Discover a Quiet and Peaceful side of Kyoto
If you walk from Arashiyama toward the Oi River—which connects to the Hozu River upstream of the Togetsukyo Bridge—the bustling atmosphere of the tourist area gives way to a serene landscape.
This area holds a rich history; in the Heian period, nobles would float boats on the river to compose *waka* poetry and admire the scenery—a tradition that lives on today, as sightseeing *yakatabune* (roofed pleasure boats) can still be seen here.
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The Mitarashi Festival, commonly known as the “Ashitsuke Shinji” (Ritual of Dipping Feet), involves immersing one’s legs up to the knees in the spring water of the shrine’s Mitarashi Pond while offering a lantern and praying for good health and freedom from illness.
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Ajirogi-no-Michi is a charming, stone-paved promenade situated between Byodo-in Temple and the Uji River, offering scenic views that change with the seasons.
Byodo-in Temple itself boasts a thousand-year history and is a World Heritage Site; it houses numerous National Treasures and cultural assets, most notably the Phoenix Hall (Ho-o-do).
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During the Momoyama period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi constructed an earthen rampart known as the “Odoi” to mark the boundary between the city and its outskirts and to provide flood protection.
A section of this rampart still remains on the western side of the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine grounds, preserved as the “Odoi Maple Garden” (a designated historic site).
The view featuring the vermilion bridge spanning the Kamiya River set against the fresh green maple leaves is truly magnificent.
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Located in Yase at the foot of Mount Hiei, this Jodo Shinshu temple offers a breathtaking sight: the fresh green maple leaves of the garden reflected on the floors and tables.
The temple building is renowned for its *sukiya-zukuri* style *shoin* (study hall).
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