Togetsukyō Bridge at a glance
Togetsukyō crosses the Katsura River right in front of the Arashiyama mountain, and it is the landmark most visitors use to orient themselves. The riverbanks on both sides are free to walk, and the view changes with the light: calm in the morning, warm in the evening, and busy whenever the weather is good.
Demand is highest in the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. Boats on the river are a separate matter. The rowing boats and summer boats near the bridge are short local trips, while the long river run from Kameoka is the Hozugawa river boat ride, a different product with its own timetable.
Where to look at the bridge
Most people photograph the bridge from the banks of the Katsura, with the Arashiyama hills behind it. Walk to the middle of the bridge for the view up the river, then cross to the opposite bank and look back. Both banks have paths, so you can choose the side with fewer people.
At dusk the colours change, and the evening light is a popular time for photographs. The bridge stays a public space with no entry fee. Keep to the side so that others can pass, and do not stop in the middle of the walkway when it is crowded.
For a quiet look, check the crowd forecast for Arashiyama. It shows five comfort levels and has live cameras at places including the bamboo grove and Togetsukyō. It is a guide to the current situation, not a promise of empty paths.
Our pick: a walk that ends at the bridge
This walk finishes at Togetsukyō Bridge after a viewpoint above the river.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arashiyama tours and river trips
Guided walks, rickshaw rides and boat trips around Arashiyama, with live prices and availability.
Boats near the bridge
Two small boat offers start at the Katsura. Prices are in yen, as of 2026, and paid in cash.
| Rowing boat | Summer ukai boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | JPY 2,000 per boat | Adults JPY 3,000, children up to 12 JPY 1,500, up to 3 years free |
| People | Up to 3, babies included | Shared boat |
| Time | Up to 1 hour | About 1 hour |
| Season | Depends on the water level | 1 July to 23 September |
| Booking | On the day | On the day; groups of 10 adults or more can reserve |
The rowing boat price is for the boat, not per person. Confirm the fare at the pier before you pay. For a first visit with two or three people, the rowing boat is the simple choice. Pick the ukai boat only if you are in Arashiyama on a summer evening.
Summer ukai boat times
Ukai boats are the evening viewing boats of summer. They run in two periods.
- 1 July to 15 August: departures at 19:00 and 20:00.
- 17 August to 23 September: departures at 18:30 and 19:30.
- 16 August: no shared boat trips.
- Sign-up: opens at 18:00. Thunderstorms and heavy rain can cancel a trip at short notice.
Cherry blossom and autumn leaves
The bridge is at its busiest in the two colour seasons. In Kyoto the reference dates for cherry blossom are 26 March for first bloom and 4 April for full bloom, based on the years 1991 to 2020. In 2026 the first bloom came on 23 March and full bloom on 30 March. These are Kyoto reference trees, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise for Arashiyama.
For autumn leaves, a temple in Sagano gives the start of colour in the second week of November, the peak in mid to late November and the last colour until the first week of December. The hills behind the bridge follow the same season.
River safety
Water can rise fast
The Kyoto fire department warns about rapid rises in the water level, dangerous banks and trips in bad weather.
Life jackets
Wear a life jacket on any boat and keep an eye on children at the water's edge.
Local signs
Follow the prohibition signs you find on the banks.
Togetsukyō Bridge: frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Togetsukyō Bridge?
No. The bridge and the banks of the Katsura are public. Only the boats near the bridge cost money.
How much is a rowing boat?
JPY 2,000 per boat for up to 3 people, babies included, for up to 1 hour. Pay in cash, and confirm at the pier that the fare is per boat.
When do the summer ukai boats run?
From 1 July to 23 September. Adults pay JPY 3,000, children up to 12 pay JPY 1,500, and children up to 3 are free. Trips can be cancelled in thunderstorms or heavy rain.
Is this the same as the Hozugawa river boat?
No. The Hozugawa ride runs from Kameoka to Arashiyama and takes about 2 hours, depending on the water level. The rowing and ukai boats are short trips from the Katsura near the bridge.
Can I swim in the Katsura?
The fire department warns about fast-rising water and dangerous banks, so it is not a place to swim. Follow the local signs, and take a boat if you want to be on the water.
When is the bridge busiest?
In the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons. A crowd forecast with live cameras helps you choose a quieter time.