Arashiyama, Uzumasa

Arashiyama, Uzumasa:Overview & History

Arashiyama is a scenic location in the west of Rakusai, Kyoto, and is well-known as a resort area used by noble families in the Heian period (8th to 12th centuries). With cherry trees blooming in spring and picturesque autumn leaves in the fall, Arashiyama attracts many tourists. The area features many famous sightseeing locations including the Togetsu-kyo Bridge crossing the Oi-gawa River (Katsura-gawa River), as well as Tenryu-ji Temple and Daikaku-ji Temple. Uzumasa is located on the way from Kyoto to Arashiyama, and has served as the location for many movies. Currently, jidaigeki (historical dramas) are shot by two film studios: Toei and Shochiku.

Arashiyama, Uzumasa:Area Introduction

Just 15 to 20 minutes by train from central Kyoto, Arashiyama is famed as a picturesque location for viewing the cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and bamboo forests. With a beautiful harmony of temple and shrine buildings within the natural environment, Arashiyama offers enchanting landscapes that change with the seasons. Arashiyama is a must-see for all travelers in Kyoto.

Arashiyama Surrounding Areas

Mt. Arashi stands at 384 meters tall, southeast of the Togetsu-kyo Bridge on the Oi-gawa River. The Arashiyama area is often described as the region spanning from Mt. Arashi northward, past Togetsu-kyo Bridge and up to Daikaku-ji Temple. This area includes many famous temples such as the historical Imperial villa Daikaku-ji Temple, and the World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple. Enjoy the beautiful harmony of temple and shrine buildings within the natural environment.

Uzumasa Surrounding Areas

Uzumasa is known as "movie city," and was home to many film studios. Currently, the area is used for filming by two studios: Toei and Shochiku. Toei Kyoto Studio Park is a movie theme park featuring the actual sets for jidaigeki (historical dramas) open on display. You might see a movie being filmed right in front of you, if you come at the right time.

Arashiyama, Uzumasa:Must-See Events

Mid-November:Arashiyama Momiji Festival

This festival is held by the Togetsu-kyo Bridge in Arashiyama on the second Sunday of November, to celebrate the beauty of the autumn leaves on Mt. Ogura. A wide range of performing arts are demonstrated on top of boats sailing up and down the Oi-gawa River, including noh plays, gagaku (court music), and traditional Japanese dance.

Mid-December:Kyoto and Arashiyama Hanatouro

In these events, the waterfront and the bamboo forests in the Saga and Arashiyama region are decorated with open air lanterns and flower arrangements. In addition, the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, and the Ogura-ike Pond are all illuminated at night. Enjoy walking along illuminated floral pathways while soaking up the beautiful Japanese atmosphere.

Arashiyama, Uzumasa:Access

Access from Kansai International Airport to Arashiyama

From Kansai Airport Station, take the JR Kanku Rapid Service bound for Tenno-ji, ride for 71 minutes, get off at Osaka Station, and then walk from JR Osaka Station to Hankyu Umeda Station. Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line Limited Express bound for Kawaramachi, ride for 35 minutes, and then get off at Katsura Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line bound for Arashiyama, ride for seven minutes, and then get off at Arashiyama Station.

Access from Osaka International Airport to Arashiyama

From Osaka Airport Station, take the Osaka Monorail bound for Kadoma-shi, ride for three minutes, and then get off at Hotarugaike Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line Express bound for Umeda, ride for 10 minutes, and then get off at Juso Station. Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line Limited Express bound for Kawaramachi, ride for 32 minutes, and then get off at Katsura Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line bound for Arashiyama, ride for seven minutes, and then get off at Arashiyama Station.

Access from Osaka Station to Arashiyama

From JR Osaka Station, walk to Hankyu Umeda Station, take the Hankyu Kyoto Line Limited Express bound for Kawaramachi, ride for 35 minutes, and then get off at Katsura Station. Transfer to the Hankyu Arashiyama Line bound for Arashiyama, ride for seven minutes, and then get off at Arashiyama Station.

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