Arashiyama Guide: Itinerary and Essential Tips
Arashiyama, known as “嵐山” in Japanese, is located very close to downtown Kyoto. The region boasts rivers, mountains, bamboo forests, temples, and is especially celebrated for its vibrant autumn colors.
photo by Marisca Kadharmestan | Yuka Yamazaki
How to Get to Arashiyama from Kyoto
Option 1 - Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. It’s a direct ride, taking approximately 16 minutes, with a fare of 240 yen. Free for JR Pass holders.
Option 2 - Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line Limited Express from Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station to Katsura Station, then transfer to the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station (Hankyu), taking approximately 19 minutes, with a total fare of 240 yen.
You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information
Arashiyama Itinerary
Autumn Foliage Season (Mid-November to Early December)
It’s recommended to plan a full-day trip:
Take the Sagano Romantic Train.
Make sure to visit the following temples to enjoy the autumn foliage: Jojakko-ji, Nison-in, and Gio-ji. Each of them is well worth the visit.
Other Seasons
A half-day itinerary can be sufficient. Here are some suggestions:
Relax by the Katsura River near the Togetsukyo Bridge
Feed monkeys at the Arashiyama Monkey Park
Stroll through the bamboo forest
Explore the traditional Japanese garden at Tenryu-ji Temple
Top Tourist Attractions in Arashiyama
Togetsu kyo Bridge
Arashiyama’s Togetsu-kyo Bridge, spanning the Katsura River, is a must-see landmark. Built in 1934, it is 155 meters long and 11 meters wide. While the bridge may seem ordinary, the interplay of the bridge, river, people, surroundings, sunlight, and air paints a captivating picture.
Sagano Romantic Train
The Sagano Romantic Train is a sightseeing attraction, not regular transportation. It travels at 25 km/h over a 7.3 km route, taking 25 minutes one way.
Operation Dates: March 1 - December 29 check timetable for details
Closed Dates: Every Wednesday except holidays and peak seasons and January-February
Fare: Adults 880 yen, Children 440 yen. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but online booking is recommended.
Website: https://www.sagano-kanko.co.jp/en
Tips: Take the JR train to Umahori Station. Then, it’s a 10-minute walk to Torokko Kameoka Station, where you can board the train to Torokko Arashiyama Station. Explore the Arashiyama area from there!
Selected Video: Sagano Romantic Train | Kyoto Autumn Colors
Tenryu-ji Temple
The most famous temple in Arashiyama, construction began in 1339 and was completed in 1345. It is the largest of the ‘Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto’ and features a classic Japanese garden. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is worth visiting both on regular days and during the autumn foliage season.
Hours: 8am - 5.30pm
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen
Duration: 30 minutes
Website: https://www.tenryuji.com/en/
Selected Video: Autumn Leaves at Tenryu-ji Temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This is a must-see attraction in Arashiyama, stretching about 500 meters. The more accurate translation in Japanese would be “Bamboo Path” or “Bamboo Trail”. However, due to the high number of tourists, the path can get very crowded. Please adjust your expectations accordingly.
Admission: Free
Duration: 10 minutes
Selected Video: Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Walk
Arashiyama Monkey Park
The park is located at the mountaintop, taking about 20 minutes to climb. You can spend 100 yen to buy peanuts or apples to feed the monkeys.
Hours: 9am - 4pm
Admission: Adults 600 yen, , Children 300 yen
Duration: 1 hour
Website: http://www.monkeypark.jp/eng-index.html
Selected Video: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Jojakko-ji Temple
A must-visit temple during the autumn foliage season, offering stunning views from every angle.
Hours: 8am - 5pm
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children free
Duration: 15 - 30 minutes
Website: https://jojakko-ji.or.jp/
Selected Video: Spectacular Autumn in Jojakko-ji Temple
Nison-in Temple
With a history of 1200 years, it enshrines Shakyamuni and Amida Buddha. Its characteristic feature is the harmonious integration of stone steps, temples, and gardens, making it very photogenic.
Hours: 8am - 4.30pm
Admission: Adults 500 yen, Children free
Duration: 15 - 30 minutes
Website: https://nisonin.jp/?lang=en
Selected Video: Ultimate Autumn Journey Through Nison-in Temple
Gioji Temple
A small temple covered in moss and filled with a sense of Zen. Its characteristic feature is the beautiful contrast between the autumn leaves and the moss, creating an intensely scenic and beautiful view.
Hours: 8am - 5pm
Admission: Adults 300 yen, Children 100 yen
Duration: 10 - 20 minutes
Website: https://www.giouji.or.jp/en/
Selected Video: Autumn Leaves at Gioji Temple
Selected Video: Gioji Temple. moss and fresh greenery
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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