<strong>Kyoto's Sagano Bamboo Forest: </strong>This beautiful grove in western Kyoto is often featured on website lists highlighting the most beautiful woodlands in the world.
Kyoto's Sagano Bamboo Forest: This beautiful grove in western Kyoto is often featured on website lists highlighting the most beautiful woodlands in the world.
JNTO
<strong>Tenryu-ji Temple:</strong> Hogon-in Temple is found inside Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the five major temples of Kyoto. It's located near the entrance of the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Tenryu-ji Temple: Hogon-in Temple is found inside Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the five major temples of Kyoto. It's located near the entrance of the Sagano Bamboo Forest.
Yasufumi Nishi/JNT
<strong>Iwatayama Monkey Park: </strong>Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are the most northerly-living non-human primates, say scientists. Mount Arashiyama's Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to some 100 of the cute -- but occasionally aggressive -- creatures.
Iwatayama Monkey Park: Japanese macaques, or snow monkeys, are the most northerly-living non-human primates, say scientists. Mount Arashiyama's Iwatayama Monkey Park is home to some 100 of the cute -- but occasionally aggressive -- creatures.
Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images
<strong>Togetsukyo Bridge: </strong>Arashiyama's main icon is the Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge), which flows over the Hozu River. Dating back to Japan's Heian Period (794-1185) it was reconstructed in the 1930s.
Togetsukyo Bridge: Arashiyama's main icon is the Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge), which flows over the Hozu River. Dating back to Japan's Heian Period (794-1185) it was reconstructed in the 1930s.
JNTO
<strong>Romance on the rails: </strong>The Sagano Scenic Railway -- also known as the Sagano Romantic Train -- runs from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka and is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Romance on the rails: The Sagano Scenic Railway -- also known as the Sagano Romantic Train -- runs from Arashiyama to nearby Kameoka and is one of the best ways to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
JNTO
<strong>Retro rides: </strong>Kimono-clad Japanese tourists take a rickshaw ride over Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge).
Retro rides: Kimono-clad Japanese tourists take a rickshaw ride over Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge).
Karla Cripps/CNN
<strong>Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple:</strong> About a 30-minute walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Templ features over 1,000 little stone rakan (enlightened beings) made by Japanese from all over the country from 1981 to 1991 during the reconstruction of the temple.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple: About a 30-minute walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Templ features over 1,000 little stone rakan (enlightened beings) made by Japanese from all over the country from 1981 to 1991 during the reconstruction of the temple.
Karla Cripps/CNN
<strong>Kimono Forest: </strong>This beautiful "forest" of two-meter high pillars, located outside the Randen tram station in Arashiyama, showcases various kimono textiles.
Kimono Forest: This beautiful "forest" of two-meter high pillars, located outside the Randen tram station in Arashiyama, showcases various kimono textiles.
JNTO
<strong>River runs: </strong>Hozugawa Kudari, or Hozu River Boat Rides, are popular in the fall, when the leaves change color. Many opt to take the train to Kameoka, then hop on the boat for the two-hour ride back to Arashiyama.
River runs: Hozugawa Kudari, or Hozu River Boat Rides, are popular in the fall, when the leaves change color. Many opt to take the train to Kameoka, then hop on the boat for the two-hour ride back to Arashiyama.
Junko Kimura/Getty Images
<strong>Nothing goes to waste:</strong> The railings and fences through the Sagano Bamboo Forest are made of dried bamboo stalks and leaves that have already fallen from the plants.
Let no bamboo stalk go to waste —
Nothing goes to waste: The railings and fences through the Sagano Bamboo Forest are made of dried bamboo stalks and leaves that have already fallen from the plants.
Karla Cripps/CNN
<strong>Local tourists: </strong>Kimono-clad Japanese tourists pose in front of Arashiyama's main icon, the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Local tourists: Kimono-clad Japanese tourists pose in front of Arashiyama's main icon, the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Karla Cripps/CNN
<strong>Exploring the neighborhood: </strong>The uphill walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji takes visitors past small gift shops, tea rooms and private residences.
Exploring the neighborhood: The uphill walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji takes visitors past small gift shops, tea rooms and private residences.
CNN