1. Top
  2. Things to do

Things to do

How to spend time in Arashiyama

During the Heian period, it flourished as a villa destination for aristocrats, and there are many temples here that appear in the Tale of the Heike and the Tale of Genji.
What were the Heian aristocrats thinking, feeling, and how did they spend their time in this Arashiyama area?
Why not think back to the people of the past?

There are also many tourist attractions.
Please relax and enjoy the nature-rich Arashiyama area of Kyoto.
  • Tourist attractions

    • 2 minutes walk from the hotel

      Togetsukyo Bridge

      The symbol of Arashiyama

      When Emperor Kameyama watched the moon sink over the bridge and up the river,
      It was named "Togetsukyo Bridge" after a person commented that it looked like the clear moon crossing the bridge.

    • 10 minutes walk from the hotel

      Bamboo Forest Path

      Arashiyama, one of Japan's most famous tourist destinations, is especially famous for its bamboo forest path.
      It stretches for about 400 metres and is open 24 hours a day.
    • 10 minutes walk from the hotel

      Kimono Forest

      Supervised by world-renowned designer Yasumichi Morita
      You will be greeted by approximately 600 poles made from "Kyoto Yuzen".

      Another highlight is the Dragon Atago Pond, named after the "dragon" of Tenryu-ji Temple!

      Illumination: Sunset to 9pm
      Randen Arashiyama Station Hannari-Hokkori Square
    • 20 minutes walk from the hotel

      Summit Observation Deck(Inside Kameyama Park)

      There are three observation decks in Kameyama Park in Arashiyama area.
      From one of the observation decks at the top, you can see boats going down the Hozugawa River and the trolley train.
  • Leisure Spots

    • Torokko Saga Station is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. 

      Sagano Scenic Train

      Sagano Scenic Railway allows you to enjoy the various seasonal scenery of the Hozu River and Hozukyo Gorge
      The journey along the Hozu River takes about 25 minutes one way.

      Depending on the time of day, you may be able to pass boats sailing down the Hozu River.

      *Please check the Official website for information on operation status, etc.


    • 5 minutes walk from the hotel

      Arashiyama Houseboat

      There are sightseeing boats, rowing boats, and sightseeing boats with meals included.
    • Hozugawa River Cruise Boarding Point 8 minutes walk from JR"Kameoka" station

      Hozugawa River Cruise

      You can experience a 90-minute river cruise down the Hozu River, which flows from Kameoka through Saga Arashiyama.

      There is also a boat landing next to the hotel where you can see the boat lifting process up close.

  • Shrines and temples

    • 10 minutes walk from the hotel

      Tenryu temple

      【World Heritage】The head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect

      Founded:S.1339
      Founder:Ashikaga Takauji
      Founder:Muso Soseki

      Founded by Ashikaga Takauji to pray for the repose of Emperor Godaigo's soul.
      You can experience a solemn atmosphere at Sogenchi Garden, Japan's first designated historic site and special place of scenic beauty.The Cloud Dragon painting is also one of the highlights.
    • 3 minutes walk from the hotel

      Kokuzo Horinji Temple

      Founded:S.713
      Founder:Gyoki

      In the Kansai region, a well-known traditional event called Jusan Mairi takes place.
      When a child turns 13 (by traditional Japanese age reckoning), they come to pray to be granted wisdom, and it is said that if they look back before crossing Togetsukyo Bridge, they will give back the wisdom they were given.

      There is also a needle memorial service, which is said to have begun by order of the Emperor.
      The shrine enshrines Denden-gu, the guardian of radio waves and electricity, and is visited by people from the electrical industry throughout the country.

      Instead of lion dogs, you can also see lion tigers, lion cows, and even the rare "petting sheep."
      If you go up the stone steps, you will come to an observation deck (stage) where you can see Kyoto city, Sagano, and Togetsukyo Bridge, a hidden gem that we highly recommend!
    • 15 minutes from the hotel

      Nonomiya Shrine

      Nonomiya Shrine appears in the "Kasuga" chapter of the Tale of Genji.
      Located inside a bamboo forest path, the shrine is said to grant blessings for matchmaking and safe childbirth.

