Kyoto is Japan’s ancient capital from more than 1000 years ago and has lots of important tourist spots such as the Kinkakuji Temple and the Kiyomizudera Temple. Visitors, not only from within Japan, but also from overseas, visit Kyoto all the year around. In particular, the number of visitors increases dramatically during the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. When Kyoto is mentioned, people tend to have a strong image of lots of temples, but in fact, there are lots of tourist spots other than temples to visit in Kyoto’s rich natural environment. One of these is Arashiyama.



Arashiyama is located on Kyoto’s west side. The symbol of Arashiyama is the Katsuragawa river that runs through the center of Arashiyama and the Togetsukyo bridge that crosses the Katsuragawa river. Lots of tourists visit this area. The scenery of Arashiyama changes depending on the season, so the landscape can be enjoyed all year around, no matter what the season. Furthermore, Arashiyama has been chosen as one of Japan’s top 100 locations for cherry blossoms and as one of Japan’s top 100 locations for autumn leaves.



There is another tourist spot apart from Togetsukyo bridge that you should not leave Arashiyama without visiting. It is the Sagano Chikurin bamboo forest. This is located close to the Tenryuji Temple and here you can enjoy views of a beautiful bamboo forest along a 500-meter-long road that connects to the Nonomiya Shrine. It is so stunning that you will fall in love at first sight with the sight of the tall, straight bamboo that grows up on both sides of the sidewalk.



The Sagano Romantic Train operates from Arashiyama Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station. I would recommend it to couples and other visitors who would like to enjoy this cute retro train. However, it can be hard to get a reservation during tourist seasons, such as the cherry blossom or autumn leaf season, because the seat reservation situation gets very full.

Along the main street, you can enjoy tasting gourmet treats as there are lots of delicious foods available, such as yuba ice cream, fried yuba, (“yuba” tofu skin is a Kyoto specialty) green tea parfait. There is also the special famous souvenir of Kyoto, Yatsuhashi (sweets made with bean paste).

For people who want to sightsee around the area in a leisurely fashion, I recommend sightseeing by rental bicycle.
It is also convenient to access. People using the train can get off at Arashiyama Station and people using the bus can catch the bus at the 11, 28 or 93 bus stop and get off at the Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae bus stop.



http://kyoto.travel/en
https://kyoto-design.jp/spot/1436?lang=en