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Togetsukyo Bridge in Kyoto, Japan
Address: 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Phone: +81 75-343-0548
Total length: 155 m
Opened: 836 AD
Longest span: 10 m
Width: 11 m
The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. “Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background.
A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge. BAMBOO GROVES The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth.
Bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops for centuries. OKOCHI SANSO VILLA This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside.
MONKEY PARK IWATAYAMA Located in the Arashiyama mountains, the entrance to the monkey park can be found just south of the Togetsukyo Bridge. After hiking uphill for about ten minutes, visitors will find an open area with over a hundred monkeys roaming freely. There are also nice views down onto the city.
TENRYUJI TEMPLE Ranked among Kyoto’s five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), the temple is one of Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths. DAIKAKUJI TEMPLE Daikakuji is a temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Formerly the residence of an emperor, the buildings were converted into a temple in 876. During its history the temple traditionally had members of the imperial family serve as the head priest. Beside the main temple buildings, there is a large pond and a pagoda. SAGA SCENIC RAILWAY The Saga Scenic Railway runs seven kilometers from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka, mostly alongside the pretty Hozu River. The trains travel at a maximum speed of about 25 km/h during their 25-minute journey, so passengers can enjoy the scenery without it rushing by too quickly.
HOZU RIVER BOAT TOUR Departing from near the JR Kameoka Station, the Hozu River Boat Tour is a leisurely two-hour trip that takes passengers down the winding Hozu River to the Togetsukyo Bridge.
The trip passes by the forested mountainsides along the river. The boats seat 25 people and are heated in the winter. CORMORANT FISHING (UKAI) The Hozu River in Arashiyama is one of about a dozen rivers in Japan where Ukai, traditional fishing methods using cormorants, is practiced from July until late September. Tourists can observe the action from paid sightseeing boat cruises or from ashore. Cruises depart from the boat pier near the Togetsukyo Bridge.
