What To See: Arashiyama Area of Kyoto
Bamboo Forest
The Arashiyama area was absolutely stunning. There are many tourist attractions within walking distance of the hotels. I highly recommend beginning your tour of the Arashiyama area at the Bamboo Forest.
What To See: Arashiyama Area of Kyoto - Table of Contents
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Iwatayama Monkey Park
The Iwatayama Monkey Park was my first tourist stop in Kyoto and one of the highlights of my entire trip The monkey park was within walking distance of my hotel and cost a mere ¥600 ($5.50). After paying the fee, there is a strenuous 1 km hike up hill to reach the monkeys. While the distance was not that far , the incline was quite steep and was a mix of switchbacks and stairs. I was glad I stocked up with two bottles of water at the entrance. You can view my detailed Iwatayama Monkey Park page by clicking HERE.
Katsura River
The monkey park is located right next to the Togetsu-kyō Bridge. The bridge passes over the Katsura River. It’s definitely worth walking across the bridge and taking a stroll on the banks of the river.
Right next to the Iwatayama Monkey Park entrance are Japanese Gondola Rides. I didn’t take one but they look relaxing. Unfortunately, I did not notice the cost of the gondola rides.
Shopping and Dining
There are many shops and restaurants on the opposite side of the river from the Iwatayama Monkey Park. If you have time, I highly recommend checking out the shops and eating dinner at one of the restaurants.
Arashiyama Area Tours and Packages
For those interested in tours, there are a few of the Arashiyama Area that caught my eye. These tours are led by expert tour guides and provide information that cannot be learn on a solo tour. I am an affiliate partner of Viator. If you book a tour using one of the links below I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider booking using one of my links.
Prices are accurate as of June 2023.
 Arashiyama and Sagano Morning Walking Tour - $76.57 Stroll through dense bamboo groves to hidden mountain temples and discover centuries of Japanese heritage on this 4-hour Arashiyama and Sagano walking tour. Explore the natural wilderness of the Sagano bamboo grove with your guide. Visit the ancient Tenryu-ji Temple and learn of its 14th-century history. Head along forested paths in search of the Jojakko-ji Temple and admire its impressive pagoda. Wander across the Togetsuky? Bridge to take in beautiful valley views, and escape the busy city to appreciate the tranquil beauty of Japan's rural landscape. |
 Afternoon Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Monkey Park Bike Tour - $122.34 Enjoy a late start and absolutely fall in love with Arashiyama on this amazing afternoon tour! Take a trip back in time where the very roads you ride were sub-temples of our World Heritage Tenryuji Zen Temple followed by a short hike up to the impressive panoramic view of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain and the accompanying Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will even experience some bamboo forest viewing and visits to some local shrines and temples not frequented by the crowds of tourists. |
 Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour with Bamboo Forest - $101.23 This tour covers every part of the bamboo forest. By rickshaw and on foot! |
 Arashiyama and Sagano Walking Food Tour - $110.50 Maybe you have seen a picture of a Bamboo grove in Japan once in your life. This is the highlight of Arashiyama, an area where ancient aristocrats had their villas more than 1,000 years ago. On this tour, mainly you will visit a beautiful bridge called the Togetsukyo and the Tenryu-ji temple with beautiful traditional gardens, Bamboo grove, Sagano area. Have you heard of the kimono forest and god of hair? On the way, you also visit some secret spots where tourists don't know. While enjoying the walk and delicious food, also learn some Japanese culture and history, such as the difference between temple and shrine. |
The Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku
The Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku - Rates and Information
Update – As of July 31, 2020, Japaning Hotel Liv Ranrokaku is permanently closed.
In choosing accommodations for my time in Kyoto, I decided to go with a more traditional Japanese Style Hotel. In Kyoto, I wanted to stay away from the central part of the city and chose the Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku which was located on the Oi River near the part of Kyoto known as Arashiyama.
The Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku was a tiny hotel that featured both Japanese Style rooms and American Style rooms. I chose to go with the American Style room as it was cheaper than the Japanese ones. Each hotel room had a balcony that overlooked the river, and the hotel was within walking distance of a bamboo forest, multiple temples, the shops of Arashiyama, as well as the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku - The Room
The actual room itself was fairly standard. There was a somewhat comfortable bed, a modern bathroom with a Japanese smart toilet, a walk-in shower, and the main feature a balcony overlooking the river. There was also a traditional Japanese Bathhouse with separate sections for men and women.
Shoes were not allowed in the hotel and guests were expected to take their shoes off upon entering the reception area. I chose to walk barefoot as the provided slippers were not close to fitting my size 14 feet.
The staff was a little bit intrusive although I believe they were trying to be helpful. It was difficult to accomplish any task without the staffs’ assistance including putting on shoes, walking outside in the rain, and carrying my bag to my room. Being a very independent person, who enjoys trying to figure things out on my own, this was not the type of service I was accustomed to.
I was finally able to communicate with the hosts via Google Translate that I did not need all of the help.
One of the main issues I had is that anytime I went outside without an umbrella I was followed with an umbrella held over my head. While I appreciated the concern, I was not worried about getting a little bit of water on my hat.
I think that in the future I would probably stay at a different hotel even though the location was perfect as it was close to many of the sights I wanted to see. The level of hospitality made me feel a little bit uncomfortable, and I think I would prefer a different style of hotel.
Japaning Hotel Liv Ranroukaku - Breakfast
The hotel did provide a traditional Japanese Style Breakfast. While the food was not what I was used to there were a few portions that I was adventurous enough to try. The breakfast was delivered to my room each morning at 9:00 am.
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