Craving a break from Kyoto’s fast-paced city streets but still yearning for traditional Japan? A day trip to Arashiyama is just the escape you need. Nestled on the scenic western edge of Kyoto, this charming district blends natural beauty with cultural depth—think mossy temples, whimsical statues, wild monkeys, and one of Japan’s most iconic bamboo groves—all within a compact, walkable area.
Arashiyama has been a favorite escape since the Heian Period (794–1185), when Kyoto’s aristocrats would slip away to enjoy poetry readings and moonlit cherry blossom viewings along the Katsura River. . Today, it’s still a popular spot—but if you wander beyond the main streets, you’ll discover a quieter, more enchanting side of Arashiyama that many tourists miss.
After a week immersed in temples and shrines across Japan, I was starting to feel a little shrine fatigue—so I narrowed down my Arashiyama itinerary to focus on more unique spots. Whether you’re chasing serene moss gardens, quirky Buddhist statues, or monkeys with a view, this guide covers the best of Arashiyama with just the right mix of tradition, nature, and playful charm.
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Arashiyama Travel Guide
🌿 Gioji Temple – A Tiny Temple with a Lush Moss Garden
Tucked away from the tourist buzz, Gioji Temple is a peaceful Buddhist retreat known for its otherworldly moss garden. It’s small, yes—but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. Over 120 species of moss carpet the ground in a rich tapestry of greens, from lime to deep emerald.
The temple garden changes with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lush green in summer, fiery maple leaves in autumn, and a frosty charm in winter. I went in early March and caught the moss just starting to wake up for spring. Entry is just 300 yen, and definitely worth it if you’re into quiet beauty and intricate textures.
🚶 Walk Through Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street – Back in Time
Leaving Gioji, I wandered through Saga Toriimoto Street, a charming, cobbled road lined with traditional wooden houses from the Meiji period (late 1800s). This area is blissfully car-free and often overlooked by visitors who stick to the main Arashiyama street, which makes it feel like a step back in time.
If you’re hunting for authentic souvenirs away from the tourist crowds, this is the place! I stumbled across a little gem called Adashino Mayumura, a family-run shop selling silk cocoon figurines. The owners were incredibly sweet—they even offered me tea and crackers while carefully wrapping up the gifts I bought. It’s those little moments that make travel magical.
😄 Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple – Whimsical Stone Statues in the Woods
At the far end of Saga Toriimoto lies Otagi Nenbutsuji, one of Arashiyama’s most delightfully strange and soulful temples. Originally founded in the 8th century, this temple has been rebuilt multiple times due to floods, fires, and wars. Its current iteration owes much to Kocho Nishimura, a sculptor-priest who restored the site in the 1980s.
Under Nishimura’s guidance, temple visitors were invited to carve their own rakan statues—representing the disciples of Buddha. Between 1981 and 1991, over 1,200 statues were installed, each one carved by a different person and bursting with character. You’ll find statues giggling, meditating, playing instruments, even holding animals (my favorite one was holding a cat!).
Though relatively recent, the moss-covered stone makes them look ancient—and full of personality. Don’t rush this spot; it’s a joy to slowly wander through and spot all the quirky designs. Entry is 300 yen.
🐒 Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama – Monkeys with a View
Next up: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. If you’re up for a 30–45 minute uphill walk (wear comfy shoes!), you’ll be rewarded with panoramic city views and about 120 adorable snow monkeys roaming freely at the top.
These macaques are native to Japan and usually pretty well-behaved—as long as you follow the rules: no direct eye contact, no outside food, and don’t provoke them. You can feed them from inside a little hut for a few hundred yen, which is a lot of fun and makes for great photos.
Tip: The staff here do a fantastic job keeping the area clean and the monkeys in line, which makes for a surprisingly pleasant experience even if you’re not usually a fan of animals.
🧘♂️ Tenryu-ji Temple – Zen Vibes and a Legendary Garden
Back down in central Arashiyama, I made my way to Tenryu-ji, the most important Zen temple in the district and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Though the buildings have been rebuilt multiple times, the garden remains in its original form—designed by Zen master Muso Soseki. The landscape features a central pond, carefully placed rocks, pine trees, and the Arashiyama mountains as a borrowed backdrop. The view from the temple walkways, with sliding doors framing the scene like a painting, is nothing short of poetic.
