The South Bank of Arashiyama: The Monkey Mountain and Horin-ji Temple

Cross Togetsukyo Bridge, a famous symbol of Arashiyama, to the south and head to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, where Japanese macaques live in a wild state. After coming down the mountain, look out over Sagano from the stage of Horin-ji Temple, affectionately known as "Saga-no-Kokuzo-san." This is a half-day walking route on the south bank of Arashiyama that can be enjoyed with family.

History and Local Charm

The Oi River flowing at the foot of Arashiyama is also called the Katsura River, flowing to separate Sagano and Arashiyama. Togetsukyo Bridge, which spans this river, has long had deep ties with Horin-ji Temple on the south bank. Horin-ji Temple is said to have begun when Gyoki built halls and a pagoda in the 6th year of Wado (713). It is also told that Dosho, a senior disciple of Kukai, carved a statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu (Akasagarbha) and enshrined it as the principal image. The bridge's origin is said to date back to the Jowa Era (834–848) of the Heian period, when Dosho built it. Because Horin-ji Temple was south of the bridge, it was also called Horin-ji Bridge.

On the south bank of Togetsukyo Bridge, up in the mountains of Arashiyama, lies Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. Primatologists from Kyoto University began researching the monkeys here in 1954 and also cooperated in establishing the facility in 1957. University researchers still visit periodically to continue their studies today. The charm of Arashiyama's south bank is the coexistence of the history of the ancient bridge and temple alongside the lives of wild monkeys.

Major Highlights

• ​Togetsukyo Bridge​​: A 155-meter-long bridge that forms a unified landscape with Arashiyama behind it. It is said that Retired Emperor Kameyama watched the moon moving across the sky above the bridge and remarked that the sight was "like a flawless moon crossing over", which gave Togetsukyo Bridge its name. The current bridge was completed in the 9th year of Showa (1934), and Japanese cypress (hinoki) is used for its railings.
• ​Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama​​: Around 120 Japanese macaques roam freely inside the unfenced park grounds. From the rest area at an altitude of 160 meters, you can overlook the city of Kyoto, and from inside the rest area, you can feed the monkeys through wire mesh. Baby monkeys are born from late March to early September.
• ​Horin-ji Temple​​: From the observation deck called the stage to the right of the main hall, you can look out across Sagano, including Togetsukyo Bridge. Along the stone steps, Dendengu Shrine, which protects electricity and radio waves, is enshrined. The temple is known for "Jusan-mairi," where children aged 13 by traditional reckoning visit to receive wisdom. The visit periods are from March 13 to May 13 in spring, and October through November in autumn.

Suggested Route & Travel Time

The overall time needed is about 4 hours. Togetsukyo Bridge is a 2-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station and an 8-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Cross the bridge to the south and walk about 20 meters upstream along the river; on the left side of the grounds of Ichiidani Munakata-jinja Shrine, you will find the entrance to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. From the entrance to the area where the monkeys are is about a 20-minute uphill climb, starting with 120 steps followed by a gentle slope. It is best to wear comfortable walking shoes. Because the monkeys are wild, please follow the park rules: do not touch them, do not stare directly into their eyes, and stay about 2 meters away when observing them.

After descending the mountain, head toward Horin-ji Temple. Horin-ji Temple is about 160 meters south of the monkey park. Pass through the mountain gate, climb the stone steps, pass Dendengu Shrine, and the main hall will come into view in front of you. After paying your respects, you can return north about 320 meters to Togetsukyo Bridge, or walk about 5 minutes to Hankyu Arashiyama Station.

Experience Summary

Look up at Arashiyama from Togetsukyo Bridge, observe the lives of the monkeys up close on the mountain, and look down at the bridge you crossed from the stage of Horin-ji Temple. When crossing back over Togetsukyo Bridge on your way home, recall the legend of Jusan-mairi, which says that looking back toward the temple will return the wisdom you were granted.