Visiting the Kimono Forest in Arashiyama (Kyoto)? Renting a Kimono is Highly Recommended!
Do you all know about “Kimono Forest” in Arashiyama, Kyoto? When you hear the name “Kimono Forest,” you might think it’s a kimono rental shop, right?
For information about rainy day activities in Arashiyama, check out this article: “5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Arashiyama for Kimono Rental on Rainy Days”
1. What Is Kimono Forest in Arashiyama?
Actually, “Kimono Forest” is a new Instagram-worthy spot in Arashiyama!
“Kimono Forest,” also known as “Kimono Forest (Yuzen no Hikari Hayashi),” is a spot with a fantastic atmosphere designed by the interior designer Kyotsugu Morita, who is currently in the spotlight. It has become a hot tourist spot in Arashiyama.
So, what is “Kimono Forest” all about? Let’s find out.
“Kimono Forest” features approximately 2-meter-tall poles covered with Kyoto Yuzen fabric, resembling a forest, installed throughout the Arashiyama station premises and along the railway tracks.
The sight of Kyoto Yuzen fabric covering the Arashiyama station area is truly magnificent. There are as many as 600 Kyoto Yuzen fabric poles standing at Arashiyama station.
The Kyoto Yuzen fabric used for “Kimono Forest” is from the long-established “Kameda Tomi Dye Works,” which has been in operation since the Taisho era.
“Kameda Tomi Dye Works” also operates under the brand name Pagong, combining Aloha shirts and Kyoto Yuzen fabric. It’s a long-standing establishment that values tradition and innovation.
All the Kyoto Yuzen fabric patterns from “Kameda Tomi Dye Works” have been personally selected by the interior designer Kyotsugu Morita.
There are a total of 32 different patterns, so make sure to take a close look at each pole and savor the various beauties of Kyoto Yuzen fabric.
2. Popular Spots at “Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama” Kimono Rental in Arashiyama
Kimono rental is a popular activity among couples and female students in Arashiyama!
It’s known for providing Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, and you can combine it with a food tour of the Arashiyama Randen Arashiyama Station area. Many customers who have used Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama often visit this spot!
Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama is conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Kimono Forest!
After renting a kimono, you can immediately enjoy strolling, so it’s highly recommended!
Different Views at “Kimono Forest” during Day and Night
Furthermore, there are two different ways to enjoy “Kimono Forest,” depending on whether it’s daytime or nighttime.
During the day at “Kimono Forest,” you can appreciate various colors and patterns of Kyoto Yuzen fabric. However, when night falls, it undergoes a dramatic transformation.
Unbeknownst to many, the poles covered with Kyoto Yuzen fabric in “Kimono Forest” contain hidden LEDs. At night, these poles illuminate and cast a soft, radiant light, bathing the entire area in a gentle glow.
At night, it transforms into a forest of vibrant light. Some even say that this is the true essence of “Kimono Forest.”
One particular path within “Kimono Forest” is named the “Path of Kimonos,” where Kyoto Yuzen fabric poles line both sides of the path like an avenue.
As you stroll along this path bathed in subtle light, you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a fantastical realm, truly savoring a unique atmosphere.
In addition to the renewal, all the fluorescent lights at Arashiyama Station have been replaced with warm-toned light bulbs, complementing the overall ambiance of the station.
How to Access “Kimono Forest” at Arashiyama (Kyoto) Station?
Now, let’s explain how to access “Kimono Forest” at Arashiyama (Kyoto) Station. We’ll provide directions for each station, so please feel free to use them as a reference.
First, let’s introduce how to get to “Kimono Forest” from Arashiyama Electric Railway’s “Arashiyama” station. If you can access Arashiyama by taking the Arashiyama Electric Railway, it’s the easiest way to get there.
The directions are very straightforward. Exit from the north entrance/exit of Arashiyama Electric Railway’s “Arashiyama” station, and you’ll find “Kimono Forest” right along the railway tracks.
