From late spring to early summer, Kyoto’s Arashiyama is enveloped in fresh green foliage, creating a picture‑perfect landscape.
After the cherry blossoms, as the scene calms down a bit, this is an ideal time for couples to enjoy a special day in serene Kyoto.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Arashiyama and Matsuo Taisha offer countless Instagram‑worthy spots. Grab your camera and capture memories together!
Duration: Approx. 6–7 hours
(Includes travel time and breaks—designed for a relaxed pace.)
9:30 Meet at Hankyu Arashiyama Station
Let’s meet at Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
Step outside and feel the excitement—this is the iconic scenery of Arashiyama. Early mornings in the fresh green season offer a refreshing atmosphere, and you’ll find spots less crowded.
10:00 Stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge along the Katsura River
Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama’s symbol. Set up your camera here first. The fresh greenery of the mountains and the calm Katsura River form a painting‑like scene.
Walking slowly across the bridge and taking photos of each other is fun. With seasonal changes in the scenery, you’ll feel that every visit is fresh and new.
10:30 Enjoy a serene moment in the garden of Tenryu‑ji Temple
Tenryu‑ji, a short walk from Togetsukyo Bridge, is a World Heritage site. Its garden is especially beautiful.
Stroll through the garden, basking in the lush fresh greenery. The reflection of trees on the temple pond creates a mirror‑like beauty.
11:30 Immerse yourselves in the enchanting Bamboo Grove and visit Nonomiya Shrine
Next, head to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walking through dense bamboo feels like entering another world.
After the grove, reach Nonomiya Shrine, famous for matchmaking. Visit together and send a wish for your future as a couple.
12:30 Lunch by the river in Arashiyama
For lunch, visit a riverside eatery in Arashiyama to enjoy soba or Shojin cuisine. The unique Kotogase Chaya even offers a boat ride to the restaurant. Enjoy various dishes—grilled squid, tempura, dango, zenzai, yakisoba—while feeling the river’s presence.
Walk upriver on the north bank from Togetsukyo Bridge to the boat dock. Take the yellow boat to reach Kotogase Chaya!
Alternatively, at Arashiyama Yoshimura on the same bank, relax with soba overlooking the river. Enjoy scenic views of greenery along with delicious food. The dishes are Instagram‑worthy, with Togetsukyo Bridge in the background.
14:00 Head to Matsuo Taisha, cycling along the Katsura River
After lunch, take a short trip to Matsuo Taisha.
Rent a bicycle and enjoy a comfortable ride along the river. Feel the sounds of the Katsura River and view the fresh greenery as you cycle—a perfect date experience. You can also take cute couple shots with cherry blossoms or fresh leaves in the background.
14:30 Make a match‑making wish at Matsuo Taisha
At Matsuo Taisha, pray to the god of sake and matchmaking. In the Shofu‑en Garden, enjoy mossy landscapes and fresh greenery.
The rows of sake barrels make a popular photo spot, and the metal “stroking turtle” (nadekame‑san) is a fun, Instagram‑worthy find. Buy an omamori (protective charm) as a keepsake.
15:30 Take a cafe break in Arashiyama
After visiting Matsuo Taisha, return to Arashiyama and relax in a café.
You can visit popular spots like “Pain & Espresso at Fukuda Museum” or “Arashiyama OMOKAGE Terrace,” or enjoy matcha sweets or yuba cheese while strolling. Perfect for a small sweet craving.
16:30 Cherish a twilight moment at Togetsukyo Bridge
As the sun starts to dip, return to Togetsukyo Bridge. The evening sky, fresh green mountains, and river flow create a romantic atmosphere.
Capture a final photo together to close your day.
17:30 Depart from Arashiyama Station
End your peaceful day in the fresh greenery and head home from Arashiyama Station. It takes around one hour to Namba or Shinsaibashi , Osaka’s best restaurant district for dinner ,via Hankyu and Osaka metro (change at Katsura,Osaka Umeda).It’s perfect timing for dinner.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a date night at EXPO CITY in Osaka. It’s about 45 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama (closest station: Osaka Monorail – Banpaku Kinen Koen).
Enjoy dinner and a movie at Lalaport, or ride the popular Osaka Wheel. It’s open until 8 pm on weekdays and 9 pm on weekends.
Final Thoughts (Perfect for those who worry about planning!)
Arashiyama in fresh green season is perfect for a calm and relaxing date to create wonderful memories and beautiful photos. But it’s natural to feel anxious about whether the plan is enjoyable or well‑organized—especially for early or important dates.
That’s why…
Enjoy a **rickshaw ride** in Arashiyama. The drivers are not only expert guides but also excellent photographers!
Not just an attraction—if you’d like guidance along the way, a rickshaw ride is perfect. They often wait upstream on the north bank near Togetsukyo Bridge. Feel the spring‑end to early‑summer breeze and enjoy a heart‑warming date.