Five Unknown Locations in Arashiyama

Takiguchi-dera

Takiguchi-dera was built on the grounds of the former Sanpo-ji temple and carries an interesting story with it. In the 12th century, one of Taira no Shigemori’s retainers, Saito Tokiyori, fell in love with a noble woman’s lady in waiting. When he was denied permission to marry her, he abandoned his post to become a Buddhist priest. The woman came to see him, but he had already taken his vows and refused to meet her. She wrote her feelings on a rock at the gate of the temple and then drowned herself. This temple is small and secluded by a bamboo forest. Though it was only built in the early 20th century, on the grounds of the former temple, it looks as if it’s been around much longer.

Takiguchi-dera Temple

Kyoto Kyoto-shi Ukyo-ku Sagakameyamacho 10-4

0758713929

9:00-17:00

View All

Go here

Hogon-in

This temple is also known as “the temple of red leaves,” due to its fiery foliage in the autumn months. Its garden is one of its main attractions, with twisting maple trees and large, moss covered boulders. The grounds of this temple are the definition of understated, making the temple seem as though it’s part of the natural surroundings. At night, the temple grounds are illuminated in a way that seems otherworldly.

Hogon-in Temple

4.5

167 Reviews

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Saga Tenryuji Susukino Baba-cho, 68

0758610091

9:00-17:00 *Open only during…

View All

Go here

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Kogen-ji

Tenryu-ji Temple is the most popular temple in the area. Originally established in the 14th century, it’s secured its position as one of the most important Zen temples in Arashiyama. One of the less known attractions in the area is Kogen-ji Temple. It’s behind a gate off to the side of the main grounds, so if you’re going there, be sure not to miss this peaceful detour. The temple features ink paintings, a Zen rock garden, and large statue of a Buddhist deity riding a lion. For a small fee of 500 yen, you can walk around the grounds, ring the prayer bell, and appreciate the tranquil scenery.

高原寺

京都府京丹後市大宮町明田1006

0772644357

View All

Kameyama Park

High above the streets below, this park is one of Arashiyama’s unspoiled treasures. It’s a severely underrated park, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it. Along with sprawling views of the forest and river in the valley you can get from the park’s observation deck, you might also catch a glimpse of one of the monkeys in the area, as they’re known to hang out here. The park includes a nice rest area and there’s also the option to rent a boat so you can head out on the water.

Arashiyama Park Kameyama District

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagakamenochou

0757010124

View All

Go here

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto

12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Jojakko-ji Temple

This small temple rests on the side of a mountain and is largely unvisited by tourists except when the colors change in the fall. The temple is located in a densely forested area and looks as though it’s being consumed by the surrounding moss and greenery. Not only does this 16th century temple help you escape the crowds, it also has great views of Kyoto that would be hard to come by in other places.

Jojakko-ji Temple

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Ukyou-ku Sagaogurayamaogurachou 3

0758610435

[Gates open]9:00-16:30(Infor…

View All

Go here