tabimaru
Arashiyama is a nature-rich sightseeing district on the western edge of Kyoto. The Bamboo Grove Path — where tall green culms soar overhead and sway in the breeze — is one of the images most associated with Kyoto. Togetsukyo Bridge and the cherry-lined banks of the Katsura River peak in late March to early April, creating one of the city's most celebrated spring landscapes. World Heritage Tenryu-ji holds the oldest surviving example of a Japanese scenic garden, beautiful across every season.
こんな人におすすめ
この記事で分かること：Guide to Arashiyama: Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden, Togetsukyo Bridge, Sagano Romantic Train, access, and practical tips.
ここが狙い目
Togetsukyo Bridge and Cherry Blossoms Along the Katsura River
The sight of cherry blossoms lining the Katsura River with Togetsukyo Bridge in the foreground is one of Kyoto's defining spring images. Late March to early April is peak bloom.
Bamboo Grove Path
Towering green bamboo stretches skyward along a peaceful 200 m path. Walking here in the early morning quiet — before tour groups arrive — is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric experiences.
World Heritage Tenryu-ji — Sogenchi Pond Garden
Japan's oldest surviving example of a scenic garden, designated a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The garden uses the Arashiyama mountains as borrowed scenery. Azaleas, cherry blossoms, and autumn maples colour the seasons.
Sagano Romantic Train
The open-sided tourist train follows the Hozu River gorge through dramatic scenery — cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, and vivid foliage in autumn.
ベストシーズン
1月
2月
3月
4月
5月
6月
7月
8月
9月
10月
11月
12月
○
○
◎
◎
○
△
△
△
○
◎
◎
○
ベスト
おすすめ
まあまあ
低シーズン
Basic Information
Time Required
2–3 hours (including Tenryu-ji)
Admission
Bamboo Grove & Bridge: Free / Tenryu-ji Garden: ¥500
Tenryu-ji Hours
8:30–17:30 (Oct–Mar closes 17:00)
Area
Saga Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Best Time
Before 9:00 (Bamboo Grove especially)
Nearest Stations
JR Saga-Arashiyama Stn. / Hankyu Arashiyama Stn.
What to See
The Bamboo Grove Path
Running roughly 200 m north from Tenryu-ji's north gate towards Nonomiya Shrine, the Bamboo Grove Path is Arashiyama's most iconic sight. The bamboo culms shoot straight upward, filtering sunlight into shifting patterns on the ground, while the leaves rustle softly overhead. Early morning — ideally before 8:30 a.m. — brings mist along the path and the fewest other visitors, the closest the grove gets to the serene scene in photographs.
Tenryu-ji and the Sogenchi Garden
Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, Tenryu-ji is the head temple of the Tenryu branch of Rinzai Zen and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Sogenchi Pond Garden — designated both a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty — is acknowledged as the oldest surviving example of a Japanese scenic garden, attributed to the monk-gardener Muso Soseki. The garden uses Arashiyama and Kameyama as borrowed scenery (shakkei). Spring brings cherry blossoms; the hall's Cloud Dragon painting (Unryu-zu) by Kayama Matazo is a must-see.
Togetsukyo Bridge and Cherry Blossoms
Togetsukyo, the 155 m bridge spanning the Katsura River, is Arashiyama's symbol. In late March to early April, cherry trees line the north bank and petals drift across the water in what locals call "hana-ikada" (flower raft). At dusk the bridge silhouettes against the mountain ridge, creating a quietly beautiful Kyoto scene that rewards the short walk down to the riverbank.
Getting There
By Train (Recommended)
JR Sagano Line "Saga-Arashiyama Stn." — approx. 10 min walk to bamboo grove
Hankyu Arashiyama Line "Arashiyama Stn." — approx. 5 min walk to Togetsukyo Bridge
Keifuku Electric Railway (Randen) "Arashiyama Stn." — directly in the area
By City Bus
Kyoto City Bus Route 28 from Kyoto Station — "Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae" stop (approx. 50 min; allow extra time during cherry blossom season)
Tips & Things to Know
Copyright © 2026 Tabimaru. All rights reserved.