Randen Train・Arashiyama Station

Randen is a tram line that runs in Kyoto.
Its official name is The Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Main Line.
It is very cute to see a small train with only 1-2 cars runs through the city of Kyoto ♪
This line connects Kyoto’s city center (Shijo-Omiya station) and scenic Arashiyama area in the western suburb (Arashiyama Station).
 

Arashiyama Station, the gateway to Arashiyama, was completely renewed in 2013, and has been transformed into a fusion of old-fashioned Japanese taste and modern taste.
Within the station, around 600 colorful cylinder-shaped pillars in various patterns stand in rows like a forest, this place is known as Kimono Forest.
The pillars are made with fabric dyed using the traditional Kyo-Yuzen technique, a style of dyeing and printing used to create Kimono in Kyoto.
To make the atmosphere of the Kimono Forest even more dramatic, it is illuminated at night until 9pm.
 

The Kimono Forest is free to enter and even have a foot spa to rest and soak your tired feet.
After enjoying the chilly winter sightseeing in Kyoto, it is recommended to relax in the foot spa space at Randen Arashiyama Station to heal your mind and body ♪
 

Randen Train / Arashiyama Station

Location: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Phone number: 075-801-2511
 

Arashiyama Onsen / Station foot spa space

Usage fee: 200 yen per person
Ticket office: Arashiyama station information center
 

Matsuo Taisha Shrine

Matsuo Taisha is located a little far from the central ​​Arashiyama area, on the west of Matsuo Taisha Station (one stop from Hankyu Arashiyama Station).
Despite located near Arashiyama, it’s rarely shown in guidebooks, definitely a must-see secret spot♪
 

When you get off the train at Hankyu Matsuo Taisha Station, you will see a large torii gate in front of you, leading to Matsuo Taisha Shrine.
Behind the main shrine of Matsuo Taisha, there is a mountain called Mt. Matsuo, a place well known as a power spot.
 

This shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines, being founded in 701.
It enshrines the deity of water, which sake-brewing families have worshipped since the Muromachi Period.
Pure spring water spews from the mouth of the “Kame-no-ido” (turtle well) statue here.
This spring water is said to have miraculous energy, rumors said that your body and mind will be purified when you drink the water.
 

Matsuo Taisha Shrine

Address: 3 Arashiyamamiyacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Opening time:
9:00-16:00 on weekdays and Saturdays
9:00-16:30 on Sundays and holidays
Admission fee:
500 yen for adults, 400 yen for students, 300 yen for children
Phone number: 075-871-50163
 

Arashiyama Hanatoro

Every year in the middle of December, there is a light up event called “Arashiyama Hanatoro,” meaning “the path of lights and flowers.”
The light up area includes the Togetsukyo Bridge area and the bamboo forest road, which are very well-known sightseeing spots in Arashiyama.
This is a very popular event, letting you to enjoy a different sight from the view you see during the day.
Moreover, during the event, there will be nighttime special visits to the nearby shrines and temples, of course with more light ups inside the precincts.
 

Here are some highlights of Arashiyama Hanatoro:
 

Bamboo Forest
Standing in the midst of the soaring stalks of bamboo in the bamboo grove looks so beautiful like you’re standing in a different world.
When being illuminated at night, the scenery is completely different from that in the daytime, creating a more fantastic space.
During the event, the bamboo forest path stretching from Nomiya Shrine to Okochi Sanso Garden will be decorated with beautiful light ups.
 

Togetsukyo Bridge
Togetsukyo, the symbol of Arashiyama, is lit up during the Arashiyama Hanatoro event.
To see Togetsukyo Bridge, which looks like it is floating on a river, illuminated by light, is a wonderful view that you shouldn’t miss.
 

Ikebana Promenade
Large flower arrangements are displayed at several locations along the Arashiyama Hanatoro path.
It is a work of art that has a mysterious atmosphere, there is a total of 9 display spaces.
 

Arashiyama Hanatoro

Schedule For 2019:
Period: December 13 (Fri) – December 22 (Sun) Opening hours: 17:00-20:30
 

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen

Arashiyama is place with many hot spring area.
There are several unique hot spring facilities with a very good water spring quality of Arashiyama, so no wonder that it’s said to be the best place to heal yourself from the fatigue of your trip.
 

