Travel Diary: Arashiyama

At the western outskirts of Kyoto lies another touristy district called Arashiyama. It takes about 30 minutes to get here by train but it’s totally worth the long transit (when I say long, I mean by Japanese standards) especially during cherry blossom and fall seasons. A short walk to Arashiyama’s central landmark–the Togetsukyo Bridge, will show you why. There’s the colorful mountainside in the backgound and the romantic riverside park lined with dozens of cherry trees adjacent to the bridge. It seriously felt like I was staring into a painting! I wish we got to stay here longer but we wanted to make the most of our visit to Arashiyama so we headed straight to Tenryuji Temple right after. It’s just a few miles away from the main street so there’s no way you wouldn’t find it.

Tenryuji is ranked among Kyoto’s five greatest zen temples and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although there are plenty of temple buildings to be seen around Tenryuji, the main attraction is really its zen garden dating back to the 14th century. It features a large pond surrounded by rocks, pine trees, maple trees and the forested Arashiyama mountains. Because we were here during sakura season, we were fortunate enough to see cherry blossoms as well. So just imagine how all these colors combined looked like. Better yet, check out my photos below to see for yourself!

From outside the north gate of Tenryuji, you’ll see the path leading to Arashiyama’s well-known bamboo grove. It’s one of the most photographed tourist sights of Kyoto so you must not skip it. Lined with hundreds, probably thousands of towering bamboo stalks, you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. I’ve never seen anything quite like it!

22 Responses to “Travel Diary: Arashiyama”
  1. peaceloveandicecream

    Hi Camille! you’re blog is so fantastic and helpful. Im planning to go to Japan this year August..but i heard it will really be hot and humid? May i know which month did u visit this place?

    Reply
  2. Jenna

    Hi, Camille! I’m visiting Japan first week of November and I’m looking for stores in Manila where I can buy fall/winter jackets/coats that are budget friendly. Any suggestions? Thanks!! :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Hmmm you’d have to stick to the usual European brands–Zara, Topshop, Mango, Bershka, Stradivarius. Hopefully you’ll spot them on sale before November. When you buy a coat, make sure there is proper lining and check what the coat is made of. Even if it’s super thick but it’s only made of ordinary fabric, then that wouldn’t help much.

      Reply
  3. Phillip Tullius

    What better way to end my Japan travel series than with a post filled with the yummiest food we ate while in Osaka? Where else can I stalk Camille Tries to Blog?

    Reply
  4. presyl

    seeing these photos make me want to come back again.
    Arashiyama is such a beautiful place, one of my fav place in Kyoto. the walking path, the ambience, and the food stall! ouuhh totally love it. and the cherry blossom! aakk you’re so lucky >.<

    Reply
  5. Pobi

    Beautiful outfit perfectly harmonizes with the landscape of bamboo forest. You live on better side of the earth!

    Reply
  8. Maica

    Ohhhhhh! I love all those wild flowers up there! I bet it all smell so nice. :) This is really a good place for retreat when you needed a break from all those stress that you have in your busy life. You’re attire looks so comfy! :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Oh I did! Snapped too many photos so I’m always having a hard time whenever it’s time to blog about them!

      Reply
  11. Dilek

    You know what they say, if you want an out-of-this-world experience, go to Japan. (I don’t know if they really say that, but that’s how I feel every time I see beautiful photos of Japan. I really want to go!)

    Reply
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