Échiré Pâtisserie au Beurre - Tokyu Food Show Edge Store | Review by Gina C

In Kyoto’s Arashiyama, besides Togetsukyo Bridge and the Sagano Bamboo Forest path, there’s another very interesting attraction: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama! Its biggest highlight is the chance to observe the Japanese macaques living on the mountain up close. For animal lovers, it’s a very special experience.

However, seeing the monkeys isn’t as simple as just walking into the park. You first have to hike uphill along a mountain trail, which can be a little tiring for people who don’t exercise much! You can enjoy the surrounding natural scenery along the way. Once you finally reach the top, you can see the monkeys roaming freely around the park and look out over the city of Kyoto from above. When the weather is good, the view is quite nice.

As soon as you enter the bamboo grove, towering bamboo rises straight into the sky on both sides, with layers of dense bamboo leaves overlapping to form a lush green tunnel. Walking through it feels like entering another world, surrounded by emerald-green bamboo. It feels especially peaceful and is a striking contrast to Kyoto's bustling streets.

Sunlight filters through the gaps in the bamboo leaves, accompanied by the rustling sound of the leaves in the gentle breeze. The whole scene has the distinctive atmosphere of a Japanese garden.

When visiting Arashiyama in Kyoto, Togetsukyo Bridge is definitely a classic attraction you shouldn't miss! The bridge spans the Katsura River and is surrounded by Arashiyama's natural scenery. Together with the Japanese-style streets and mountain views, it is full of Kyoto charm. Whether you come to see the cherry blossoms in spring, the fall foliage in autumn, or just take a walk, you can enjoy the beauty of each season.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side when I visited Togetsukyo Bridge this time, and it happened to be raining. Not only was the sky gray and gloomy, but the river had also turned muddy from the rain, losing its usual clear, emerald-green appearance. It was a bit of a shame! I had hoped to photograph the beautiful combination of blue sky, river, and distant mountains, but instead I could only admire a different side of Togetsukyo Bridge in the rain.

Although the weather wasn't ideal, standing on the bridge and watching the Katsura River flow slowly, with the distant mountains shrouded in rain and mist, created the atmosphere of a Japanese ink painting. After visiting Togetsukyo Bridge, you can also stroll around the nearby Arashiyama shopping street, enjoy some food, buy souvenirs, and experience Kyoto's leisurely pace of travel.