Entry is 500 yen for the garden, plus 300 yen if you want to explore the temple halls. I highly recommend the full ticket.
🎋 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – Magical, But Go Late
No trip is complete without a stroll through the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama. Yes, it’s one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights—and yes, it can be insanely crowded.
A lot of influencers will say to go early in the morning to beat the crowds. However, I found the opposite to be true. I went in early March and visited close to sunset—by then, most tourists had cleared out and the forest felt truly magical.
If you want a quieter bamboo grove experience, check out the Kodaiji Bamboo Grove near Gion—it’s smaller, but way less touristy.
🌄 Arashiyama Park Viewpoint – A Scenic Pause
After the bamboo grove, I took a short hike up to the Arashiyama Park Observation Deck, which overlooks the Hozu River and surrounding hills. It’s a peaceful spot, especially during the autumn foliage season, when the landscape is ablaze in red, orange, and gold.
There are benches to relax and take it all in—highly recommend bringing a snack and soaking up the view.
🌟 Nightcap at the Kimono Forest – A Magical Ending
As night fell, I made one last stop at the Kimono Forest, located next to Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line). This art installation features 600 illuminated pillars decorated with colorful kimono patterns, glowing softly at night. It’s free to explore and the perfect whimsical finale to your Arashiyama adventure.
🚂 Optional Add-Ons If You Have More Time
Sagano Romantic Train
A scenic 25-minute ride along the Hozugawa River with lovely views—especially in autumn. The train itself is vintage and open-sided in parts. Mixed reviews though: some find it charming, others a bit overrated and cramped.
Hozugawa River Boat Ride (Hozugawa Kudari)
If you’re into slow travel and scenic floats, this is a traditional 2-hour boat ride down the river, steered by local boatmen using long poles. A great complement to the Romantic Train if you plan both together.
Jojakkoji Temple
Often skipped, but gorgeous—especially in autumn. It’s perched on a hill and has a beautiful view over Kyoto. Famous for its maple trees and pagoda.
Daikakuji Temple
A bit further out, but historically significant as an imperial villa-turned-temple. Its large pond and seasonal flower gardens are especially beautiful in spring and fall.
🧭 Travel Tips
What to Bring: Water, comfy shoes, cash for entry fees and snacks, and maybe a snack or bento if you plan to picnic.
Getting There: Take the JR Sagano Line (Sanin Main Line) from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station (15 minutes). Most main sights are walkable, though buses and taxis are available.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds. Autumn (late November) is peak foliage season.
Final Thoughts on Arashiyama Day Trip from Kyoto
Arashiyama has it all—peaceful temples, cheeky monkeys, bamboo dreamscapes, and scenic river views. Whether you’re a photographer, nature lover, or culture buff, it’s one of the most rewarding day trips from Kyoto.
You don’t need to rush through everything. Even hitting just a few of these spots can make for an unforgettable day.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kyoto for Easy Day Trips
To make the most of this day trip and others in the region, I recommend staying near Kyoto Station—it’s the city’s central transportation hub and where most tours depart from. It’s also the main train station to Nara! Here are three great options for every budget:
🛏️ Budget Pick – Kyoto Piece Hostel
This is where I stayed and I honestly loved it. Kyoto Piece Hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station, making it super convenient for day trips like this one. It’s clean, cozy, and social, with a great lounge space to meet other travelers. Perfect for solo backpackers or budget-minded explorers.
🏨 Mid-Range – Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Located inside Kyoto Station, Hotel Granvia offers unbeatable convenience with modern, spacious rooms and amenities like a fitness center and indoor pool. You can literally roll out of bed and hop on your tour bus. Great for couples or anyone wanting comfort without splurging.
🌟 Luxury – The Thousand Kyoto
If you’re looking to treat yourself, The Thousand Kyoto is a sleek, tranquil oasis just steps from Kyoto Station. With minimalist design, a beautiful on-site spa, and impeccable service, it’s the perfect blend of luxury and convenience.
And if you’re planning your own Japan itinerary and want more ideas, feel free to reach out or browse my other posts 😊
