Arashiyama

Overview

Arashiyama is a mountain 382 meters high on the western edge of Kyoto, and also the name of the scenic district spread across its foothills. Across the Katsura River (called the Oi River in this stretch), the western Arashiyama trio of Mount Matsuo, Arashiyama, and Karasugatake, together with Mount Ogura and Mount Kameyama to the east and the surrounding lowlands, are broadly known as Arashiyama, one of Kyoto's foremost sightseeing areas lined with temples and shrines. The riverside scenery centered on the Togetsukyo Bridge is beautiful in every season, and the area is a nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty.

Highlights

• ●Riverside scenery along the Katsura (Oi) River centered on Togetsukyo Bridge
• ●A landscape prized as a nationally designated historic site and scenic beauty
• ●Cherry blossoms and autumn foliage among Japan's Top 100 spots for each
• ●The Sagano Romantic Train offering views of the Hozukyo gorge

History

Arashiyama has long been cherished as a place of scenic beauty, its landscape of the Katsura River and the mountains behind captivating visitors through the ages. The area is designated a national historic site and place of scenic beauty, its scenic and historical value officially recognized. Celebrated for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, it is listed among Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and Japan's Top 100 Autumn Foliage Spots. Across the centuries it has remained a beloved destination emblematic of Kyoto.

Map

35.0096, 135.6664 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station and enjoy the river view at Togetsukyo Bridge
2. 2Stroll the riverside and Sagano lanes, visiting the scattered temples and shrines
3. 3Board the Sagano Romantic Train at Torokko Arashiyama Station to view Hozukyo
4. 4Take in the seasonal blossoms or foliage before unhurriedly leaving Arashiyama

Did you know?

💡 The place name Arashiyama originally referred to the mountain and its vicinity on the right bank of the Katsura River, but in recent years the area along both banks centered on the Togetsukyo Bridge is often broadly called Arashiyama. The mountain rises 382 meters, and together with the Sagano side on the eastern bank across the river it forms a single sightseeing area.

Nearby spots