Arashiyama

The Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in Arashiyama is famous for its unique collection of over 1200 Rakan statues, depicting Buddha's disciples. Founded in the 8th century, the temple was repeatedly destroyed and reconstructed in the 1980s by sculptor Kocho Nishimura. He encouraged laypeople to carve the Rakan statues, giving each figure a unique, often humorous or contemplative expression. This diversity lends the temple a special, almost living atmosphere.When exploring the grounds, you will be impressed by the sheer number and diverse characters of the stone figures, which blend harmoniously into the wooded surroundings. Many of the Rakan are covered in moss, which enhances their ancient charm and makes them appear like an integral part of nature. This place radiates a deep tranquility and offers a meditative experience away from Arashiyama's busier tourist trails.Our Tip: Visit the temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon. At these times, crowds are smaller, and the soft light creates a magical atmosphere, ideal for undisturbed contemplation and photography. Pay attention to the small details and the varying facial expressions of the Rakan – there's always something new to discover.

The Jōjakkōji Temple, founded in 1596 by the Nichiren monk Nisshin (Kukyōin Nisshin), is a jewel at the foot of Mount Ogura in Arashiyama. Here you will find an oasis of tranquility that harmoniously blends into its natural surroundings. The temple is especially known for its autumn foliage, which bathes the entire complex in vibrant red and gold hues. As you ascend the moss-covered stone steps, you'll discover the main hall and the two-story Tahōtō Pagoda from 1620, rising amidst the trees. From the upper areas of the temple grounds, you can also enjoy views over the rooftops of Kyoto and the surrounding landscape. Our Tip: To avoid the crowds and fully savor the peaceful atmosphere, visit the temple right after it opens in the early morning. For photos of the autumn foliage with the pagoda in the background, late November is ideal, but even in early summer, the lush green vegetation offers a special beauty.

Saihō-ji, also known as Kokedera or the Moss Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in western Kyoto, a few kilometers south of Arashiyama. This Zen temple is famous for its extraordinary moss garden, home to over 120 different species of moss, forming a unique, emerald-green landscape. According to tradition, a villa of Prince Shōtoku once stood here; in the 8th century, the site became a temple. It owes its current form to Zen master Musō Soseki, who redesigned it as a Zen temple in 1339.A visit requires a mandatory advance reservation, often weeks in advance. Access traditionally begins with participation in a Buddhist ceremony, usually the copying of sutras (Shakyō). This is an integral part of the experience. Afterwards, you gain access to the extensive garden, which is laid out around a pond in the shape of the Chinese character for "heart" (心).The garden invites you to a peaceful stroll, where you can admire the dense moss cover and ancient trees. The atmosphere is one of deep tranquility. Our tip: Ideally, visit Saihō-ji after a rainy day in spring or early summer, when the moss appears most vibrant. The autumn months also offer a charming combination of green moss and colorful maple leaves. Plan your reservation early.

The Tenryū-ji is Arashiyama's most significant Zen temple and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Historic Kyoto". Ashikaga Takauji had it built in 1339 in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo; it held the first rank among Kyoto's five great Zen temples.The buildings were repeatedly destroyed by fires, but the garden remained: The Sōgenchi Pond Garden, created by the first abbot Musō Soseki, combines a pond with the forested hills behind it into a single picture. Through the North Gate, you directly enter the bamboo grove.

The Bamboo Grove (Chikurin no Michi) is an approximately 400-meter-long path between densely packed, towering bamboo stalks. It begins near the North Gate of Tenryū-ji and leads uphill towards the Ōkōchi Sansō villa.The path is freely accessible and heavily visited during the day. Tip: Early in the morning, shortly after sunrise, it is much quieter – then you can also hear the rustling of the stalks in the wind.