This time, let’s talk about “Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsutei”, which was founded in 1890 from among many onsen hotels ♪
It is a recommended inn where you can spend luxurious time, such as enjoying delicious Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, a large communal bath to soak with friends, and also an open-air bath in the room where you can soak slowly.
 

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Togetsu-tei

Address: 54-4 Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
Phone number: 075-871-1310
 

Conclusion

Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s leading tourist attractions.
This time, we introduced some nice spots in Arashiyama that we recommend you to visit in kimono in winter.
 

There are plenty of things to do such as go sightseeing to the historic temples, going to the hot springs to healing the tiredness of your trip, and walk down through the illuminated snowy roads.
Also, if you take a walk in Arashiyama with a kimono, the time spent in Arashiyama will be even more meaningful and memorable ♪
 

Kimono Rental Wargo has several stores near popular tourist spots and train stations.
There are seven Wargo stores in Kyoto, including Wargo Kyoto Tower store in front of Kyoto Station, Wargo Arashiyama Eki-mae store, and also Wargo Arashiyama Togetsukyo store.
 

We have not only kimonos but also small items to complete your kimono look so that you can come to our store without having to bring many belongings.
We are waiting for you at Kimono Rental Wargo ♪
 

Click here for kimono rental reservation☆↓

The post Popular Tourist Spots in Arashiyama that You Should Visit in Winter appeared first on Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo.

A trip to Arashiyama begins with riding the Randen train

There are cars, JR trains, and other means of transportation to Arashiyama.
We recommend the Keifuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Line, a private railway train commonly known as “Randen train”.
 

Trains with retro atmosphere and nostalgic interiors and scenery that can hardly be seen in the city center.
Also, there is a spot worth visit named Kimono Forest, which is installed around Arashiyama Station (Kyofuku Electric Railway Arashiyama Line).
There are 600 2-meter poles wrapped with Yuzen fabric, so you can enjoy the gorgeous Japanese beauty!
It looks pretty in the daytime and elegantly lit up at night, so you can take a look at it whenever you can.
It is definitely a photogenic spot to take a picture while wearing kimono, something that everyone wants to try!
 

A Luxurious Inn for Girls

After arriving at Arashiyama, the next thing to do is finding a nice inn and then, check in!
Let’s take a break at a nice inn and make your trip more enjoyable.
This time, we want to introduce our recommend inn, “Togetsutei” on the south of Togetsukyo.
This is a historical inn that was founded in 1908 and is popular for its elegant space and great hospitality.
The old-fashioned inn is something you won’t forget from your trip ^^
Some rooms have an outdoor hot bath so you can soak in the bath before and after sightseeing to heal the fatigue of your trip.
 

Address: Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Nishikyo-ku, Arashiyama Nakaoshitacho 54-4
 
Access:
・Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Arashiyama Station on both Hankyu and Keifuku trains
・15 minutes on foot from JR Saga Arashiyama Station (for pick-up, reservation required)
 

First of all, let’s visit the nearest tourist spot: Togetsukyo!

Check in and go sightseeing!
If you come to Arashiyama, you can’t miss the famous spot “Togetsukyo”.
The name “Togetsukyo”,meaning “Moon Crossing Over the Bridge”, named after the view when the moon traverses the sky, it appears as if the moon is crossing over the bridge.
There is a legend saying “Do not turn around until you cross Togetsukyo bridge” on the way home from the Juusan-mairi visit at “Horinji” temple to pray for wisdom.
Because if you turn around, the wisdom you have will go back to the temple, or something like that.
There are many legends in the world, but it surely is a strange legend that the wisdom you get will go back to the temple!
 

Saga no Kokuzo (the Kokuzo of Saga), Horinji Temple

After crossing the Togetsukyo Bridge, the next thing to do is to visit Horinji Temple.
The principle object of worship, a figure of Akasagarbha, is popularly known as “Saga no Kokuzo-san.”
The temple is famous for the “Jusan Mairi,” an event in which boys and girls aged 13 years old visit the temple in order to be blessed with intelligence and fortune.
When Emperor Seiwa who became an emperor at a young age in the beginning of the Heian period turned 13 years old, a special event was held as a proof of adulthood.
It was said that it was not strange at all that children becoming imperial at a young age, so various young emperors would have been given wisdom here.
 

