Arashiyama to Daigo-ji Temple

Language

The official language of Japan is Japanese. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including Kyoto.

Currency

The currency of Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). As of July 2023, 1 USD is approximately equal to 135 JPY.

Distance

Arashiyama is located about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) west of downtown Kyoto. Daigo-ji Temple is located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) south of Arashiyama.

How to Reach

Arashiyama

• By train: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 240 JPY (one way).
• By bus: Take bus number 28 from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae bus stop. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 220 JPY (one way).

Daigo-ji Temple

• By train: Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from Kyoto Station to Daigo Station. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 240 JPY (one way).
• By bus: Take bus number 11 from Kyoto Station to Daigo-ji Temple bus stop. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs 220 JPY (one way).

Expenses

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Arashiyama and Daigo-ji Temple is during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, the temples and surrounding areas are beautiful year-round.

What to Eat

There are many restaurants and cafes in Arashiyama and Daigo-ji Temple that offer a variety of Japanese cuisine. Some popular dishes include:

• Soba noodles: Buckwheat noodles served in a cold or hot broth.
• Tempura: Deep-fried seafood and vegetables.
• Sushi: Raw fish or seafood served over rice.
• Ramen: Noodle soup with a variety of toppings.
• Mochi: A sweet rice cake with a chewy texture.

Where to Go

Arashiyama

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: A picturesque forest of towering bamboo trees.
• Tenryuji Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful gardens.
• Sagano Scenic Railway: A scenic train ride through the Sagano Valley.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: A wooden bridge that offers stunning views of the Arashiyama Mountains.
• Iwatayama Monkey Park: A park where you can interact with friendly monkeys.

Daigo-ji Temple

• Main Hall: The largest wooden structure in Japan.
• Sanboin Temple: A sub-temple known for its beautiful autumn foliage.
• Shimo-Daigo: A lower temple complex with a picturesque pond.
• Samboso: A museum that houses a collection of Buddhist art and artifacts.
• Reihokan: A museum that exhibits the history of Daigo-ji Temple.

FAQ

• Is it difficult to get to Arashiyama and Daigo-ji Temple? No, both places are easily accessible by train or bus from Kyoto Station.
• How much time should I allow for my visit? I recommend allowing at least half a day for each place. However, you could easily spend a full day exploring each area.
• Are there any other attractions nearby? Yes, there are several other temples and shrines in the Arashiyama and Daigo-ji Temple areas. You can also visit the nearby Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is known for its thousands of red torii gates.
• What should I wear? I recommend wearing comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. It is also a good idea to wear layers as the weather can change quickly in Kyoto.
• Is there anything else I should know? I recommend purchasing a JR Pass if you plan on using the train extensively. This pass will give you unlimited access to most JR trains for a set period of time.