Whispers of Green: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Kyoto, Japan
Wander through the enchanted Arashiyama bamboo groves, pause on the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge & discover serene temples & hidden corners with this travel guide.
Updated | July 2026
Why Visit Arashiyama, Japan: A Charming Bamboo-Scented Escape
Japan is a place of graceful contrasts, where centuries-old customs sit comfortably beside cutting-edge design. Traditional shrines and quiet rituals honor the past, while neon-lit cities, sleek gadgets and bullet trains push forward — sometimes in the same block. The landscape is dramatic — nearly 80% mountainous and dotted with thousands of islands — making travel an adventure but one that rewards every detour. Along the way you’ll find comforting treats, from steaming dumplings to red-bean confections, vermilion torii punctuating the landscape and locals whose gentle manners and quiet kindness leave a lasting impression.
Arashiyama (嵐山), literally “Storm Mountain,” crowns the western edge of Kyoto, rising across the Ōi River that frames the district. Beyond its famed bamboo groves, Arashiyama unfolds with temples and shrines, avenues of cherry blossoms in season and a lively monkey park where nearly 200 wild macaques roam — plenty to explore beyond the postcard views.
Ten-Day Travel Itinerary
My trip to Japan had been years in the dreaming and even after exploring nearly every country in Southeast Asia, I found myself delightfully perplexed by many of Japan’s gentle rules. I began in Tokyo, the vast, humming monster of a city, then escaped for a reverent day in the misty forests of Nikkō to worship the mountains and breathe in the rain.
Next, came Kyoto’s quiet charms: tidy gardens, elegant temples and the elusive grace of geisha gliding along lantern-lit streets. I lost myself beneath the endless vermilion of Fushimi Inari’s torii, wandered the emerald hush of Arashiyama’s bamboo and paused to admire scenes that still tug at my heart in Nara — moments I hope to rediscover on a future return.
What’s Inside | Roadmap
01 | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — everything you need to know
02 | Cross the famed Togetsukyō Bridge & grab street food
03 | Stroll down the banks of Katsura River at Arashiyama Park
04 | Make your dreams come true at Nonomiya Shrine
05 | Discover the peaceful Nison-in Temple
06 | Taste takoyaki octopus balls
07 | Admire Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
08 | How to get to Arashiyama
Travel More | Discover Kyoto’s magic — Charming Temples, Gardens & Geisha of Kyoto — along with more day trips in the region: Wild & Curious Deer of Nara Park & Japan’s Fushimi Inari Taisha & Its 10,000 Torii Gates
Travel Tips | For Japan’s best travel tips: 7 Essential Japan Travel Tips for First-Timers - What to Know
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Beyond: Must-Do Experiences in a Day
Lose yourself in Arashiyama’s tranquil atmosphere of riverside temples, mossy gardens and hidden cafés, then wander the otherworldly Bamboo Grove as sunlight filters through towering stalks and time slows to a gentle, green quiet.
Tip | The bamboo forest feels most magical and peaceful at sunrise and sunset — those are the moments to soak it in. It’s also the best time to avoid the crowds.
01
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — Everything You Need to Know
What | A serene bamboo forest in western Kyoto, known for tall bamboo stalks, dappled light and tranquil paths.
Best For | Photography, peaceful walks, short nature escapes from the city, pairing with temples and river views.
Typical Visit Length | 30–90 minutes — longer if combining with nearby sites.
Location & How to Get There | In the picturesque Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan, the easiest access points are Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line and Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line, both only a short, pleasant walk from the neighborhood’s highlights.
You can also reach Arashiyama by Kyoto City bus or taxi and many visitors prefer to explore on foot between the area’s central attractions. If you’re coming from Kyoto Station, aim to arrive early — trains take roughly 20–30 minutes and services become quite crowded later in the morning.
Skip to the end of the guide for more detailed descriptions on travel routes.
Hours & Best Time to Visit | The grove itself has no formal opening hours — it’s an open public path available 24 hours, though nearby temples and attractions have set hours. Sunrise to early morning is the best time to viist (before 8:00–9:00 a.m.) for fewer crowds, softer light and calmer atmosphere. Avoid late morning to afternoon on weekends and holidays when crowds peak.
