Arashiyama Guide: Bamboo, Temples & Riverside Walks

Fast Facts

The District Overview

Arashiyama sits at the far western edge of Kyoto, where the Hozugawa River descends from the mountains and flattens into the city basin. The hills here have been considered a scenic area since the Heian period — Kyoto aristocrats built villas on the slopes, which later became temples. The result is a compact district with exceptional natural scenery and remarkable cultural density.

The bamboo grove gets most of the attention, but the broader district — Tenryu-ji’s UNESCO garden, the Hozu River gorge, the hidden mountain temples above the grove, and the quiet residential streets — is what makes a full day here worthwhile.

Key Sights

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The most-photographed section of the district: a 500m path through towering bamboo just north of Tenryu-ji. Best before 8am. See the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Guide for full visiting tips.

Tenryu-ji Temple and Garden

The garden of Tenryu-ji is one of Kyoto’s finest and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central pond with Arashiyama hills as borrowed scenery has been continuously maintained since the temple’s founding in 1339. Entry ¥500 (garden) or ¥1,000 (temple buildings). The garden circuit takes 30–45 minutes. Worth every yen.

Togetsukyo Bridge

The iconic curved wooden bridge spanning the Oi River is the geographical center of Arashiyama and its most recognizable image. Free to walk across. Best in morning light.

Jojakko-ji Temple

Climb the stone stairs behind the bamboo grove to this moss-covered, quiet temple. Far fewer visitors than the valley floor. The two-story pagoda offers views over the district. ¥500. One of the most peaceful spots in western Kyoto.

Okochi Sanso Villa

The stunning hillside estate of silent film actor Okochi Denjiro, accessed from the far end of the bamboo path. The gardens overlook Kyoto in multiple directions. ¥1,000 (includes matcha and sweets). Exceptional value for what you get — and completely uncrowded compared to the bamboo below.

Sagano Scenic Railway

A narrow-gauge tourist train running through the Hozugawa gorge from Torokko Saga Station near the bamboo grove. Spectacular autumn foliage. Tickets sell out weeks in advance during peak season — book online early.

The Best Walking Route

From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station:

1. Walk north 10 minutes to Nonomiya Shrine at the grove entrance
2. Walk through the bamboo grove northward (15 min)
3. Continue to Okochi Sanso entrance (20 min if entering)
4. Return to Tenryu-ji north gate and walk the garden circuit (40 min)
5. Exit south through the main gate and continue to Togetsukyo Bridge (15 min)
6. Walk the riverside path east along Hozu River
7. Return to station via main Arashiyama street

Total: 3–4 hours at a comfortable pace.

Eating in Arashiyama

• Sagano-yu: Former public bath turned casual restaurant in a beautiful old building, near Torokko Arashiyama station.
• Tousuiro: Tofu cuisine restaurant near Tenryu-ji — traditional preparation, excellent quality.
• Convenience stores and cafes cluster along the main street between Togetsukyo and the bamboo area.

Avoid the generic tourist restaurants directly on Togetsukyo street — quality drops sharply and prices rise at the most visible locations.

See also: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove tips for timing advice. The 2-Day Kyoto Itinerary shows how Arashiyama fits into a broader trip plan.

Evening option: Our Gion Sake Walk departs from the Gion district — easily combined with a morning in Arashiyama.