ride the Romantic Train back to Arashiyama Station to continue your sightseeing.
Of course, you can also buy a round-trip ticket if you prefer a simpler option.
Watch: 【紅葉ひとり旅】嵯峨野トロッコ列車！
2. Bamboo Forest
This is a must-see in Arashiyama, stretching about 500 meters. A more accurate translation from Japanese would be “Bamboo Path” or “Bamboo Trail.” However, it’s usually very crowded due to the large number of visitors, so adjust your expectations before going.
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit Time:10 minutes
Watch: 外国人観光客が満喫の嵐山竹林の小径を歩く
3. Tenryu-ji Temple
The most famous temple in Arashiyama, built in 1339. It is the head of the “Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto” and has imperial ties. In 1994, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has been destroyed by fire several times in history, so most of the current buildings were rebuilt in the late 19th century. Inside, you can enjoy a classic Japanese garden, beautiful in all four seasons. Unlike Shinto shrines, this temple focuses on Zen practice such as meditation. While there are Buddhist statues, worship is not the main emphasis.
Hours: 8am - 5pm
Admission: ¥500 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: 30 minutes
Official Site: tenryuji.com
Watch: 真夏の京都嵐山を歩く
Watch: 紅葉見頃来た嵐山
4. Hōgon-in Temple
Hōgon-in is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, known for its garden that opens only in spring and autumn. Although not large, it uses trees, moss, streams, and rocks in a clever way, making visitors feel as if they are walking inside a giant bonsai. It is one of the best places in Arashiyama to enjoy autumn leaves.
Hours: Mid-March – Late June 9am - 5pm; Mid-November – Early December 9am - 5pm, and 5:30pm - 8:30pm (night viewing)
Admission: ¥700 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Official Site: hogonin.jp
Watch: 秋の京都紅葉散策🍁嵐山の絶景庭園 宝厳院を歩
Watch: と青もみじが綺麗な宝厳院
5. Togetsu kyo Bridge
Built in 1934, the bridge is 155 meters long and 11 meters wide. It is open only to pedestrians and bicycles.
Although the bridge itself is simple, it often appears in Japanese classical literature, movies, and anime, and has gradually become a symbol of Arashiyama.
by Sirawit Chuanart
6. Yusai-Tei Gallery
Yusai-tei is a 150-year-old building that once served as a traditional inn. Its owner, Okuda Yusai, is a dyeing artist with a unique sense of aesthetics. He used simple elements like tatami, water reflections, and earthen jars to create a one-of-a-kind artistic space. Since 2021, Yusai-tei has become a popular Instagram spot in Arashiyama. However, because the building is very small (only two rooms and one terrace are open) and tickets are relatively expensive, it’s more suitable for photography lovers.
Hours: 10am - 5pm, closed on Thursdays
Admission: ¥2000 on weekdays, ¥3000 during the autumn foliage season. Reservations are required on weekends/holidays in peak season. Off-season tickets are available on-site.
Recommended Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Official Site: yusai.kyoto
Watch: Yusai-tei Gallery: Where Art Meets the Spirit of Old Kyoto
Watch: 嵐山祐斎亭のアート紅葉
7. Arashiyama Monkey Park
The park is located at the top of a hill, about a 20-minute hike. You can buy peanuts or apples for ¥100 to feed the monkeys.
Hours: 9am - 4pm
Admission: ¥600 (adults), ¥300 (children)
Recommended Visit Time:1 hour
Official Site: monkeypark.jp
Watch: Meet Kyoto’s Wild Monkeys!
8. Jojakko-ji Temple
A must-visit during the autumn foliage season, offering stunning views in every direction. Built in 1596, its name comes from the Buddhist term “Jōjakkōdō,” meaning a peaceful Pure Land beyond the cycle of rebirth.
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: ¥500 (adults), free for children
Recommended Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Official Site: jojakko-ji.or.jp
Watch: Wonderful Autumn Leaves at Jojakkoji Temple
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9. Nison-in Temple
With a history of over 1,200 years, Nison-in enshrines Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha) and Amida (the Buddha of Infinite Light), which explains the name “Nison” (Two Buddhas). Its stone steps, temple buildings, and gardens blend beautifully together, making it very photogenic.
Hours: 8am - 4.30pm
Admission: ¥500 (adults), free for children
Recommended Visit Time: 15 - 30 minutes
Official Site: nisonin.jp
Watch: 小倉山二尊院の綺麗な紅葉
Watch: A stroll around Kyoto’s Nison-in Temple
10. Gioji Temple
Famous for its moss garden with about 20–30 types of moss, this small temple offers a quiet Zen atmosphere. It was originally a nunnery dedicated to a woman named Giō, a dancer in the late Heian period who later became a nun.
Hours: 9am - 4.30pm
Admission: ¥300 (adults),¥100 (children)
Recommended Visit Time: 10 - 20 minutes
Official Site: giouji.or.jp
Watch: 祇王寺2024夏 | 京都
Watch: Autumn leaves report: Kyoto Gion-ji Temple, Jojakko-ji Temple, and Nison-in Temple
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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