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Arashiyama

Kyoto

A scenic district on Kyoto's western edge, with the bamboo grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji and forested hills along the Hozu River.

Best for Upscale · Families

Transport
3/5
Sights
4/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
5/5
Food
3/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$235/night · 35 min to Shijo-Kawaramachi

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Arashiyama on the map

Why stay here

  • Bamboo grove and temples before the crowds
  • River and mountain scenery
  • Peaceful evenings

Who should stay here

  • Couples
  • Nature lovers
  • Photographers

Not ideal if…

  • You want to be central
  • You want nightlife
  • You're only in Kyoto for a night or two

What it's like

Arashiyama is where Kyoto meets the mountains: the Togetsukyo Bridge across the river, Tenryu-ji's Zen garden, the famous bamboo grove, the monkey park on the hill and boat rides down the Hozu gorge. It's spectacular in autumn and during cherry-blossom season.

Staying overnight lets you see the bamboo grove and temples before the day-trippers arrive. It's 30–40 minutes from central Kyoto, quiet after dark, and has fewer dining options.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Togetsukyo Bridge

    Iconic bridge over the Katsura River.

  • Saga-Toriimoto

    Preserved street of thatched houses.

  • Arashiyama main street

    Shops and snack stalls by Tenryu-ji.

Getting around

Nearest stations
JR Saga-Arashiyama station, Hankyu and Randen (Keifuku) tram lines, and buses.
To Shijo-Kawaramachi
About 35 minutes
From Kansai International Airport (KIX)
About 110 minutes: Haruka express to Kyoto Station, then the JR Sagano line to Saga-Arashiyama.

Nearby attractions

  • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Go at dawn for the quietest walk.

  • Tenryu-ji

    Zen temple with a landscape garden.

  • Iwatayama Monkey Park

    Hilltop park with macaques and views.

  • Hozu River boat ride

    Boat trip down the gorge from Kameoka.

Where to eat and drink

  • Arashiyama main street

    Tofu restaurants and matcha sweets.

  • Riverside cafés

    Views of the bridge and hills.

Where to stay in Arashiyama

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Muni Kyoto

Why we like it: Small luxury hotel facing the river and Togetsukyo Bridge.

Typical luxury rate in Arashiyama: ~$605/night

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Boutique pick

The GrandWest Arashiyama

Why we like it: Modern hotel close to the bridge and Hankyu station.

Typical mid-range rate in Arashiyama: ~$235/night

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Best value

Yado Arashiyama

Why we like it: Simple Japanese-style hotel by the river; guests 13 and over.

Typical mid-range rate in Arashiyama: ~$235/night

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Hotels in ArashiyamaMid-range from ~$235/night

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