Togetsukyo Bridge

The Togetsukyo Bridge is an iconic landmark in Arashiyama, a must-visit on any trip to the western district of Kyoto, Japan.

Offering gorgeous views of Arashiyama Mountain and the surrounding range, the Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River (or Oi River). The picturesque bridge is 155 meters (about 500 feet) long.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge, literally Moon-Crossing Bridge, was given its poetic name by the Emperor Kameyama, who was entranced by the sight of the moon above the river. To him, it appeared as if the moon was crossing the bridge.

Taking in the beautiful views of the bridge (and from the bridge!) is one of the best things to do in Arashiyama.

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!

Best Things to Do in Japan at a Glance

Place	Activities & Best Tours (Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Tokyo	Mt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
Kyoto	Kyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
Osaka	Osaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights

Togetsukyo Bridge History

The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is the signature landmark of Arashiyama.

The original bridge was built entirely of wood, during the Heian period, in the year 836.

The Togetsukyo Bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt many times since, with the most recent construction dating back to the 1930s.

The current bridge is built of reinforced concrete, with the balustrade made from cypress wood. The design echoes the original.

There are pedestrian walkways on either side of the bridge, perfect for strolling or taking in the views.

Many period movies, TV shows, and commercials have used the spectacular setting of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

🎎 Experience Geisha Culture Up Close! Join the Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show to learn about the traditions and arts of geisha. This 3-hour tour includes a guided walk and an authentic geisha performance.

What to Do at the Togetsukyo Bridge

Admire the Views

Stroll the river bank to enjoy the beautiful views of Togetsu-kyo Bridge against the backdrop of stately Mount Arashiyama.

The mountain range, river, and wooden bridge create a beautiful picture in every season.

Stroll the sidewalk along the bridge to enjoy the views of Mount Arashiyama and the Katsura River from the bridge. If you wish, you can stop to feed the koi that live in the river.

Both the river bank and the bridge are fabulous photo spots, especially in the spring, when cherry trees are in bloom, and in the fall, when the leaves change color.

Sunrise is a particularly beautiful time to be at Togetsukyo Bridge. With not too many people and the mellow light of morning, you’ll love the ambience!

The bridge is also tranquil at night, after daytrippers have left.

🦌 Visit Nara’s Historic Sites and Friendly Deer! Explore beyond Kyoto with the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day tour includes visits to Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and a matcha tea experience in Uji.

Go on a Boat Cruise

You can rent a boat or take a cruise on a yakatabune boat, where the boatman uses a bamboo pole to steer the craft.

Enjoy a 30-minute or one-hour boat ride along the river to see the bridge and the surrounding scenery from the water.

Boat rentals and rides are available at the boarding areas on the west side of the two bases of Togetsukyo Bridge. (see map)

🚌 Explore Kyoto’s Iconic Landmarks in a Day! Join the PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour to visit must-see sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple and more. This comprehensive tour is ideal for travelers with limited time.

Watch the Cormorant Fishing

If you visit in the summer (July through mid-September) you can observe the unique practice of cormorant fishing, called ukai!

Boats set out after dark, and from the sightseeing boat, you can watch at close quarters as the fishermen use cormorants to catch fish.

From the Togetsukyo Bridge, you can also see cormorants dive into the water to catch fish in the daytime.

🌸 Experience Kyoto’s Nightlife and Cuisine! Dive into the local food scene with the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour. This 3-hour evening tour explores the Gion and Pontocho districts, offering a variety of traditional dishes and insights into Kyoto’s culinary culture.

Shop and Eat

The street between Arashiyama Station and the Togetsukyo Bridge is the main street of Arashiyama, where you will find lots of souvenir shops and eateries.

Enjoy mochi and matcha cappucino and pick out some souvenirs to bring home!

How to Get to Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

From the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, it’s about a 10-15 walk to reach the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. (see map)

If you took the Keifuku Randen Arashiyama Tram Line, alight at Arashiyama Station, from where it’s just a 3- to 5-minute walk to the Togetsukyo Bridge. (see map)

Arriving by the Hankyu Line? From the Hankyu Arashiyama Station, it’s about a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Togetsukyo Bridge. (see map)

Togetsukyo Bridge Hours

The Togetsukyo Bridge is open 24/7 and you can cross it at any time.

Togetsukyo Bridge Entrance Fee

There is no fee to visit the Togetsukyo Bridge or to walk across the bridge.

Best time to Visit Togetsukyo Bridge

What time of year should you visit Togetsukyo Bridge?

While Togetsukyo Bridge and its surroundings are beautiful year round, the scenery is especially spectacular in the spring and the fall.

During cherry blossom season in the spring, clouds of pretty pink blooms add additional allure, creating the perfect picture postcard scene.

And in the fall when leaf colors peak, the blazing reds, yellows, and oranges create a dramatic picture that begs to be captured by your camera or smartphone.

What time of day is best for visiting Togetsukyo Bridge?

The Togetsukyo Bridge is a very popular attraction in Arashiyama and tendss to get crowded during the day, especially in the spring and the fall.

Plan to visit early or late in the day for a more relaxing experience!

The train is unquestionably the best way to get around Japan. Click to get your Japan Rail Pass now!