Arashiyama Route

What Arashiyama is

Arashiyama sits at the western edge of Kyoto, where Togetsukyo spans the Katsura River. Drawn by the hills and river behind it, the bamboo grove path and the garden of Tenryuji, people come all year round. Nagatsuji Street, running from the Randen Arashiyama station toward the bridge, is the main road, lined with croquettes, sweets, matcha desserts and Kyoto souvenirs. Its cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves are especially famed, and being able to sit by the river to eat — an open, unhurried food walk — is what sets Arashiyama apart from the downtown Nishiki and Gion.

Riverside fried food and sweets

The Arashiyama food walk rests on fried food, sweets, and a cup by the river. Nakamuraya's croquette, handed over fresh-fried one at a time at the foot of Togetsukyo, is this town's standard. Kotokikijaya's sakuramochi is an unusual one, finished with only Domyoji dough and smooth bean paste, no cherry leaf, eaten with a view of the bridge. At the south end of Togetsukyo is % Arabica, for a latte facing the river and hills. Kyoto's matcha and tofu sweets are here too — and taking them with the scenery is the Arashiyama way.

How to walk this route

Start at the Randen Arashiyama station or JR Saga-Arashiyama. Begin with a fresh-fried croquette from Nakamuraya on Nagatsuji Street. Head south down the street toward Togetsukyo, and have sakuramochi with bancha at Kotokikijaya. Cross the bridge and buy a latte at % Arabica at the south end; sit by the river and watch the hills — that is this route's close. Cherry-blossom and autumn-leaf seasons are very crowded, so early morning is comfortable. If you extend to the bamboo grove path, allow about another hour.