Reported by Saphien
Spring is almost here, and I believe Arashiyama is one of the best place to enjoy sakura in all of japan.
First thing to do when you plan to go to japan for its sakura. Do check before hand the sakura blooming season, because each year they bloom in slightly different date from March-April.
I for once was quite unlucky because by the time i was there (around early april) most of the sakura trees is almost bald. but despite that, the view still breath taking.
Here’s is the list of things you can do while you in Arashiyama
RENT A BIKE
I do recommend you to rent a bike while you are here. Arashiyama is a vast area and walking around here could become tiring for some people.
Do be aware that the bike rental in Arashiyama is a bit more pricey (just ¥100 different) compare to the one you rent in the city.
Where to rent?
“Hankyu rent a cycle” is just across a street from Arashiyama station. This rental bike opens everyday all year round from 09.00 to 17.00. The bike rental varies from renting it for 2 hours (¥500) , 4 hours (¥700), or a day (¥900). They do need and id/ passport for their renting requirement.
EAT FOOD STALLS
During spring there’s plenty of food stall along the way Arashiyama area. Do try their sakura dango, because you could only eat that during spring. I also recommend you to try their grilled fish and chicken satay. As for the price its varies from ¥100- ¥500.
RIDE A RICKSHAW
It cost you around ¥3.000~¥15.000 depends on how long you choose to ride the rickshaw. Its quite pricey because the shafu (rickshaw driver) also acts as your tour guide. They will show you special sceneries that you probably won’t know if you walk by yourself. There’s a few shafus that’s able to speak english so do ask beforehand, otherwise just enjoy the ride...
RIDE SAGANO ROMANTIC RAILWAY
If you choose to ride the sagano romantic train, i recommend you to start you ride from Kameoka tokkoro station and stop at Arashiyama station. The sakura view i heard is really breathtaking along the way of the railway, i regretably didn’t ride it due to lack of time (and yes the picture shown below is not the sagano train). The Sagano railway cost ¥620 for one way ride (25 minutes)
VISIT THE KIMONO FOREST
Located at Randen Arashiyama station, the kimono displayed on cylindrical tubes showing different paterns of each kimonos. Do come at night because the tubes will lights up giving it a mystical looks.
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