Arashiyama Guide: Bamboo Grove, Bridge, Temple and Trains

JGO! editorial team — WEBMARKS Inc. (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)

Arashiyama brings together a riverside bridge, a Zen temple garden and a bamboo-lined path in western Kyoto. It works as a half-day trip from central Kyoto, but a full day gives you room for a scenic train, a river journey or the smaller temples farther into Saga.

For a first visit, start with Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryuji and the bamboo grove. If the Sagano Scenic Railway or Hozugawa boat is your priority, book the ride first and arrange the walking stops around it.

Save the Saga-Arashiyama area map or open Arashiyama in Google Maps to compare the stations and attractions.

Getting to Arashiyama

Three railway stations serve the sightseeing area. They have similar names but belong to different operators and sit in different locations.

Walking estimates are from Tenryuji’s access guide. (tenryuji.com)

From Kyoto Station

Take the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama. Kyoto’s tourism office estimates about 11 minutes by rapid train, followed by about eight minutes on foot to the Togetsukyo Bridge area. The Sagano Line platforms are some distance from the station gates, so leave time to find your train. (kyoto.travel)

For an alternative to JR, take the Karasuma subway line to Karasuma Oike, change to the Tozai line for Uzumasa Tenjingawa, then transfer to Randen for Arashiyama. From Kyoto-Kawaramachi, take Hankyu to Katsura and change to the Arashiyama Line.

The Kyoto City access guide compares these routes. Trains are especially useful when roads are busy; if taking a bus, allow extra time for traffic.

Choosing your return station

JR Saga-Arashiyama is convenient for Kyoto Station. Randen Arashiyama is close to Tenryuji and Kimono Forest, while Hankyu Arashiyama is a useful choice on the south side of the river, near the approach to Monkey Park.

Torokko Saga and Torokko Arashiyama are scenic railway stations, separate from the regular JR, Randen and Hankyu services. Torokko Saga is next to JR Saga-Arashiyama, which makes it a straightforward starting point for a train-focused day.

The bridge, bamboo grove and temples

Togetsukyo Bridge

The 155-meter Togetsukyo Bridge crosses the Katsura River and offers an open view toward the wooded Arashiyama hills. Its name is often translated as “Moon Crossing Bridge,” a reference to a story about Emperor Kameyama watching the moon appear to move across it.

According to JNTO’s bridge guide, the first bridge dates to 836 and the present structure was completed in 1934. Its concrete supports and cypress railings give it a traditional appearance suited to the landscape.

Walk along the riverbank as well as across the bridge: the wider views are a welcome contrast to the busier shopping street leading toward Tenryuji.

Tenryuji: garden, buildings and Cloud Dragon

Tenryuji is a World Heritage temple with a pond garden framed by the mountains. Its admission is divided into three choices:

The garden and buildings together cost ¥800 for a high school student or older. Adding Cloud Dragon viewing brings the total to ¥1,300. The painting, by Kayama Matazo, is on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. Its normal viewing hours are 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with last admission at 4:20 p.m. See Tenryuji’s visitor information for the separate entrances and opening periods. (tenryuji.com)

In 2026, the temple lists special early garden admission from 7:30 a.m. on November 14–30 at the garden ticket office; the north-gate ticket office opens at 8:30 a.m. This is useful if you want a garden visit before the main daytime rush.

Bamboo grove and Nonomiya Shrine

The bamboo grove is a short walk through tall green stalks. JNTO places it about 10 minutes on foot from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station and describes an approach from Tenryuji’s side gate. The temple’s grounds guide shows the connection to the path. (japan.travel)

Near the grove, Nonomiya Shrine adds a literary stop. Its history guide connects the site with The Tale of Genji. Look for the dark torii made from wood with its bark left on, and the brushwood fence.

A separate city-owned bamboo walking area has listed hours of 9 a.m.–5 p.m. These hours apply to that area rather than the entire bamboo path. Kyoto City also asks visitors to help protect the grove: stay on the path and do not carve or write on the bamboo. (city.kyoto.lg.jp)

Jojakkoji, Gioji and the hillside

For a longer walk beyond the main grove, choose one or both of these temples:

• Jojakkoji sits on the slope of Mount Ogura, with temple buildings, trees and uphill paths. Admission is ¥600; normal hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m. Its grounds include many stairs. The temple’s official site has visitor information. (jojakko-ji.or.jp)
• Gioji is known for its moss garden and a story associated with The Tale of the Heike. The Kyoto tourism listing gives admission as ¥500 for adults and ¥100 for elementary, junior high and high school students. Hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m., last entry 4:30 p.m.; it is closed January 1. The listing says wheelchair access is unavailable. (kyoto-kankou.or.jp)

For a viewpoint rather than another temple, the Kameyama area of Arashiyama Park has hillside paths overlooking the Hozukyo Gorge. Wear shoes suitable for an uphill walk.

