THE Arashiyama Guide | Local's Secrets You CAN'T Miss!

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Explore Arashiyama beyond the main bamboo grove with a local's tips on hidden gems, unique shrines, and how to make the most of your day, including what to skip.

1 plan · 11 places · 5 experiences

Plan · 5 places · Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Full Day Itinerary: Bamboo, Shrines & Monkeys

“You could spend over a day in Arashiyama, but this itinerary runs you through the best places to hit, including some underhyped spots. You're welcome to pick it apart for your own perfect trip.”

Experience · 1 place
Pray for love at Nonomiya Shrine
When you enter the bamboo forest from my recommended entrance, keep going around the corner until you reach Nonomiya Shrine. This unassuming shrine has a unique history as the place where ritual princesses (Sio) from the imperial family were cleansed before being sent to Nay Shrine for years of rituals. It's also a great shrine for love! You can buy heart-shaped Ema to write your wishes, get an Omikuji fortune (they have English!), rub the 'turtle stone' for good luck after making your wish, and even buy love amulets. Don't miss the unique torii gate made from an untreated tree, reflecting ancient traditions.
1
Nonomiya Shrine
Shinto shrine · Kyoto
4.4 (359)
Creator's voice
A historic Shinto shrine nestled within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, known for its unique tree-trunk torii gate and its association with imperial princesses. It's also a popular spot for praying for love and good fortune.
Nonomiya-jinja, 1 Sagatenryuji Tateishicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8375, Japan
Tree-trunk Torii Gate — This torii gate is made from an untreated tree, a rare sight in Japan today. Traditionally, torii gates were made this way, without bark and unpainted, unlike the red, treated, or modern concrete/PVC gates you see now. It's a unique glimpse into ancient shrine architecture.
Ema (heart-shaped love wishes) — You can buy these heart-shaped wooden plaques, write your wish for love on them, and leave them hanging at the shrine. It's a traditional way to make a prayer or request to the gods.
Omikuji (fortune slip) · ¥100 — For 100 yen, you can draw an Omikuji fortune slip. What's really nice about these is that they come in both English and Japanese, which is quite rare for fortunes at shrines!
Turtle Stone — Located in a corner of the shrine, this stone resembles a turtle. After making your wish, you're supposed to rub the turtle stone for good luck.
Experience · 1 place
Stroll through the illuminated Kimono Forest
At Arashiyama Station, you'll find the Kimono Forest, an installation of 600 poles modeled after the Kyo-Yuzen kimono style, where fabric is painted directly instead of dyed. It's beautiful during the day, but I highly, highly recommend coming here at night as well, because all of these light up and it's truly stunning.
2
Kimono Forest
Tourist attraction
4.2 (11)Closed · opens Friday 12 AM
Creator's voice
An art installation featuring 600 poles adorned with fabrics designed in the Kyo-Yuzen kimono style, which dates back to the 17th century. It's located at Arashiyama Station and is especially beautiful when lit up at night.
Kimono Forest, 20-2 Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Grill your own dango at a traditional Kyoto cafe
After exploring the Kimono Forest, turn a corner and go down an alley to find a really cool building. This is a traditional Kyoto building that's been renovated and turned into a cafe and bar. I had the special breakfast set, which is only available from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on weekdays, and it was super delicious. The best part is you get to grill your own dango! They're so good – crispy outside, soft inside, with a sweet sauce. You can also get sets with more dango or other cool things.
3
Arashiyama Dango Cafe
Scenic spot · Kyoto
4.5
Creator's voice
A cafe and bar housed in a beautifully renovated traditional Kyoto building. It offers delicious food, including a special breakfast set (available 9-11 AM weekdays) and the unique experience of grilling your own dango.
Arashiyama, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Grilled Dango — You get to grill your own dango at your table, which is a really fun and delicious experience. They come out crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are served with a sweet sauce.
Experience · 1 place
Explore the 1,200 Rakan statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
After renting a bike (or taking a bus/taxi), head to the more private areas of Arashiyama. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a peaceful spot with an entrance fee of 400 yen. It's famous for its 1,200 Rakan statues, each with a unique expression, created by sculptor Kocho Nishimura and parishioners starting in 1981. The temple itself dates back to the late 700s. Don't miss the Canon statue, a Bodhisattva of mercy, which is specifically designed for blind people and can be touched – a truly rare and moving experience.
4
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.7 (3,591)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A serene Buddhist temple famous for its 1,200 unique Rakan statues, each carved with a distinct expression by sculptor Kocho Nishimura and his parishioners. The temple dates back to the late 700s and offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the main crowds. Admission is 400 yen.
Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, 2-5 Sagatoriimoto Fukatanicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8439, Japan
1,200 Rakan Statues — These 1,200 stone statues, each with a unique and often humorous expression, were created by sculptor Kocho Nishimura and temple parishioners starting in 1981. They are scattered throughout the temple grounds, making for a fascinating and peaceful exploration.
Canon Bodhisattva Statue — This statue of Canon, the Bodhisattva of mercy, was specifically created by Nishimura for blind people. It's a rare opportunity to touch a statue in a temple, allowing everyone to experience the artwork.
Experience · 1 place
Feed wild monkeys at Arashiyama Monkey Park
To get to Monkey Park, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and make a right, walking along the river until you see a sign with a monkey. Admission is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (up to 15 years old), and they're open until 4:00 PM. Be prepared for a hike: it's about a 20-minute uphill climb, mostly stairs, so it's quite a workout. Once at the top, you'll find monkeys running around freely. Head inside the designated building to buy food (like apples in summer) and feed them from behind a mesh screen. Even if you're not keen on monkeys, the panoramic view of Kyoto from the top is absolutely stunning.
5
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama
Wildlife park
4.5 (952)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A park located on Mount Iwatayama where you can observe and feed wild Japanese macaques. It requires a 20-minute uphill hike to reach the top, but offers incredible panoramic views of Kyoto. Admission is 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (up to 15 years old), open until 4:00 PM.
Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, ６１-61 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0004, Japan
Japanese Macaques — Wild monkeys roam freely at the top of the park. You can observe them in their natural habitat and, inside a designated feeding hut, purchase food (like apples in summer) to feed them from behind a protective mesh.
Panoramic Kyoto View — Even if you're not interested in the monkeys, the view from the top of Mount Iwatayama is incredibly nice. You get a sweeping panoramic vista of the Katsura River, the surrounding mountains, and the city of Kyoto nestled in its 'bowl' shape.

