7 Epic Things to Do on an Arashiyama Day Trip

A day trip to Arashiyama wasn’t on our priority list. Whenever I hear too much hype about a place, I worry it might be too touristy.

But the bamboo groves were just too gorgeous to ignore. So, while I was munching on my veggie burger at Lotteria in Kyoto, I did a bit more research, and we decided to give it a shot.

Thank God I didn’t skip Arashiyama! It’s so much more than just bamboo forests.

There are amazing hiking trails through Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, quirky spots like the Kimono Forest, and shrines that will make you feel like you’re in a Ghibli film—all tucked into a charming village by the Katsura River.

This guide is crafted to help you plan a one-day trip to Arashiyama from Kyoto and experience all these gems on a budget—beyond the usual bamboo grove!

Things to Do in Arashiyama in on a Day Trip

Think Arashiyama District is all about the bamboo forest? Well, you might be wrong!

It’s got historic temples like Tenryuji, quirky shrines like Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.

Must-see spots include Togetsukyo Bridge, Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, and the quirky Kimono Forest. And don’t miss one of the best vegetarian meals in all of Japan at Shigetsu!

1. Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is the starting point for exploring Arashiyama. You’ll see boats on the river waiting for tourists to take a ride—worth it if your budget allows.

The name “Togetsukyo” means “Moon Crossing Bridge” and was coined by a 13th-century emperor who thought the moon’s reflection looked like it was gliding across the water.

Pretty poetic, right? Even though the current bridge was rebuilt in 1934, it still has that classic vibe.

There area few benches around, trees swaying along the path, and tourists snapping selfies everywhere.

We sat down for a bit, just soaking up the view. It’s a perfect place to catch your breath before diving into the rest of your arashiyama day trip- Watching people taking 1000 selfies.

2. Tenryuji Temple and Garden

Tenryuji Temple, a 14th-century Zen temple, is one of Kyoto’s most respected. At the entrance, you’ll find a painting of Bodhidharma—a South Indian monk who spread Buddhism across China.

Finding that little piece of Indian history here was unexpected.

A World Heritage Site with Stunning Views

The garden is what you’ll remember most. It’s much larger than a typical Japanese garden, with a central pond, neatly placed rocks, and pine trees against the backdrop of Arashiyama mountains.

There are benches where you can pause and take in the view or just watch the birds circle around the pond.

In December, we even spotted a stork quietly fishing—it felt like time slowed down for a bit.

The entry fee is 500 yen for just the garden or 1300 yen if you want access to the entire temple. But if you’re after a peaceful stroll, the garden alone is a solid choice.

We chose just the garden of Tenryuji as We had already had our fir share of visiting shrines across many Japan cities : Like Zojo Ji in Tokyo with cute little garden of unborn children, Big Buddha Kotoku-in at Kamakura and the most beautiful of all Kodaiji in Kyoto

The garden was so calming that watching the stork fish for a while made me forget how cold it was that day.

3. Temple Meals at Shigetsu

Ashrith had been enjoying meat dishes all throughout the Japan trip, while I stuck to vegetarian options like Italian meals and 7/11 bread rolls.

So, when I found Shigetsu in Arashiyama, it felt like a jackpot. Finally, I got to savour a proper Japanese vegetarian meal—fresh, healthy, and truly soul-satisfying.

Shigetsu isn’t just any restaurant; it’s in a traditional Japanese building with floor seating on Tatami mats, and it overlooks a calming garden.

What Makes Shigetsu Zen Food Special?

They specialise in shojin ryori, a type of vegetarian cuisine served in Buddhist temples.

The dishes are visually appealing, packed with flavour, and completely meat-free.

The meal set included miso soup, seasonal vegetable tempura, boiled tofu with dipping sauce, steamed rice, pickled radish, and a dessert made from red bean paste.

Tips for Enjoying Your Meal at Shigetsu

Before stepping into Shigetsu, make sure to remove your shoes at the entrance. Once inside, ask the waiters or waitresses for your seating.

