The Ultimate Day Trip Guide
I live here in Kyoto and actually used to live very close to Arashiyama! Because it’s practically in my backyard, I visit multiple times a year across every season.
While Arashiyama is famous worldwide, most people only see the main bamboo forest and leave. Because I know this area inside out, I’ve put together a perfect, day trip itinerary that shows you the true, magical side of this historic district. This guide takes you beyond the standard walking paths and onto the scenic, slow-travel side of Kyoto’s beautiful river valley and mountains.
What’s packed inside this day trip guide:
🚣 The Hozugawa River Boat Ride: A stunning, traditional 2-hour boat journey down the river canyons. You'll glide past forested cliffs and dramatic rock formations guided by local boatmen. An absolute must-do experience.
🚂 The Sagano Scenic Train: A nostalgic, open-air train ride winding through the mountains alongside the river. It offers incredible panoramic views that change beautifully with the seasons.
👘 The Kimono Forest & Togetsukyo Bridge: A gorgeous path lined with hundreds of vibrant, illuminated kimono fabric pillars right at the station, leading perfectly toward the iconic wooden bridge spanning the river.
The pacing of this day trip is perfectly balanced, giving you plenty of freedom to pull over for a matcha ice cream, take in the views, and escape the heavy crowds using my personal favorite routing tips.
For anyone looking to experience the absolute best of Kyoto's nature and culture in one seamless day, this guide has everything you need to experience it yourself!