Also in this video

6
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Tourist attraction · Kyoto
4.4 (24,591)Closed
Creator's voice
The iconic bamboo forest in Arashiyama, a popular spot that gets very busy. I recommend coming straight here if you can, as early as possible, ideally before 10:00 AM. You can walk or bike through it, but if you're only here for a short visit, walking is fine.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
7
Tenryu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (17,007)Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
A UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1339 by a shogun in honor of an emperor. It's famous for its beautiful garden designed by a renowned garden artist. While it's a significant site, I personally don't think it's a must-see if you're not a huge garden lover, as Kyoto has many other beautiful gardens. Entry fee applies.
Tenryu-ji, ６８ Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan
8
Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Electric Railroad)
Tram stop · 京都市
4.4 (9,938)
Creator's voice
This station is hard to miss, featuring a large square surrounded by shops and the entrance to the Kimono Forest. It's a vibrant hub where you can find various stores and experience a unique art installation.
Arashiyama Station, 63-1 嵯峨天龍寺芒ノ馬場町 Ukyo Ward, 京都市京都府 616-8385, Japan
9
Togetsukyo Bridge
Bridge · Kyoto
4.5 (5,464)Closed
Creator's voice
A historic bridge that has stood for centuries, though the current structure is about 400 years old. Its name, 'Moving Moon Bridge' (Soggetso), comes from Emperor Kameyama's comment that the moon appeared to travel over it in the night sky. It offers stunning views of the river and mountains.
Togetsukyō Bridge, 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
10
Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street
Tourist attraction
4.4Closed · opens Friday 10 AM
Creator's voice
A super beautiful historic street that you'll pass through when visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji. It's lined with a bunch of shops and restaurants, perfect for exploring on foot or by bike.
Saga-toriimoto preserved street, 嵯峨鳥居本 Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8435, Japan
11
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Buddhist temple
4.3 (2,036)Closed · opens 9 AM
Creator's voice
A sacred Buddhist temple founded by the monk Kukai, known for its approximately 8,000 stone images and pagodas commemorating the dead. Originally a site for funerary rites for bodies left to the elements, Kukai transformed it into a proper burial ground to honor the deceased. It also features a 'secret path of bamboo' that is narrower and often less crowded than the main grove.
Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple, １７番地 Sagatoriimoto Adashinocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8436, Japan
- Secret Bamboo Path — This hidden bamboo path within Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is narrower than the main Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, making you feel more immersed in the forest. It's also often much less crowded, even at 12:30 PM, offering a more peaceful experience.

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