The Edge of Kyoto

Posted on 06/14/2022 Last updated on 06/14/2022

Kyoto has always been my favorite place in Japan. However, while I appreciate the major temples at the top of every tourism brochure, the best area is just slightly off the main path. If I could spend one day anywhere in Japan, it would be in Arashiyama.

Arashiyama is a suburb on the western edge of Kyoto. It’s where the last bit of the city crashes into the mountains. Cherry blossoms drown out the landscape in the spring, it is painted in shades of orange in the fall, and endless rows of bamboo stand guard all year long.

Perhaps the most photographed forest in all of Japan is the Sagano Bamboo Grove. Despite running parallel to the main city street, the bamboo walls block out any trace of modernity. You may recognize it as nearly every martial arts training montage is filmed here. When you aren’t finding your inner warrior, it’s great for a refreshing walk or a romantic journey.

Just down the road from the bamboo forest and the massive Tenryu-ji temple adjacent to it is an old fashion bridge. This is Togetsukyo, a bridge so wonderful that even the moon likes to cross it (which is how it got its name). It was originally built in 836, and while it has been updated several times in the centuries since, it keeps its old age charm. If you are really brave, go out on a night boat and watch traditional fishing done by cormorant birds.

When the bridge ends, the mountains begin. While climbing Arashiyama itself is a tough task, you should definitely go up Iwatayama, better known as Monkey Mountain. After about a twenty minute hike up a fairly easy mountain path (it is still a mountain, so do be a little prepared), you’ll reach a camp populated with around 170 Japanese Macaques.

Photo Credit: photo7さん on PhotoAC

These monkeys have lived near humans all their lives, so they are quite calm and will get very close to the visitors. There’s also a place where people can feed the monkeys. They take the food gently out of our hands. Don’t forget to turn around from the monkeys and look over the side of the mountain to see a picture perfect view of all of Kyoto.

Finally, in between these three great places are a ton of Japanese shops and restaurants. This includes several homemade craft malls if you want to buy an authentic piece of Kyoto. Arashiyama is famous for it tempura, and there’s plenty of great choices on that front. However, the area is also home to Steak Otsuka, a place voted the best restaurant in Japan. It serves a mouthwatering wagyu beef, specially selected from only 80 cows every year. Get there early, because there will be a line.

Arashiyama is a fantastic place to spend a day. But if you wanted to see more of the surrounding areas of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and the rest of Kansai, it’s also a great hub. In just the past few years, they have built several large hotels nearby, and for a much more affordable price than in downtown Kyoto. The town is surrounded by three train stations, taking just 10 minutes from Kyoto Station, 20 minutes from the Gion area, and a pretty straight shot to Osaka.

Arashiyama is my absolute favorite area in Japan. No trip around the country is complete without it.

Photo Credits:

Top photo: 京都さんぽさん on PhotoAC

Additional photo: photo7さん on PhotoAC