Arashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture): How to Visit, When to Go and What It Costs
嵐山 · Arashiyama · Arashiyama District · 岚山
Arashiyama — Kyoto Prefecture
| Also known as | 嵐山 · Arashiyama · Arashiyama District · 岚山 |
| Region | Kyoto Prefecture, Japan |
| Coordinates | 35.009583, 135.666389 |
What it is
Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, and also refers to the 382-metre mountain across the Ōi River that forms a backdrop to the district. The wider area includes the Arashiyama Three Mountains to the west of the river (Matsuo, Arashiyama, and Uga-take) and Ogura and Kame mountains to the east, along with their foothills, where many temples and shrines are located.
The area is known for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and has been selected for both the 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Sites of Japan and the 100 Famous Autumn Leaf Sites of Japan. The Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River at the centre of Arashiyama is a symbol of the district; upstream of the bridge the river is called the Ōi River, and downstream it takes the name Katsura River. The Tonose Waterfall (Otonashi Falls) is located in Arashiyama, with the Zao Gongen Hall upstream of it.
Arashiyama is a nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty. The Arashiyama National Forest (59.03 hectares) covers the foot of the mountain and is designated under multiple laws as a scenic conservation forest, historic site, scenic district, and bird and animal protection area. The area north of the JR Sanin Line is also known as Sagano.
When to go
Arashiyama is a destination for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and these are the two main seasons for visiting. During peak tourist seasons, road traffic becomes heavily congested and can come to a standstill, so allow extra time for travel within the area. The district and its surrounding temples and sites can be explored on foot over the course of a half day to a full day.
Getting there
Saga-Arashiyama Station is located nearby. From Torokko Arashiyama Station, the Sagano Scenic Railway departs, offering views of the Hozu Gorge along the way. Arashiyama sits on the western outskirts of Kyoto, in the Kyoto prefecture area of Japan. During busy tourist seasons, car access restrictions have been tested, along with park-and-ride schemes using low-cost or free car parks on the outskirts with bus connections into the area.
What it costs
The source material does not list admission fees for Arashiyama itself. The district, the mountain area, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the national forest are open areas that can be walked freely. Some temples and shrines in the foothills may charge admission, but specific fees are not provided here.
Frequently asked questions
What is Arashiyama?
Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto and also the name of the 382-metre mountain across the Ōi River. The broader Arashiyama area includes several mountains, their foothills, and the temples and shrines located there. It is a nationally designated historic site and place of scenic beauty.
When is the best time to visit?
Arashiyama is known for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, and has been selected for both the 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Sites of Japan and the 100 Famous Autumn Leaf Sites of Japan. Traffic becomes very congested during peak tourist seasons.
How do I get there?
Saga-Arashiyama Station is nearby. The Sagano Scenic Railway also runs from Torokko Arashiyama Station, passing through the Hozu Gorge. During busy seasons, car access restrictions and park-and-ride schemes with bus connections have been put in place.
What is the Togetsukyo Bridge?
The Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River at the centre of Arashiyama and is considered a symbol of the district. Upstream of the bridge the river is called the Ōi River; downstream it is called the Katsura River.
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Reference: Wikidata · Wikipedia (ja) · Wikipedia (zh) · Wikipedia (en)