Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyō Bridge, Kyoto, Japan
This marks my 1000th blog entry—a journey to the west side of Kyoto.
Nonomiya Shrine: 1 Sagatenryuji Tateishicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8375, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Tenryu-ji Temple: Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, ６８
Togetsukyō Bridge: 1-5 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan
Date Picture Taken: October, 2024
I took a bus from Kyoto’s city center to reach the Sagano Bamboo Grove on the city’s western side.
The Sagano Bamboo Grove
The Sagano Bamboo Grove, located in the western part of Kyoto, is one of the city’s most iconic and serene attractions. This enchanting grove features towering bamboo stalks that create a natural canopy, offering a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere.
Nonomiya Shrine. Located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Nonomiya Shrine is a small yet historically significant Shinto shrine. It is surrounded by lush bamboo groves and dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and other deities associated with purification and matchmaking.
The forest is part of the larger Arashiyama district, which includes scenic spots like the Togetsukyo Bridge and Tenryu-ji Temple.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – Adjacent to the Sagano Bamboo Grove is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, both of which appeared similar to each other.
Near the Bamboo Forest is a rear entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple.
This walk took me from the rear of the temple to its front entrance.
Beside the temple building, there was a small hill with a path, so I decided to follow it.
Came down from the hilly path
Tenryu-ji Temple main building. Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Kyoto’s most renowned Zen temples. Located in the scenic Arashiyama district, it was established in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji in honor of Emperor Go-Daigo. The temple is the head of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.
Tenryu-ji is famous for its beautifully landscaped garden, designed by the acclaimed garden designer Muso Soseki. The garden features a tranquil pond, elegant rocks, and carefully placed trees that harmonize with the surrounding mountains, known as “borrowed scenery” (shakkei). The garden’s layout has remained largely unchanged since the 14th century.
The view from the other side
Back side
Back side
A small Shinto shrine inside the temple ground
Another small side temple
Another small side temple
I turned around and looked back. This is the front path that leads into Tenryu-ji Temple for those entering through the front entrance.
Exiting the temple through a gate
Right outside the temple gate lies a quaint little town filled with stores.
At one end of the town stood a bridge spanning a river.
Togetsukyō Bridge.
Togetsukyō Bridge, meaning “Moon Crossing Bridge,” is a landmark in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto. Spanning the Katsura River, the bridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, particularly stunning during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant foliage of autumn. Originally constructed during the Heian period, the bridge has been rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the 1930s.
A scenic view of the river after crossing the bridge
