Recommended length: 1 day
Arashiyama is a district of Kyoto that is full of famous and beautiful locations. Visitors can explore the towering Sagano Bamboo Forest, as well as admire the historic Togetsukyo Bridge and serene Tenryu-ji Temple.
The area however, has many other hidden gems that are just as worth exploring.
When you come to Arashiyama, make sure to visit the following lesser-known temples!
Daikaku-ji Temple
Daikaku-ji has originally been built as the imperial palace of Emperor Saga. After its conversion into a large temple complex, it came to include the elegant Shinden Hall – the emperor’s former residence relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Its grounds are also home to Osawa Pond, a nationally-designated site of scenic beauty known for its stunning cherry blossoms.
Distance from Station
16 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
32 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
22 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
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Walk 22 minutes
Jojakko-ji Temple
Nestled on the slopes of Mt. Ogura, Jojakko-ji Temple is blanketed in maple leaves. Its two-storied pagoda offers a panoramic view of Kyoto City. Whether you happen to gaze at the brilliant crimson leaves of fall or the lush greenery of spring and summer, this temple is sure to enchant all visitors.
Distance from Station
20 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
26 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
16 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
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Walk 5 minutes
Nison-in Temple
Nison-in Temple is located on the side of Mt. Ogura, and when you pass through its main gate, which was brought here and reconstructed from Fushimi Castle, you’ll be met by a temple road lined with red maple trees.
Distance from Station
17 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
26 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
15 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
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Walk 5 minutes
Gio-ji Temple
Arashiyama’s legendary bamboo is still visible from Gio-ji Temple, but it’s when the sunlight shines through the trees in the temple ground and on to the mossy carpet below that the temple truly becomes magical. This verdant sanctuary offers a perfect retreat into nature.
Distance from Station
20 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
30 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
20 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
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Walk 12 minutes
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple is undoubtedly most well known for the 8,000 Buddhist statues that stand solemnly in rows in a spectacularly unusual scene. In summer, these stone statues are lit with candles during the “Buddhist Memorial Service with a Thousand Lanterns”. In autumn, visitors can enjoy the view of these statues together with the autumn leaves.
Distance from Station
29 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
40 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
29 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
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Walk 10 minutes
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
As you walk down the Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street toward the temple, you will feel transported back in time to historic Japan. The street culminates in a grand red torii gate.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple itself is a unique place, due to the 1,200 original statues it houses. Each and every one was created by a different artist, and they all have different features and expressions.
Distance from Station
39 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
50 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line
40 minutes walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Randen Line
*Because this temple is located in the deepest part of Arashiyama, you may want to return to the station via a bus. (Take Kyoto Bus to either Saga-Arashiyama Station or Hankyu Arashiyama Station).