Spring in Arashiyama unfolds like a gentle poem, the bamboo glowing fresh and bright while cherry blossoms sprinkle the air with soft pink confetti. Summer wraps the grove in a lush, cooling canopy, offering a soothing retreat from the heat. Autumn paints the surrounding trees in rich gold and crimson, drawing crowds to admire the fiery display. In winter, the paths are quieter and the air crisply clear, yet the bamboo stands evergreen, serene and steady.
Cost & Tickets | Admission is free — wandering the bamboo grove path costs nothing, letting you lose yourself among the soaring stalks without an entrance fee. Nearby, a handful of paid attractions await: Tenryu-ji Temple (which typically accepts a suggested donation or entrance fee), the elegant Okochi Sanso Villa, charming bamboo craft shops and scenic boat rides on the Hozu River.
Expect customary temple charges of roughly 300–1000 JPY depending on the site. Optional extras such as guided tours, rickshaw rides, bicycle rentals, souvenirs and meals can add to your day if you choose.
What to See & Combine With | Must-see in the grove: Follow the main path as it winds beneath towering bamboo stalks that sway; slip down the quiet side trails to find secluded pockets of calm and pause at the picture-perfect spots where the bamboo’s rhythm forms natural leading lines for your photos.
Nearby highlights include the serene Tenryu-ji Temple and its meticulously composed garden, the elegant Okochi Sanso Villa with its tranquil tea house and the graceful sweep of Togetsukyo Bridge framed by riverside promenades. Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway to admire sweeping viewpoints and don’t miss the neighborhood’s cozy cafes, delightful sweet shops and humble tofu restaurants for a true taste of local life.
Practical Tips for Visiting | Arrive early to beat the crowds and capture the best photos with soft morning light. Be mindful of fellow visitors when taking pictures and avoid long tripod setups in narrow sections so everyone can enjoy the view. Drones are usually restricted here, so check local rules before planning any aerial shots.
Stay on the paths and resist the temptation to touch or disturb the bamboo or any signage. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven stone and packed paths and bring a hat or shade for hot summer days. Although the bamboo provides shelter, paths can become slippery when wet, so carry a light rain jacket during the rainy season.
If the main trail feels crowded, simply turn around and wander the quieter side paths or head toward the riverside for a more peaceful experience. For autumn colors or that special golden light, expect larger crowds and book your accommodations and transport well in advance.
Food, Drink & Rest | Nearby, you’ll find quaint cafes and serene traditional tea houses, along with street vendors offering chewy mochi and delicate matcha confections. Tiny restaurants serving silky tofu and authentic Kyoto dishes beckon for a cozy meal.
For a picnic, spread a blanket on the riverside lawns or settle on a bench by the graceful Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy a packed lunch with the gentle flow of the river as your soundtrack. Don’t forget a refillable bottle — shops and vending machines nearby make it easy to top up.
Safety & Respectful Behavior | Respect local customs: lower your voice, give worshippers space in temples and heed the signs. Environmental care: keep the place pristine — don't litter or disturb plants; leave no trace.
02
Cross the Famed Togetsukyō Bridge & Grab Street Food
If you’re traveling from Kyoto Station, hop the JR Sagano/San-in Line and, with the other passengers, spill out at Saga-Arashiyama Station. No sooner than you emerge, the view unfurls into a picture-perfect scene: the graceful Togetsukyō bridge arcing over the placid Ōi (Katsura) River, beckoning toward town and the green embrace of Arashiyama Park — the undeniable star of the show.
Togetsukyō, literally “moon-crossing bridge,” carries a whimsical origin. Legend says that during a Kamakura-period moonlit party, Emperor Kameyama gazed up and fancied the moon itself drifting across the bridge — hence the name. First raised in 836 from wood, the bridge weathered time and calamity; its current incarnation dates to 1934, rebuilt with concrete supports but still wearing cypress parapets that nod to its wooden past.
Once off the train, it’s a brisk 15-minute stroll across the bridge, into town and onward toward the bamboo forest. The little town charms visitors instantly — shops spill out onto the main street, offering everything from tasty treats to keepsakes that prolong the memory of the visit. Near the end of the road, just before the gardens, a few food stalls beckon with quick bites: ice cream, grilled corn and fried seafood.
