What Arashiyama is all about
Arashiyama in north-west of Kyoto city is where all the natural and man-made beauties of Japan are concentrated. You can see a 150-meter-long wooden bridge, steep mountains covered with trees of different colors, a clear river, traditional Japanese-style restaurants, paths that allows you to go for a leisurely stroll and pleasure boats floating on the river, and so on. You can spend a happy time all the year round just having a look at the scenery. Another attraction is the 400-meter bamboo forest path which you can reach by walking some 30 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama station.
Joys of the trip
It is the place where people from all over the world meet: you can talk to other sightseers and share the joys of the tour. You can enjoy the ride on the old-fashioned "Jinrikisya" rickshaw that can accommodate two persons for a fee if you like. But above all, just stand on the sidewalks of "Togetsukyo" bridge and look around: you will forget everything in the magnificent natural surroundings and really feel happy being there. In autumn, tree leaves on the entire mountain in the background turn to varios colors.
Other places of interest
(1) Tenryuji-Temple
This temple was established in 1339 by Muromachi Shogunate government founder Ashikaga Takauji to mourn for the demise of Emperor Godaigo, who reformed the way of governing the nation. The beautiful landscaped garden called "Sogen-ike-teien" was built by Zen priest Muso Soseki.
(2) Seiryoji Temple
Almost abandoned but kept clean and well managed, this old temple is known as "Saga-no- Shakado-san", or the temple where the standing image of Buddha is placed.
(3) Adashino-nembutsu-dera Temple
Originally built by the Reverend Kobodaishi, a late eighth-century to ninth-century priest, som1200 years ago, the precincts are the place where the deceased were said to have been laid on the grond (without cremation). There are now stone monuments dedicated to them and on August 23 and 24 thousands of candles are lit to console their souls.
Eating and shopping
There are many, many restaurants serving all kinds of food and souvenir shops along the road leading from JR Arashiyama station to Togetsukyo brige.