Kyoto/Arashiyama

Arashiyama (嵐山) is in Kyoto.

Understand
While this western part of Kyoto is dismissed in most Western guidebooks in a brief paragraph suggesting "other attractions", the area is rightfully very popular with Japanese tourists and well worth a visit.

By train
The local JR Sagano Line (San'in Main Line) departs from Kyoto Station and stops at a number of stations in the northwest part of the city, including Sagaarashiyama (a good starting point for exploring the Arashiyama area). Both local and rapid service stops at Sagaarashiyama, but limited express does not.

Arashiyama can also be accessed by the Hankyū Arashiyama Line, which branches off from the Hankyū Kyōto Main Line at Katsura Station. The Matsuo Area can be reached by disembarking at the Matsuo station, just before Arashiyama.

The Randen (Keifuku) tram line, Kyoto's only surviving streetcar, ends at Arashiyama Station, directly in the heart of the area. The main line runs from the central city at Shijo-Omiya, while the Kitano branch line travels to Hakubaichō, serving several sites in the northern city. Fare is a flat ¥250 for adults, or ¥120 for children 6–12 (2023).

By subway
Although the municipal subway system doesn't serve Arashiyama directly, travellers coming from other parts of the city (especially Central and Higashiyama) can use the Tōzai Line as far west as Nijō Station, where they can transfer to JR trains running on the Sagano Line (San'in Main Line).

By bus
Kyoto City Bus 11, 28, 91, 93 and Kyoto Bus 72 - 86 will get you to the Arashiyama area. Kyoto Bus 72 - 86 leave from platform C6 at Kyoto Station. The 91 Bus will take you to Daikaku-ji. The Matsuo area can also be reached using Bus 28, and it's the only city bus that travels to this area from Kyoto Station. The ¥600 Bus One-Day Pass works for the Arashiyama or Matsuo-bound buses.

Get around
You will mostly want to walk and see all the sights. But there are also rickshaws available.

See










Matsuo area
Located just south of Arashiyama, the Matsuo (officially Matsunoo) area is rarely mentioned in most guidebooks however, it does have a few interesting sites, particularly Kokedera, a World Heritage Site and Matsuo Taisha which the area is named after.





Buy
Most of the areas shops and dining are located along Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, which runs from the Togetsukyo Bridge up to Seiryoji Temple.



Drink
The Arashiyama has very few bars. Consider travelling to Central Kyoto for the widest variety of drinking options.

Sleep
Most travelers will stay in Central or Northern Kyoto instead, and visit Arashiyama only for the day.

Go next

 * Central
 * Higashiyama (Eastern Kyoto)
 * North
 * South