Arashiyama is located within walking distance of the popular Bamboo Grove Path, the World Heritage Site of Tenryuji Temple, and near to the Monkey Park amongst other places. In summer, you can also watch the specially trained cormorant birds in action as they hunt for sweet-fish in the river.
This makes it a great place to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of old Kyoto.
Furthermore, there are both Hankyu and JR stations near the ryokan, making it easy to get to downtown Kyoto, the Gion district, Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, and the Toei Kyoto Studio Park.
It is not widely known, but Arashiyama is located in a surprisingly convenient location for sightseeing around the Kyoto region.
Amanohashidate Sandbar (one of Three Scenic Views of Japan), Ine Town, Miyama Town, as well as Osaka and Kobe can also all be reached on a day trip, making it a good base for covering multiple spots near to Kyoto if staying for consecutive nights.
Located right in front of our ryokan
This bridge spans the Oigawa River and is the main symbol of Arashiyama. It is said that the name (“moon crossing bridge”) stems from a legend of Emperor Kameyama (ruler from 1260-1274), who during a boating party commented on how the moon looked like it was crossing the bridge.
The bridge is especially beautiful during autumn when the leaves change color and during spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
5-minute walk from our ryokan to the entrance
A serene forest trail with neat rows of bamboo stalks that reach up to the sky. The main path is 400m long and with the rustling sound of the wind through the leaves, and the sunlight filtering through the tall bamboo, creates a unique, tranquil atmosphere. An early morning walk is particularly recommended for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive.
8-minute walk from our ryokan
This Zen temple, first established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji, was initially an enormous temple complex that was designated first among Kyoto's five major Zen temples, a ranking it maintains to the present day. It is registered as a World Heritage Site, and is famous for its traditional landscaped garden and pond.
2-minute walk from our ryokan to the boarding zone
Back in the Heian Era, court nobles used to enjoy boating on the Oigawa River which runs through the center of Arashiyama. Carrying on that tradition, sightseeing houseboats have been operating here since the beginning of the Meiji era, offering scenic tours along the river.
15-minute walk from our ryokan
The Sagano Scenic Trolley Train ride runs 7.3 km along the Hozugawa Valley, taking about 25 minutes to travel between Saga Torokko Station and Kameoka. The route is known for its beautiful views, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
Take the trolley train to JR Kameoka Station going
If you take the Scenic Trolley Train to Kameoka, a great option for the return journey is to take the thrilling 2-hour, 16km boat ride back down-stream from Tamba-Kameoka to Arashiyama. The gorge is lined with cherry blossoms, azaleas, and maple trees, offering seasonal enjoyment throughout the year.
5-minute walk from our ryokan to the boarding area
A traditional summer pastime is to ride on a houseboat along the Oi River which flows through Arashiyama, and watch the traditional cormorant fishing by bonfire light, as the large birds hunt for sweet-fish in the river.
Arashiyama also has many other temples and shrines,
allowing visitors to learn more about its long and rich history.
14-minute walk from our ryokan
The Nonomiya Daikokuten Shrine, which is within the grounds, is famous as a place to pray for love and matchmaking. It is believed that if you touch the unique turtle-shaped rock there and make a marriage wish, your wish will come true within a year.
The kuroki torii gate here is made of un-barked lumber and black in color, which was the traditional style for torii gates in ancient times. In fact, this is the only kuroki gate left in Japan.
10 minutes by car from our ryokan
The head temple of the Shingon sect’s Daikakuji school, it is known for its links to Kukai, the revered priest who founded the Shingon sect.
The temple boasts a history of 1,200 years, and contains a beautiful garden pond. It is also famous as a TV set location for historical dramas.
19-minute walk from our ryokan
Seiryoji Temple stands on the site of the former mountain villa of Minamoto no Toru, the son of Emperor Saga, and who is said to have been the inspiration for Hikaru Genji, the hero of The Tale of Genji. The statues of Buddha from India, China, and Japan, which are only on exhibition in spring and autumn, are all designated as national treasures.
10 minutes by car from our ryokan
The name Nison-in means “two revered images”, and comes from the fact that it enshrines two Buddhist deities, Shaka and Amida.
The approach to Nisonin is a famous scenic path known for its maple and cherry blossom trees, especially during autumn when the vibrant colors provide a stunning setting.
20 minutes on foot and by train from our ryokan
A popular historical theme park where famous period dramas and Japanese movies are often filmed. It features full-scale sets recreating an Edo-period town, and also allows visitors to watch live ninja or samurai shows, take part in hands on experiences, and even dress up in traditional costumes.
Accessible by JR or Keifuku train lines.