Author’s profile
Mao Goto is a Japanese freelancer who was born in Hayama, Kanagawa prefecture, and raised in Tokyo. Since 2016 she lives within the Taito Ward, dwelling to lots of Japanese tradition hotspots corresponding to Asakusa, Akihabara, and Ueno. She has been within the area of English training in Japan and acquired her Grasp’s diploma in March 2020. A lover of images, journey, sweets, and cross-stitch. Contact her through Fb.
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Nestled within the picturesque western a part of Kyoto, Sagano is an enthralling district that seamlessly blends pure magnificence with cultural treasures. Famend for its bamboo groves, tranquil temples, and historic landmarks, Sagano gives a serene escape from the bustling metropolis life. Sagano all the time captivates you with its timeless attract. The world is legendary for its seasonal magnificence, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn portray a panoramic panorama. Be part of us as we discover the must-see points of interest and hidden gems of this enchanting vacation spot.
1. The place is Sagano?
A hidden treasure positioned in Kyoto, Sagano enchants guests with its serenity and sweetness. The pathways surrounded by bamboo forests create a magical environment as if time has stood nonetheless. This area has lengthy served as a retreat for emperors and aristocrats, thriving with historical past and adorned with famend historic spots. Particularly, the attractive autumn leaves of “Mt. Ogura” have been a favortable scenic spot for generations. Sagano’s surroundings is picturesque irrespective of the place you view it from, and the attraction of the mixture of nature and historical past is indispensable in describing Kyoto’s well-known locations. The Bamboo Grove Path gives some of the transferring experiences.
2. Nice Locations to go to
Highway of Bamboo Forest

The Highway of Bamboo Forest in Sagano is a mysterious 400-meter path that leads from the Nonomiya Shrine, by the north gate of Tenryuji Temple, to Okochi Villa. There, hundreds of towering bamboos stand in splendor, forming a pure cathedral. The bamboo branches cowl the sky and the solar shines by the timber, calming the thoughts giving the feeling that point has stopped. The wind ruffles the bamboo leaves, and with the sound of the wind, you might be transported to a different dimension the place actuality is forgotten.
Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryuji Temple has a wealthy historical past, based in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji and Soseki Muso (夢窓疎石) to mourn the soul of Emperor Godaigo. Probably the most spectacular function right here is the backyard centered round a pond. With Arashiyama and Kameyama seen within the background, the tranquil floor of the water displays the altering surroundings of the 4 seasons, inviting guests to a world of timeless magnificence. An ideal mix of aristocratic cultural sophistication and profound Zen spirituality, this backyard is really a masterpiece.
Official Web site: Tenryu-ji Temple
Nonomiya-Jinja Shrine

Nonomiya-jinja Shrine will not be solely recognized for its blessings of marriage and protected childbirth but additionally for its stunning pure environment. The peaceable environment right here attracts many guests as a spot that brings therapeutic and hope to worshippers. Within the Heian interval, this shrine was in-built Sagano, the place the princess was chosen because the Saiku of the Ise Jingu Shrine and spent a yr in a solemn custom of sacred coaching and purification of physique and soul. This shrine, which nonetheless retains its deep historical past, is a particular place that evokes a way of sacred energy.
Official Web site: Nonomiya-jinja Shrine (Solely in Japanese)
Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is a good looking bridge that spans the Katsura River, and its magnificent view is a logo of Kyoto. Standing amidst the mild circulation of the Oigawa River, the bridge creates a easy but highly effective environment, creating a really “Kyoto-like” view. Vacationers can take pleasure in boating and houseboat excursions, and this place is certain to turn out to be a memorable and spectacular spot when you go to. Togetsukyo Bridge is a captivating mix of historical past and nature.
3. Enjoyable Actions to do
Journey a Rickshaw and Discover Vacationer Points of interest in Sagano

