What to Do in Arashiyama in Kyoto, Japan—In 1 Day!

Arashiyama is a beautiful area just outside of the center of Kyoto, filled with nature, cultural sites, and memorable experiences.

From monkey sightings to famous bamboo groves, here’s a rundown of what to do in Arashiyama and how to organize your time during your visit.

1. Arashiyama Monkey Forest

For ¥600 ($4), you can enter the Arashiyama Monkey Forest—a scenic, natural area where monkeys roam freely in their natural habitat on top of a hill.

This isn’t a zoo! I wouldn’t recommend it if it were—so no worries on the ethics of this area! The monkeys aren’t caged and live among the trees, with humans observing from marked paths.

The trail to the top is a bit of a hike, with steps and a steep incline, but it’s only a one-mile round trip, so nothing too crazy. The reward is fantastic views over Kyoto and the chance to see dozens of monkeys, including adorable babies.

The area is well-regulated, with clear rules ensuring that both monkeys and humans stay safe and respectful of each other.

2. Arashiyama Boats

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride up the river right below the monkey forest! If you’re tired after your monkey hike, this is the spot to go to relax for a bit!

You can rent small boats to paddle along the riverbanks, soaking in the natural beauty. You can work those arms out a bit to even out all the walking you’ve been doing while in Japan (it’s insane!)

It’s a fun way to experience Arashiyama from the water and catch a different perspective of the lush forested hills in the area.

3. Arashiyama Kimono Forest

The Arashiyama Kimono Forest is a unique display of colorful pillars covered in traditional kimono fabric.

This little path, located right at the train station, is a quick and pretty walk-through. It’s a stunning display of the beautiful kimono patterns preserved in a “forest.”

The surrounding area has plenty of cafés and shops, making it a nice spot to grab a snack or a coffee while taking in the creative designs.

4. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

One of the most famous spots in Arashiyama is the Bamboo Forest. It’s a beautiful but popular attraction.

The towering bamboo creates a dreamlike atmosphere, but it’s usually packed with visitors, so it’s a bit hard to feel at peace here.

Try to arrive early if possible to enjoy before the crowds arrive!

While it was a beautiful walk through the bamboo forest, I think all the other highlights in Arishayama are much better!

5. Matcha Ice Cream and Other Treats

Kyoto is known for its matcha treats, including creamy green matcha ice cream, a local favorite, or a tall, lemony pickle on a stick!

If you’re thinking of what to do in Arishayama, you’ll definitely need a few snacks, at the least, to keep you going.

6. Togetsukyo Bridge

The Togetsukyo Bridge is a historical landmark offering great views of the river and mountains.

This area is a favorite for photos and has a lively yet relaxed vibe.

Walking along the bridge and down by the shoreline is a wonderful way to enjoy Arashiyama’s natural beauty.

7. Tenryu-ji Temple and Restaurant

Tenryu-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, surrounded by beautiful gardens.

For a cool experience, you can dine at the vegan restaurant on-site, but it’s best to make reservations ahead of time, as it can get quite busy. I missed out because I waited too long to reserve and I was so disappointed!

8. Kimono Experience

Many visitors choose to rent kimonos and wander through Arashiyama for an immersive and picture-perfect experience.

This area’s natural and historical beauty makes it a perfect backdrop for photos in traditional Japanese attire.

Just keep in mind that walking to the Monkey Forest might be a bit strenuous for a kimono, so plan accordingly!

9. Wander and Get Lost

One of the best ways to experience Arashiyama is simply to wander.

The area is full of hidden temples, cozy eateries, local galleries, and scenic pathways.

There’s so much to discover just by walking around, so take your time to explore the smaller, lesser-known spots and get a real feel for this charming area.

I got “lost” several times in the area and found myself down charming alleyways with more to see!

Tips for Visiting Arashiyama

1. Arrive Early: Arashiyama is a popular spot, and the main attractions can get crowded, especially the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Forest. Arriving early will give you a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: With trails, steps, and a lot of walking, comfortable shoes are a must. If you’re planning to visit the Monkey Forest, be prepared for a bit of a climb.
3. Check the Weather: Arashiyama’s natural attractions are best enjoyed in good weather, so check the forecast. Everything is outside here so this isn’t the best area on a rainy day.
4. Bring Cash: Many attractions and smaller shops in Arashiyama may not accept credit cards, so having Yen on hand will make things easier.
5. Plan for Food and Drink: While there are food options around Arashiyama, they can get crowded. This is why I stuck to snacks, as the restaurants were quite packed.
6. Fees: Everything in Arashiyama is free except the Monkey Forest.

What to Do in Arashiyama in One Day

Arashiyama is the kind of place where you can easily fill an entire day, enjoying a mix of nature, culture, and delicious treats.

Here’s how I spent my day wandering around this area…

Morning: Start with the Bamboo Forest and Monkey Forest

Begin your day early at the Bamboo Forest to enjoy before the crowds roll in.

Take your time walking through the towering bamboo stalks, soaking in this iconic spot. From there, head to the Arashiyama Monkey Forest.

The morning climb will be cooler, and you’ll get to see the monkeys at their most active while also catching stunning views over Kyoto from the top.

Midday: Lunch and Exploring Tenryu-ji Temple

By late morning or early afternoon, head to Tenryu-ji Temple.

Stroll through the beautiful gardens, and if you’re in the mood for a unique dining experience, enjoy a meal at the vegan restaurant on the temple grounds (don’t forget to make a reservation!).

If the temple restaurant isn’t your thing, there are plenty of nearby eateries offering traditional Japanese dishes, or you can grab a quick snack from a local café.

Afternoon: Togetsukyo Bridge and Boat Ride

Spend the afternoon exploring Togetsukyo Bridge and the surrounding river area.

Walk along the bridge, taking in the views, and consider renting a boat for a leisurely ride on the river. The calm waters and lush scenery make for a perfect, relaxing break from walking.

Evening: Kimono Forest and Wandering

As the sun starts to set, take a stroll through the Arashiyama Kimono Forest, where the colorful kimono fabric pillars light up beautifully in the evening.

Finish your day by wandering the quaint streets of Arashiyama, exploring small shops, grabbing dinner, or enjoying a matcha ice cream or lemony pickle!

Getting to Arashiyama

Arashiyama is easily accessible from Kyoto and makes for a great day trip. Here are the main ways to get there:

• By Train: The JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station takes you directly to Saga-Arashiyama Station in about 15 minutes, making it the fastest route.
• By Bus: There are several buses from Kyoto that stop in Arashiyama, though they can be slower than the train, especially during peak tourist times.

Once you get to the area, the best way (and really the only way) to get around between the attractions is to walk.

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