By the time I made it to the grove, the Bamboo Forest was already a busy ribbon of people. It was far too crowded to squeeze down the narrow path I’d imagined would feel peaceful, so I skipped the jam and wandered the nearby trails instead, letting the grove do its slow work of emptying. The path is open 24 hours but the sweet spot is early morning — early enough to beat the crowds but not so early that the light won’t let the bamboo glow. By now, it was late morning, so I’d have to return toward the end of the day for some calm.
03
Stroll Down the Banks of Katsura River
Designated a National Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, Arashiyama and its surroundings beg to be wandered. Just below the iconic Bamboo Grove and along the river’s north bank, Arashiyama Park unfolds into a fragrant spring of cherry blossoms and a blaze of maples in autumn — each season painting the landscape with its own gentle magic.
Strolling the grounds, follow the gentle curve of the Katsura River and savor the serene flow of water dotted with little boats. I was lucky — the weather on my visit was ideal. October in Japan can be unpredictable, swinging from chilly rain to sudden bursts of blazing sun but that day it felt perfectly balanced.
Follow the signs as they appear and, more or less, wander freely until a tucked-away bamboo grove unfolds just north of the park. Lose the map for a while and let curiosity lead: meandering paths reveal mossy stones, hidden shrines and sunlight slicing through towering stalks. Keep walking without a plan, allowing chance encounters with quiet temples and riverside views to shape the day.
Wander a path lined with countless stone carvings, each sporting a chubby, round face that seems to smile at passersby. Pause at the small altars, where careful offerings rest like quiet gifts, then press onward, letting the gentle rhythm of Arashiyama pull you deeper into its charm.
04
Make Your Dreams Come True at Nonomiya Shrine
Enter through the bold torii and let Arashiyama’s Nonomiya-jinja Shrine unfold around you. Once the refuge for Saiku — the unmarried princesses and empresses of the Heian court who spent months in ritual purification before serving as imperial envoys to Ise — this compact, mossy sanctuary still breathes quiet ritual and hopeful wishes.
Walk the stone paths and offer a prayer for love, a happy marriage or healthy children; locals and visitors alike come here believing a sincere wish finds favor. The principal deity, Nonomiya Okami (also revered as Amaterasu Okami), watches over the shrine, granting health and wisdom. Small, tucked shrines shelter other protective gods: to the right after the vermilion torii stands Shirafuku Inari Daimyojin, petitioned for children, safe childbirth and flourishing business. Behind it, Oyama Benzaiten asks for safe journeys — once prayed to for travel by land, now invoked for modern roadways, as well.
Search out Kameishi, the turtle-shaped stone that honors Nonomiya Daikokuten, a guardian of marriage. Touch the stone, voice your wish and trust the old promise: your desire may come true within a year. Move gently, listen to the bamboo and let this small shrine shape a clear, whispered hope you can carry on.
Even if you’re merely sightseeing, it’s thoughtful to honor the deities by observing shrine etiquette. If you’re new to Japan’s traditional customs, here’s a gentle guide to help you visit respectfully.
Pause and bow before passing through the torii. The torii marks the boundary between the everyday world and sacred ground; a brief bow shows quiet respect as you enter.
Purify your hands at the chozuya. Near most shrine entrances, you’ll find a small water basin called a chozuya. Scoop water with the ladle and pour it over each hand to cleanse yourself before approaching. In the past, people also rinsed their mouths but because the water isn’t refreshed as often now, it’s best to skip that step.
Offer your prayers at the main hall. Stand before the altar, bow twice, clap your hands twice, then bow once more. If you wish, toss a coin into the offering box first; if there’s a bell, ring it before performing the bow-and-clap sequence.
Visit the smaller shrines, too. After the main hall, you’re welcome to stop at the various subsidiary shrines across the precinct. Repeat the same respectful bowing and clapping at each one.
Bow once more as you leave. After your final prayer, give a parting bow before walking back through the torii.
While you’re in the grounds, don’t miss the remarkable carpet moss that stretches behind Nonomiya Shrine — a vivid, emerald-green patch said to be among Kyoto’s loveliest. It looks especially lush after rain, as if the whole scene has been freshly brushed with green.
