Best of Arashiyama and Mount Ogura
An Silent Journey Through Ancient Temples and Forest
Situated on the western outskirts of Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, Arashiyama captivates visitors with its enchanting atmosphere. Here, you'll stroll through towering bamboo groves, their swaying forms creating a serene backdrop. Explore ancient temples steeped in history and tradition, and admire picturesque river views that evoke a sense of tranquility and wonder.
As you wander through Arashiyama's bamboo groves, it's easy to forget that you're still in the city. The dense greenery envelops you, creating a sense of intimacy and tranquility that is hard to find elsewhere. As the sunlight filters through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground, you might feel as though you've stumbled upon a secret garden.
One of the most captivating sights in Arashiyama is the Tenryu-ji Temple. As you step through the temple gates, you're transported to another realm. Here, time seems to slow down, and you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the gardens. The stillness is interrupted only by the sound of trickling water and chirping birds, as if nature itself is whispering secrets to you.
While tourism in Japan is returning to pre-pandemic levels and Arashiyama remains a top destination for those staying near Kyoto, we assure you that by following our travel guide through Arashiyama and Mount Ogura, you'll discover peaceful, untouched landscapes all to yourself.
What to see
1. Arashiyama
We recommend starting your journey in Tenryu-ji Daihojo, which is 7 minutes walking from the Arashiyama Station or 12 minutes walking from the Saga-Arashiyama Station. It’s very easy to navigate towards Tenryu-ji using signs or google maps.
2. Tenryu-ji Daihojo
Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Ashikaga shogunate, this Zen Buddhist temple holds significant cultural and historical importance. Upon arrival, you'll find yourself amidst the serene surroundings of the temple grounds and the temple's historic buildings, such as the main hall (hondo) and the Abbot's Quarters (Daihōjō), which offer insight into Japanese temple architecture.
The Sogenchi Garden, meticulously designed by landscape architect Muso Soseki, it blends very well the natural beauty and craftsmanship making its quite impressive.
Take a stroll along the temple's pathways for views of the surrounding forested hills where you can catch sight of the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
3. Bamboo Grove
This dense grove of bamboo stands tall, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. Visitors can walk through the grove along designated pathways, surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that create a cool, shaded environment. The sound of the bamboo leaves rustling in the wind adds to the ambiance of the experience.
The grove is especially stunning when visited during the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the bamboo, casting shadows and creating a serene atmosphere and when it has less visitors. While the bamboo grove is a beautiful and tranquil destination, it can get crowded with tourists, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
4. Escape the crowds
After you pass by the Bamboo Grove you will start to notice that there’s less and less people around you. Major part of visitors will stay in Arashiyama center and explore the multiple points of interests there. But if you prefer a more silent and tranquil experience, then you will probably like what you’re going to see below.
As you continue along the forest path, you'll notice a gradual decrease in visitor numbers, evoking a sense of tranquility and calmness that is inherent to this serene setting. After a few minutes walking you will reach to the entrance of Giou-ji temple with one of the most beautiful moss gardens in Kyoto.
5. Giou-ji Temple
Giou-ji Temple, also known as Giou-ji or Giouji Temple, is a historic Buddhist temple, famous for its serene and picturesque moss garden, which is often considered one of the most beautiful moss gardens in Kyoto. The garden features lush green moss covering the ground and old stone lanterns, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is perfect for meditation and relaxation.
One of the highlights of visiting Giou-ji Temple is the opportunity to see its historic main hall, which dates back to the 14th century. The hall features traditional Japanese architecture and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Giou-ji Temple is also known for its association with Japanese literature and folklore. It is said to have inspired several famous poems and novels, including "The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter" one of Japan's oldest and most beloved folktales.
The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter and Kaguya-hime (The Moon Princess)
Kaguya-hime, also known as Princess Kaguya or The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, is a famous Japanese folktale from the Heian period (794-1185 AD). It's beloved for themes of love, sacrifice, and life's impermanence.
The story revolves around a bamboo cutter, Taketori no Okina, who finds a radiant princess inside a bamboo stalk. Named Kaguya-hime, she rejects suitors' proposals, setting impossible tasks for marriage.
Eventually, Kaguya-hime reveals her celestial origin and returns to the moon, leaving behind a letter and robe. Adapted into various art forms, including literature, theater, and anime, it remains a cherished symbol of love and sacrifice.
You can know more about this tale in the The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter Wikipedia page.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya - Studio Ghibli
Released in 2013, 'The Tale of the Princess Kaguya' is a film based on the famous Japanese folktale 'The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter' (also known as 'The Tale of Princess Kaguya'), directed by Isao Takahata of Studio Ghibli.