Address: Kurayama-cho, Arashiyama, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto
 

Feeling like taking a walk? Go to Arashiyama Park

After learning a little bit about Togetsukyo Bridge and Horinji Temple’s history, how about taking a walk in the park to change your mood?
Arashiyama Park has seasonal flowers and is an area where you can feel the four seasons of Kyoto.
The area is very wide, from the upstream of the Katsura River, to the Togetsukyo Bridge, and to the river near Rinsen-ji Temple.
A place where you can view cherry blossoms in spring, green trees in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.
This park let you see various kinds of seasonal plants at one place.
 

Tenryuji, a famous tourist attraction

Tenryuji is the place you definitely want to visit when you come to Arashiyama.
It is the most famous temple in Arashiyama and is registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
Among them, the gardens, Sogenchi Garden Hyakka-en Garden are recommended.
A large garden with a large pond spreads out, and it is a wonderful garden combining Zen and dynasty culture.
Sitting on the en-gawa / Japanese open corridor and looking at it is very recommended!
 

Address: Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho 68
 

Bamboo forest, surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere

Bamboo forest road is a path that streches for about 200 meters between the Nomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso.
It is one of the most popular spots in Arashiyama with the bamboo trees that grow straight toward the sky, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
This bamboo forest also welcomes us in every season, it will take you to a wonderful atmosphere whenever you visit.
 

Taking a Ride on Sagano trolley train / torokko train

Sagano trolley train will take you to enjoy the beauty of the Hozugawa nature and the valley.
Let this journey end with riding this trolley train / torokko train!
In the past, torokko train was a vehicle that was used as a freight car for carrying luggage, so it runs very slowly.
It is currently operated as a sightseeing train that runs for approximately 7.3km, connecting the stations between Sakai Station and Kameoka Station.
There are cars that have windows and there are open cars without windows which allow you to feel the scenery closer.
On a sunny day, we recommend you to ride the open cars where you can feel the wind all over the body!
 

Conclusion: Arashiyama sightseeing plan for girls

What do you think??
Those were some sightseeing spots that can’t be missed when you come to Arashiyama.
Let’s explore this beautiful area and learn more about the culture while wearing kimono!
 

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

Reservation for kimono rental is here ♪

The post Arashiyama Sightseeing Plan for Girls appeared first on Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo.

Togetsukyo Bridge and Horinji Temple Urban Legend

There are jinxes that should not look back on besides this. As one of them, there is a jinx that you should not cross with your lover. Looking back at this bridge when lovers are crossing, it is said that you are going to break up… uh oh

Places with such jinxes can be found in various parts of Japan, but we do not know the origins of Togetsu Bridge’s legend. It is just a kind of urban legend, so whether you believe or not believe is up to you!

Horinji Temple is famous as a temple of the thirteenth sightseeing in Kyoto. Tsubasa is praying for the Buddhist memorial bodhisattva so that they can give wisdom by paying troubles to the celebration of the age of 13 at the end of the year. Although the day of pilgrimage was old March 13th in the lunar calendar, in the current Horinji, the spring is March 13 – May 13 and autumn is October – November. Children on this day will wear fine sized adults for the first time. Then go to a temple, write a kanji character that you care about on a half paper, give it to a fictional bodhisattva and receive prayers. Finally they will send you amulets and souvenirs, and thank their parents for their gratitude.

Togetsukyo Bridge seems to have good views every season, but the time of cherry blossoms and the time of autumn leaves are exceptional!

The mountain cherry trees of Arashiyama are said to have been transplanted from Yoshino mountain in Nara by Emperor Kameyama, and about 1500 cherry blossoms are blooming and lighted up around Togetsu Bridge. The best time to see cherry blossoms is from mid March to mid April. Autumn tints are also wonderful, and the mountains that colorful with autumn leaves on the riverbank are attractive. Cross the middle of the bridge and look around, you can see the magnificent scenery. The best time to see autumn leaves is from mid-November to early December. Also, since the light up will be held in March and December, it can be said to be time that you can not miss.

The post Urban Legend of Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama appeared first on Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo.

If you walk in Kyoto in autumn, Kitano Tenman-gu and Momijien will have to see absolutely nothing loss.

Kitano Tenman – gu Shrine is popular sightseeing spot and moreover, “Momiji” in autumn here is also famous. There are Momiji-en in the dojo that Toyotomi Hideyoshi built, and about 350 maples are planted. It seems there are a few old trees with age 350 to 400 years, and it was said that Sugawara Michizane, who is said to be an academic god, cherished it so much (* ‘ᵕ’)
If you are going to Kyoto, maybe there is a benefit of visiting this place and do a autumn-leaves hunt for relaxation?
In the best season, it is said that a maple colored in a river that flows along your dwelling falls, it will be a beautiful sight that will never be forgotten!

