The scenic Arashiyama area, beloved by aristocrats during the Heian period, is dotted with historic temples and shrines around its symbolic Togetsukyo Bridge. The strolling gardens of Tenryuji Temple, a World Heritage Site, are Japan's first historic site and a special place of scenic beauty, showcasing beautiful scenery in all four seasons. Enjoy boating on the Oi River, or stroll along the bamboo forest paths to visit the ancient temples of Sagano. New attractions, such as the recently opened Fukuda Art Museum and the newly renovated Saga Arashiyama Bunkakan Museum, are also attracting attention, making this an area you'll want to visit again and again as the seasons change.

Fushimi Inari Taisha, affectionately known as "Oinari-san," is the head shrine of the approximately 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan. Its history predates the relocation of the capital to Heian, and is said to have been founded in 711. It is said to bring blessings for business prosperity and safety for the home, and is crowded with worshippers throughout the year. The greatest attraction of this hugely popular Fushimi Inari Taisha is the "Thousand Torii Gates." The sight of the rows of vermilion-lacquered torii gates is simply breathtaking! This is said to be due to the widespread practice of offering torii gates as a token of gratitude for wishes that "may" be granted or that "have been granted." Considering its 1,300-year history, this seems quite recent.