You’ll be seated on the floor, either in the traditional Japanese Seiza style (sitting on your heels) or, if that’s not comfortable, you can sit cross-legged—just like we do in India.

Meals here are enjoyed in silence, so it’s a good idea to relax and take it all in quietly.

Not sure how to eat Zen food? Neither were we. Thankfully, Shigetsu provides a booklet that explains each dish.

And even tells you whether to use your hands or chopsticks. Without it, I would have totally dipped my tofu into the wrong sauce!

Why Shigetsu Temple Meals Were Worth the Price?

Each set we had (one soup and five side dishes) cost 3500 yen, making lunch for two around 7000 yen—our most expensive meal in Japan. But it was totally worth it for the authentic flavours, peaceful atmosphere, and unique experience.

Shigetsu is open from 11 am to 2 pm only, so it’s perfect to have a leisurely lunch here before heading out to explore the nearby attractions.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

When you search for Arashiyama day trip on Google, at least the first 10 images show a bamboo grove that looks almost too perfect to be real.

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is a 200m stretch of towering bamboo that rustles in the wind, creating a calming (or slightly spooky) atmosphere.

Is it Arashiyama Bamboo forest tourist trap or worth it?

Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting, but keep your expectations in check. The walkable part of the grove is only about 200m long, and the rest is fenced off.

While it can get crowded, the sight of those towering bamboo stalks and the atmosphere make it a unique experience that’s worth seeing at least once.

Before visiting, I was worried it might be chaotic like Hallstatt in Austria. Both are super popular, but in Japan, even the chaos is organised—especially during off-peak season like when we went.

Best time to visit the bamboo forest

The best time is early morning before 8 am if you want to avoid crowds. By mid-morning, TikTokers and influencers flood the area, making it tough to get clear photos.

If you’re more into a quieter stroll, evenings are better, but the lighting isn’t ideal for photography.

We visited in December during the off-season, and it was still pretty crowded. So, no matter the time of year, expect a good number of tourists.

5. Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street

Most bunch of tourists flock to the end of the bamboo grove, snap a zillion pictures, and head back to Arashiyama town. But you must not. Take a right turn and hit the 4km trail to Historical Saga Toriimoto Street.

The most magical part of rural Japan exists here, and it’s my absolute favourite hike I ever did in Japan!

What is Saga Toriimoto Street?

Saga Toriimoto Street dates back to the Edo period (1600s-1860s) when it was a lively stop along the Tokaido Road, connecting Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).

Plus this street has some of the prettiest manhole covers in Japan – Don’t forget to observe it when you walk.

It was a key commercial hub known for its production of silk and cotton textiles.

Today, the street is preserved to maintain its historical charm, and walking here feels like stepping back in time to see how merchants and craftsmen once lived.

Which Trail Leads to Saga Toriimoto?

Once you leave the bustling bamboo grove behind, you’ll find yourself on a peaceful 4km trail that leads to one of Japan’s prettiest preserved streets. This area is perfect for a relaxing stroll and a real taste of traditional village life.

The path is mostly flat and easy to navigate, with signs guiding you back to Saga-Arashiyama station.

Our walk took us all the way to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji temple, making it a perfect addition to our Arashiyama day trip.

What to See and Do on Saga Toriimoto Street

Most tourists stop at the end of the bamboo grove, snap a few pictures, and head back. But if you take the 4km trail, you’ll find the real magic of rural Japan along Saga Toriimoto Street.

As you stroll down this narrow road, you’ll pass by traditional machiya townhouses with wooden facades and intricate latticework. The sliding doors, with their delicate designs, make you feel like you’re seeing a slice of Japanese history in action.

But don’t be fooled by the antique appearance of this street—there are plenty of modern flairs to be found here as well.

Because most of these houses are occupied—it isn’t an open-air museum. Everything that happens in any Japanese village happens here.

The postman comes and delivers letters on his bicycle. Cafes and shops receive goods in a minivan.

