Morning Plan for Arashiyama and Sagano

At Kyoto Station, not only Shinkansen bullet trains but other trains, airport buses, express buses and local buses all come and go here. Tourist information can be obtained on the 2nd-floor tourist information center. There are various ways to reach Arashiyama from Kyoto Station but one easy way is taking the JR Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station because there are no transfers required.

Head from JR Saga-Arashiayama Station to Togetsu-kyo Bridge which is known to be the best place in Arashiyama to take a photo. After taking in the scenery, cross the bridge to go to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.

At Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, adorable Japanese macaques thrive in a natural setting. From here, you can get a superb commanding view of the city of Kyoto. Please be aware that to reach the monkey park, you will have to go up a hill.

At the World Heritage site, the Zen temple of Tenryu-ji, you can see the 700-year-old garden and the profound architecture. On the ceiling of the Lecture Hall, you can also view the powerful painting of Unryu-zu (Usually open to the public on weekends and holidays but there are periods during the spring and autumn when special openings of the Unryu-zu are available daily. Please refer to the official website for the latest information on those special days.).　 If there is still time, walk over from the North Gate of Tenryu-ji for 3 minutes to reach Nonomiya Shrine. The shrine has been mentioned in one of the masterpieces of Japanese classical literature, “The Tale of Genji”, and is known for being constructed over a holy site. The temple is worshiped for good fortune in matchmaking and children.

Head for the area surrounding Arashiyama Station which is popular for the Kimono Forest of pole lamps of Kyoto printed silk and a footbath. There are also many restaurants around the station.