A Day in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

A trip to Kyoto is not complete without making a pilgrimage to Arashiyama to visit its temples and bamboo grove. The beautiful district is at the far west of Kyoto and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes to get there by train or bus. It’s the perfect day trip to get out of the busy city and surround yourself with the tranquillity of nature.

How to get there: From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 min train ride). If you have more time to spare, you can also take the subway from central Kyoto via the Hankyu Line as far as Omiya Station and then transfer to the Keifuku Randen tramline. The old fashioned trolley car will take you on a pleasant 20-minute scenic route to Arashiyama.

Alternatively, you can catch the Kyoto City Bus 28 from Kyoto Station and get off at Arashiyama-Tenryuji-mae (about 30 minutes).

Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s, Togetsukyo literally translates to “Moon-Crossing Bridge.” The poetic name was given by the Emperor Kameyama who was inspired by a shimmering moon rising above the surface of the river, making it look like the moon itself was crossing the bridge. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).