For centuries a source of respite and escape, Arashiyama offers a glimpse of natural beauty outside of Kyoto. The district has a variety of outdoor activities: visit the Japanese macaques in the monkey park, or take a rowboat out onto the lake. Don't miss the bamboo grove, a gentle uphill trail through densely packed stalks, ending at a historic imperial villa and its surrounding landscaped gardens. To find out how to plan a trip to Kyoto, use our trip itinerary maker.
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Arashiyama reviews
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A must if you’re in Kyoto. Go as early as you can! Amazing pictures provided you don’t encounter too much people. Our teens also enjoyed it a lot!
A must if you’re in Kyoto. Go as early as you can! Amazing pictures provided you don’t encounter too much people. Our teens also enjoyed it a lot! more »
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The grove itself is short but beautiful regardless. You can spend all day doing a walk from the monkey park to the Togetsukyo bridge to the bamboo grove then to the Tenryu-ji temple and get out...
The grove itself is short but beautiful regardless. You can spend all day doing a walk from the monkey park to the Togetsukyo bridge to the bamboo grove then to the Tenryu-ji temple and get out... more »
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A must visit if you are touring Kyoto. Easy access by rail or bus. Beautiful scenery starts at the river before you get to the Main Street. Lots of Temples and trails nearby. Too much food to comprehend.
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1 of the top 5 highlights in Kyoto, and beautiful year round, this bamboo forest is easily one of the best sights in all of Japan. The Arashiyama area is surrounded by Buddhist and Shinto shrines as well as wonderful traditional Japanese neighborhoods with shops and vendors to sell foods and souvenirs. TIP: Take the JR line from Kyoto Station, and be prepared to spend a whole day in the beautiful outskirts of Kyoto. WINTER RECOMMENDATION: If you are in Japan in December, make a visit to this location. 10-19 December (from 1700-2030 hrs) the lantern festival illuminates this forest into a magical/otherworldly environment to feast your eyes (and Instagram 😅) upon. You might also get to witness snowfall coat the bamboo forest in yet more beauty.
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