Arashiyama
This quaint hermit’s cottage was once the home of one of haiku master Matsuo Basho’s disciples. It’s a good palate cleanser between the area temples. Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (10:00am-4:00pm January and February) Closed on December 31st and January 1st
Nison-in Temple is a lovely Tendai sect Buddhist temple that is best known for its lovely maple- and cherry-lined arcade leading to the main halls. Opening hours: 9:00am-4:30pm
he Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. Opening hours: 24hrs
ojakko-ji Temple is a quaint temple on the main Arashiyama tourist route that offers a chance to escape the crowds that plague the rest of the area. Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, last entry 4:30pm
Tiny Gio-ji Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Arashiyama. The thatched-roof main hall overlooking a moss-covered grotto is a magical sight. Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm, last entry 4:30pm
A place where you’ll find 8000 Buddhist statues here placed in memory of those who died without kin. On the evenings of 23 and 24 August, a ceremony is held in which candles are lit throughout the grounds. Opening hours: 9am-4.30pm March-November 9am-3:30pm December-February
Arashiyama is the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto. It’s filled with temples and shrines, but the star attraction is the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Arashiyama is in the far west of Kyoto, tucked along the base of the Arashiyama Mountains (meaning “Storm Mountains”). It’s a fair distance from the center of Kyoto: whether you go by train, bus, bicycle or taxi, you’re generally looking at about a 30-minute trip. Still, it’s worth it for the number of great sights here.
Important Note
The main street of Arashiyama, along with the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge, which form the heart of Arashiyama, is nothing but a tourist circus. But, don’t despair. As quickly as you can, walk upriver to Kameyama-koen Park, or into Tenryu-ji Temple and on into the Bamboo Grove.
Things to See and Do
Places to Eat
Places to Stay
Komichi – Arashiyama FacebookTwitterPinterestGooglePocketPrint Komichi is the best restaurant/cafe on the tourist route in Arashiyama for a light meal or a hot or cold drink. Opening hours:: 10am-5pm normally 9am-5:30pm during autumn foliage season Closed Wednesday except for October and November Closed Wednesday and either Tuesday or Thursday during winter
Yodofu Sagano is a great place to try that great Arashiyama Buddhist specialty: yudo (chunks of tofu simmered in broth). Opening hours:: 11am-7pm
The view is the real draw at this simple riverside noodle and rice restaurant on the edge of the Arashiyama tourist district. Opening hours:: 11am-5pm
nside the grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple, Shigetsu is a great place to try traditional Japanese Buddhist cuisines, also known as shojin-ryori. Opening hours:: 11am-2pm
They simply do not make restaurants more attractive than this old teahouse near Atago Torii in Arashiyama. It’s a teahouse that doubles as a proper restaurant. Opening hours: 11:30am-9pm
One of the finest riverside ryokan in Arashiyama, this traditional spot is a great place for those who want to be based in Arashiyama.
A serene riverside refuge accessible by boat upstream from Arashiyama, Hoshinoya Kyoto is arguably Kyoto’s most interesting place to stay.