Location: Togetsu Bridge

Date: November, 10, Sunday

Time: 10:00 -15:00

Map: Here

about Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a representative tourist destination in Kyoto.

Not only its bamboo forest is quite popular, also cherry blossoms and maple leaves there are outstandingly beautiful, attracting many visitors from both Japan and abroad. Additionally, the harmonious blend of nature with historical buildings at various eras is one of the secrets to its popularity.

Looking back its history back to about 1,000 years, this picturesque landscape has been adored by emperors, aristocrats, monks, and poets as a scenic retreat. It served as inspiration for poetry and was home to villas, temples, and shrines. It became a stage for refined literature and the flourishing of aristocratic elegant culture.

Even today, some part of this area is officially designated as a Special Preservation District for Historic Landscapes by the Japanese authority. While wandering through this rural village on the outskirts of Kyoto, we can feel the remnants of that time.

Please note that weekends during the autumn foliage season can be particularly crowded, so it’s recommendable to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds as much as possible.

about Arashiyama Maple Festival

This traditional festival, having been held annually since 1947, admires the beauty of the maple trees that were dearly loved by the Heian aristocracy and expresses gratitude to the guardian deity of the Arashiyama region.

As part of the festivities, traditional performing arts related to this area, such as dance and music, are showcased on beautifully decorated boats floating on the river near the Togetsu Bridge.

The event features authentic traditional performances in beautiful costumes, with elegant boats traveling up and down the Oi River around upward from Togetsu Bridge. Additionally, the performance of the Saga Daibutsu Kyogen (a silent fold play depicting Buddhist teachings by masked actors) takes place on a stationary boat along the riverbank, along with a tea ceremony demonstration by “Tayu”, or a high-ranking courtesan Geiko girl from the Shimabara pleasure quarter ,as well as hospitality for guests.

You can enjoy the authentic traditional arts while immersing yourself in the open atmosphere and feeling the refreshing breeze from the river, as if you’ve stepped back in time to the elegant boat parties of the Heian aristocracy.

Whether you come alone, as a couple, in a group, or with family, you would be warmly welcomed to enjoy the relaxed ambiance, even without a specific purpose.

If you visit, please take advantage of BagDrop.