EXPERIENCE

Literally “Crossing Moon Bridge,” this structure was named by Emperor Kameyama when he commented one cloudless night that the moon appeared to traveling across the bridge. Whether the moon is out or not, the bridge offers spectacular views of Arashiyama’s seasonal changes.

This park is home to numerous stone monuments inscribed with poems, including Zhou Enlai’s paean to Arashiyama. The view from the hilltop observatory deck is, of course, spectacular.

A single road leading to Nonomiya Shrine cuts right through this bamboo forest, with walls of tall bamboo on each side. It is cool and shaded here even during the day, with bamboo leaves softly rustling in the wind.

This cultural heritage site is the former villa of film actor Denjiro Okochi. It includes a traditional Japanese home, shrines, and even teahouses.

This temple came into being when the shogun Ashikaga Takauji converted the Kameyama Imperial Villa into a Zen temple to bring peace to the spirit of Emperor Go-Daigo. It is a World Heritage Site with a particularly scenic pond garden.

This historic shrine is where the Imperial princesses would purify themselves before serving at the Ise Grand Shrine in the Emperor’s stead. The torii gates here are of the oldest type of construction known to Japan, and give a sense of the Japanese style ten centuries ago.

The Sagano Romantic Train line winds along the scenic Hozu River Valley between Saga and Kameoka Stations. The views from the train windows change with every season, while an old steam train is displayed at Saga Station.

Four hundred years ago, after being shaped into its current form by the tycoon Suminokura Ryoi, this river served as a major transportation route for lumber and produce. Today, visitors can experience the thrill of traveling the course in a boat steered with nothing more than a rod, rudder, and oar.

Visitors are taken through scenic river sights and charming parts of Kyoto that are off the beaten track. Courses by area, 30 minutes, and 1 hour are offered, but requests are also accepted.