Arashiyama Attractions Near the Bamboo Grove
Planning to visit Arashiyama in West Kyoto for the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?
Make a day of it if your itinerary allows, because there are many other must-experience attractions in Arashiyama! You can also see these attractions visually on our map of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and nearby attractions.
And if you prefer to leave the logistics to someone else, there are many guided tours of Arashiyama from which to pick! This Arashiyama walking tour is highly rated and includes the top spots plus a few hidden gems.
Arashiyama has a spectacular natural setting that shines in every season. It is a sought-after destination in the spring (for cherry blossom bloom) and in the fall (for foliage colors).
With a wealth of temples and a variety of things to do, Arashiyama should definitely be at the top of your Kyoto itinerary!
Here are some of the top things to do in Arashiyama, along with experiencing the famous bamboo grove!
Tour Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five major zen temples. The complex contains a lovely garden laid out around Sogen Pond and traditional works of art.
Walk the path through the gorgeous Okochi Sanso Garden. The former residence of Japanese period star Denjiro Okochi, the garden also offers outstanding views over Kyoto and the Hozukyo Gorge.
Up for a hike? The Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama is a popular place to see Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, in the wild. You can feed them from an enclosure as well.
Take a one-way ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. The short but very scenic route between Arashiyama and Kameoka is attractive in every season!
Return from Kameoka to Arashiyama on a Hozugawa River Boat ride. Cruising the river through the Hozu Gorge is relaxing, and the views are spectacular.
Stroll the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, located in the heart of Arashiyama. Spanning the Katsura River, the historic bridge offers splendid views of Mount Arashiyama.
Stop at the Nonomiya Shrine on your walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The small temple complex has a main shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess.
Admire the lush mossy grounds at the serene Gioji Temple. Walkable from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gioji Temple has a simple structure and lots of maples that offer excellent fall leaf peeping.
Pose for photos along the “kimono lane” at the unique outdoor textile art installation known as the Kimono Forest. The pillars are lit up at night, making for an even more magical experience!
Looking for a beautiful but less crowded spot to enjoy in Arashiyama? Head to the serene Jojakko-ji Temple with its stunning pagoda and enchanting garden filled with maples and moss!
Another less crowded but lovely hillside temple is the Nison-in Temple. With its gorgeous main approach lined with maples and cherry trees and its historic shrines, Nison-in Temple is a must-add to your Arashiyama itinerary in any season!
Although a bit of a walk from the main touristic hub in Arashiyama, the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is a unique attraction well worth the time. Other than the thousands of grave markers, there’s a small bamboo grove here with a pathway you can walk!
Located on the outskirts of Arashiyama, about a 30-minute walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, is the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, known for its collection of 1,200 rakan statues carved by visitors to the temple. If you have the time, do put this lovely temple on your itinerary!
Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
