KYOTO
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NATURE & PARKS

9 Can't-Miss Things to Do in Arashiyama, Kyoto for Travelers

This detailed guide shares what to do and see in Arashiyama, including Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, historic sites, restaurants, and so much more!
bamboo forest in Sagano, kyoto, Japan

Art, nature, culture, and world heritages collide in Kyoto. And this world of wonder is all yours to discover, traveler. Kyoto, known as the Ancient Capital of Japan, is one of our most popular travel destinations. 

Many of the country’s important attractions are located in Kyoto, including more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At one point, Kyoto was the primary residence of the Emperor. And the scenic Kyoto area has been a hotspot for travel for centuries, especially for Japan’s nobility. Kyoto’s place in Japanese history is ever-present, from the historic neighborhoods to the serene natural escapes and world-renowned bamboo forest just outside the city limits. 

Located in the popular Sagano District along the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama Park offers nature lovers a lot more than the opportunity to explore bamboo groves. While an excursion to Arashiyama’s tranquil bamboo forest may be at the top of your travel agenda, Arashiyama provides travelers the chance to cruise the waterways on a pleasure boat, explore small local shops and charming restaurants, discover unique art installations, trek to the ancient Tenryuji Temple, and even make friends with the free-roaming Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, that call this picturesque rural area of Kyoto home. 

Today Kyoto welcomes visitors from every corner of the world. Japanese traditions are kept alive in Kyoto with festivals that date back hundreds of years, shrines that honor and preserve the past, and modern art installations that put a contemporary spin on otherwise ancient traditions.  

Escape from the ordinary and discover a world of natural wonder, ancient temples, contemporary art, and ethereal bamboo forests in Kyoto.  

Hike, meet monkeys, and relax at Arashiyama Park

Hike, meet monkeys, and relax at Arashiyama Park
Hike, meet monkeys, and relax at Arashiyama Park

Scenic Arashiyama Park draws crowds from season to season. And it is quite obvious as to why the natural area is so attractive to foreign travelers and day-trippers alike. Arashiyama is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in the spring season. Visitors continue to flock to the area throughout autumn to see the fall foliage as the leaves begin to change colors. 

When winter arrives, so does December’s Arashiyama Hanatoro Illumination. Also happening in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto in March, the twice-annual illumination event is quite the spectacle and features thousands of lanterns set throughout popular destinations, including ancient temples, shrines, and even the lush bamboo groves of Arashiyama. For 10 days, lanterns light up the mountainside and bamboo forests, giving visitors a new perspective of Arashiyama and Kyoto.    

During the warmer seasons, Arashiyama is best accessed via a boat ride on the scenic Hozugawa River for an adventurous experience. The boat ride takes approximately two hours to travel down the Honzugawa river between Kameoka city and Arashiyama. Travelers can also arrive by train via the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station or Arashiyama Station if using the Randen tram. If you are hoping to escape the crowds, it is best to begin your exploration of Arashiyama in the early morning hours. Make sure to dedicate at least half a day to wander so that you can see everything Arashiyama has to offer. And there’s a lot the region has to offer. 

Visit the Iwatayama Monkey Park

For a fun and interactive experience, make your way to Iwatayama Monkey Park, located just across the Togetsukyo Bridge. The adventure begins with a 20-minute hike up a scenic, forested trail. While the climb is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, the reward at the summit is well worth the effort. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

At the top, you’ll find a large clearing that houses over 100 Japanese macaques. Unlike many zoos or sanctuaries, the monkeys here roam freely in their natural habitat. You can observe their behaviors, take photos, and even feed them through designated feeding stations. This unique setup allows you to interact with the monkeys in a safe and respectful manner.

The park also offers panoramic views of Kyoto’s cityscape, making it an excellent spot for photography. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, which is when the monkeys are most active and the lighting is ideal for capturing memorable shots. 

Ancient meets modern: discover art installations at Arashiyama’s Kimono Forest

Ancient meets modern: discover art installations at Arashiyama’s Kimono Forest

There is a good chance that Kyoto’s Kimono Forest is unlike any forest you have ever seen before. Instead of towering green bamboo groves—we’ll get to those later—this modern-day “forest” consists of about 600 vibrant and colorful cylinder-shaped pillars featuring detailed textile artwork that line a paved walkway near Arashiyama’s Randen tram station. 

Each pillar stands two meters tall and the designs displayed are done in the traditional Kyo-yuzen style, a technique that is applied when dyeing silk panels with highly-elaborate, colorful designs that is commonly used for the traditional kimono. The design and execution for this art installation was a collaborative effort between artist Yasumichi Morita and Kamedatomi, a textile factory with origins that began over a century ago.

Today visitors traveling to the region can take a self-guided stroll through the colorful modern forest and make a stop at Ryu no Atago, a small pond where visitors pause to pray for their goals and dreams. And, during the evening, Kimono Forest is illuminated by glowing LED lights, adding a dreamscape-like atmosphere to the already scenic setting of Arashiyama when the sun goes down. 

