Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Togetsukyo Bridge (literally "moon crossing bridge"), which spans the Katsura River, is one of the highlights and iconic landmarks within the beautiful Arashiyama district in Kyoto. When crossing the 155-meter long bridge enjoy the stunning scenery, especially during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaves season. From the outside, it looks like the whole bridge is a wooden construction, but only the railing is made of cypress. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The columns and beans are reinforced concrete. It is interesting to know that the bridge marks the point where the Hozu River (Hozugawa) changes its name to Katsura River (Katsuragawa). Many rickshaw shuttles will cross the bridge during your visit. It gives this whole area a feeling of the old Kyoto times during the Heian Period (794 - 1185). If you are interested in watching cormorant fishing at the end of the summer this is the place to be. Togetsukyo Bridge was featured in literature, poetry, ukiyo-e prints (woodblock prints and paintings), Japanese movies, TV shows, and commercials. Take a relaxing stroll along the river banks and enjoy the view of this beautiful bridge. If you have some time left start feeding some hungry carp (koi) in the river:) My tip: Come here early in the morning to enjoy the quiet scenery, before it's full of tourists.

• Togetsukyo Bridge:
• Open - daily, 24/7
• Admission fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

The history of the Togetsukyo Bridge dates back hundreds of years. In 836 the first bridge was built at this place. The whole structure was many times destroyed by floods and war, but always rebuilt afterwards. The original wooden bridge was vermillion-colored and its location was 200 meters upstream from where it is now. The current concrete construction was completed in 1934. This place became especially popular during the Heian Period (794 - 1185) when the ruling class enjoyed here moon-viewing parties. Emperor Kameyama (1249 - 1305) gave the bridge its poetic name. He mentioned during a late-night party on a boat under the full moon that the moon looked like it was crossing the bridge. From 1853 to 1856 Japanese artist Hiroshige (1797 - 1858) created a beautiful and well-known series of ukiyo-e prints called Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces, which included the Togetsukyo Bridge.

Sightseeing spots near Togetsukyo Bridge

Top:

Cherry blossoms and fall foliage - Enjoy the great views and have your camera ready to capture these moments of beauty of the surrounding mountains.

Boat cruise - Rent a boat near the Togetsukyo Bridge and start exploring the Katsura River and the surrounding area.

Tenryuji Temple - The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1339 and belongs to the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Do not miss the beautiful gardens. Read more >

Arashiyama Sagano Bamboo Grove - It is one of the top sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Walk through the grove and enjoy the moment. Read more >

Rakushisha Residence or Poet’s Hut - Mukai Kyorai (1651 – 1704), a haiku poet, who lived here in the 17th century was the student of Basho Matsuo (1644 – 1694), one of the most famous poets in Japan. Read more >

Festival & Events in Kyoto(dates can change without notice)

February

Setsubun (3rd)
One day before spring arrives (lunar calendar) the Setsubun is celebrated. Bean-throwing (Mame maki) ceremonies are held at shrines in Kyoto to get good fortune for the year. Do not miss the bonfire in the evening.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Ochatsubo Dochu (1st)
The Ochatsubo Dochu or Traveling Tea Canisters festival dates back to the Edo Period. It represents the practice of showing the new tea harvest from Uji to the ruling shogun in the old days. Now during the parade large ceramic containers with tea are carried by people wearing traditional costumes from Kennin-ji Temple to Yasaka Shrine.

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamo Shrines. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

Mifune Matsuri (third Sunday of May)
20 boats recreate the scenery of an ancient boat party. Approximately 100000 tourists come to this festival every year and witness a beautiful spectacle. People dressed in traditional costumes proceed along the amazing Togetsu-kyo Bridge, board the boats, and follow the river through Arashiayama.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.