Next, let’s explain how to access it from JR’s “Saga Arashiyama” station.
Once you arrive at the station, head for the south exit. When you reach the South Exit Square, proceed straight in the direction of Lawson. When you reach the third right turn, make a right there.
A sweet shop called “Kyoto Arashiyama Lemonade and Warabi Mochi” is a landmark at this right turn.
After turning right, continue straight, cross the river, and make a left at the intersection.
If you proceed from there, you’ll reach the vicinity of the north entrance/exit of Arashiyama Electric Railway’s “Arashiyama” station. You’ll easily spot “Kimono Forest” along the railway tracks.
- Kimono Forest
- Address: 11-1 Sagatenryuji Saradomachi, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
- Phone Number: 075-873-2121
- Right near Arashiyama Electric Railway’s “Arashiyama” station north entrance/exit
- 7-minute walk from JR “Saga Arashiyama” south exit
- 10-minute walk from Hankyu “Arashiyama” station
What Are the Recommended Sightseeing Spots Nearby?
Once you’ve changed into a kimono in Arashiyama, let’s explore the nearby sightseeing spots in Arashiyama.
This time, we’ll introduce three highly recommended sightseeing spots.
Speaking of Arashiyama, You Have to Cross Togetsukyo Bridge!
When you think of Arashiyama, you can’t miss Togetsukyo Bridge. Togetsukyo Bridge is a well-known sightseeing spot in Arashiyama. The horizontally stretched cypress bridge spans the river in a straight line, and it’s magnificent from any angle.
This bridge, known as Togetsukyo Bridge, got its name during the Kamakura period. It is said to have originated when Emperor Kameyama composed poetry on a full moon night, where the Togetsukyo Bridge crosses the Oi River, describing how the moon appeared to cross the bridge.
This is also a popular spot in Arashiyama, located just a 3-minute walk from Arashiyama’s Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Shop.
Pray for Good Relationships at Nonomiya Shrine – A Power Spot in Arashiyama!
When you’re in Arashiyama, be sure to explore its shrines and temples. Among them, there’s a highly recommended shrine in Arashiyama known as Nonomiya Shrine.
Nonomiya Shrine is dedicated to the gods of good relationships, fertility, and learning and is said to be the palace from “The Tale of Genji.” The shrine’s torii gate is unique as it’s made of black wood, and within the precincts, there’s a sacred stone (turtle stone) believed to grant wishes when stroked with devotion.
While wearing a kimono, visit Nonomiya Shrine and pray for the fulfillment of your wishes, whether it’s a good relationship or a request. By the way, Nonomiya Shrine is a venerable shrine mentioned in “The Tale of Genji,” and it is said to possess tremendous spiritual power.
Stroll Through the Instagram-Worthy Bamboo Grove – The Bamboo Forest Path!
In Arashiyama, there’s a famous tourist spot known as the Bamboo Grove, and it’s particularly popular. It’s called the Bamboo Forest Path. When you think of beautiful bamboo groves in Kyoto, many people immediately think of this place, don’t they?
Alongside the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove is one of Arashiyama’s symbols and is loved by many.
The Bamboo Grove Path features a bamboo forest that stretches for about 400 meters from Nonomiya Shrine to the north side of Tenryu-ji Temple.
The vibrant green of the bamboo grove makes kimono patterns stand out, and it’s renowned as a spot that’s perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. The bamboo in the Arashiyama bamboo grove grows so tall that it covers the sky. On sunny days, you’ll experience a pleasant dappled sunlight, and on cloudy days, it remains dim even during the day, allowing you to feel its mystical beauty.
You can take a leisurely stroll through the cool bamboo grove while listening to the rustling of leaves. It has become a spot where you can take a relaxing walk.
The above three spots are must-visit tourist attractions in Arashiyama. After visiting Arashiyama and “Kimono Forest,” please explore various sightseeing spots. Wearing a kimono and contemplating the beauty of Kyoto Yuzen patterns might also become a memorable part of your journey.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
