Make the Most of a Full Day Arashiyama Itinerary, Kyoto
On the western outskirts of Kyoto, Japan is the famous and highly visited district of Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a beautiful part of Kyoto renowned for the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Monkey Park, and streets lined with traditional shops and restaurants. This charming district of Kyoto offers visitors a little bit of everything when it comes to traditional Japan and is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and history. My Arashiyama itinerary hits all the must see highlights so you can make the most out of your full day in Arashiyama.
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Arashiyama is a district in Kyoto located in the north western portion of the city. Arashiyama is wedged at the base of the mountains and the Katsura River.
Arashiyama was a popular destination during Japan’s Heian Period (794 – 1185) and to this day remains one of Kyoto’s most visited destinations.
Most visitors plan to come to Arashiyama for the famous bamboo forest but then realize there is so much more to do and see in Arashiyama.
How to Get to Arashiyama
There are many ways to get to Arashiyama. You can take a taxi, get here by bike (which I’ve done before from Kyoto Station), hop on a local bus, or take the recommended trains.
If visiting Arashiyama by train, there are various lines that stop at different stations in and around Arashiyama.
If departing from Kyoto Station, take the San’in Line. It’s direct and takes nearly 20 minutes. The fare is ¥240.
If departing from Shijoomiya Station, take the Randen Arashiyama Line directly to Arashiyama Station. The fare is ¥250.
From central Kyoto, say Karasuma Station, you can take the Hankyu Line to Katsura Station and then to Arashiyama Station. I prefer this route if staying in central Kyoto or if visiting Kyoto’s Monkey Park.
Arashiyama Tours
If visiting Kyoto and the Arashiyama area for the first time, I think tours can be a great way to experience and learn more about the area. Sometimes, I like to book tours that way I don’t have to do the planning and I usually learn a lot more from a legit tour guide then if I were to go alone. I like to book in advance through either Get Your Guide or Viator.
Here is a list of some of the tours offered for the Arashiyama area.
Arashiyama Itinerary - Must Visit Places and Things to Do
The Arashiyama District is a must when visiting Kyoto. Many visitors come for a half day to check off the bamboo forest and maybe do some shopping. But if you really want to see what Arashiyama has to offer, I recommend spending a full day in Arashiyama. I’ve been to Arashiyama at least three times now. I hope this Arashiyama itinerary is helpful to make the most out of your trip. Below are my recommendations and places to see during your visit to Arashiyama.
Grab a Snack or Ice Cream at Arashiyama Station
Arashiyama Station is always a popular place. Every time I am here, it is crowded. For good reason, there are shops here, food stalls, clean toilets, and places to rest.
If you don’t want to sit down at a restaurant, I recommend grabbing a snack here from one of the food vendors. You can find matcha related items or savory treats like delicious pork buns.
My biggest recommendation here is to try the Cremia ice cream. It’s sold at the same stand that sells pork buns and is literally some of the best and richest ice cream I’ve ever had.
Souvenir Shopping on the Main Street
Some of Kyoto’s best souvenir shops are found in Arashiyama along the main shopping street between Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest.
You can find everything along this strip of road from custom chopsticks and touristy knick-knacks to food items and stuff worthy enough to send home.
There is this amazing store in Arashiyama that sells a special furikake. Furikake is a mix in for rice. Furikake makes for a great gift!
Cross the Togetsukyo Bridge for Beautiful Views
Crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge is a must, if anything just to get great views of the Arashiyama area.
Be warned, Togetsukyo Bridge can be very crowded and vehicles do drive on it.
See and Feed Japanese Macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Par Iwatayama
If you are interested in wildlife and nature then I highly recommend visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.
It is recommended to visit the monkey park in the morning as it can get quite hot and crowds can be overwhelming. Thankfully, the park opens at 9:00 am.
Kyoto’s monkey park is at the top of the hill, it takes about 20-30 minutes to walk. Once at the top, you will be greeted by cute and curious Japanese Macaques.
There is a facility here that sells food to fee the monkeys, visitors can feed them from within the building. Otherwise, the park is small, so you can just walk around and take photos of the monkeys and enjoy their company.
For more information and to learn about the macaques, I have a post on Visiting Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.
Visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tenryu-ji is the main temple in Arashiyama and is a must when in the area. Tenryu-ji is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
According to information at the temple, Tenryu-ji was originally built in the year 1255 and converted to a Zen temple in 1339.
The temple itself is a masterpiece, but there is a spectacular garden that wraps around the temple. The garden has a large pond, rock formations, and a dry landscape.
The exit to the garden links directly to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Walk Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easily the most popular attraction in Arashiyama and one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. Although I don’t like crowds, I still have to include the Bamboo Forest to my Arashiyama itinerary, because it is a site to see.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is not that big and can be seen in 30 minutes or less. Most people come here for photos, you can even rent a kimono for photos at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
I can’t lie, the bamboo forest is amazing and well kept. Depending on the time of day, it gets painfully crowded. But if you go early in the day or later the crowds tend to be minimal.
Don't Miss Out on Okochi Sanso, A Beautiful Mountain Retreat
At the end of the bamboo forest is the entrance to Okochi Sanso. It took me two times of visiting the bamboo forest to convince myself to visit Okochi Sanso, but I am glad I visited this attractions and wish I went sooner.
Okochi Sanso is a mountainous area that used to be the estate of Okochi Denjiro who was a famous actor.
The reason I recommend visiting Okochi Sanso is because of the sheer beauty of this place. It’s more of a Japanese-style garden with traditional structures and a tea house. You can take your time here, relax, go on a leisure stroll, and enjoy green tea.
Stop at a Traditional Restaurant for a True Japanese Meal
The main shopping street in Arashiyama is lined with great restaurants. Just because it is a touristy area does not mean you get the tourist prices and food. You can find cheap and authentic meals here.
You can find all your favorite Japanese meals here from soba noodles to tonkatsu. Not to mention there are cute cafes tucked away all over Arashiyama.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Secret Bamboo Forest
I have a post dedicated to lesser known temples in Kyoto and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is one of them.
Within walking distance from Kyoto’s bamboo forest is one of the most surprising temples in Kyoto, Adashino Nembutsu-ji.
Two reasons why I highly recommend visiting this temple. One, there are 8,000 Buddha statues and two there is a bamboo forest here that is in my opinion superior to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest mainly because it is less crowded and has a similar atmosphere.
See the 1,200 Stone Statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
One of the more unique temples in Kyoto and not a far walk from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple is Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple. This temple is also included in my lesser known temples in Kyoto post, in case you are interested in learning more.
What makes Otagi Nenbutsu-ji unique and a must visit are the 1,200 rakan moss covered stone statues. Each rakan has a different expression, some are serious while others are more comical.
Conclusion
My full day Arashiyama itinerary covers the must do sites and attractions in this district of Kyoto. Obviously, pick and choose what sites and temples you want to see based on your schedule and time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and a visit to Tenryu-ji are a must if you are on a tight schedule but it is recommended to spend a day in Arashiyama to fully explore the area.
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Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵
Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖
For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com
Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁
Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.
In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘
I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Train Travel 🚂🚊
For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.
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