For those who have done their research on Kyoto, the name “Arashiyama” brings to mind the images of tall bamboo forests and narrow roads winding their way through the thick groves. While the bamboo forest in Arashiyama is definitely a must see, there lies hidden gems and lesser-known sight-seeing spots that are like portals to another world.

Where one would feel like you are walking on the edge of reality and fantasy. These off-the-beaten paths in Arashiyama are a must visit on their own and deserves all the recognition they can get as much as the bamboo forests or the traditional streets of Sanenzaka.

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So, for those of you who would like to venture into lesser crowded areas that are more locally appreciated, here are the underrated spots in Arashiyama that should definitely be amongst your list of must visit places in Kyoto.

Otagi Nenbutsuji

Images: Part of Otagi Nenbutsuji during the fall foliage in Kyoto and its 1200 rakan statues Photo Credit: Ameena Navab

The most unique place in all of Japan and Buddhist temples on the planet, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is surrounded by 1200 whimsical rakan statues. Made by the disciples of the priest and sculpturer, Kocho Nishimura, the rakan statues take on individual looks with various face expressions and even hobbies.

The temple looks like a fantasy setting where stone trolls come to life and create magic. Otagi Nenbutsuji is a must visit place in Kyoto with lesser crowds and a place of peace. During the fall season, the temple takes up beautiful autumn colours of oranges, yellows and reds, colouring the whole place in vibrance. 

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Saga Toriimoto Preserved street

Image: The streets of Saga Toriimoto during the quieter hours of late afternoon Photo Credit: AWO staff

An ancient merchant town preserved as it was during the Meiji period (1868–1912), the Saga Torimoto street is a short walk between Otagi Nenbutsuji and Adashino Temple. A sacred torii gate signs the end of the street hence the name ‘Saga Torii moto’ – Torii referring to the shrine gate.

Saga Toriimoto has preserved its array of machiya, tea houses, old inns and workshops from the olden days complete with the real Meiji era wooden architecture, latticed windows, tiled roofs etc. These buildings are still alive with businesses that have been run by the same family for generations and visitors can enjoy their age-long recipes, traditional sweets and craft shops.

This charmingly preserved street lies in the Arashiyama area making it closer to popular attractions such as the famous Bamboo Grove.

What’s fascinating about Saga Toriimoto is that the area surrounding the Torii gate (Saga-Toriimoto) has been designated as one of the four Traditional Structure Conservation Districts with the City of Kyoto, which places it on the same level of cultural importance as the famous Gion and Sanneizaka yet only few travellers know of this serene, underrated place.  

During the autumn months, Saga Toriimoto comes alive in its fall foliage painting the town in tons of colors.

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Adashino Temple & Adashino Bamboo

Image: (Left) The gravestones at Adashino Temple to mark the souls of lost families (Right) The Adashino Bamboo grove Photo Credit: AWO staff

A shrine dedicated to the lost souls that have longed for a peaceful afterlife, Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is the epitome of mercy and prayers. Unlike the usual graveyards that gives you an eerie experience with a chill down the spine, Adashino Temple is a place of peace and respect.

But the area of the temple was first used as a dumping ground from the Heian Period (794-1185) where the bodies of pilgrims who didn’t have any relatives were abandoned. It was only later that the monk, Kukai, turned it into a graveyard to give a proper burial and send off for the dead.

Today, 8000 buddhist stones are placed in Adashino and the souls are given a place to rest. During the Obon festival, visitors and villagers come together to light candles on every graveyard, and offer prayers to the deceased that didn’t have families to pray for them. 

This blessed ritual is reflected through the beautiful nature that Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple has where dozens of trees turn into gorgeous colors during fall making it an amazing spot for fall foliage in Kyoto.

Next to the temple is a small but surreal Adashino Bamboo grove. While this isn’t as huge and extensive as the Arashiyama Bamboo forest, it doesn’t have the sweaty, push-around crowd or long lines of waiting for taking images. Due to the place being heavily underrated, Adashino Bamboo gives visitors a chance to capture beautiful images on dramatic stairways.

Iwatayama Monkey Park

A place to see Japanese Macaques, the famous snow native snow monkeys that graces a million pictures, the Iwatayama Moneky Park is another underrated spot in Kyoto. Situated close to the Arashiyama station, the Iwatayama Monkey Park offers visitors a chance to interact with these native animals.

The monkeys are used to tourists, so they are pretty safe to deal with. That said, you should heed the warnings of not staring at them, provoking them or getting close to them. While they are out of the cage and used to seeing humans, they are still very much wild.

Sagano Train

To see the beauty of Kyoto through a charming ride, take the Sagano Romantic Train also known as the Sagano Scenic Railway. This one-of-a-kind train ride offers a charming journey through the picturesque landscapes of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. Since the train has limited seats, tickets sell out easily so make sure to book it in advance before you go.

Operating since 1991, the train takes passengers along a 7.3-kilometer route through the scenic Hozu River Valley. The train’s vintage design and large windows provide uninterrupted views of lush forests, serene rivers, and dramatic gorges, making it a popular choice for both tourists and locals seeking a tranquil escape.

During the fall months, you’ll pass through multiple vibrant colours, making this train ride a must-do experience. The most popular activity is taking the train towards the valley and coming back through a river rafting experience!

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