Japan Honeymoon: Day 2 (Amazing Arashiyama)

Arashiyama had been high on our Kyoto must-see list after seeing a lot of Kyoto itineraries. Finally, we had the chance to experience its magic firsthand during our honeymoon. We were captivated by the area’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Read more as I share our adventures exploring the gems of this enchanting district. I hope you can get some helpful tips. There’s also a vlog below for you to see clips of our day.

The day’s itinerary with time stamp:

• 09:00AM: Tenryu-ji Temple
• 10:30AM: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• 12:00PM: Arashiyama Yusai-Tei
• 01:00PM: Togetsu-kyo Bridge
• 03:15PM: Arashiyama Itsukichaya
• 04:30PM: Kimono Forest
• 08:15PM: Ajigokoro Dan (Shijo Omiya Area)

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Tenryu-ji Temple: A Tranquil Escape

Before we head to the bustling bamboo forest, we went to Tenryu-ji Temple also known as the Temple of Heavenly Dragon. This beautiful Zen temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history way back the 14th century. Its beauty remains despite the fires and renovations it went through. Additionally, its landscape garden is a beauty to behold. Also, it blended seamlessly with the temple buildings. Moreover, since it was autumn, the foliage added a different level of serenity and charm. At the center of the gardens is the Sogen Garden located just beside the main hall. This garden is one of the oldest in Japan, retaining the same from from the 14th century. It felt calming walking around the temple, and it felt like the perfect way to start our Arashiyama trip.

Entrance fee was ¥500, and opening hours is 8:30AM to 5:00PM, with last admission at 4:50PM.

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A Stroll at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has been on the list of all Arashiyama itineraries we’ve seen. It left us intrigued. Hence, we added it in our must-visit places. Indeed, the sound of the bamboos swaying gently with the breeze was music to our ears. It created a sense of tranquility and peace, something we craved for as we lived in the bustling Metro Manila. It was an easy walk, however tourists flocked the place. Taking photos was a challenge. I recommend taking photos at the entrance, as there were fewer people. It was a great experience, but honestly, you probably don’t need to spend too long there.

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A Step Back in Time at Arashiyama Yusai-Tei

Next on our itinerary was the Arashiyama Yusai-tei Gallery. We booked a reservation a month before our visit, costing us ¥3,000 each. It’s a place where nature, art, and history intertwine beautifully. The gallery’s design is ingenious, featuring rooms with mirrored tables that reflect the vibrant foliage outside. With every breeze, sway of the trees, and shift in light and weather, a new “living painting” is created. Truly, the gallery offered a welcome sense of quiet contemplation. It was a true retreat from the outside world.

Beyond the captivating interplay of reflections and nature, Yusai-tei also offered a glimpse into the past. Arashiyama has been a scenic retreat since the Heian Period, favored by the imperial court and aristocracy. Nobles built villas here to enjoy the changing seasons, engaging in pastimes like boating and poetry composition. This very beauty inspired “The Tale of Genji,” a cornerstone of Japanese literature. The site of Yusai-tei was once part of an imperial villa, making it a modern window into the aesthetic values and cultural traditions of the Heian Period, bringing the world of “The Tale of Genji” to life.

The gallery also features the mystical dyeing technique of Yusai Okuda. Aside from mastering the traditional dyeing techniques, he innovated it through his creation of the, Yume-kōrozome (“Dream Kōrozen Dye”). This innovative technique came from his study of Heian Period and Kōrozen – the most significant color of that time reserved for the highest rank or the Emperor of Japan. Yusai Okuda studied the ancient dye and uncovered its unique characteristic. It takes on a striking, almost burning red hue when viewed directly under sunlight. He took inspiration from it and named his creation “Yume-kōrozome” (Dream Kōrozen Dye).

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Crossing the Togetsu-kyo Bridge

The iconic Togetsu-kyo Bridge is next on our list. Simple, yet breathtaking. It blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, with the Katsura River flowing gently beneath it. Moreover, it’s a destination in itself. There were a lot of visitors pausing at the bridge to take photos and admire the scene.

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Arashiyama Itsukichaya: A Dining Experience Like no Other

It was now time for us to complete the Arashiyama experience, thanks to Arashiyama Itsukichaya. The traditional wooden architecture, complemented by the soothing sounds of the nearby river, immediately created a welcoming atmosphere. Having booked a month in advance, my husband and I were treated to the Hare no Hi Gozen (¥4,000 each), a seasonal set meal featuring an array of delectable dishes. Indeed, it was a feast for our eyes and the palate. Also, luckily, our reservation secured us riverside seating, which elevated the entire dining experience.

See photo below for the set meal inclusions.

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Unique Art of the Kimono Forest

This trip was largely unplanned, and it’s often in those unexpected moments that we discover the most beautiful surprises. The Kimono Forest was one such discovery. While searching for goshuin (temple stamps) at Arashiyama Station, we stumbled upon this vibrant installation. Featuring approximately 600 pillars adorned with diverse patterns of Kyo-yuzen fabric—a traditional Kyoto dyeing technique celebrated for its intricate designs and vibrant colors—the Kimono Forest is a true testament to Kyoto’s rich textile heritage.

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See the vlog below to know more about our visit to Arashiyama.

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