1 day

Saga Toriimoto Preserved street

What you'll do

My favorite walk in Kyoto <3

Day 1

Kyoto Walk: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji to Arashiyama

  • Temples & cafés all along the way – perfect for breaks.

  • Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Adashino Nenbutsu-ji close at 4:30 PM.

  • Most cafés close around 4-5 PM.

  • Ogura Pond & Bamboo Forest are always open.

1

Sightseeing

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple

Whimsical statues at hidden temple

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple🏯 (A hidden gem in Arashiyama!)

⛩️ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: A peaceful temple with 1,000+ unique stone statues. 💰 Entrance Fee: 300 JPY

2

Sightseeing

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Tranquil temple with stone statues

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple nestled in the hills of the Arashiyama/Saga-Toriimoto area in western Kyoto. It’s especially known for its 8,000 stone rakan statues, placed in memory of forgotten souls. The atmosphere is mystical, silent, and deeply moving—especially in autumn, when the momiji leaves turn the entire site into a sea of color.

It marks the end of a beautiful preserved street lined with traditional wooden houses (Saga-Toriimoto) and features a small bamboo grove behind the temple—far less crowded than Arashiyama’s famous one.

My favorite spot: The peaceful hidden bamboo grove behind the temple.

Entrance fee: ¥500

Tourist level: Very low, even in high season. One of the calmest and most touching temples in Arashiyama.

Tip: Combine it with a visit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, just a 5-minute walk away.

3

Sightseeing

Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street

Historic preserved street in Kyoto

Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street in Kyoto is a charming walk back in time to the Meiji period, with traditional machiya houses now housing shops and restaurants. This preserved street offers a glimpse into the historic merchant town vibes of old Kyoto. Strolling through here feels like stepping into a time machine and experiencing a slice of local life from back in the day.

4

cafe

Sabou Sagano

Bamboo forest beauty in Kyoto

Cute cafe along the Saga toriimoto preserved street, with two adorable ladies running it.

5

Sightseeing

Ogura Pond

Cute pond near Arahsiyama bamboo grove

A cute pond on the path to Arashiyama bamboo groove (from Saga toriimoto preserved street)

Ogura Pond, also known as Ninomaru Pond, used to be a massive lake in Kyoto, formed by three rivers. It was shallow but teeming with fish, birds, and lotuses, making it a popular spot for poets and artists back in the day. In the 16th century, it got divided into smaller ponds, but sadly, in 1933, it was drained for farmland. Now, all that's left are historical markers and memories of a once vibrant natural oasis.

6

Sightseeing

Sagano bamboo forest

Enchanting but touristy bamboo forest in Kyoto

Arashiyama bamboo forest 🎍

  • A scenic district filled with natural beauty and historic charm.

  • Walk through the Bamboo Grove, where towering green stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

You can also do from 6 to 1.