When visiting Arashiyama, you definitely can’t miss its most iconic landmark—Togetsukyo Bridge. Spanning the Katsura River with the mountains of Arashiyama behind it, the bridge, river, and mountain scenery come together to create a scene full of Kyoto charm. It’s no wonder this became a classic landscape in Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock prints.
I was really lucky on this visit and had exceptionally good weather. The blue sky and white clouds were reflected in the clear Katsura River, while the distant mountains looked especially lush and green in the sunlight. The scenery was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Standing on the bridge in the gentle breeze, watching the river flow slowly by, with the surrounding scenery all around me, felt especially relaxing. There aren’t many elaborate buildings, yet it has a very pure kind of Kyoto beauty.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, and every season has its own character. But what I liked most was the clear, beautiful weather I had this time. When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, take a walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, admire the mountains and the water, and experience Arashiyama’s laid-back, romantic atmosphere.
