Today we visit the beautiful district of Arashiyama, in the northeastern part of the city of Kyoto. One of the most beautiful excursions, famous for its Bamboo forest and the nature that surrounds it. Without forgetting the view from the Togetsukyo bridge, and the Monkey forest. Hungry? Check here the Kyoto food guide! Check my 15 days itinerary in Japan to know everything about my Japanese trip.
HOW TO GET TO ARASHIYAMA
Arashiyama is accessible by the Keifuku Electric Railroad from central Kyoto or by the Arashiyama Line from Katsura, with connections from Osaka and Kyoto.
Additionally, the JR Saga Arashiyama Station is located in the district’s suburbs. The Sag-in line, connect in 15min Kyoto station to Arashiyama Station. Do you want to know how the Japan Rail Pass works? Another is always taking a taxi, is not expensive in Japan.
BAMBOO FOREST
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Japan’s most famous attractions. Among the most visited parks, it consists of a beautiful path and also quite short. It is always advisable to arrive early or to visit it late in the afternoon if you want to take good pictures. You don’t pay admission and it is open 24h, even if the best hours are between 10 and 15.
To access the park there are maps or routes that you can follow freely, on the way to get there you will find many temples to visit. For example the Temple of Tenryuji, Daikakuji, Saihoji or Seiryoji.
MONKEY FOREST
Apart from the Bamboo forest, another park that you can visit is the Monkey forest. Open from 10 am to 5 pm, admission 500 yen, it takes 25 / 30min to reach it. The journey is a bit sloping, and the last entry is at 4.30 pm so try not to go after 4 pm.
I highly recommend it, it is a park where monkeys are kept in freedom, so much so that it is forbidden to touch them. There are forest rangers present precisely because they are wild animals. Always remember to take pictures without flash, and for those who want to, you can buy fruit to give to animals in moderation. Apart from the monkeys from here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city of Kyoto.
WHAT ELSE
One of the most popular drives of Kameoka using the tourist train or Sagano Torokko. The tour, made in classic wagons with wooden seats, is of spectacular beauty. The attraction end returning to Arashiyama by a boat ride on the river. The ticket is 620 Yen and the service operates every day of the week except Wednesdays.
For all the Kimoni lovers, the Kimono forest is right where the tram station is. A beautiful collection of gorgeous cylinder-shaped pillars that light up in the evening. Talking about Kimonos, do you want to rent one? Look here!
MAP OF MY JAPAN TRIP
Now check The 10 best temples in Kyoto.