Monkey Park and Kimono Forest

Arashiyama Monkey Park is an option for visitors who want to see Japanese macaques and look out over Kyoto. The entrance is on the south side of the river, and the visit involves an uphill walk.

The Kyoto tourism listing gives admission as ¥800 for high school students and older and ¥400 for children aged four through junior high school. It lists hours of 9 a.m.–4 p.m., irregular closures and no wheelchair access. (kyoto-kankou.or.jp)

For a shorter stop, Kimono Forest at Randen Arashiyama Station displays illuminated poles incorporating Kyoto yuzen textile designs. It is easy to pair with a station arrival or departure; see the station visitor-square site for its shops and facilities.

Sagano Scenic Railway and Hozugawa boat

The scenic railway follows the gorge from the Saga-Arashiyama area toward Kameoka. The Hozugawa boat travels in the opposite general direction, from Kameoka downriver to Arashiyama. You can enjoy either independently or combine them for a full day.

Sagano Scenic Railway

The train calls at Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama, Torokko Hozukyo and Torokko Kameoka. Kyoto’s tourism association describes the full 7.3-kilometer journey as about 25 minutes. Its railway listing gives the 2026 one-way fare as ¥880 for adults and ¥440 for children. (kyoto-kankou.or.jp)

The operator plans to introduce new cars on March 1, 2027. For the new service, the published standard seated one-way total is ¥1,500 for adults and ¥750 for children, including the seat charge. Booking for the new service is scheduled to open 30 days before travel. See the railway’s new-train announcement and its linked service details when planning a 2027 trip. (sagano-kanko.co.jp)

For the 2026 service, individual online reservations open at midnight Japan time one month before the travel date. To book:

1. Open the railway’s ticket page and select the date and direction.
2. Choose the boarding and arrival stations, train and available seats.
3. Create an account and pay by credit card.
4. On the day, open the reservation in My Page and show the QR ticket.

One online booking can cover up to eight passengers. Same-day tickets are sold at Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama and Torokko Kameoka, but not Torokko Hozukyo. Reserved seats can sell out, especially in blossom and foliage seasons. (sagano-kanko.co.jp)

For wheelchair users, Torokko Arashiyama has about 60 steps between the gate and platform. The railway recommends Torokko Saga for passengers who need to avoid those stairs; contact the operator about a wheelchair space before choosing your journey. (sagano-kanko.co.jp)

Hozugawa boat ride

The Hozugawa boat takes about two hours from Kameoka to Arashiyama, passing through stretches of rapids and calmer water. The boat operator lists shared-boat fares of ¥6,000 per adult and ¥4,500 per child through elementary-school age. Passengers under 80 cm tall cannot board. (hozugawakudari.jp)

For parties of one to nine, use the operator’s reservation page to choose an online booking service; online reservations close the day before. Parties of 10 or more are directed to book by phone at 075? No: the operator’s number is 0771-22-5846, with inquiries accepted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Same-day tickets are also sold in order of arrival. (hozugawakudari.jp)

If combining the railway and boat, arrange the transfer from Torokko Kameoka to the boat boarding area. The operator advises booking a boat slot approximately one hour after the scenic train departs; its example uses a bus from Torokko Kameoka to the boarding area. Alternatively, the boarding point is about an eight-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station, a different station. (hozugawakudari.jp)

Boats may stop in storms or high water. The operator lists an annual closure from December 29 to January 4.

Half-day and full-day itineraries

Half day: the classic walk

Start at Randen Arashiyama or JR Saga-Arashiyama and visit the bamboo grove. Continue to Nonomiya Shrine, then enter Tenryuji for the garden. Finish at Togetsukyo Bridge and follow the riverbank before choosing a return station.

If you arrive near Tenryuji’s opening time, reverse the order: see the garden first, then use the north-gate connection toward the bamboo path. Add the temple buildings if you want an indoor architectural stop.

Full day: train and boat

Reserve a morning scenic train from Torokko Saga or Torokko Arashiyama to Torokko Kameoka. Transfer to the boat boarding area and take the river journey back to Arashiyama. After lunch, visit Tenryuji and the bridge, keeping the garden’s last admission in mind.

For one adult using the 2026 fares, the scenic train, shared boat and Tenryuji garden add up to ¥7,380. Local transport, the Kameoka transfer, food and optional admissions are additional.

Full day without a timed ride

Combine the bridge, Tenryuji and bamboo grove with Jojakkoji or Gioji. Choose Gioji for moss and literary history; choose Jojakkoji for a hillside temple and seasonal trees. If wildlife is the priority, spend the extra time at Monkey Park instead.

Food, rickshaws and places to stay

Shigetsu: Zen vegetarian lunch

Inside Tenryuji, Shigetsu serves shojin ryori, Buddhist vegetarian cuisine built around seasonal vegetables, rice and soup. It suits a garden-focused day when you want a sit-down lunch without leaving the temple grounds.