      It is home to the only black wooden torii gate in Japan, and within the grounds is the Okameishi rock, which is said to make your wish come true within a year if you stroke it.
    • Immediately after getting off at Hankyu Railway's Matsuo-Taisha Station

      Matsuo Taisha Shrine

      Founded:S.701

      It is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is known as the god of sake brewing.

      The gods of Matsuo Taisha Shrine are worshipped as turtles and carp, and within the shrine grounds there are a pair of stroking turtles and a pair of carp for good luck.
      There are also many turtle-related sights to see, including Kamenoi, famous for its water that is said to bring "longevity" and "revival," and Reikame Falls.

      The unusual structure of the main hall, known as Ryonagare-zukuri, is also a must-see.
      We hope you will also enjoy the barrel fortune telling, the sake museum, and the garden designed by Mirei Shigemori.
    • City Bus 28/Kyoto Bus 94, get off at "Daikakuji"

      Daikakuji Temple

      The head temple of the Daikakuji branch of Shingon Buddhism.

      Founded:S.876
      Founder:Prince Kojaku

      It is also the flower temple where Ikebana originated, and is often used as a filming location for period dramas and movies.
      Osawa Pond is the oldest garden pond in Japan and is known as one of Japan's three most beautiful spots for viewing the harvest moon.

      This poem was written by Fujiwara no Kinto, one of the Hyakunin Isshu poets.
      "The sound of the waterfall has long since ceased, but the name still rings out."
      The famous Nakoso Falls has also been restored.

  • Nearby facilities

    • 2 minutes walk from the hotel

      Arashiyama Onsen Fufu no Yu

      The only outdoor bath facility in Arashiyama,Natural Arashiyama Onsen(Fufu no Yu)

      Opening Hours
      From 12:00 to 22:00(Final call 21:30)

      No fixed closing days
    • The ticket office is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the summit.

      Arashiyama Monkey Park

      Approximately 120 wild monkeys live together in harmony!
      Maybe you'll even see some cute baby monkeys?

      It is also a scenic spot where you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto city.


      Opening Hours
      From 9:00 to 16:00(The summit is open until 16:30)

      Closed on irregular days
  • Staff recommended!

    • Gozan no Okuribi

      Every year on August 16th, Gozan (Five Great Mountain Temples) no Okuribi bonfires are held, and you can see the torii gate-shaped bonfires from all rooms.
      You can also see the Daimonji character and floating lanterns from Togetsukyo Bridge, which is a two-minute walk from the hotel.

      Please enjoy a luxurious time with the seasonal sights of summer in Kyoto.
    • Take city bus #28 and get off at "Saga Shakado-mae" bus stop. 15 minutes walk from there.

      Gionji Temple

      A temple of the Daikakuji school of Shingon Buddhism

      Gion-ji Temple is located within the grounds of the ancient Ojo-in Temple, which is said to have been founded by Ryochin, a disciple of the monk Honen Shonin.

      It appears in the "Tale of the Heike" and is known as a nunnery where tragic love took place.

      In summer, the lush greenery of fresh greenery is beautiful, and in autumn, a carpet of autumn leaves spreads across the ground.
      It's a hidden gem known only to those in the know.
    • 25 minutes walk from the hotel or 4 minutes walk from the city bus stop "Saga Shakado-mae"

      Hokyo-in Temple

      A Rinzai sect temple in Sagano, Kyoto

      A hidden spot for autumn leaves!
      The Seiryoji Temple Shakado Hall is located nearby, so we recommend visiting it as well.
    • 5 minutes walk from the hotel

      Hankyu Arashiyama Station

      The nearest station to our hotel Hankyu Arashiyama Station
      At night, the lights are lit up, creating a fantastical atmosphere.