Omikuji fortunes are one of the sweetest surprises when visiting a shrine and Nonomiya Shrine keeps the tradition alive with its own charming omikuji box. Pop a 100-yen coin into the slot on top, then reach down and draw a little paper slip from the bottom. If your fortune sparkles with good luck, tuck it into your bag and carry that blessing home. If your slip foretells a bump in the road, simply tie it to the nearby branches or railings — leave your worries behind and invite fresh protection.
If something’s been weighing on you, consider a misogi-barai purification ritual to let it go. Misogi-barai cleanses sin and impurities by symbolically releasing them to water. At Nonomiya Shrine you can do this on the left-hand side: pick up a misogi-barai prayer slip from the office for 300 yen, write what you want to release — whether a bad habit or a burdensome situation — then float the paper on the water and gently place the coin on top. That’s it: your prayer is complete. Now rest and let the gods take care of the rest.
05
Discover the Peaceful Nison-in Temple
Spend a few quiet moments at the shrine, then head back into the forest to explore. Discover Kotouen, a charming pottery shop selling traditional handmade Kyoto ceramics (Kyo-yaki), and choose a handmade matcha bowl or tea kettle that perfectly complements the bamboo whisk that you’ll definitely need to pick up in Kyoto. Then, pause at a tiny tea café next door for a hot drink before continuing the wander.
Tip | Choosing the perfect bamboo whisk is a charming little science. When choosing a bamboo whisk in Japan, look for a balanced blend of fine, evenly spaced tines and a smooth, sturdy handle that fits your hand comfortably — consider the tine count for the tea style you prefer (more for froth, fewer for a gentler stir), the flexibility of the prongs and the craftsmanship that signals it was carved with care.
Continue to Nison-in Temple, a serene complex tucked into the eastern foothills of Mount Ogura. Officially named Ogura-yama Nison-kyō-in Keidai-ji and part of the Tendai Buddhist tradition, the temple is especially beloved in autumn, when maples set the slopes aflame with color. Founded between 834 and 848 at Emperor Saga’s request and established by the revered priest Jikaku-Daishi, Nison-in’s precincts include an elegant main gate, the imperial envoy gate, the main hall, the Hachisha-no-miya shrine, a belfry and the mausoleum of Priest Tanku. A quiet graveyard here holds the ashes of Emperor Tsuchimikado, Emperor Go-Saga and Emperor Kameyama.
The temple’s name, Nison-in, means “two revered images,” a nod to its two principal statues: Shaka Nyorai and Amida Nyorai. These Heian-period sculptures — one representing the historical Buddha and the other a being who has attained enlightenment — are treasured as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, lending the place a deep, timeless dignity.
Upon arrival, the main gate of Nison-In greets you in rare form. First built in 1613 at the site of Fushimi Castle, the structure was relocated to its current position. Of the Muromachi era (1336 to 1573), it’s marked as Cultural Property of Kyoto. Additionally, patterns and decorative crests from the Edo era (1603 and 1867) can be found on the roof tiles which were restored during 2014.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the temple charges a modest ¥500 (about $3.50 USD) at the gate. From the outside it seems unassuming but I was delightfully surprised — I loved wandering its paths and climbing to lofty vantage points above the landscape. There’s a special calm to temples tucked in the forest: eerily still, quietly steadfast. At the very least, it offers a peaceful escape from the busy crowds of the nearby bamboo grove.
Just beyond the main gate, a perfectly symmetrical avenue of maple trees stretches before you. Known as momiji-no-baba, this approach is famed for its autumn colors — maples and cherry trees alternate for several hundred feet, forming a tunnel of red and gold when the season is right. On my visit, the leaves hadn’t yet turned but the scene was quietly lovely all the same. Each season gives the path a new personality against the backdrop of Mount Ogura: soft pinks in spring, lush green in summer and a glaze of frost in winter.
A little farther along sits Benten-do, the temple dedicated to Benzaiten, one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Often depicted holding a pear-shaped lute called a pipa, she is revered as a goddess of wealth, wisdom and longevity, with snakes and dragons said to serve her. Inside the main hall are two rare statues: a nine-headed dragon and a snake with a human head — strange, striking guardians that lend the place an air of myth.
