Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794–1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall colour seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s well-known central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants, and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
North of central Arashiyama, the atmosphere becomes less touristy and more rural, with several small temples scattered along the base of the wooded mountains. The area north of the Togetsukyo Bridge is also known as Sagano, while “Arashiyama” technically refers just to the mountains south of the river but is commonly used to name the entire district.
One of the most enjoyable and convenient ways to travel around the Sagano area is by rental bicycle, which is available for around 1000 yen near the train stations. Cycling through rural residential areas and past fields while travelling between temples can be one of the most enjoyable parts of a visit to Arashiyama. There is also an attractively preserved town area near the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple.
Arashiyama becomes most attractive (and busy) around early April and the second half of November, when the cherry blossom and fall colour seasons usually peak. During the summer months, traditional cormorant fishing is practised on the Hozu River for tourists to watch.
Togetsukyo Bridge
The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. “Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge.
Bamboo Groves
The paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries.
Okochi Sanso Villa
This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can be viewed only from the outside. Admission includes matcha green tea with a snack.
Monkey Park Iwatayama
The entrance to the monkey park can be found just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. The park is located in the Arashiyama Mountains, and it takes about a ten minute hike to reach the area where dozens of monkeys roam freely. There are also nice views down on the city.
Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street
Much of this street along the way to the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple has been preserved in the style of the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Many of the buildings are traditional machiya (“town houses”) that today serve as shops and restaurants.
Rakushisha Residence
The Rakushisha Residence is a thatched hut that belonged to the 17th century haiku poet Mukai Kyorai. Mukai was a student of Basho Matsuo, one of Japan’s greatest poets. Basho even composed a few poems here. Mukai named his residence Rakushisha (“fallen persimmon hut”) after a storm had taken down the fruits of the surrounding trees.
Fukuda Art Museum
The Fukuda Art Museum displays works from the collection of Fukuda Yoshitaka, the founder of Aiful, a leading consumer finance company. It is housed in a beautiful modern building whose design contains elements of the architecture of traditional Kyoto town houses. The collection consists mainly of Japanese paintings dating from the Edo Period and later, including some spectacular byobu screens.
The fastest access from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is provided by the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line). The one way ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes and costs 240 yen. From the station it is a 5-10 minute walk to central Arashiyama.
The small trains on the Keifuku Arashiyama Line connect Arashiyama with Omiya Station at the intersection of Shijo Street and Omiya Street in central Kyoto (20 minutes, 250 yen). Keifuku Railway also provides access to Kitanohakubaicho Station in northern Kyoto, not far from Kinkakuji, Ryoanji and Ninnaji temples (20-30 minutes, 250 yen). One transfer of trains is required along the way. Keifuku Arashiyama Station is located in the very center of Arashiyama.
From Kyoto-Kawaramachi or Karasuma Station in central Kyoto (Shijo Street), take the Hankyu Main Line to Katsura Station and transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line for Arashiyama. The one way trip takes about 20 minutes and costs 240 yen. Hankyu Arashiyama Station is located on the opposite side of the river, about a 5-10 minute walk from central Arashiyama.
Bus lines connect Arashiyama with several parts of Kyoto, however, it is recommended to access Arashiyama by train to avoid the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams.
Access by car is not recommended due to traffic congestion and difficult parking. However, travelers with a car who are interested in also visiting the mountainous Takao region, note that the Arashiyama Takao Parkway toll road connects Arashiyama with Takao (1200 yen one way).
(www.japan-guide.com)