Arashiyama, Western district in Kyoto, Japan
Description
Arashiyama is a western district in Kyoto, Japan, extending along the Katsura River across Ukyō and Nishikyō wards. The area includes forested slopes, temples with landscaped gardens, paths through tall bamboo groves, and a historic bridge crossing the river.
History
From the 8th century during the Heian period, noble families built riverside estates here to escape the summer heat of the capital. By the 14th century, the emperor ordered temples and gardens to be created, turning this area into an important religious and artistic center.
Culture
The name Arashiyama means Storm Mountain, referring to the winds that sweep through the gorge in autumn when the leaves change color. Locals come here to view cherry blossoms in spring or red maple foliage in November, often from traditional river boats.
Practical
The JR Sagano line connects central Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama station in around 15 minutes. Regular bus services also run there, and many visitors walk or rent bicycles to explore the area.
Did you know?
The Sagano Bamboo Grove creates a deep rattling sound when wind passes through, recognized by the Japanese government as one of 100 sounds worth preserving. At Iwatayama Monkey Park on a mountain top, visitors can observe and feed over 120 Japanese macaques from close range.
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Tenryū-ji
776 m
Togetsu-kyō
511 m
Matsunoo Taisha
1.4 km
Bamboo Forest
706 m
Kurumazaki Shrine
1.5 km
Nonomiya Shrine
972 m
Nison-in
1.5 km
Hōrin-ji
262 m
Iwatayama Monkey Park
21 m
Ōkōchi Sansō
1 km
Denden-gū
321 m
Rakushisha
1.3 km
Rokuō-in
1.2 km
Fukuda Art Museum
570 m
Shigureden
522 m
Hōkyō-in
1.5 km
Hōgon-in
643 m
Rinsen-ji
747 m
Senkō-ji
1.1 km
Enri-an
1.6 km
Ichitani Munakata Shrine
326 m
Ōi Shrine
661 m
Okochi Sanso Garden
950 m
和んこ堂 嵐山店
1.1 km
Saga Arashiyama Museum of Arts and Culture
511 m
Jōjakkō-ji
1.3 km
19th Century Hall
1.2 km
Tenshi-no-Sato Kachu-an
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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