Next on the path stands the Belfry, home to the Bell of Happiness. The bell — first cast in 1604 and lovingly recast in 1992 to mark 1,200 years since Emperor Saga founded the temple — hangs within a wooden belfry built between 1596 and 1615. Pause here, take the mallet and strike the bell three times: once to give thanks for the gift of your own life, once to wish well for the lives of others and once to send blessings to all humankind.
Between the main hall and the Belfry, a flight of stone steps climbs directly to the Zhankung Mausoleum — the resting place of Priest Tanku. This elegant monument honors Tanku Shonin, the monk who carried the teachings of Nison-In Temple far and wide. Thought to have been carved by Chinese stonemasons in 1253 during the Kencho era, the mausoleum now stands as a graceful Muromachi-era relic and a designated Cultural Property of Kyoto.
Climb slowly — the halfway view up Mount Ogura is a reward in itself. At the top of the stone steps, a quiet graveyard peers out over a sea of forest. I couldn’t uncover many details about who else rests there but it became my favorite corner of the temple grounds. While I knew the ashes of Emperors Tsuchimikado, Go-Saga and Kameyama are said to lie within, what truly held my attention were the weathered stones, their surfaces softened by time and a gentle blanket of moss.
Though I visited in the wrong season for blooms, I learned that April and May bring fragile floral surprises here. Mid-April sees the fugenzou, a double-petaled cherry blossom, while the rarer Nison-in fugenzou unfolds inside the stone-walled enclosure. With more than 200 petals per flower, this late-blooming variety arrives in early May, a slow, lavish finale to the cherry blossom season.
After lingering among the graves and soaking in the sweeping vistas from above the city, begin your descent. Near the exit you’ll notice the imperial envoy gate — a passage once reserved exclusively for the emperor’s messengers. This gateway leads to the main hall and was the route for envoys bearing the emperor’s decrees. In its day, the gate opened only for such honored visitors, so getting to pass beneath it now feels like a rare, special privilege. Architecturally, it’s topped with a karahafu roof, its high, curved gable resembling a graceful horizontal bow or a curled mustache — an elegant flourish that seems to smile down on the path below.
I somehow missed the two beloved Buddha statues — so do yourself a favor and seek them out. Cloaked in gold with eyes that sparkle like crystal, they stand side by side, guardian figures over the temple and its visitors. Shaka Nyorai (Gautama Buddha or Hakken) guides souls away from this world toward rebirth in paradise, while Amida Nyorai welcomes them on the other shore. Together, they beautifully symbolize the beginning and the end of life’s journey.
06
Taste Takoyaki Octopus Balls
Leaving the temple, stroll back toward the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to see if the crowds have thinned. Along the way, treat yourself to piping-hot takoyaki — golden, round parcels of batter cooked in a special mold and dotted with tender octopus, crunchy tempura bits, zingy pickled ginger and scallion. Perfect little bites to nibble as you wander.
I watched, amused, as they tended the takoyaki, skillfully flipping each little globe with slender metal picks until they were perfectly round. One by one, they came off the griddle, glossy with takoyaki sauce and a ribbon of mayonnaise, then showered in green seaweed flakes and wisps of dried bonito. I wanted to fall head over heels for them but they were a touch too gooey for my taste — so I fished out the chewy octopus pieces and enjoyed those morsels instead.
Next, a short, enchanting stroll brings you to the long-awaited Bamboo Grove.
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Admire Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
As the sun dips low, the Bamboo Forest finally thins and you could steal a few photos without the usual crush of people (or at least make a valiant attempt). The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove actually consists of two slender groves tucked between the serene grounds of Tenryu-ji Temple and the JR Sagano-Saiin rail line. Stretching roughly 1,640 feet (500 meters) long and 460 feet (140 meters) wide, the grove nestles beside Nonomiya-jinja Shrine and the elegant gardens and halls of Tenryu-ji — one of Kyoto’s most dazzling Buddhist sites.
As you step into the Bamboo Grove, take a moment to feel its scale. Photos make it seem endless but in person the towering stalks feel intimate — grand yet softened by the delicate, brownish brush that lines the path, like shy watchers guiding you inward.
