3 Best Attractions in Kyoto

The otherworldly tunnel of over 10,000 vermillion torii gates winding up Mount Inari for four kilometers is one of the most photographed and spiritually significant sights in all of Japan, dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, sake, and foxes. The full hike to the summit takes 2-3 hours and passes dozens of smaller shrines, stone fox guardians, and offering sites where businesses pray for prosperity, rewarding the effort with panoramic views of Kyoto from the upper trails. Dawn and dusk reveal the gates in their most magical light, and the upper paths remain uncrowded even when the lower sections teem with tourists.

Walking through the towering stalks of Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is one of Japan's most ethereal experiences, as the dense groves of giant bamboo filter the sunlight into a diffuse green glow while the wind creates an eerie, otherworldly rustling that has been designated one of Japan's 100 Soundscapes to Preserve. The grove connects the Tenryu-ji UNESCO World Heritage garden to the Okochi Sanso villa, and the surrounding Arashiyama neighborhood offers rickshaw rides, monkey parks, cormorant fishing on the Oi River, and the stunning collection of Zen rock gardens at Jojakko-ji temple. Early morning visits before the tourist hordes arrive reveal the bamboo path in peaceful serenity.

This nostalgic 'romantic train' runs for 7 kilometers along the Hozugawa River canyon. Historically using a retired JR line, it offers an immersive sensory experience of Arashiyama’s natural beauty. The open-air 'Rich Car' allows you to feel the river spray and hear the mountain winds. The views of the rocky gorge are spectacular during spring cherry blossoms and autumn maple foliage. Expert recommendation: Book the 'Rich Car' (Car No. 5) for the best unobstructed views and photo opportunities. Practical Pro Tip: Tickets sell out extremely fast for peak seasons; purchase them at a JR ticket office or online well in advance. Combine the train ride with a boat trip back down the river for a perfect Arashiyama circuit.