Togetsukyo Bridge 渡月橋

Togetsukyo is a 155-meter bridge built across the Katsura River, which flows leisurely 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 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.

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 at the foot of the bridge. Rickshaws shuttle back and forth, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a bygone era of Japan.

Arashiyama is the mountain south of the bridge. Its tree-covered slopes take on the pink hue of cherry blossoms in spring, and are blanketed by fiery red maple leaves during autumn. Under the snows of winter, the mountain looks like a scene from an ink landscape painting.