HOME Back

Use the

Planning a Trip to Japan?

Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp

Togetsukyo Bridge 渡月橋

Togetsu-kyo Bridge Togetsu-kyo Bridge
Togetsu-kyo Bridge Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Spanning the beauty of Kyoto's countryside

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.

Don't Miss

  • Taking a rickshaw ride over the river
  • Dining at one of the many restaurants at either end of the bridge

Quick Facts

The bridge is a popular location for period films

Cormorant fishing is done near the bridge on summer nights

How to Get There

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.

Where the moon crosses a bridge

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.

Memorable seasonal views

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.



* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

Recommended for You

Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryuji Temple
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages