If you’re looking to rent a kimono in the Arashiyama area, try Rinka Kimono Arashiyama! It’s just a 3-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama!
Welcome to Arashiyama
Arashiyama and its surroundings, often associated with “When you think of Kyoto, you think of Arashiyama!”, boast numerous tourist attractions like Togetsukyo Bridge and Kimono Forest.
Explore Arashiyama in Kimono
If you have come to Arashiyama in Kyoto, we highly recommend exploring the area in a traditional kimono.
Arashiyama has deep connections with Kyoto Yuzen, making it the perfect place to elegantly wear a kimono.
For such occasions, you can easily get dressed up using kimono rental in Arashiyama and immediately enjoy the beauty of Arashiyama.
Explore the Beauty of Arashiyama
There are many tourist spots and recommended points in the Arashiyama area. Here, we’ll introduce just a few examples:
Departure to Arashiyama Sightseeing from Hankyu Arashiyama Station
There are several stations around Arashiyama, such as JR, Keifuku, and Sagano Scenic Railway, but let’s start from Hankyu Arashiyama Station as our departure point.
Arashiyama Branch of Nashika Kimono Rental is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from the station. It’s a great location.
Let’s get prepared here.
Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station has its advantages.
Most of the Arashiyama stations are located on the side of Tenryu-ji Temple, across Togetsukyo Bridge.
It would be a waste not to cross Togetsukyo Bridge and explore the beauty of Arashiyama, which is often referred to as the face of Kyoto in movies and television.
To start your journey, head to Arashiyama Kimono Rental Narihana, located just a few hundred meters from Togetsukyo Bridge. This iconic location is famous from movies and television shows.
Before crossing the bridge, take some photos from the downstream side, overlooking the Katsura River.
It’s not recommended to take pictures on the bridge due to the large crowds.
Once you cross Togetsukyo Bridge, you’ll reach Arashiyama Station on the Randen (Keifuku) Arashiyama Line. Here, you’ll find the Kimono Forest, a place where the entire station is themed in a traditional Japanese style.
Acrylic pillars adorned with Kyo-yuzen patterns not only decorate the station but also serve as a guidepost to the surrounding Arashiyama area.
Although it’s fascinating to explore during the day, it’s even more enchanting during the evening when the Yuzen-patterned pillars are illuminated, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
Passing through the Kimono Forest, you’ll arrive at the front garden of Tenryu-ji Temple.
Notable attractions at Tenryu-ji include the Cloud Dragon painting, the Daruma painting, and the “So-gen Pond Garden,” which has remained almost unchanged since its creation during the Heian period.
This beautiful Japanese garden offers a stunning backdrop of the Arashiyama Maruyama and Kameyama areas of Kyoto.
When you visit, don’t forget to capture memories in this garden while wearing a lovely kimono. Your kimono attire will perfectly complement the traditional atmosphere of the garden, making you feel like an aristocrat from the Heian era.
The “So-gen Pond Garden” is an integral part of Tenryu-ji’s cultural heritage; it’s impossible to imagine the temple’s history without it.
The Cloud Dragon painting on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall is another highlight. It’s said that the dragon, visible from any angle, gazes in all directions, covering the entire hall.
Whether it’s true or not, it’s worth visiting to test the dragon’s watchful gaze—it’s truly awe-inspiring.
The Daruma painting is a must-see at Tenryu-ji. Painted by a former head priest, its presence is nothing short of astounding!
While the Daruma painting is done in simple red and black colors, it has an immense presence.
With large eyes, thin lips, and a prominent nose, it has a humorous expression that might remind you of someone you know—perhaps you’ll even hear someone say, “It looks just like someone I know!”
Arashiyama Area Sightseeing Course #2: Bamboo Grove Path
The bamboo groves around Arashiyama are one of the famous spots often featured in the media and a must-visit attraction when you rent a kimono in Arashiyama.
Many may think they already know the bamboo groves from rumors and photos alone.
But there’s a unique charm to the bamboo groves that can only be experienced by stepping inside them.
And the best part? It’s just a stone’s throw away from Tenryu-ji Temple.
After thoroughly enjoying Tenryu-ji, head towards the northern gate.
Tenryu-ji Temple has three ticket counters: the northern gate counter, the garden counter, and the Hojo counter.
The northern gate counter directly leads to the bamboo groves.
The Bamboo Grove Path features rows of tall, elegant bamboo that seem to touch the sky.
If you go right, you’ll come across Nonomiya Shrine, famous for matchmaking; if you go left, you’ll find the Torokko Arashiyama Station.
It’s just a 5-7 minute walk from the northern gate, so relax and enjoy the serenity.
Arashiyama Area Sightseeing Course #3: Food Exploration
For those who enjoy a bit of exploration and have worked up an appetite or are part of the “the best part of traveling is trying different foods” group, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s introduce you to some places in the Arashiyama area where you can indulge in a little food exploration.
Around Tenryu-ji Temple, you’ll find various sweets shops that represent Arashiyama’s food exploration experience.
Warabi Mochi
One of the most famous shops offering Warabi Mochi is Takejiroan.
They serve Warabi Mochi that’s soft and chewy, topped with fragrant roasted soybean flour (kinako).
What’s more, they offer a takeout set, so you can casually enjoy the authentic taste as you stroll around.
After trying it, you might find yourself buying some as souvenirs because it’s just that delicious.
Healthy Yuba Donuts from Saga Tofu Ine
Are you one of those people who think, “Donuts make me feel heavy”? These donuts are made from yuba (tofu skin) and soy milk, making them not only healthy but also refreshingly light and easy to enjoy.
Even if you just want a little snack, you can stroll around while nibbling on these yuba donuts.
And if you ever get tired of sweets, why not satisfy your hunger with a croquette?
Nakamuraya Main Store
This shop boasts delicious potato and beef croquettes that are sure to please.
With an average price of just 100 yen, they’re kind to your wallet too.
When you enjoy the croquette from the bag, be careful not to spill anything while you eat it.
As one of the ways to enjoy your stroll through the bamboo groves, there’s also a nighttime illumination event.
When you return to Arashiyama Randen Arashiyama Station, try to visit the Kimono Forest once again during the evening LED illumination.
It’s a world of darkness and light. Both are entirely different from daytime and are bound to leave you enchanted.
After crossing Togetsukyo Bridge and returning to Narihana Kimono Rental, you can change back into your regular clothes and head back home. How was your experience?
There are many more ways to enjoy the Arashiyama area, and this was just a small introduction.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku 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 Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
