The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is one of its most famous and one of its loveliest. Togetsu Bridge is where most people head first. From the bridge, you have many options: Visiting temples in the area, hiking along the river or up into the hills, taking a boat ride, or sitting and relaxing between doing all of the above. After crossing over to the opposite side, I eventually opted for the latter (it was early April), and spent a pleasant hour or so people watching and enjoying a hot drink of amazake while sitting at a little riverside cafe amongst a bunch of cherry trees.
- 1 min read
Togetsu Bridge and Riverside Area
Boating, hiking, food, temples, and wedding photos spot

Community writer

It was a windy day, and the boatmen were struggling to pole their boats upriver

You can rent your own rowboat (up to 3 people per boat) for 1,400 yen per hour

A view of the cherry trees, the river, and Togetsu Bridge from my seat in the cafe - perfect!

The little riverside cafe where I spent a delightful hour watching the sights

From here, you can sit and relax, or walk along the river, or hike up into the hills

Inside the cafe, looking out

I enjoyed a hot cup of amazake - basically a thick, hot, sweet, spiked rice drink that is very tasty

That's famous Togetsu Bridge in the background

A handsome Chinese couple posing for wedding photos right in front of my cafe

Later, the happy couple moved to Togetsu Bridge

View from Togetsu Bridge of cherry trees dotting the hillside along the Katsura River on a wet cold day that was enjoyable nonetheless!

Two young ladies in kimono near the river
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Wanida Kaewwong
10 years ago
Fascination of monochrome.
1 comment in total
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