Arashiyama, a magical place near Tokyo

Arashiyama is a beautiful tourist destination to the west of the city of Kyoto, especially known for its beautiful bamboo forest. However, Arashiyama offers you many more options for tourism, leisure and entertainment. From seeing macaques in semi-freedom to taking a boat ride or enjoying a visit in a rickshaw.

What to see and do in Arashiyama and surroundings of Tokyo?

Arashiyama is an ideal destination to go from Kyoto in the morning and return well into the entrance after visiting places such as the following:

The Tenryuji Temple:

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the Tenryuji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Kyoto. Built in the 14th century, the temple is famous for the beauty of its Zen garden and its refined ornamental care. During spring and fall it is one of the best places in Arashiyama to enjoy Hanami and Momiji.

Daikakuji Temple:

Considered as another of the most important temples in Arashiyama, the Daikakuji Temple stands out for its refined architecture but especially for the beauty of the visits from its artificial pond (Osawa) considered one of the oldest in all of Japan and for the beauty of your pagoda. Its construction dates from the year 896 and served as the residence of the former emperor of Arashiyama.

The Saihoji Temple:

Also known as the Moss Temples or Koke-dera, the Saihoji Temple stands out for the beauty of the environment covered entirely with mosses.

The Seiryoji Temple:

Built in the year the Seiryoji Temple is known for its statue of Buddha or Shaka Nyorai, considered one of the most important national treasures in Japan.

The Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple:

Also known as the Temple of the 1,000 Buddhas, it takes its name from the large number of stone Buddha figures and honors people who have died without any relatives.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Probably the most tourist attraction in Arashiyama is strolling through its incredible bamboo forest. Also known as Sagano Bamboo Forest.

The visit consists of walking along the small path that crosses it and enjoying the beauty of its impressive bamboos, the play of colors and lights that are generated by the sun’s rays and hopefully even the sound generated by the breeze when it hits the bamboos. , causing the place to have been recognized after a popular vote as one of the most important natural sounds in Japan.

Other attractions and places to see in Arashiyama

See the views from Togetsukyo Bridge:

The Togetsukyo Bridge or The Bridge that crosses the Moon is one of the best places to see the visits of the surroundings of Arashiyama.

Iwatama Park:

Also known as the Itawama forest, this place is famous for hosting a colony of macaques.

Stroll through Saga-Toriimoto:

One of the most traditional corners left in Arashiyama is the famous Saga-Toriimoto street with its traditional houses or Machiya and cafes and restaurants.

Scenic Train to Sagano:

One of the most popular things to do from Arashiyama is to visit the nearby town of Kameoka using the tourist train or Sagano Torokko.

The route, made in classic wagons with wooden seats, is of spectacular beauty, crossing the banks of the Hozugawa River and passing through spectacular forests.

Arashiyama and the traditional Cormoran fishing

One of the most visited attractions during the months of July, August and September is to contemplate the traditional fishing with Cormorant or Ukai.

During the night and accompanied by torches to bring the fish to the surface, the fishermen use cormorants for fishing. To prevent the animal from swallowing the best pieces, it carries a tied ring around its neck that only allows it to eat the smallest pieces.

What used to be an art more than 1,200 years old has become a tourist spectacle where an animal is being used for human enjoyment. As responsible tourists we must avoid contributing to any type of animal abuse.

How to go to Arashiyama from Tokyo

In case you have your JR Pass, the best way to go to Arashiyama is by taking the JR Sagano from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama station.

In case you do not have the best way to do it, take the Kyoto City Bus 28 (30 minutes / 230 Yen from Kyoto station. Another very popular way to go is to take the tram or Keifuku Randen Tram Line at Omiya station / 220 Yen) and enjoy the beautiful views of the trip.