Some houses are converted into shops with quirky and creative goods by the local artisans who call this street home.

6. Shines along hiking trail

There are six main shrines and temples you’ll come across along this route, but most of them have entrance fees.

I came across six main shrines and temples along my 2.5 km hike to Atago-Jinja Shrine Ichi-no-Torii Gate.

Most have entrance fees, but I visited just two: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji was my favourite because of its 1,200 statues, each with a different quirky expression. Felt like I was walking through a Ghibli movie set!

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, with its 8,000 statues lined up in rows, had a bit of a quieter vibe, but still cool to check out.

Each temple has its own unique vibe, so if you have the time and don’t mind the entrance fees adding up, it’s worth exploring a few.

• Gio-ji Temple: Best with lush green moss. Quiet and peaceful.
• Jojakko-ji Temple: Peak autumn; bright red and orange leaves.
• Nison-in Temple: Long path lined with maple trees. Similar vibe to others.

7. Kimono Forest

After all that hiking, you’ll probably find yourself back at the Bamboo Forest. But don’t leave Arashiyama yet! One of the quirkiest railway stations in the world is waiting for you.

The Keifuku Randen tram station has an amazing display called the Kimono Forest—a path surrounded by tall cylinders wrapped in colourful Kimono fabric.

It’s like a mini art gallery! The tram station is just a 5-minute walk from the Bamboo Forest, so it’s super easy to add it to your day at Arashiyama.

Visiting the Kimono Forest at Night

While the Kimono Forest looks pretty during the day, it’s a whole different vibe after dusk. The cylinders light up, creating a glowing path that feels almost magical.

Plus, this setup wasn’t just put there for show—it was part of a project to revitalise the Randen tram line and showcase the charm of traditional Japanese textiles.

There’s no entrance fee, and it’s a perfect way to end your one day in Arashiyama on a high note.

Ideal Time to Spend in Arashiyama: A Day or Two?

If you have enough time, spending two nights in Arashiyama lets you explore the entire area at a relaxed pace. But let’s be honest—most of us don’t have that much time.

We made a day trip from Kyoto and felt it was more than enough. So, anywhere between a day or two is good for exploring the main attractions.

Arashiyama got mainly luxury hotels and Ryokans. So if you plan to stay overnight or two, keep that in mind.

Best Time to Visit Arashiyama: Season and Time of Day

• Best Season: The hills around Arashiyama look spectacular in autumn, from September to early December. I’d skip the Sakura (cherry blossom) season—too many people, even if it’s gorgeous.
• Best Time of Day: Mornings before 8 am are your best bet for a quieter experience. Evenings are better for a peaceful stroll, but the lighting isn’t ideal for photography.

Tips for Visiting in December

Dress warmly as temperatures can get chilly.

Mornings and late evenings are less crowded, but remember that daylight hours are shorter.

Public transport may be less frequent, so plan your timings accordingly. Use the Japan Transit Planner app to check the last bus, train, or tram from Arashiyama to Kyoto.

We opted for bus in the morning and tram at night.

How to Avoid Crowds at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?

We managed to find less crowded spots by exploring the grove multiple times throughout the day. Visiting during the off-season, like we did in December.

You’ll have a more relaxed experience without the hassle of navigating through large crowds.

How Long to Spend at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

The grove is only 200m long and gets crowded quickly. If you want photos without too many people in the background, aim to go early—preferably before 8 am.

Avoid mid-morning and post-lunch because that’s when influencers and TikTokers dominate the area.

How to Make the Most of Your Day Trip

If you’re planning a one-day trip, start with an early morning stroll at the Bamboo Grove, then visit nearby shrines and temples like Tenryu-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji.

Don’t try to hit up every shrine in Arashiyama (or in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Nara Deer Park for that matter). Unless you’re really into Shinto or Buddhism, it gets repetitive.

Plus, the entrance fees add up fast, and Japan’s not exactly cheap! Stick to Tenryu-ji, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji—they’re worth the visit for their unique charm.

