嵐山

Arashiyama (literally, "Stormy Mountain"), is a scenic district on the western outskirts of the Japanese city of [Kyoto] famous for its numerous Buddhist temples and its stunning fall foliage.

Visitors to Arashiyama typically arrive via one of four railways which all have stations near the gorgeous [Togetsukyo|Togetsukyō] bridge traversing the [Oi River|Ōi River]. Passing over the bridge, [Mount Arashiyama] can be seen across the river to the west. It almost seems that this mountain is covered with nothing else but maple trees and cherry trees, because in spring the entire mountain turns pink with cherry blossoms, and from mid to late [November] this entire mountain turns red and orange with maple leaves.

Visitors then typically walk along the [bamboo path] through a mystical [bamboo] forest right out of [Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon] or [House of Flying Daggers]. The path leads to several famous [Shinto] shrines and [Buddhist] temples, most notably [Tenryuji], a [UNESCO World Heritage Site] and as the main headquarters of the Rinzai sect of [Zen Buddhism], one of the five famous [gozan] [Zen] temples of Kyoto. Another notable temple along this route is the [Adashino Nenbutsuji], famous for its thousands of statues of the Buddha unearthed from ancient graves and its spectacular candle-lighting ceremony in late August.

Walking back through the main street of the town, visitors can buy all sorts of tchotchkes and tasty snacks, particularly the famous local dish called [yudofu|yudōfu], which is freshly boiled [tofu] topped with green onions, fresh ginger, and fish flakes. They can also visit another famous Buddhist temple, [Seiryoji], which is known for its ancient statue of an 11-headed [Kannon].

Other options for exploring Arashiyama include taking a boatride in a large, gondola-like craft down the river to get a closer look at the foliage, or crossing the river and climbing halfway up Mount Arashiyama to feed [macaque] monkeys at the [Iwatayama Monkey Park].

To get to Arashiyama, take the [Hankyu] railway to Arashiyama station, the [Keifuku] railway to Arashiyama, or the [JR Sagano Line] to Saga Arashiyama.

Arashiyama (place)