Togetsukyo Bridge
渡月橋
A long wooden-railed bridge over the Katsura River, set against the Arashiyama hills. In spring cherry blossoms or in autumn foliage, it is one of Kansai's most classic scenes.
Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River (also called the Ōi River) at the foot of Arashiyama, and is about 155 meters long. According to legend, it got its name because Emperor Kameyama felt the moon seemed to cross the bridge. The current bridge was rebuilt in 1934, and its wooden railings blend into the Arashiyama hills behind it. In cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season, the view of the bridge and mountains from the riverbank is one of Kyoto's most famous sights. In summer, traditional cormorant fishing shows take place on the river in the evening. Both banks of the bridge are lined with small shops selling matcha desserts and yudofu (hot tofu). On the north bank, it is about a 5-minute walk to Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove path. On the south bank, you can climb Mt. Iwatayama to the Arashiyama Monkey Park. Admission is free all day. Getting there: Randen Arashiyama Station is about a 3-minute walk, Hankyu Arashiyama Station about 5 minutes, and JR Saga-Arashiyama Station about 15 minutes. On autumn foliage weekends the bridge is very crowded, so it is best to go early in the morning.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Tenryu-ji
- Sagano Romantic Train
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Saihō-ji (Moss Temple)
- Ninna-ji
- Ryoan-ji
- Kōzan-ji
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)