Arashiyama (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Arashiyama?
What makes it 90% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can roam the bamboo grove, hike to the monkey park, photograph bridges, or explore temples at any pace; access is simple and safety high, so independent travel feels easy.
Positives:
- Easy Transport: JR and Randen trains plus buses connect all main spots.
- English Signage: Major temples and stations offer clear English directions.
- Solo-Friendly Dining: Small eateries near Togetsukyo welcome solo diners.
Challenges:
- Peak Crowds: Bamboo Grove and bridge get busiest 10 AM–2 PM.
- Cash Only: Many temples and parks accept cash only at entry.
- Steep Hike: Monkey Park trail includes 20 minutes of uphill climbing.
What is Arashiyama?
- A scenic district in western Kyoto shaped by the Katsura River and surrounding forested slopes
- A bamboo grove in Sagano comprising densely packed, towering stalks that create a verdant canopy
- A cultural landscape featuring historic Zen temples, Shinto shrines and the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge
What is so special about Arashiyama for solo trip?
- Walk ancient bamboo paths before crowds arrive
- Meet wild monkeys with a hilltop view of Kyoto
- Ride a scenic open-air train along Hozu River
- Wander Tenryuji’s Zen garden at your own pace
- Cross Togetsukyo Bridge for riverside mountain scenery
Recommended visit duration: 6–8 hours
Why 6–8 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time to explore the bamboo grove, temples, and monkey park at a relaxed pace
Solo-Friendly Activities in Arashiyama
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove:
Walk a 400 m path lined by towering bamboo stalks.
Tip: Start by 7 AM to enjoy the grove before tour buses arrive.
Togetsukyo Bridge Stroll:
Cross the wooden bridge over the Katsura River for mountain views.
Tip: Stay by the riverbank at sunset for local photo spots.
Iwatayama Monkey Park Hike:
Climb 20 minutes uphill to see wild macaques and a Kyoto panorama.
Tip: Buy monkey feed (¥200) at the entrance and wear sturdy shoes.
Tenryuji Temple Garden:
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Zen garden with its central pond.
Tip: Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the mid-day tour crowd.
Sagano Romantic Railway Ride:
Ride open-air trolley along the Hozu River gorge.
Tip: Reserve a seat on the river side in advance for best views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Arashiyama
- Beat the Lines: Arrive at the Bamboo Grove by 7 AM.
- Use an IC Card: Buy ICOCA at Kyoto Station to skip separate tickets.
- Offline Maps: Download a map app to navigate without data roaming.
Reviews of Arashiyama
Shawn Gagné
A beautiful small town, gorgeous vistas, and little tea shops full of locals. Try taking the #28 bus here from central Kyoto. Most tourists move further up the town to the bamboo walks. But don't miss this quiet town
Sunni Wan
Arashiyama is easy to get to, by getting off at Arashiyama station. From there you can walk to Bamboo Forest, hike up for city and river views or row a boat right by the riverside. It's 2000¥ for an hour. They also have food stall where you can row there and have a bite or drink if you need to refresh yourself. It's a nice area.
David U
There were a lot of people on the path going through the bamboo, which is to be expected. But there is so much more to this park. We explored several walking/hiking paths and were rewarded with gorgeous views of the river and the gorge.
Joshua Garcia
Full of people but still very enjoyable, don’t forget the rest of the hike. There is more then just the bamboo forest. Keep going until you reach the beautiful tea house!
Chenling C
Came on Tuesday in mid of April, good season to visit. Be prepared of crowds tho. Must visit in Kyoto!!! It was stunning, I spent here couple hours sitting in the park for cherry blossom and walking through bamboo forest to listen to the sound of nature. 適合喜歡大自然的人 非常棒
When is the best time to visit Arashiyama (Kyoto, Japan)?
Cherry blossoms bloom late March–early April along the river. Maple leaves turn red mid-November in Arashiyama Park. December lantern festival lights the streets after dusk.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Iwatayama Monkey Park | JPY 600 |
| Sagano Scenic Railway | JPY 800 |
| Tenryuji Temple Garden | JPY 500 |
| Hozugawa River Boat Cruise | JPY 6,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,900 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Arashiyama
Address: Arashiyama Genrokuzancho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0007, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Arashiyama (Kyoto)?
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, solo trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, solo trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities