Hidden in the serene hillsides of Sagano in Kyoto lie three connected spots where nature and faith converge: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Kiyotaki, and Mount Atago. This route offers a journey through quiet forests, mountain paths, sacred temples, and seasonal landscapes.
In the early morning, standing on Togetsukyo Bridge, the Katsura River holds the light, and the mountains quietly cast their shadows. Ah, so refreshing♪
Though they seemed reluctant at first, once we arrived here their spirits lifted 😄. Even when we asked them, ‘Point toward the mountains like a guidebook photo, please!’ they cheerfully obliged. Much obliged indeed.
And so, off we went, step by step, setting forth toward Sagano.
1. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji — The Temple of a Thousand Arhats
In the western part of Kyoto, quietly nestled in the depths of Saga, lies Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Far removed from the bustle of popular tourist spots, this place is wrapped in a calming silence that soothes the heart. Around 1,200 moss-covered stone statues of Rakan stand in rows, as if guiding the steps of visitors, their presence blending with the colors of each season to create unforgettable travel memories.
By the way, the admission fee is 500 yen.
A distant view from the inner grounds reveals a truly breathtaking sight—the slope densely lined with countless Rakan statues. I became so absorbed in taking photos that I forgot the time, forgot my work, and even forgot about the samurai waiting outside.
The samurai are adults, after all, so leaving them on their own is no problem. For a while, I set them out of mind and kept clicking away with my camera.
Some Rakan statues, perhaps buried by the passing years, now appear with only their heads emerging from the ground—giving them a slightly eerie presence.
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji offers a charm unlike Kyoto’s more famous landmarks. It is like a “hidden village,” where one can avoid the crowds and experience the city’s deeper, more subtle beauty. Immersing yourself in its silence while savoring the changing seasons will surely become an unforgettable memory for anyone who visits. I truly recommend coming here at least once.
I’ve also taken a video for you to enjoy—please have a look.
２.Sensing the Lingering Summer and the Hints of Autumn in Kiyotaki
Leaving Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, the path leads toward Kiyotaki (清滝), a gorge with a fresh mountain stream running through it.
The clear, flowing waters and forested ravines offer a cool, relaxing environment — a classic “nature retreat” setting that contrasts with more crowded tourist zones.
In summer, the stream’s refreshment is especially welcome; autumn brings fiery foliage that colors the valley.
As you walk along the gorge, listening to the murmur of the river and the songs of birds, you encounter an experience unique to Sagano, where nature, history, and literature intertwine. Surely, each scene of Kiyotaki will be etched into your heart as an unforgettable memory of the journey.
Whether it is the season of fresh green leaves, the early summer nights when fireflies dance, or the height of summer when travelers seek coolness in the shade and water, Kiyotaki offers delight in every visit. Yet above all, the autumn season, when the river’s surface turns a vivid crimson with the reflection of autumn leaves, is most highly recommended. Together with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, this is surely a place one ought to visit at least once.
3. Mount Atago & Atago Shrine — Climbing toward the Sacred Peak
Huff, puff, huff, puff 💦
After walking from Togetsukyo Bridge to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and then on to Kiyotaki, even my senior samurai looks quite exhausted—but we must press on.
“Here stands the first torii gate of Atago Shrine, at the foot of Mt. Atago.”
Atago Shrine has long been revered as the ‘God of Fire Prevention,’ and visiting here allows one to pray for safety on one’s journey and peace in daily life.
With the scenic valleys of Sagano-Arashiyama and the clear waters of Kiyotaki as a backdrop, the mountain path where nature and faith intertwine grants visitors a quiet sense of inner peace and a gentle awareness of the changing seasons.
From here, one can take in the distant mountain ranges, hear the wind sweeping through the valleys, and behold the changing colors of the season — all at once — while the weariness of the journey gently melts away.
And so, onward to the summit!
Or so we would have said… but the samurai companions gave up. Even though the air had cooled, climbing in full armor in 33°C heat was deemed too dangerous. We reluctantly turned back at this point. The summit was only about 40 minutes further, but sadly, we were unable to visit Atago Shrine that day.
With a single breath carried by the mountain wind, even the hardship of the climb now feels distant. The vivid colors of the trees and the clear blue sky embrace the heart, while the autumn foliage and the murmuring streams of the valley enrich the traveler’s memories, leaving a quiet light engraved within the soul.
If you come in early spring or around autumn, the ascent is easier, so I encourage you to challenge yourself to reach the summit! From an elevation of over 900 meters, the sweeping view of Saga-Arashiyama unfolds below, where the remnants of summer mingle with the onset of autumn—offering an unforgettable experience of Kyoto’s ever-changing seasons.
4. Ending with Rest — Hirano-ya & Kyoto’s Culinary Delights
Our final recommended spot is ‘Hiranoya,’ a historic ryotei-style inn with over 400 years of history. Here, one can savor their specialty ayu (sweetfish) dishes and seasonal Kyoto cuisine within a charming thatched-roof building — truly a renowned establishment.
Now, a moment to rest.
Savoring the roasted aroma of kinako-dusted rice dumplings with a cup of matcha—sweetness that seeps into a weary body is truly a delight.
The path through Kiyotaki’s cool streams, the prayers at Atago Shrine, and the summit of Mount Atago is a journey that reflects the heart itself. Surrendering to this road of autumn’s joy, one should engrave the quiet yet profound emotion deep within the soul.
“Mt. Atago, still watching over the people of Kyoto, offers its timeless presence to all who visit. In its enduring form, every traveler’s heart finds peace, and one feels deeply the passing of the seasons.”
“That’s it—become a samurai! An armor-wearing experience while touring the sights of Arashiyama, Kyoto.”
How about a samurai photo tour, wearing armor while visiting Arashiyama’s two major attractions — Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove — and also the historic Sagano spot we’ve just introduced, Hiranoya? A professional photographer will capture your journey along the way.
Enjoying the natural beauty of Arashiyama and a matcha experience in a charming Japanese-style house will make your Kyoto trip, or even your Japan trip, an unforgettable memory. Experiencing the scenic wonders of Sagano with all five senses, and doing so in full samurai armor, will surely leave a lasting impression on the heart.
Perfect for a husband’s birthday, a graduation trip, or Respect-for-the-Aged Day. Plus, transportation during the shoot is by car, so it’s comfortable and easy! ^^
SHOGUN STUDIO JAPAN
2F, 4-1 Sagatenryuji Imahoricho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Your wish can come true with the Samurai Armor Experience in Arashiyama, Kyoto — a location photography plan.
