[Kyoto 0014HH] A long-loved landscape: Arashiyama half-day tour

This bridge spans the Katsura River, which separates Sagano and Arashiyama. It is believed to have first been built by the monk Dosho during the Jowa era (834-848), and was later built in its current location by Suminokura Ryoi. The bridge currently in use was completed in June 1934. The bridge was named Togetsukyo Bridge after Emperor Kameyama, who, gazing at the moon moving across the bridge, commented that it looked "like the moon crossing without a cloud." It is one of Arashiyama's most famous tourist spots, and is bustling with tourists, especially in spring and autumn.

After passing through a bamboo forest path in Arashiyama, Kyoto, the majestic mountain gate of Tenryu-ji Temple comes into view.

Tenryu-ji Temple, which has a history of 700 years as the head temple of the Tenryu-ji school of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, is a Zen temple representative of Kyoto that was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

There is plenty to see, including the Sogenchi Garden, which changes with the seasons, the impressive Cloud Dragon Painting, and the tranquil abbot's quarters.

The garden in particular offers a beautiful view of the Arashiyama mountains, soothing the souls of all who visit.

It was named after the quiet and pure mountainside of Mt. Ogura, where it feels as if one is visiting the eternal tranquil light of heaven. Passing through the thatched Niomon Gate and climbing the stone steps, one comes to the main hall, and behind it stands the well-proportioned pagoda, from which the view of Sagano is superb. In autumn, the surrounding trees turn red, making this an ancient temple worth visiting. Once inside the mountain gate, the whole mountain is covered in old maples and cherry trees, and the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn foliage are some of the best in Kyoto.

Nonomiya Shrine is a power spot where people gather to worship the god of matchmaking, fertility and safe childbirth. It is located in the bamboo forest path of Arashiyama, Kyoto, and is also featured in the Tale of Genji, "Kageki no Maki."
It is said that this was once the site of the Nomiya Shrine of Ise Saigū, and served as a place where the Saiō, selected from unmarried princesses or queens, would purify themselves for a year before visiting Ise Grand Shrine.
Kuroki torii gates are made using the bark of oak trees without peeling it. Due to the difficulty of preserving the bark and the difficulty of obtaining raw oak trees, they are currently the only such gates in Japan.

It has a stern atmosphere that is different from the vermilion torii gates, and blends in with the surrounding green scenery to create a mysterious beauty.