A short walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station is Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous scenic site that has become a symbol of Arashiyama. The surrounding mountains present a panoply of beautiful colors that change throughout the year, and the wooden handrails reflected in the water is truly a unique sight to behold.

Vibrant green bamboo surrounds this quiet, narrow path. The historic landscape is a specially designated nature preserve, and is also used as a filming location for movies. In summer the greenery is the most beautiful, and the surrounding bamboo provides comfortable shade. Entry is free of charge and you can walk along the path at your own pace.

Trains start from Sagano Torokko Station and pass through two stations before arriving at the final stop, Kameoka Torokko Station. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way. The track weaves through the Hozugawa Ravine, and the scenic view gives you a sense of the seasons that you can enjoy to your heart’s content. The ravine in the fall is an especially beautiful sight.

With steep mountains on both sides, the Hozugawa River runs through a ravine featuring raging rapids. Take a 2-hour journey down the river with a skilled boatman at the helm. In winter the air is crisp and you can warm up on heated tatami mat seating while you enjoy the beautiful snowscape.

At the end of a major road, a beautiful gate suddenly appears that marks the site of Yasaka Shrine. Pass through the gate and you enter the open space of Maruyama Park, a famous site for viewing cherry blossoms. Many people come to visit in the spring, and you can enjoy the flowers until late at night here.

Hanamikoji is the main street of the Gion area, and is one of the districts where Geiko and Maiko entertain visitors with traditional performing arts. Old wooden houses line both sides of the stone-paved street, giving the road a distinctly elegant atmosphere. Around evening you might even see a Maiko if you’re lucky!

The towering Yasaka Pagoda has become a symbol of this area. Located part of the way up the hill that leads to Kiyomizu Temple, its beauty and size will fill you with a sense of awe. You can not only appreciate its elegantly designed exterior, but also climb the tower for an expansive view of Kyoto.

Extending out from the main building, the “Kiyomizu Stage” is registered as a World Heritage Site. When you’ve stood on the stage and looked out over Kyoto, you’ll have completed one of the list of things you should definitely do in Kyoto. In spring and fall Kiyomizu Temple is colorfully lit up to the delight of nighttime visitors.