A sightseeing rickshaw expertise is one of the simplest ways to expertise the historical past and fantastic thing about Kyoto firsthand, because it takes you on an expensive tour of Arashiyama and Sagano. A jinrikisha rickshaw driver, wearing conventional garments, pulls a strong rickshaw as the driving force takes you on a singular and entertaining guided tour of well-known landmarks. On this tour, you’ll cross the long-lasting Togetsukyo Bridge, stroll alongside the Bamboo Highway surrounded by inexperienced forests, and go to Nonomiya Shrine, an influence spot for matchmaking, all of which make you take pleasure in a particular time as if all of the charms of Kyoto have been concentrated in a single place.
Take pleasure in Lovely Surroundings from Sagano Romantic Prepare

The Sagano Romantic Prepare is an excellent railroad connecting Sagano and Kameoka in Kyoto. From the practice home windows, you’ll be able to slowly benefit from the spectacular surroundings of the Hozu River and the fantastic thing about nature because it modifications with the seasons. The particular attraction of this practice is you could really feel the seasonal surroundings up shut and private. Flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer season, vivid autumn leaves in fall, and serene snowy landscapes in winter – every season brings new impressions, a luxurious that makes you’re feeling like one with nature.
4. Beneficial Issues to Eat
Mitarashi Dango from Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine
Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine is a hidden gem of Japanese sweets positioned proper in entrance of Tenryuji Temple and is a must-stop if you’re visiting Arashiyama. A spot the place you’ll be able to simply cease by between sightseeing excursions, right here you’ll be able to take pleasure in scrumptious Japanese candy treats which might be steeped in Kyoto custom. The attraction of the shop lies in its craftsmanship, which emphasizes good old style manufacturing strategies and maximizes using fastidiously chosen substances. The consultant of the shop stands in entrance of the kettle and takes time to fastidiously put together the sweets, which unfold a easy but subtle taste.
Official Web site: Arashiyama Sakura Mochi Ine
Residence-made Udon from Arashiyama Udon Ozuru
Arashiyama Udon Ozuru is a well-known udon restaurant positioned in Arashiyama, a preferred sightseeing spot in Kyoto. On the restaurant, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an unique menu that consists of dishes fabricated from native substances, of which the Arashiyama Udon (Yuba Udon) is a must-try. This udon, which lavishly makes use of yuba, a symbolic ingredient of Kyoto, is the restaurant’s specialty and has captivated many meals lovers. You possibly can benefit from the distinctive style of this place whereas feeling the environment of Arashiyama.
Official Web site: Arashiyama Udon Ozuru (Solely in Japanese)
Crimson Bean Butter Taiyaki from Mamemono to Taiyaki
Mamemono to Taiyaki is a retailer that focuses on contemporary native substances in an effort to create a brand new specialty in Kyoto. Because the title suggests, the idea of putting significance on the substances lives on within the retailer. The “Azuki Butter Taiyaki” is without doubt one of the hottest gadgets within the store, and is an expensive dish of freshly baked Taiyaki with loads of sizzling butter sandwiched in between. The taiyaki has a shelf lifetime of just one minute and is made with the best butter from Hokkaido, which is used sparingly. The Anko (purple bean paste) will not be too candy, and the artisan cooks each bit with care to create a deep taste.
Official Web site: Mamemono to Taiyaki (Solely in Japanese)
Roast Beef from STEAK OTSUKA
STEAK OTSUKA is an beautiful steakhouse positioned in Arashiyama, Kyoto, serving sirloin steaks comprised of fastidiously chosen A5-rank Wagyu beef from throughout Japan, together with the Murasawa beef sirloin steak, also referred to as “unbelievable Wagyu beef,” and the well-known Kyoto beef, Hirai beef sirloin steak. The restaurant recommends its wonderful roast beef. The meat is chosen from elements that boast optimum tenderness and taste and is completed uncommon, making it an ideal match for the candy onion sauce. You’ll take pleasure in an expensive second!
Official Web site: STEAK OTSUKA
Reflecting on the array of actions and sights in Sagano, we hope our information has ignited your wanderlust. Think about the serene stroll by enchanting bamboo groves, or the profound historical past resonating from historical temples—Sagano is brimming with unforgettable experiences. Every vacation spot we lined holds a singular story and attraction, promising to go away a long-lasting impression in your go to. As you embark on this journey, let our suggestions be your compass to creating cherished recollections.