【Best time to see the leaves】

Maple Garden opening · October 25 – December 2 (9:00-16:00)

Momiji Enzo Light Up · November 10 – December 2 (Sunset – 20:00)

【Price】

Maple garden entrance fee admission fee Adult 800 yen · Child 400 yen
↑
Included with a cup of tea for free! !

【Access to Kitano Tenman-gu Shrine】

Kyoto prefecture Kyoto city Kamigyo ward Bakinamachi

· 5 minutes on foot from Kitano Hakumi-cho station on Arashi Den Kitano.
Or from the JR Kyoto station City bus 50 lines Ritsumeikan University 30 minutes to the front, get off in front of the Kitano Tenman-gu

Spend the Autumn in Arashiyama For Free, Why Not?

Arashiyama is also chosen as “100 Favorites of Autumn Leaves in Japan”.
At the Momiji festival held every second Sunday in November
Many people come every year and enjoy the unique scenery of autumn.
Let’s thank Momiji festival for praising the beauty of the maple, with the support of the temples company around Arashiyama and Saga! It seems that it began in 1950.

The ship floats upstream of the Katsuragawa where the Togetsukyo bridge runs and traditional arts on the ship are displayed. It seems that Noh music and Kyogen will be held. On the back of autumn leaves, and on board! ! It seems that there is a very good atmosphere (‘∀ ` ) ♡
This year 2018 will be held from 10 am on Sunday, November 11!

【Price】

It’s · · · FREE! !

【Access to Arashiyama Momiji Festival】

Kyoto Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto

· Araragi Arashiyama Line Immediately after Arashiyama Station
· JR Sagano Line Saga 10 minutes on foot from Arashiyama station

Perfect Dessert of Autumn in Kyoto is Daifuku♪

Daifuku of autumn packed with flavor and bean jam that makes many Japanese think of the beautiful atmosphere in autumn~
I will also introduce my extraordinary impressions! 

Green tea · · ·

Matcha green bean paste that you can taste exactly the flavor of Matcha.
It looks bitterly apparent! I thought, but by adding reasonable sweetness and cream
It seems to be mellow! Even those who do not like Matcha should try to eat it!

Chestnut powdered green tea · · ·

It is a super rich matcha taste spreading in the mouth.
A luxurious Daifuku with a whole chestnut that has been slowly boiled in it.
It is a classic Daifuku, but when the two words “Juwa – hu” and “boiled down” are combined
It is quite an attack power. .

Uji Hojicha · ·

Tea is being kneaded in the dough as well as the bean paste.
It’s as if drinking a Hojicha!
You can enjoy the fragrant and deep flavor of Hojicha ♡
By the way, I am a hoji tea fan that I drink it from my usual days.
I want to eat this one the most!

Pumpkin  · ·

Pumpkin and caramel cream exquisitely match ♡

The saltiness of caramel further complements the umami (taste).

Salt makes the sweetness refined!
Cinnamon is working and the aftertaste remains fragrant.

Sweet potato · ·

Eat white rice with fried noodles, almost like the image of sweet potato + Daifuku
But actually it was totally different !!
Sweet potato sweet potato with sweet potato paste and white raw bean paste sweet.
I wrapped it in a soft dough and put a maple shaped sheepskin

Persimmon · ·

This is unusual!
First of all it looks like persimmons. Lol
In a colorful orange with a slightly square shape, there are bean paste made with finely dried persimmon and persimmon puree inside!
There is also a bit astringent tasteful Daifuku.

The figure at the time of splitting is amazing …!
It is very popular among women and sometimes sold out.
I want to try to eat all of them… (∩ ˃ o˂ ∩)

Lastly, Let’s Wear Kimono to Get More Benefit~!

When you wear kimonos and present passports in Kyoto, you can receive various benefits at shrines, museums, museums and restaurants.
It’s fun to wear kimonos and have sightseeing and to receive even more services!
In Kyoto, there is also a run-in spot in case you have collapsed by any chance so be relieved ♡
Choose a little retro kimono and enjoy the autumn Kyoto!

Reservation for kimono rental is here ♪

The post Perfect Place and Dessert in Kyoto on Autumn Season appeared first on Kyoto Kimono Rental Wargo.