The Yuki meal is ¥3,800, with rice, soup and five side dishes. Tsuki is ¥6,500 and Hana is ¥9,000. Garden admission is separate, so an adult ordering Yuki should budget ¥4,300 for the meal and garden.

Reserve Yuki at least two days ahead. Tsuki and Hana require at least two guests and booking at least three days ahead. Shigetsu normally serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closes Thursdays. Use the reservation form on its official page or call 075-882-9725. (tenryuji.com)

Yudofu Takemura: hot tofu near the grove

Yudofu Takemura is a convenient choice after the bamboo walk. Its courses center on gently heated tofu, accompanied by dishes such as hirousu, a fried tofu preparation.

The Cosmos course costs ¥2,900, including tofu, a selection of small dishes, rice and soup. The Take course costs ¥3,600 and adds tempura; the Matsu course costs ¥4,300 and includes tempura and house-made sesame tofu. Prices include tax.

The restaurant lists 11 a.m.–7:30 p.m. hours, last order 6:30 p.m., and Thursday closure. It is about three minutes on foot from Randen Arashiyama or seven minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama. Reserve by phone at 075-861-1483 or use the booking link on its access page. (yudouhutakemura.com)

Rickshaw rides

Ebisuya Arashiyama offers rides from the north end of Togetsukyo Bridge. Its tax-inclusive prices are per rickshaw:

A language-guide request costs an additional ¥1,000. Pickup or drop-off away from the main boarding point starts at ¥1,000 per rickshaw, depending on distance. Book through the operator or ask about same-day availability at the boarding point. (ebisuya.com)

Staying overnight

Hotel Arashiyama is useful for a station-based stay near Hankyu Arashiyama. For a riverside stay, HOSHINOYA Kyoto uses a dedicated boat between its waiting area and the guest buildings; arrange the boat in advance with the hotel.

Crowds, facilities and accessibility

Cherry blossom and autumn foliage are especially popular times. For a quieter start, visit the bamboo path early and schedule Tenryuji for its opening time. Use the city’s Kyoto Travel Congestion Forecast to compare predicted crowd levels by date and time at both the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge. (global.kyoto.travel)

In autumn 2026, the Arashiyama Tsukitouro event is listed for September 30–November 8, with a separately ticketed evening area. The listed admission is ¥1,500 for junior high school students and older.

For facilities, Kyoto City’s public toilet map includes toilets near JR Saga-Arashiyama, Tenryuji’s south gate and Nakanoshima Park. The city lists the Randen Arashiyama tourist toilet as open 8 a.m.–midnight, with a multipurpose toilet and baby-changing facilities; see the facility page.

Travelers needing step-free facilities can consult the JR Saga-Arashiyama station guide and Hankyu Arashiyama station map. For temple visits, ask about the entrance and paths as well as the station: Jojakkoji has numerous stairs, and the Gioji and Monkey Park listings say wheelchair access is unavailable.

FAQ

How much time should I spend in Arashiyama?

Allow a half day for the bridge, Tenryuji and the bamboo grove. Choose a full day for a scenic ride, a longer temple walk or a relaxed lunch.

Can I buy a scenic train ticket on the day?

Yes. Same-day tickets are sold at Torokko Saga, Torokko Arashiyama and Torokko Kameoka. For a particular departure during a busy season, advance booking gives you a better choice of seats.

Can I take the train and boat in the same day?

Yes. Ride toward Torokko Kameoka, transfer to the Hozugawa boarding area and take the boat back toward Arashiyama. Book both experiences separately and allow time for the transfer.

Is Tenryuji admission included in a Shigetsu meal?

No. An adult ordering the ¥3,800 Yuki meal also pays ¥500 for garden admission, for a total of ¥4,300.

References

• Saga-Arashiyama area map; Arashiyama on Google Maps; Kyoto City access guide
• JNTO: Togetsukyo Bridge; Tenryuji admission and access; Tenryuji Japanese visitor information; Tenryuji grounds guide
• Nonomiya Shrine history; Jojakkoji; Gioji tourism listing; Arashiyama Park
• Monkey Park tourism listing; Randen Arashiyama visitor square
• Sagano Scenic Railway tourism listing; railway ticket page; new-train announcement
• Hozugawa boat fares; boat reservations
• Shigetsu; Yudofu Takemura menu and access; Ebisuya Arashiyama
• Hotel Arashiyama; HOSHINOYA Kyoto access; Kyoto congestion forecast; Arashiyama Tsukitouro
• Kyoto public toilet map; Randen Arashiyama tourist toilet; JR station accessibility; Hankyu station map

Prices and visitor information checked November 7, 2026; consult the linked operators before your visit.