Save the quirky Keifuku Randen tram station’s Kimono Forest for the evening to experience its magical glow.

Skip Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. It’s just a bunch of Japanese macaques—nothing unique. You’re better off seeing them in Nagano’s snow monkey park!

How to get to Arashiyama

Kyoto to Arashiyama

Arashiyama is located less than 10 km from Kyoto. Hence getting here is super easy by , Kyoto bus train and tram.

Japan isn’t really budget friendly for travellers . Plus taxis are expensive. So don’t bother to book a taxi or take a private tour which costs you a fortune.

Although there’s plenty to do in Arashiyama, the Bamboo Forest is the main attraction.

The easiest way to get there from Kyoto Station is by taking the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station.

By Train: JR Sagano Line
15 mins ride costing less than 250 yen, covered by JR Pass. Get off at Saga Arashiyama station—it’s a 1 km (10-15 minute) walk to the Bamboo Grove.

Heads up : Don’t buy Japan Rail pass just for Kyoto or Tokyo- It is expensive. Read our detailed post where I have shown you how to figure out if you need a JR Pass or not.

By Scenic Train: Sagano Scenic Railway
25 mins ride, costs 800 yen one-way. Ends at Torokko Arashiyama station, around 1.3 km (15-20 minute walk) from the Bamboo Grove. Best for autumn views.

By Tram: Keifuku Randen Line
Stops at Arashiyama Station, which is just a 300 metre (5-minute) walk from the Bamboo Grove. Requires a bus switch at Hankyu Karasuma Station.

By Bus: Kyoto City Bus Number 28 and 73
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 28 or Kyoto Bus No. 73 for the most frequent service to Arashiyama. Both are covered by the Subway Pass and Subway & Bus Pass. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs ¥230.

Osaka to Arashiyama

Take the JR Special Rapid Service from Osaka to Kyoto. Switch to the JR Sagano Line to reach Arashiyama. Total time: 1 hour. Get off at Saga Arashiyama station—1 km from the Bamboo Grove.

Nara Deer Park to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

From Nara ( where you can feed deers with crackers), take the JR Nara Line to Kyoto Station, then switch to the JR Sagano Line to reach Arashiyama. Total travel time: 90 mins.

Food Options in Arashiyama

Eating in Arashiyama can be a bit pricey compared to places like Nishiki Market or Matsubara Dori in Kyoto.

If you’re looking to save some yen, it’s better to head back to Kyoto for dinner where you’ll find cheaper options. But since you’ll be spending a whole day in Arashiyama, lunch is a must here.

Some Great Places for Lunch in Arashiyama

Shigetsu

Around 3,500 yen per meal. Located inside Tenryu-ji Temple, this place offers authentic vegetarian Zen Buddhist dishes. I ate here, and it was totally worth the splurge for its unique temple food experience and peaceful atmosphere. ( Get Directions )

Yoshimura

From 1,000 yen per meal. Known for its hand-cut soba noodles. Cozy spot with a view of the Katsura River. ( Get Directions )

Taisho Hanana

From 2,000 yen per meal. Famous for its sea bream sashimi and chazuke. Traditional vibe, perfect for a refined seafood meal. ( Get Directions )

Arashiyama Day Trip Cost

A day trip to Arashiyama costs around 5,600 to 6,100 yen per person, which includes:

1. Transport Costs: Around 500 yen for a round trip from Kyoto to Arashiyama by JR train or bus.
2. Entrance Fees: Tenryu-ji Temple garden (500 yen), two other temples like Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Gio-ji (800 yen each). Total: 2,100 yen. Bamboo Grove (Free).
3. Meal: Expect to spend around 1,500 to 2,000 yen at a local restaurant for lunch.
4. Boat Ride on Katsura River: Approximately 1,500 yen per person for a short boat ride.

Heads up: There is no entrance fee for the Bamboo Grove or the Saga Toriimoto Hiking Trail.