Arashiyama

Arashiyama is Kyoto's western jewel — a district where bamboo groves, riverside temples, and forested mountains converge into one of Japan's most celebrated landscapes. The iconic Bamboo Grove, with its towering stalks creating a natural cathedral of green, has become one of the most photographed scenes in the country.

Beyond the bamboo, Arashiyama rewards deeper exploration. The Zen gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the moss-covered grounds of Gio-ji, and the romantic Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River all contribute to an area that Kyoto's aristocrats have treasured as a retreat for over a thousand years. The Sagano Scenic Railway adds a nostalgic touch, trundling through a riverside gorge of outstanding beauty.