Bamboo Grove. 🎍
Walking through thousands of soaring bamboo stalks is otherworldly. The green light is dim and magical. The sound of the stalks creaking in the wind is one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan."
Early Bird
It gets incredibly crowded. Arrive before 8:00 AM to have the path to yourself for photography.
Rickshaws
You can hire a traditional rickshaw puller who has access to a private, reserved path inside the grove away from tourists.
Monkey Park. 🐒
After a steep 20-minute hike up the mountain, you reach an open area where over 120 wild Japanese Macaques roam freely.
The View
The summit offers one of the best panoramic views of Kyoto city. You can see all the way to Kyoto Tower.
The Cage
Unusually, the humans are in the cage (a hut) while the monkeys are outside. You can feed them apples through the wire.
Eye Contact
Do not stare the monkeys in the eye. In macaque society, this is a sign of aggression and a challenge.
River Crossing
Moon Crossing
Togetsukyo Bridge. 🌉
The "Moon Crossing Bridge." A wooden bridge spanning the Katsura River. It has been the subject of paintings and poems for 400 years.
Boat Rental:
You can rent a small rowboat and paddle out onto the calm river. It is the most peaceful way to view the autumn leaves on the mountain.
Romantic Train. 🚂
An old-fashioned steam locomotive style train that winds slowly through the ravine along the Hozu River.
The Seasons
It is stunning in autumn (maples) and spring (cherries). The "Rich Car" (Car No. 5) is open-air without windows.
Hozugawa River Cruise
Many people take the train one way and take a traditional flat-bottomed boat ride back down the river rapids to return.