What other travelers are saying about Togetsukyo Bridge
Extremely crowded area this time of year. However, when you're on the bridge, it really is a beautiful site of the lake and mountains. There were boats taking customers around and other what appeared to be private boats. The water level at the bridge wasn't deep and was able to see fish and turtles.
Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋）is a 155-meter bridge built across the Katsura River, which flows through Saga Arashiyama , a well-known place of scenic beauty in the western hills of Kyoto. The artistic form of the bridge embodies the aesthetic sense that is at the heart of the Japan artistic tradition. The name Togetsu, meaning moon crossing, stems from a tale involving the Kamakura period Emperor Kameyama. During a boating party under a full moon, the emperor thought the moon looked like it was crossing the bridge. The first bridge here was built in 836, while the current one was finished in 1934. Although the bridge appears to be made of wood, its columns and beams are reinforced concrete, and only the parapets are made from cypress. There are a number of souvenir shops next to the bridge. Rickshaws shuttle back and forth, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era of Japan.
The bridge is accessible by train.
Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station. Alternatively, you can take the Keifuku Arashiyama Main Line to Arashiyama Station. The bridge is a one-minute walk.
This bridge should be on your walking path in this area. When you cross the river to the other side you get to see stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The bridge links the residential/commercial area near the main train station with the touristy area with cute little shops and the monkey park.
This is how the river looked in early April. You can see cherry trees on the mountains and a few very nice ones in this area.
The bridge sidewalk is very small on both sides so it gets really crowded here around noon. Best to walk through this area in the morning, the only thing is most shops don’t open until around 11AM and that’s when it gets busy.
Free experience. We arrived here by boat cruise and departed by bus. Bus stop is right there.
In case you missed it: The name Togetsu means "Crossing Moon," and is said to have been given by Retired Emperor Klamey ima, as he observed the moon crossing the sky from east to west. The Togetsu-kyo Bridge has a venerable history of over 1.000 years.
In 2005, the Arashiyama Preservation Society Hydro-Power Station was built along the river. Water from the Katsura River is used to generate electricity for the foot lights illuminating the bridge as the sun sets.
After a long stroll through the Bambo forest, stop by here to get one of the most serene views you will find. It is so perfect here. The sounds will instantly heal you.
Just sit here, take it all in, close your eyes and just relax. The sights of the mountain backdrop with the river flowing, and the beautiful sky above makes the experience so worth it.
