Japan Trip: Day 6 Kyoto (Arashimaya)

 After an unforgettable visit to Fushimi-Inari (last blog: Day #6 part 1), we head back to Kyoto Station and board the JR Sagano Line for Arashimaya.

Back to JR Kyoto Station


The fastest access from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama is provided by the JR Sagano Line (also known as JR Sanin Line). The one way ride to Saga-Arashiyama Station takes 15 minutes and costs 230 yen. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, central Arashiyama can be reached in a 5-10 minute walk. And by Bus lines connect Arashiyama with several parts of Kyoto, however, it is recommended to access Arashiyama by train to avoid the risk of getting stuck in traffic jams.

Getting Around Arashimaya




Arashimaya

Arashiyama is in western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves. One of the most enjoyable and convenient ways to travel around the Sagano area is by rental bicycle, which are available for around 1,000 JY near the train stations. But unfortunately we didn't see where the rental shops are.Until our way back to Kyoto Station to visit another place.

Upon reaching the Path of Bamboo or the Chikurin-Komichi, there is one shrine on the way,  the Nonomiya Shrine , or the Shrine in the Country, is a Shinto shrine. The shrine has a unique black torii gateway that is made of logs with bark.

The Nonomiya Shrine

The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The path leading through the bamboo forest that stretches from Nonomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso Villa, On our way down on the right side of the road you will find the way to Tenryuji Temple.

Bamboo Path

Tenryuji Temple

Tenryuji is a Zen temple in the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. It has been ranked first among the city's "Five Great Zen Temples". The current buildings date from the Meiji Period. Muso Soseki, the temple's founding abbot and famous garden designer, created Tenryuji's landscape garden and beautiful flower abloom. Sogen-chi pond and Ishigumi (arranged rocks) in the garden are very much worth to see.

The Sogen-chi pond and the O-Hojo Building

Karesansui and Sogen-chi pond

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

The Togetsu-kyo Bridge is a symbol of Arashiyama. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185), the bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Togetsu-kyo Bridge and Arashimaya Park

its almost 2 in the afternoon, still moving on... There's gonna be a third part of day #6 (the Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and Pontocho).