After exploring the main areas of Kyoto’s Arashiyama, such as the Torokko train, bamboo groves, and Monkey Park, we moved on to the next destination. Since we had a dinner reservation at Giou, we decided to leisurely make our way to Giou and take a short break at a cafe overlooking the Kamo River.
To get to Giou, we considered various transportation options and found that using the Hankyu Railway seemed to be the fastest and most convenient.
Kyoto Arashiyama – Hankyu Arashiyama Station
When we first entered Arashiyama, we used the JR line from Kyoto Station. However, when heading to Giou from Arashiyama, it seemed more convenient to utilize the Hankyu Railway. Perhaps this was influenced by our itinerary, which involved visiting the Torokko train, bamboo groves, and Monkey Park in that order. Since the Monkey Park is located south of Togetsukyo Bridge, it made more sense to head to the Hankyu Arashiyama Station in the southern direction rather than retracing our steps and taking a train from Arashiyama Station.
Clean and Convenient Travel with Hankyu Railway
Hankyu Arashiyama Station is found south of Arashiyama, allowing us to reach the station without having to pass through Arashiyama Park. Although the station felt somewhat secluded, it maintained a clean and charming atmosphere.
Moreover, upon entering through the gate and tapping the card, we immediately accessed the train platform. This direct transition from the entrance to the train platform is an advantage unique to older train systems. Being able to board the train and move above ground without descending into the subway, a feature not commonly found in South Korea, gives a nostalgic feel, akin to traveling through time.
While South Korea boasts a more advanced subway system, the inconvenience lies in deep underground stations, requiring considerable time to navigate from entrance to platform. In Japan, older stations like Arashiyama offer the unexpected advantage of proximity between the gate and the platform.
Arashiyama Station – Katsura Station – Kawaramachi Station
Getting from Arashiyama Station to Giou is straightforward. First, head to Katsura Station, and from there, transfer to the train bound for Kawaramachi Station. While traveling to Katsura Station, passengers can enjoy the above-ground scenery, a unique advantage. The memory of the route from Katsura Station to Kawaramachi Station is a bit hazy, as our energy levels were significantly depleted by that point.
In any case, traveling by train in this manner is a unique experience not readily available in South Korea, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Additionally, Hankyu Arashiyama Station features some noteworthy elements. It is adorned with modern lighting to set the atmosphere. Visitors can also spot distinctive features like a rickshaw-shaped Benz, pendant-shaped light fixtures, and specially designed trash bins, making a visit to the station worthwhile.
Kyoto Arashiyama, Hankyu Arashiyama Station
- Address: Arashiyama Higashiichikawacho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-0002, Japan
- Website: Hankyu Arashiyama Station