Arashiyama, Kinki, Japan

5Jodiejones 5:00 PM Aug 25, 2020

Like a dream
Incredible! Visiting the bamboo grove was by far our favourite day in Kyoto. If you want nice photos I recommend going there very early. We arrived around 6.30am and it was beautiful. There were not too many people there however when it got to around 8am the crowds started gathering.

5Rumples 5:00 PM Sep 27, 2020

Historic and Beautiful
Arashiyama is one of my favorite places to go when visiting Kyoto. It is a town and district that starts at the base of the city's western hills, designated by Japan as both a Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. My most recent trip here occurred in October 2019 when I took a traveling companion to see the area. We started at the Arashiyama end station for the Keifuku Randen Tram Line, a fun way to travel through neighborhoods that most tourists don't see. This station features a stunning art installation, known as the Kimono Forest. The work displays 600 cylinder-shaped poles with traditionally dyed textile pieces, protected by transparent coverings. The poles cluster close together and flank a curving path, giving the impression of walking in the forest. Temples and shrines abound. Tenryuji, a zen temple dating back to 1339 and a World Heritage Site, is perhaps the most interesting. We went through this temple's beautiful garden and walked to the North gate to exit and enter the nearby Bamboo Grove. It features soaring thick stalks on both sides of a broad walking path. Just off the grove sprawls Okochi-Sanso Villa, where the famous silent film actor Denjiro Okochi lived and where the grounds may be visited for an admission fee. A monkey park exists in Arashiyama as well as the iconic Togetsu-Ko Bridge and the opportunity to watch cormorant fishing. Rental boats and bicycles are available. Restaurants, fast food and souvenir shops line the town's main street. As Arashiyama is an extremely popular tourist attraction, I recommend coming here early on a weekday when the crowds have yet to form. Based on experience, try to avoid a weekend visit.