Arashiyama is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.
It is an area that you should visit at least once when sightseeing in Kyoto, as you can enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the four seasons in Japan.
Photos and videos of bamboo groves and mountains dyed in red have received many likes on social media.
Arashiyama is full of attractions such as the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, and other famous temples and shrines!
In this article, I, a Kyoto resident, will tell you why Arashiyama is so popular.
- Reason 1: You can enjoy the spectacular seasonal scenery
- Reason 2: Temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples with historical ties are scattered throughout the area
- Reason 3: The Bamboo Grove Path, one of the most well-known photo spots of Japan
- Reason 4: Tofu dishes and Japanese cuisine can be enjoyed!
- Reason 5: There are also cafes where you can enjoy sweets!
- Let's enjoy Arashiyama with its many attractions!
Reason 1: You can enjoy the spectacular seasonal scenery
Arashiyama is a must-see sightseeing spot in Kyoto.
In spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, in summer, the greenery, in autumn, the changing leaves, and in winter, the snow. Arashiyama has a long history as a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the four seasons.
Togetsukyoi Bridge, the symbol of Arashiyama, spans the Ōi River.
The view of the Togetsukyo Bridge over the river with the mountains in the background is elegant, and you can understand why the aristocrats loved nature while boating on the Ōi River.
Reason 2: Temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples with historical ties are scattered throughout the area
Arashiyama is dotted with temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples with a long history, as is typical of Kyoto, aka "the thousand year capital".
▲ Tenryuji Temple Garden
The always-popular Tenryuji Temple is a registered World Heritage site, and the Nomiya Shrine is associated with the oldest Japanese novel The Tale of Genji. Gionji Temple, which is associated with the popular Japanese military tale The Tale of the Heike, is also another place where you can experience the history and atmosphere of Japan firsthand.
▲ Jojakko-ji Temple
The Daikakuji Temple is a beautiful temple with a history with the Japanese Imperial family, Nison-in and Jojakko-ji Temple are known by its beautiful autumn leaves, and Okochi Sanso Garden, a garden on the site of the former residence of Denjiro Okochi, a well known movie actor of the past, are all places where you can experience the history of Japan.
Reason 3: The Bamboo Grove Path, one of the most well-known photo spots of Japan
The Bamboo Grove Path, with its fantastic sight of verdant bamboos standing in straight lines facing the sky, is a popular photo spot on social media.
Many people have probably seen pictures taken with the bamboo grove in the background.
It is located in an easy-to-navigate area on the way to visit temples, shrines, and Buddhist temples. Please take wonderful photos surrounded by the greenery of the bamboo grove.
Reason 4: Tofu dishes and Japanese cuisine can be enjoyed!
Arashiyama is famous for its tofu cuisine.
At Tenryu-ji Temple and Seiryo-ji Temple, you can enjoy tofu for lunch. The time you spend in a Japanese-style room with a view of the temple's garden will be an unforgettable memory.
There are also some famous tofu restaurants such as Seizan Sodo, Shoraian, Sagano, and Saga-Tofu Ine.
There is also Arashiyama Yoshimura, a soba noodle shop overlooking the Ōi River, Taisho HANANA, serving sea bream chazuke, and Arashiyama Udon Ozuru, an udon store near the entrance to Bamboo Grove Lane.
Michelin-starred restaurants such as Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama Honten and Unagi Hirokawa are also available, so make a reservation and enjoy a luxurious meal.
Reason 5: There are also cafes where you can enjoy sweets!
▲ Bread, Espresso and Arashiyama Garden
Taking a break at a café is an essential part of sightseeing!
In Arashiyama, there are many charming cafes in renovated old houses. Spending a blissful moment tasting Japanese sweets in a beautiful Japanese-style space will surely be a good memory of your sightseeing in Kyoto.
▲ Saganoya
Bread, Espresso, and Arashiyama Garden, which makes use of an old private house designated as a cultural asset by Kyoto Prefecture, “eX Cafe Kyoto Arashiyama Honten, which renovated an old Japanese house, and Saganoya, which renovated a public bathhouse, are all wonderful places where you can enjoy lunch and sweets.
At % ARABICA, a specialty coffee shop from Kyoto with a global presence, you can savor aromatic coffee while enjoying a spectacular view of Arashiyama.
Let's enjoy Arashiyama with its many attractions!
Arashiyama, a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto, offers spectacular views from season to season.
Today, Arashiyama has become a popular spot for tourists visiting Japan, with its historic temples, shrines, and many gourmet restaurants and sweets stores that are indispensable for travelers.
Arashiyama is a place where a variety of Japanese attractions are concentrated in one area.
We encourage you to take a full day of travelling in the area, to enjoy it to the fullest!
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