[Arashiyama] Recommended sightseeing spots and food courses for a kimono date

If you want to go on a date in Arashiyama, Kyoto, and rent a kimono, we have a model plan for an Arashiyama kimono date to introduce to you today.

Wearing a kimono not only changes your usual atmosphere but also boosts your femininity! Your date will surely appreciate it.

If You Rent a Kimono in Arashiyama, Choose Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama Store

Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama Store is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

This shop opened in December 2018, making it relatively new. As a result, you can benefit from renting brand new kimonos and yukatas.

The store is housed in a renovated traditional Japanese house and boasts a collection of 200 kimonos, allowing you to choose your favorite and have it professionally dressed. Select matching accessories, drop off your belongings, and embark on your Arashiyama date.

After your cute kimono transformation, your date may just fall in love with you all over again!

Arashiyama offers numerous sightseeing spots that are perfect for wearing a kimono, so you’ll have plenty of options to explore!

As for kimono rental prices, the ” Kyoto Kimono Basic Plan” starts from 4,000 yen (tax included), making it an affordable choice. If you’d like to get a hairstyling set along with your kimono, the ” Kyoto Kimono Hair Set Plan” starts from 6,000 yen (tax included). Students can also take advantage of the ” Kyoto Kimono Rental Student Discount Plan” starting from 5,000 yen (tax included), which offers great value.

Rikawafuku Kimono Arashiyama Store provides accessories and undergarments for rent, so you can easily enjoy wearing a kimono without bringing anything extra.

If you want to rent a kimono in Arashiyama, make sure to make a reservation in advance. Reservations can be made online.

1. Address: 11-4 Sagatenryuji Zouro-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8384
2. Access: 2 minutes on foot from Randen Arashiyama Station, 3 minutes on foot to Togetsukyo Bridge
3. Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Last return: 5:30 PM
4. Regular Holiday: Open year-round
5. Phone Number: 050-3204-4859

Model Sightseeing Plan in Arashiyama to Match Your Kimono

Once you’ve rented a kimono, enjoy your date at the best spots that complement your kimono attire. Take a look at this model sightseeing plan for reference.

If you’re looking for date-specific information, check out this article: How About a Couple Date on Your Special Day with Kimono Rental in Arashiyama?

For an overall date plan in the Kyoto area, you can check this out: Recommended Foolproof Date Plan for Couples with Kimono in Kyoto.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Once you’ve rented a kimono in Arashiyama, start your day with a visit to Togetsukyo Bridge, which is just a 3-minute walk from the shop and can be considered a symbol of Arashiyama.

Togetsukyo Bridge is a 155-meter-long, 11-meter-wide wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River. This bridge, which offers the beauty of each season, is always crowded with tourists throughout the day.

Especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, it’s popular for taking beautiful photos with Arashiyama as the backdrop. As the mornings tend to be less crowded, it’s advisable to visit earlier in the day.

Around Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll find numerous souvenir shops and cafes, making it a great area to explore.

1. Address: Saganakanoshimacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Access: A short walk from the Arashiyama Station on the Arashiyama Main Line

Enjoying the River on a Yakatabune (Pleasure Boat)

While gazing at Togetsukyo Bridge, you might feel like taking a boat ride. In such moments, how about enjoying a yakatabune (pleasure boat) ride with your partner’s escort?

A yakatabune is a wooden boat with a roof, and the boatman will gently row it with a single pole, making it a relaxing experience suitable even when you’ve rented a kimono. Since you can charter the boat, enjoy the boat ride with your partner in a relaxed atmosphere.

The river flowing under Togetsukyo Bridge changes its name from Oizumi River upstream to Katsura River downstream. If you walk a little upstream along the Oizumi River bank from Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll find the north boarding point for Arashiyama Tsusen (boat tour). From here, you can enjoy a boat ride that even the Heian nobles are said to have enjoyed for 30 minutes at a cost of 3,500 yen for two people.

1. Address: Sagatenryuji Mononobambaba-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
2. Access: A 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Arashiyama Main Line
3. Business Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
4. Closed: Only on December 31st and January 1st
5. Phone Number: 075-861-0302

The Bamboo Grove in Sagano

North of Togetsukyo Bridge lies an area called Sagano, known for its lush bamboo groves that create a picturesque atmosphere for photography. You can explore these bamboo groves along small paths that run between small temples.

Especially, the 400-meter-long path that leads from Nomiya Shrine to the north side of Tenryuji Temple and on to Okochi Sanso Garden is known as the Bamboo Grove Path. It feels like walking through a tunnel of bamboo, and bamboo and kimono complement each other beautifully. So, if you rent a kimono, be sure to visit the bamboo groves of Sagano.

1. Address: Ukyo Ward, Arashiyama, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Access: A 10-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Arashiyama Main Line

Scenic Trolley Train

Further upstream from the Oizumi River is the Hosugawa River, and from the Torokko Saga Station along the Hosugawa River, you can take a leisurely 25-minute ride on the Torokko train, a diesel locomotive designed for sightseeing, covering a one-way distance of 7.3 kilometers.

It slows down at scenic spots, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Arashiyama in every season, making it a popular choice among tourists.

The Torokko train features wooden seats, retro lighting, and even Daruma-shaped stoves in the winter. This atmosphere complements the kimono attire. Inside the train, there is a photography service where a photographer can take memorable photos of you and your partner. Why not take some photos together?