The story follows Kaguya, a tiny princess discovered inside a bamboo stalk by a bamboo cutter and his wife. As Kaguya grows, her beauty attracts suitors, but her mysterious origins and reluctance to leave her simple life lead to challenges and heart-wrenching decisions.
The film's unique animation style, reminiscent of traditional Japanese watercolor paintings, and its exploration of themes like love and identity have earned it widespread acclaim as one of Studio Ghibli's masterpieces.
You can know more about this tale in the The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Wikipedia page.
6. Saga Toriimoto
Saga Toriimoto is a small historic village that offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese life. The narrow streets are lined with charming old houses and shops, and the whole area exudes a sense of nostalgia and charm. The village is particularly popular during the autumn season, when the surrounding mountains are ablaze with fall colors.
7. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Finally, no trip to Arashiyama and Mount Ogura would be complete without a visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists. This temple is famous for its collection of 1,200 stone statues, each with its own unique expression and personality. Visitors can spend hours wandering through the temple grounds, marveling at the creativity and artistry of the statues.
To the east of Arashiyama lies Mount Ogura, a mountain range that beckons hikers and nature enthusiasts to come and explore its wonders. Here, you can leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and lose yourself in the majesty of the natural world.
One of the most exhilarating hikes in Mount Ogura is the Ochiai Trail. As you wind your way up the mountain, the view unfolds before you, revealing breathtaking panoramas of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. The air is crisp and invigorating, and the scent of pine needles and wildflowers fills your nostrils. With every step you take, you feel more connected to the earth beneath your feet and the sky above your head.
8. Hozukyo Torokko - The Tanuki Mystical Train Station
For a more leisurely way to experience Mount Ogura's beauty, you can take a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway. As the train chugs through the mountains, you can gaze out the window and watch as the landscape changes before your eyes. In the fall, the trees explode into a riot of colors, transforming the mountainside into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Arashiyama and Mount Ogura offer a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures, making them a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kyoto.
Whether you're walking through the Bamboo Forest, admiring the gardens of Nison-in Temple, exploring the moss garden of Giouji Temple, wandering through the historic village of Saga Toriimoto, or marveling at the stone statues of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, you're sure to find something that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
So take a deep breath, let the beauty of these magical places wash over you, and immerse yourself in the tranquility and wonder of Arashiyama and Mount Ogura.
Where to eat at Arashiyama and Mt. Ogura
Between the Giou-ji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple you have the Saga Toriimoto village with several restaurants in the area, making it a great place to eat. We will leave some suggestions here for you: Tsure-zure, Jurakuan or Azasino are some of the top reviewed restaurants in the itinerary.
Where to stay near Arashiyama and Mt. Ogura
When exploring Arashiyama and Mt. Ogura, a day trip from Kyoto is a convenient option. Kyoto is connected through rapid train to all major cities in Japan and has good train connection to Saga-Arashiyama Train Station.
This ancient and historic city offers a wide range of accommodation options and restaurants, making it a comfortable and convenient choice. Kyoto also offers you the possibility to visit other fantastic nearby attractions such as Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto shrine, Uji town, Ohara rural town or Kibune village.
Recommended accommodation options in Kyoto
How to get to Arashiyama and Mt. Ogura
To get from Kyoto city center to the Arashiyama and Mount Ogura, you have a few transportation options available:
Train: One of the most convenient ways to reach Arashiyama from Kyoto city center is by taking the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The train ride takes around 20-25 minutes. Once you arrive at Saga-Arashiyama Station, it's just a short walk to the bamboo forest.
Bus: You can also take a bus from Kyoto Station or other locations in the city center to Arashiyama. Various bus routes serve this area, and the ride usually takes around 40-60 minutes depending on traffic. The bus stop closest to the bamboo forest is Arashiyama Tenryu-ji-mae.
Taxi or Ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available for a more direct and flexible option. However, this mode of transportation can be more expensive compared to taking the train or bus.
Bicycle: For a more adventurous and scenic option, you can rent a bicycle and ride from Kyoto city center to Arashiyama. The journey takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on your cycling speed and the route you take.
Whichever mode of transportation you choose, once you arrive in Arashiyama, follow the signs to the bamboo forest. The entrance to the forest is easily accessible on foot from the main street, where you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the towering bamboo groves and keep following the ancient road which will take you to the places on the itinerary.
When traveling in Asia, we highly recommend using 12go for seamless searching and booking of public transportation. Additionally, leverage the convenience of Google Maps for easy navigation. For those preferring spontaneity, purchasing tickets directly at stations is also a viable option.
If you're traveling to Kyoto, consider flying into Osaka Airport for the most convenient access. We recommend using our flight search page to compare and book flights tailored to your preferences.
You can also take a tour during your stay at Kyoto in case you prefer a more organized and stressless experience:
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us continue to provide valuable content and recommendations for our readers. Thank you for your support!
