Morning
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The famous towering bamboo forest. Yes, it will be crowded by mid-morning — that's the reality of visiting one of Japan's most photographed spots. It's still beautiful and worth seeing! The bamboo towers overhead and the light filtering through is impressive even with crowds.
Walk through: The grove itself is a short walk (10-15 min), but the surrounding area has more to explore.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Hike up a hill to hang out with wild Japanese macaques. You can feed them from inside a hut (they roam free, you're "caged")!
The hike: ~20 minute uphill walk. Worth it for the monkeys AND the view of Kyoto.
Tip: Don't make eye contact or show teeth — monkeys see it as aggression!
River Area + Kakigori
The Arashiyama area along the river is pleasant for strolling. Find a cafe, get some kakigori (shaved ice), rest before heading back to central Kyoto.
Afternoon
Kyoto International Manga Museum
A whole museum dedicated to manga! Great for the teens. The building is a converted elementary school with walls of manga you can actually read.
Highlights:
- 300,000+ manga volumes
- Read manga on the lawn or in reading rooms
- Exhibits on manga history and culture
- Portrait artists who'll draw you manga-style
Evening — RIVERSIDE TERRACE DINNER
🍽️ Riverside Terrace Dinner (yuka/kawadoko)
The Kyoto summer highlight: a course meal served on a terrace over the river. July is peak yuka season, with a cool breeze off the water and a magical atmosphere at dusk.
Booked: July 23, 7:00 PM · 4 people · course meal prepared on the terrace
Reservation ID: GSLCJ3 · Tel: 075-365-0777
Address: 140-25 Nishiishigaki-dori Shijo Sagaru Saito-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8012 (Kiyamachi/Shijo area, ~10 min from Gion)
After Dinner
An easy stroll along the Kamogawa River to settle in. Tomorrow: Gion Matsuri (Ato Matsuri) in the morning, then on to Osaka — consider doing laundry tonight and packing up.
Getting to Arashiyama
From central Kyoto, several options:
- JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama (~15 min)
- Hankyu Line to Arashiyama Station
- Keifuku Randen tram line (scenic, old-school)
Reservations
Riverside Terrace Dinner — BOOKED
July 23, 7:00 PM · 4 people · course meal on the terrace.
Reservation ID: GSLCJ3 · Tel: 075-365-0777
140-25 Nishiishigaki-dori Shijo Sagaru Saito-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8012. Arrive a few minutes early; call the restaurant if you're running late.
Manga Museum: No reservation needed — just show up!
Why This Day Works
- Arashiyama is best early morning before peak heat
- Monkey park has tree cover for shade
- Manga Museum is the perfect AC escape for afternoon heat
- Teens get monkeys AND 300,000 manga volumes to dig through
- Evening rewards the day with a booked riverside terrace dinner before tomorrow’s festival
Family Notes
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