Arashiyama is one of those places that quietly draws you in.
The sound of bamboo swaying, the soft light slipping through
tall green stalks, and the calm energy around make this part of
Kyoto feel different from the rest of the city. Even when there
are people walking by, it still has its own kind of peace. The bamboo grove stretches along a narrow path that feels endless once you’re inside. The air is cool and smells faintly of rain and wood. When the wind passes, the stalks move gently, creating a rhythm that makes the walk strangely calming. Early mornings are the best time to visit when the light is soft and the sound of footsteps echoes through the path.
Just nearby is Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Zen garden and views of the Arashiyama mountains. It’s one of those places where you can sit quietly, for a while and forget how close the city actually is. From there, a short walk leads to the Katsura River, where small boats drift along the water and the Togetsukyo Bridge comes into view. The scenery changes with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, glowing leaves in autumn, and a light mist in winter.
As the day fades, the Kimono Forest near Randen Arashiyama Station starts to glow. More than 600 glass pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabrics light up one by one, turning the path into a
soft, glowing walkway. Each pattern represents Kyoto’s traditional textile craft, blending the city’s old culture with a touch of modern art.
At the center sits the Dragon Pond, where people often pause to make a wish and watch the reflection of lights dance on the water. It’s a quiet spot that feels almost magical at night.
Whether it’s walking through the bamboo grove or seeing the Kimono Forest come alive after sunset, Arashiyama captures the beauty of Kyoto at its most natural and unhurried.
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Nishiki Market is one of those places that immediately pulls you in with its colors, sounds, and scents. The narrow street is lined with stalls that stretch endlessly, each one calling out with something freshly cooked, grilled, or fried. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” it is a spot where locals and visitors come together to eat, explore, and experience Kyoto in the most authentic way.
We came here without a checklist, just ready to wander and eat whatever looked good. The first thing that caught our eye was the grilled beef skewer. It was sizzling right on the grill, and the smoky aroma filled the air. The meat was juicy and tender with just a slight char that gave it that perfect flavor. It was simple but so satisfying, the kind of street food that makes you pause for a moment before taking the next bite.
Next, we stopped at a stall selling deep-fried skewers. The choices were endless, but we picked shrimp, pumpkin, and wagyu. Each one came out golden and crispy, still warm when served. The batter was light, not oily, and had the right crunch that made every bite addictive. The shrimp was sweet and soft inside, the pumpkin creamy and mild, and the wagyu rich and flavorful. Standing there with skewers in hand, surrounded by people doing the same, made it feel like a real Kyoto experience.
For something sweet, we ended our food stroll with strawberry mochi. The stall stood out immediately with its bright display of fresh strawberries and soft pink mochi. Each piece was made with a layer of chewy mochi wrapped around red bean paste and a whole strawberry in the center. The red bean was not too sweet, which made it pair beautifully with the fresh strawberry and soft mochi. The combination felt perfectly balanced, with the freshness of the fruit, the gentle sweetness of the bean, and the chewy texture of the mochi coming together like a small handmade dessert that does not try too hard to impress but still leaves you smiling. As we continued walking through the market, we saw stalls selling grilled seafood, tamagoyaki, and other snacks cooked right in front of us. Every few steps offered something new to taste. Even with the crowds,
the energy of the market felt warm and welcoming. Vendors chatted cheerfully with customers, offering samples or waving as people passed by.
