How would you like to lose yourself in a panorama of fall colors? Welcome to Arashiyama in Kyoto.
Arashiyama is a feast for the senses. It is especially beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons.
“Arashiyama” originally referred to the Arashiyama area. It lies on the right bank of the Katsura River. It is part of Kyoto City’s Ukyo Ward. Nowadays many tourist guides refer to the whole area as Arashiyama. This includes the area on both sides of the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Arashiyama has been a favored retreat since the Heian period. Nobles built villas here. Its name often appears in historical tales and classic literature. The Katsura River flows through Arashiyama. The riverbanks boast cherry blossoms and maple trees.
The Togetsukyo Bridge is central to Arashiyama. Emperor Kameyama named it. He said the moon seemed to cross the bridge. Although it looks like a wooden bridge today it is made of steel and concrete. This design blends with the scenery.
Locals call the Katsura River near the bridge “Oi River”. Besides natural beauty Arashiyama has many temples and shrines. Many emperors are buried here. This makes temple visits a key attraction.
Tenryu-ji Temple is a World Heritage site. Nonomiya Shrine appeared in The Tale of Genji. There is also the treasure-filled Choraku-ji Temple.
In the 1980s artist shops opened near the Togetsukyo Bridge. This area became popular with students. However increasing tourism caused traffic problems. The local government now manages traffic. It encourages public transport to ease congestion.
Arashiyama offers more than just scenery. You can explore temples or museums.
Several railway lines pass through Arashiyama. The Sagano Scenic Railway follows the Hozugawa River. This offers a ride through the valley. A unique sight is the vandalized bamboo. Some tourists carve graffiti on the bamboo. This has caused public outcry.
Arashiyama inspired the landscape of Keiichiro Asai’s mansion. It is featured in the manga series “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo”. Arashiyama is more than a scenic spot. It is a place woven into Japan’s cultural heart.