I was lucky enough to recruit a fellow traveler for a few photos, though it was a bit of an adventure. The path was crowded with people lingering at every turn, which made snagging a clear shot a challenge and my impromptu photographer — bless him — was having an off moment. Still, we laughed our way through it and came away with a few charming images.
Once upon a time, Arashiyama was the chosen retreat of imperial courts and noble families, dotted with elegant villas and serene temples during Japan’s graceful Heian era. Bamboo, with its quiet strength and whispering leaves, became a beloved feature of those gardened estates. By the Edo period, the groves served both craft and cuisine — supplying artisans with flexible stalks and households with tender bamboo shoots. In more recent times, many of those groves gave way to development or were left to fade, until the government moved in 1967 to protect what remained. Thanks to that foresight, the bamboo groves of Arashiyama still rustle and enchant visitors today.
On your way out of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, treat yourself to a warm nikuman — a steamed beef bun that feels like a little comfort hug. Then catch a train back to Kyoto or continue onward to your next destination, savoring the memories of a truly enchanting day among the towering bamboo and the charming corners that surround it.
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How to Get to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
West of central Kyoto, Arashiyama sits at the edge of the city where bamboo groves, river views and mountain trails meet. You can reach it by a scenic JR or Hankyu train ride, local bus or a leisurely bicycle trip along the riverside — each route feels like the start of the perfect excursion.
Train(JR Sagano/Sanin Line) | From Kyoto Station, take the JR Sagano (Sanin) Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Duration: about 15–20 minutes. Cost: approximately ¥240 (about $1.60 USD). Trains run frequently; expect a short walk of 5–10 minutes from Saga-Arashiyama Station to the main Arashiyama attractions such as the Togetsukyo Bridge and bamboo grove.
Train (Hankyu Line + Walk) | From Umeda (Hankyu Kyoto Line), ride to Katsura, transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station. Duration: about 30–40 minutes from central Kyoto/Umeda areas. Cost: around ¥400–¥500 (about $2.70–3.40 USD). Arashiyama Station is a short walk of 5–10 minutes to the central area; this route is useful if starting from the Umeda/North Kyoto corridor.
Train (Keifuku Randen Tram) | From Shijo-Omiya (Hankyu/Karasuma area), board the Keifuku Randen tram to Arashiyama (Arashiyama Station on the tram line). Duration: about 25–35 minutes depending on connection timing. Cost: about ¥230–¥260 (about $1.50–1.80 USD). The tram drops you close to the main streets and attractions; expect a brief walk to the bamboo grove and riverside.
Taxi | Direct taxi from central Kyoto or Kyoto Station straight to Arashiyama. Duration: roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: typically ¥2,500–¥4,000 (about $17–27 USD) one way from central Kyoto; fares vary by distance and time of day. Taxis are convenient with luggage or for door-to-door travel but more expensive than trains.
Bus | Kyoto City Bus routes (e.g., #28) and other local buses serve the Arashiyama area. Duration: about 30–50 minutes from major central Kyoto stops depending on traffic and route. Cost: ¥230 per adult (about $1.60 USD) for a one-way ride. Buses can be slower during peak hours but drop you near popular sites; carry exact change or an IC card for convenience.
JR Limited Express or Private Rapid (from Osaka) | From Osaka (Osaka Station or Shin-Osaka), take a limited express or rapid service to Kyoto and transfer to the JR Sagano Line for Saga-Arashiyama. Duration: about 45–70 minutes total depending on connections. Cost: roughly ¥1,000–¥2,500 (about $6.50–17 USD) depending on ticket types and whether a reserved-seat limited express is used. This is a straightforward option when coming from Osaka or Kansai-area cities.
Bicycle | Rent a bicycle in central Kyoto and cycle to Arashiyama along popular routes. Duration: about 40–60 minutes depending on pace and starting point. Cost: rental typically ¥800–¥1,500 for a half-day (about $5.50–10 USD). Cycling offers scenic riverside stretches and flexible stops; be mindful of narrow streets and pedestrian areas in Arashiyama.
Walking | If you’re staying in western Kyoto neighborhoods, walking is possible and pleasant. Duration: 20–60 minutes depending on your exact starting point. Walking allows you to explore quieter streets and small shrines en route and arrive directly into Arashiyama’s calm atmosphere.
