The Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the "Moon-Crossing Bridge" (our version has "Passing the Sky"), is located in Arashiyama, Kyoto Prefecture, not Tokyo.

Arashiyama is a small town located in the west of Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its traditional atmosphere and scenic beauty. One of the most popular attractions in Arashiyama is the Sagano Scenic Train, also known as the Romantic Train. This train takes passengers on a journey through the Sagano Bamboo Forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The train is very popular with tourists, so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds. To get to Arashiyama, you can take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. From Kameoka Station, you can walk to the Torokko Kameoka Station, which is the starting point for the Sagano Scenic Train. The train journey takes about 25 minutes and offers beautiful views of the countryside. The Sagano Scenic Train is a great way to experience the beauty of Arashiyama and is a must-do for any visitor to Kyoto.

The Sagano Torokko Train winds through the scenic Hozugawa River valley, connecting Saga-Arashiyama Station to Torokko Kameoka Station. This route is particularly popular during spring, when cherry blossoms paint the hillsides, and autumn, when the leaves transform into vibrant hues. While the foliage wasn't at its peak during our visit, the short 10-minute train ride offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For a mere 200 yen, this scenic journey is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.

Let's continue our journey to the heart of Arashiyama. What are the must-see attractions in the city? First, you must visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the Moon Crossing Bridge. This landmark (familiar to fans of the game Monopoly) is crucial for crossing into the southern part of Arashiyama, separated by the Katsura River (also known as the Hozugawa River, which changes its name upon reaching Arashiyama). Using the Togetsukyo Bridge as a central point, you can walk to various parts of the city, as shown on the map below. The distance from JR Arashiyama Station to the bridge is about a long walk. Aside from the small shops (the Kyo sweets are delicious), the main attraction is Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I would say that the furthest you can walk is to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, near the bridge, which will take up almost half a day.

Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama has served as a bustling commercial hub and a cherished leisure destination since ancient times. Its strategic location, situated midway between Osaka and Kyoto, has made it a pivotal point of connection. Notably, during the Heian period, when the capital of Japan transitioned from Nara to Kyoto over a millennium ago, Arashiyama flourished as a vibrant center of commerce and recreation.

Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of Arashiyama, where a single day can effortlessly slip away. Our final destination in this enchanting town is the renowned Tenryuji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple and the spiritual heart of Arashiyama. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryuji Temple also serves as the residence of the Rinzai sect's high priest. Established in 1339, the temple's construction coincides with the early Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods in Thailand. The Ashikaga Shogun, Takauji, commissioned its construction as a posthumous offering to Emperor Godaigo. Preceding the era of Ikkyu San by approximately 60 years, Tenryuji Temple stands as a testament to a time of conflict between the Emperor and the Shogun, culminating in the fictional Ashikaga Yoshimitsu's seizure of power from the Emperor.

However, the original temple was damaged by fire and numerous power struggles. The current temple structure is a reconstruction completed over a century ago.

That's all for now. Thank you for visiting.

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