Arashiyama is a popular district in Kyoto City. Located in the north west of the city, the Arashiyama District is home to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Katsura River, the Iwatayama Monkey Park, and more.
This is a self-guided itinerary, so feel free to add or remove things as you please. We’ve designed this half-day itinerary to have a good flow through the Arashiyama District. We’ve also included optional visits – but feel free to skip anything on this list – it’s intended as a guide, and doesn’t have to be strictly followed.
As this is a half-day itinerary, this itinerary will work both starting in the morning and afternoon, starting no later than 2 pm (12 pm if planning on doing the Hozugawa River Boat Ride).
Hiroshima and Miyajima Day Trip Itinerary
Trip Start
Hozugawa River Boat Ride | Optional
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to see Arashiyama, then the Hozugawa River Boat Ride comes highly rated as one of the top experiences in Kyoto. Embark from the nearby town of Kameoka, just a short train ride from Saga-Arashiyama station, and take the 2 hour long boat ride down both calm waters, and through fast rapids. The journey ends in Arashiyama, along the shores of the Katsura River, just a short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Duration: 2 Hours
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a popular destination among locals and tourists alike. Thousands of bamboo stalks have grown to enormous heights, which create one of Kyoto’s most scenic destinations, attracting photographers and visitors from all around the world. Because this is a popular destinations, we recommend visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove early in the morning. Many visitors also enjoy going on a rickshaw tour of the bamboo grove, which can be pre-booked online (Click here)
Recommended visiting time: Early Morning to avoid crowds.
Expected Duration: 10-30 Minutes
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is a culturally significant Zen Temple in Kyoto, and is among the Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage sites, Monuments of ancient Kyoto. Today, the beautiful buildings and lovely gardens of Tenryu-ji temple has become a popular attraction for visitors to Arashiyama. Tenryu-ji was built in 1339 by the Shogun of the time, Ashikaga Takuji. Tenryu-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The gardens at Tenryu-ji remain in their original design and layout to this day.
Recommended visiting time: Anytime
Expected Duration: 15-30 Minutes
Iwatayama Monkey Park
The Iwatayama Monkey Park is one of the few places around the Kansai area where people can go and see monkey’s in their natural habitat and not enclosed in a zoo. The 120 or so monkeys who live near the park are accustomed to human presence and often come quite close, though following the park’s rules regarding interaction and feeding is important. There are also feeding stations where visitors can purchase specially provided food for the monkeys to enjoy.
To reach the Iwatayama Monkey Park, visitors typically embark on a short hike up the mountain, which should take about 15-30 minutes to ascend depending on pace. You will pay for entry near the base of the hill. Be prepared for many steps, and it the climb can be steep in parts.
Recommended visiting time: Anytime
Expected Duration: 45-90 Minutes
Kimono Forest
The Kimono Forest, in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is a mesmerising and vibrant tourist attraction. Consisting of over 600 colourful pillars adorned with traditional kimono fabrics, the forest creates a stunning, immersive visual experience. The installation can be found at Randen Arashiyama Station, and in the immediate vicinity. Visitors can stroll through this enchanting forest, taking in the vibrant and intricate patterns of the fabric on display. While best enjoyed in the evenings, as the pillars are illuminated, visitors can enjoy the scenic art installation all day.
Recommended visiting time: Anytime, but the pillars are illuminated from 6:00pm-9:00pm
Expected Duration: 10-20 Minutes
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Hotel Arashiyama
Highly Rated
Business hotel found in a great location, with great views of the nearby area, and a delicious breakfast served at the hotel restaurant.
Kyoto Arashiyama Ranzan Hotel
Stunning Japanese Ryokan with traditional style rooms, and a relaxing indoor onsen, perfectly located with river views and close to nature.
Yado Arashiyama
Minimalistic hotel found only a short walk from Katsura River, located ideally for explore Arashiyama and enjoying the beautiful views of Kyoto.
