If you’re looking to visit beautiful Arashiyama during your trip to Japan, check out this One Day Arashiyama Itinerary. As someone who’s been there many times, I want to make it easy for everyone who wants to visit. Arashiyama is best done as a whole day thing, particularly while staying in Kyoto. It’s worth visiting year round, as the mountains are gorgeous in every season.
Visit the Bamboo Grove
Depending on how you get to Arashiyama, where you enter the Bamboo Grove will likely be different. There’s no right choice. This area will get more and more crowded throughout the day, so if you’re determined to see it with less people, you should show up before 8am. Enjoy walking through the forest at your own speed before stopping at Nonomiya Shrine.
Get a fortune at Nonomiya Shrine
Nonomiya Shrine is a small shrine where people come to seek luck in love and marriage. The shrine has historical importance, as it was even noted in The Tale of Genji, likely one of the oldest novels in the world. In Ancient Japan, certain young princesses would be selected to be a Saio, which essentially meant they would be sent to live an isolated life as a virgin sacrifice to the Sun God, Amaterasu. On their way to Ise Jingu, in Mie Prefecture, they would stop at Nonomiya Shrine to undergo a purification ritual.
The shrine is dedicated to Nonomiya Okami, also known as Amaterasu.
Today, I recommend getting one of the Omikuji, or fortune telling papers, for 100 yen. Luckily, the paper has both English and Japanese on it.
Eat Some Food
Once you’re bamboo-ed out, head out of the forest and get some food. The whole Arashiyama area is packed full of great food options, from traditional kaiseki to simple but delicious street food. For a simple but delicious lunch, I recommend Ozuru, an udon and tempura restaurant, or Unagi Hirokawa, for Japanese-style grilled eel.
Other foods to try in the area include Mitarashi Dango at Kotoimo Honpo and Tofu Ice Cream at Kyozuan. (Both located right by the standard entrance to the forest.)
Check Out Tenryu-ji
Tenryu-ji is a Zen temple well known for its stunning traditional gardens. The temple was established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji, but the history goes back to the ninth century when the temple Danrin-ji, the first Zen temple, was founded in the same spot by Empress Tachibana no Kachiko. Although Danrin-ji would fall into disrepair, the site would be used by various emperors in the 13th and 14th centuries before Tenryu-ji was built in one of the emperor’s memory. It’s been rebuilt eight times since, but the temple and its gardens still inspire a feeling of tranquility.
I recommend stopping by here especially in spring, when the cherries are blooming, and in fall, when the leaves are changing. The scenery is stunning on a whole different level.
Kimono Forest
For a fun picture spot, check out Kimono Forest at Arashiyama Station. While even better at night, these light up pillars are beautiful even during the day. Styled with the designs of traditional kimono, there are about 600 all around the station. At the end of the forest, there’s actually a free public foot bath. During cooler weather, this is a great spot to remove your shoes and socks, roll up your pants, and dip your weary feet into the hot water. Although free, a towel is 200 yen.
Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge
To get to the Monkey Park, you’ll have to cross over Togetsukyo Bridge, the iconic bridge which spans the Katsura River. While the first bridge here was built in 836, the present one was finished in 1934. The name “Togetsu” means “moon crossing,” and comes from an old story involving the Kamakura period Emperor Kameyama. While out on a boating party, he saw the full moon and believed it looked like it was crossing the bridge.
If the weather is nice, it may be worth trying a boat ride near the bridge. Boat tours cost about 4100 yen per person and usually take about two hours or so, depending on how high the water is.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Perhaps my personal favorite activity in the Arashiyama Itinerary, the Monkey Park is home to semi-wild Japanese macaques which you can even feed peanuts. This is arguably the best spot to see the monkey in Japan, as it’s clear that they’re comfortable living in the area. Once you buy tickets at the entrance, there’s a fairly steep 20-minute walk to the top. Take it slow, especially on a hot day, but know that a great view and a bunch of curious monkeys are waiting for you at the top.
At the top, you can go inside a little hut, which is essentially a human cage, to offer treats to the monkeys outside.
Final Notes
If you have time, it’s worth grabbing dinner at one of the many traditional restaurants in the area. The local specialty is tofu, so make sure to try some in one of many different forms.
I also sometimes have people ask about the Sagano Scenic Railway, or the “Romantic Train.” Personally, I think it’s overhyped and a waste of money. There are amazing views of foliage around Kyoto for free. That’s just my opinion though.
In fall, it’s also worth checking out more of the gardens in the area as the fall leaves in Japan are stunning, especially in these mountains.
Hope this Arashiyama Itinerary helps you out and feel free to leave me your thoughts!