If you want to ride the Torokko train, it’s a good idea to make a reservation as soon as the schedule is determined. Reservations can be made at JR West’s “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket counters or through the official website.

1. Address: Ukyo Ward, Saga Tenryuji Shadocho (Torokko Saga Station)
2. Access: Right near JR “Saga Arashiyama” Station
3. Operating Hours: From 9:02 departing from Saga Arashiyama to 17:04 arriving
4. Regular Holidays: Often closed on Wednesdays, but irregular holidays
5. Fare: One-way fare of 620 yen
6. Phone Number: 0570-00-5490

Gio-ji Temple

Gio-ji Temple is a small and tranquil temple that embodies the essence of Saga Arashiyama.

It is a nunnery that appeared in the Tale of the Heike, where Gio, a former favorite of Taira no Kiyomori who fell from grace, and her mother and sister became nuns after losing Kiyomori’s favor. The small temple grounds are covered in moss and exude a quiet charm. Inside a thatched-roof hut, you can find wooden statues of Gio and Taira no Kiyomori.

The atmosphere of this nunnery and the beautiful greenery of the garden make it an ideal place for wearing a kimono. It’s one of the temples you should consider visiting after renting a kimono.

1. Address: 32 Saga Toriimoto Kosakacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto
2. Access: A 20-minute walk from JR “Saga Arashiyama” Station
3. Operating Hours: 9:00 to 17:00
4. Regular Holidays: Open year-round
5. Admission Fee: 300 yen
6. Phone Number: 075-861-3574

Cafes in Arashiyama Where Kimonos Look Great

After a day of dating in kimonos, take a break at a stylish café. Since you’ve rented a kimono, you’ll want to go to a place where kimonos look great, right?

Saryo Hassui

This café is located within the “Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto.” It features traditional Japanese-style rooms with tables and chairs, making it a perfect setting for those dressed in kimonos.

Through the windows, you can enjoy views of the lush Hozugawa River and the natural beauty of Arashiyama. There’s also an outdoor terrace where you can relax, especially during pleasant weather.

They offer a variety of afternoon tea and cake sets with a traditional Japanese ambiance. A recommended option is the “Hassui’s Dessert Plate” priced at 2,500 yen, available after 3 PM, which includes three sweets and a drink.

1. Address: Inside Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto, 12 Hozugawabambachō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8384
2. Access: 6-minute walk from Arashiyama Main Line “Arashiyama” Station
3. Business Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4. Closed: Open all year round
5. Phone Number: 050-5571-8768

Ikus Cafe Arashiyama Main Store

This café is located in a converted estate in Arashiyama. You’ll pass through a grand Japanese-style gate before entering. Inside, you’ll find a splendid Japanese garden where you can enjoy your tea. There are tatami seating as well as chair and table seating, making it a perfect spot for those wearing kimonos.

Highly recommended for a date is the “Hot Hot Dango Set” priced at 1,220 yen.

This set includes white and mugwort-flavored skewered dumplings, which you can grill on a small shichirin grill brought to your table. It comes with toppings of mitarashi (sweet soy sauce) and azuki (sweet red bean paste) and a matcha tea. It’s a fun and delightful experience, especially when you grill them together with your partner.

1. Address: 35-3 Saganakanoshō-chō, Ukyō-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 616-8384
2. Access: 1-minute walk from Arashiyama Main Line “Arashiyama” Station
3. Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
4. Closed: Irregular holidays
5. Phone Number: 075-882-6366

Foods to Try While Wearing a Kimono

Arashiyama offers a variety of delicious treats. Since you’re renting a kimono, you might be concerned about your manners, but here are some foods that are perfect for enjoying as you stroll.

For some tips on dining in a kimono, you can check here: How to Use a Handkerchief to Keep Your Kimono Clean While Dining During Kimono Rental!

Nakamuraya Sohonten’s Croquette

Nakamuraya Sohonten is a butcher shop in Arashiyama that has been in business for 60 years. Their popular street food item is freshly fried beef croquettes. The aroma of beef fills the air around the shop, making it hard to resist. They are small-sized, priced at 100 yen each, so you can enjoy them without taking big bites.

1. Address: 20 Ryomoncho, Saga Tenryu-ji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Access: 2.3-minute walk from JR “Saga Arashiyama” Station
3. Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
4. Closed: Every Wednesday
5. Phone Number: 075-861-1888

Maaru Blanche Arashiyama Shop’s Chacha Bo

This shop is run by Maaru Blanche, known for its matcha langue de chat cookies. Their takeout menu includes “Chacha Bo,” a matcha ice cream éclair priced at 400 yen.

This sweet treat is exclusive to the Arashiyama shop and features a crispy cookie éclair filled with matcha soft-serve ice cream, topped with more matcha. It has a delightful bittersweet taste and a crunchy texture. It may not be the easiest snack to eat while walking, so it’s recommended to find a place to sit and enjoy it.

1. Address: 1F Shooryuen, Saga Tenryu-ji, Monzen Arashiyama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
2. Access: Right by Arashiyama Main Line “Arashiyama” Station
3. Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4. Closed: Open all year round
5. Phone Number: 075-862-5656

This concludes our recommended sightseeing model plan for renting a kimono and going on a date in Arashiyama.

We’ve selected spots, cafes, and street foods that you can enjoy without walking too much, places where kimonos look great, and locations where you can indulge in some culinary delights. The Arashiyama area is a popular destination for tourists.

There are still many more sightseeing spots and dining options to explore, so feel free to find your favorite places.

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