Togetsukyo Bridge is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks and a symbol of the scenic Arashiyama district. The bridge spans the Katsura River at the foot of Mount Arashiyama, a 382-meter-high mountain famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
The combination of the gently flowing river and the green mountains in the background creates one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landscapes. Togetsukyo Bridge frequently appears in films, television dramas, and tourism brochures, making it a popular destination for visitors throughout the year.
At night, the bridge is illuminated using electricity generated by a small hydroelectric power system installed upstream, adding a special atmosphere to the surrounding scenery.
The current Togetsukyo Bridge was completed in 1934. It measures approximately 155 meters long and 11 meters wide.
Although the bridge is a reinforced-concrete structure supported by steel reinforcement and is strong enough to carry motor vehicles, its design preserves the appearance of the traditional wooden bridge that stood here before it.
The center of the bridge rises approximately one meter above the ends, creating a gentle arch. Its wooden-style lattice railings further enhance the traditional appearance, allowing the bridge to blend harmoniously with Arashiyama’s historic landscape.
Togetsukyo Bridge connects the northern riverbank with Nakanoshima, an island formed by a sandbar in the Katsura River. A smaller bridge, Togetsukyo-kobashi, links Nakanoshima with the southern riverbank.
Much of Nakanoshima is occupied by the Nakanoshima area of Arashiyama Park, a protected public park filled with pine trees, cherry trees, and other greenery.
During cherry blossom season, the park becomes especially lively as visitors gather to enjoy the flowers and riverside scenery. It is an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, relax by the river, and appreciate the natural beauty of Arashiyama.
The origins of Togetsukyo Bridge are traditionally traced to 836, when Dosho, a Buddhist monk and disciple of the renowned monk Kukai, is said to have built a bridge to provide access to Horin-ji Temple on the mountainside of Arashiyama.
The original bridge was known as Horin-ji Bridge and is believed to have stood approximately 100 meters upstream from its present location.
The name Togetsukyo means “Moon-Crossing Bridge.” According to tradition, Emperor Kameyama, who lived during the Kamakura period, watched the moon moving across the sky above the bridge and remarked that it seemed as though the moon itself were crossing the bridge.
His poetic observation, describing the unobstructed moon as if it were passing across the bridge, is said to have inspired the name Togetsukyo.
The bridge has also appeared in traditional Japanese artwork. For example, Katsushika Hokusai’s print *Yamashiro Arashiyama Getsukyō* depicts a gracefully curved bridge in the Arashiyama landscape.
In 1606, the merchant and engineer Suminokura Ryoi developed the waterways connecting Kameoka and Arashiyama to transport timber and other goods to Kyoto by boat. As part of these improvements, the bridge was rebuilt at its present location, establishing the basic layout that has continued to the modern era.
The river beneath Togetsukyo Bridge is officially known as the Katsura River. However, its name changes depending on the section of the river.
Downstream from the bridge, it is called the Katsura River. Upstream, it is known as the Hozu River, while farther upstream beyond Kameoka, it is called the Oi River. These changing names reflect the river’s long course through the Kyoto region.
The area upstream from Togetsukyo Bridge is the landing point for boats returning from the famous Hozugawa River Boat Ride, a scenic journey through the river gorge. Visitors can also find traditional pleasure boats and rental boats nearby.
Watching the boats glide across the water, with the mountains rising behind them, is one of the classic Arashiyama experiences. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, from fresh spring greenery and cherry blossoms to vibrant autumn leaves and peaceful winter scenery.
Arashiyama and neighboring Sagano offer many attractions within easy reach of Togetsukyo Bridge. Visitors can combine a walk across the bridge with a visit to several historic temples, shrines, and scenic spots.
Whether you visit during cherry blossom season, in the colorful autumn months, or on a quiet day outside the peak tourist periods, Togetsukyo Bridge offers a memorable introduction to the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kyoto.
From Kyoto Station, take JR Sagano Line and get off at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. 28 and get off at “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” bus stop.
From Shijo Kawaramachi, take Kyoto City Bus No.11 and get off at “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” bus stop.
From Sanjo Keihan, take Kyoto City Bus No. 11 to “Arashiyama Tenryuji-mae” bus stop.