Hiking West of Arashiyama

On a recent trip west of Arashiyama, we ended up on an unintentional day hike. From what we read online, if you got off the train west of Arashiyama, you could walk back along the river on a nice, quiet walk. What the websites don't tell you, is that this "nice walk" is actually a 5-6 mile hike. Thankfully the trail is also a road, so it's well paved and does not require any extra gear.

To get to to the "trail head" take the Tozai line train west, past Arashiyama out to the hozukyo train station. Leave the train and take the stairs underneath the tracks, exit the "train station" (I won't ruin for you why that's in quotes). Walk through the parking lot to the road, and you will have hit the trail. To follow the path we took, turn right and start walking. Stay on the main road and you will not get lost.

If you are looking for a great lunch spot to picnic, turn left instead of right, walk about 40 feet and you will see a little paved path leading down. One of the rafting groups uses this as their place to exit the river, so it usually has a couple people hanging out and swimming in the river.

Towards the end of the hike, you will end up in the outskirts of Arashiyama. The small town has an antique shop with lots of cool little items, a sakery with great sake, and lots of cool traditional style houses/roofs.

here are a few photos of the hike:

Towards the end of the hike, you will come across a small town. There are several popular temples around the town, as well as some cool art and historical things to see.