Kimono Forest is located nearby the Arashiyama Randen tram station. The unmissable colorful pillars can be viewed as you depart the train. 

Discover Okochi Sanso Villa

Perched above the bustling Bamboo Grove, Okochi Sanso Villa is a serene retreat that immerses you in the beauty of traditional Japanese culture. The former residence of Denjiro Okochi, a celebrated silent film actor, this villa showcases an impeccable garden design with pathways that wind through seasonal flora, lush moss carpets, and groves of bamboo. The gardens are carefully curated to reflect the changing seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant green foliage in summer, fiery hues in autumn, and snow-covered landscapes in winter.

As you wander through the villa’s expansive grounds, you’ll encounter tea houses, statues, and an observation deck offering unparalleled views of Kyoto’s mountains and the Hozugawa River. The tranquility of the setting makes it an ideal spot for quiet reflection or photography. 

Admission includes a cup of matcha tea paired with a traditional Japanese sweet, enhancing the cultural experience. Budget at least an hour to fully explore and savor the peaceful ambiance of this historic site.

Experience the serene Tenryuji Temple and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch

Experience the serene Tenryuji Temple and enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch

Tenryuji Temple is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this special place in Kyoto one of Japan’s 25 world heritage sites. Founded in 1339, Tenryuji Temple is the largest zen temple in Kyoto, and it is widely regarded as the most impressive zen temple. 

An explorer’s dream, Tenryuji Temple is brimming with walking paths, beautifully manicured strolling gardens, and ornate temple buildings. Fall is the most popular season to visit when the autumn leaves add beautiful colors. 

After a morning of exploring, hungry visitors can enjoy a Japanese lunch at Shigetsu, an expansive, temple-style restaurant that’s tucked inside of historic Tenryuji. The Michelin-recognized restaurant offers an entirely vegetarian cuisine that is served in the traditional Japanese style. The dining experience is an absolute must-do for any foodie traveling to the Kyoto area. 

Tenryuji Temple is located within walking distance from the Arashiyama Randen station. 

Explore the peaceful Sagano Bamboo Forest 

Explore the peaceful Sagano Bamboo Forest

After a traditional Japanese lunch, make your way to Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest. The bamboo groves outside of Arashiyama feature paved pathways that visitors regularly travel, both foreigners and Japanese daytrippers. Regarded as the most famous bamboo forest in Japan, it is easy to see why the expansive (totaling 16 square kilometers) and breathtaking Sagano Bamboo Forest is considered one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. 

The world-famous bamboo forest is easily accessible by way of Tenryuji Temple. Simply exit at the north gate into the bamboo path. From there, you will be greeted by the tranquil soundscape of rustling leaves and a visually stunning array of shades of green and swaying bamboo trees.

Take a scenic river cruise on the Hozugawa

A journey along the Hozugawa River is one of the most picturesque ways to experience Arashiyama’s natural beauty. Starting in Kameoka, traditional wooden boats carry you down a 16-kilometer stretch of the river, navigating calm waters and occasional gentle rapids. The boatmen, who expertly guide the vessels, share stories and insights about the area’s history, wildlife, and unique geological features.

The scenery along the route is nothing short of spectacular and changes dramatically during each season. The journey ends near the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, making it a perfect precursor to exploring the rest of Arashiyama. 

The two-hour cruise is an excellent option for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to experience Kyoto from a different perspective. It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially during peak cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons.

See scenic mountains and waterways in Kameyama Park 

See scenic mountains and waterways in Kameyama Park 

Located at the tail-end of Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kameyama Park provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With minimal crowds, compared to the popular bamboo forest and bustling Arashiyama, this hilltop park provides a serene getaway for those willing to make the trek up the stone steps. 

Kameyama Park features a bevy of explorable trails with no shortage of scenic lookouts that provide postcard-perfect views of the forested Arashiyama Mountains, Katsura River, and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, which was originally constructed throughout 794 to 1185. 

Make your way to the observation deck to take in the panoramic views of Kyoto below. And, be sure to be on the lookout for your playful primate pals when you visit Kameyama Park. It is not uncommon for the free-roaming snow monkeys to descend to this area from Iwatayama, or Monkey Park.  

Visitors can access the hilltop park by way of the Sagano Bamboo Forest pathway. 

Adventure awaits: plan your trip to Kyoto today 

Whether you are interested in Japanese history or looking for a departure from the routine of city life, Kyoto truly offers something for everyone. While Kyoto doesn’t have an airport within its city limits, getting to the Ancient City is simple, wherever you may be traveling from. 

Visitors can easily arrive in the city of Kyoto, Japan, by way of Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, a quick trip that is just over an hour and 30-minutes away. From there, a quick train ride can get you from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto in just over an hour. Travelers arriving in Tokyo can take advantage of Japan Explorer Pass, an affordable and simple fare for travelers wishing to explore Japan that offers access to over 30 unique cities across the country. Plus, Japan Airlines' perks, such as free Wi-Fi on all domestic flights and award-winning economy class seating, can keep you connected and comfortable as you travel through the country of Japan.  

Getting There