All Reviews of Togetsukyo Bridge

When visiting Arashiyama, you definitely can’t miss its most iconic landmark—Togetsukyo Bridge. Spanning the Katsura River with the mountains of Arashiyama behind it, the bridge, river, and mountain scenery come together to create a scene full of Kyoto charm. It’s no wonder this became a classic landscape in Katsushika Hokusai’s woodblock prints.

I was really lucky on this visit and had exceptionally good weather. The blue sky and white clouds were reflected in the clear Katsura River, while the distant mountains looked especially lush and green in the sunlight. The scenery was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. Standing on the bridge in the gentle breeze, watching the river flow slowly by, with the surrounding scenery all around me, felt especially relaxing. There aren’t many elaborate buildings, yet it has a very pure kind of Kyoto beauty.

You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, and every season has its own character. But what I liked most was the clear, beautiful weather I had this time. When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, take a walk across Togetsukyo Bridge, admire the mountains and the water, and experience Arashiyama’s laid-back, romantic atmosphere.

Spanning the Katsura River, the bridge is about 155 meters long and has a traditional Japanese style. Its wooden railings complement the natural scenery, giving it a rustic and elegant appearance. Togetsukyo Bridge has a very long history. It was first built around the Heian period and was later rebuilt several times due to flooding and other causes. The current bridge was completed in 1934. Legend has it that Retired Emperor Kameyama was viewing the moon from the bridge and saw it appear to cross over the bridge, so he named it “Togetsukyo,” or “Moon Crossing Bridge.” When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring and the maple leaves turn red in fall, the bridge, mountains, and water complement one another, creating especially beautiful scenery.

Emperor Kameyama of the Kamakura period saw the moon slowly moving above the bridge and thought it looked like the moon was crossing it, so the bridge was named Togetsukyo Bridge. Also, nearby Horinji Temple has a tradition called Jusan Mairi, in which 13-year-old children pray for wisdom. On the way back across Togetsukyo Bridge, they must not look back, or the wisdom they just gained will disappear. Later, a legend also arose that couples crossing the bridge must not look back, or they will break up. This was also a filming location for Detective Conan: Crimson Love Letter. It's really beautiful, and I think it would be even prettier when the maple leaves turn red.

Togetsukyo Bridge is about 155 meters long. Its name comes from Emperor Kameyama, who remarked that the moon appeared to be crossing the bridge. The scenery is captivating in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and occasional snow in winter. Each season draws large crowds of visitors.

Arashiyama at the end of summer doesn’t have as many tourists, so it feels super pleasant to walk around! Standing on Togetsukyo Bridge with the breeze blowing, looking at the lush green mountains and the clear river, made me feel really peaceful. Even though the fall leaves weren’t out yet, this fresh and uncrowded side of Arashiyama actually made me like it even more!

Looking out at Togetsukyo Bridge from the banks of the Katsura River felt like stepping into a landscape painting. Even though it was cloudy when I visited, the combination of the pine trees along the shore, the gently flowing river, the rustic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the mountains in the background looked like a scene carefully arranged by nature.

At night, the bridge was lit up. The visual impact wasn’t quite as strong as during the day, but the overall atmosphere had a different kind of charm. It truly deserves to be one of Arashiyama’s iconic landmarks!

It looks even better in person than in photos. The river views with the mountain backdrop are so relaxing!

This has always been a fantastic spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In summer, you can take a yakatabune boat and watch cormorant fishing. It's one of Kyoto's most popular attractions.

I thought it was a wooden bridge, but when I got closer, I realized it's actually made of reinforced concrete. The Oi River below has shallow, gentle water.

I bet this place looks amazing when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring.