The Kimono Forest

Possibly Kyotos best kept secret. This colourful, kimono forest covers the Randen Arashiyama station platform, located in Arashiyama. Approximately a 30 minute journey from central Kyoto, take the cute purple train on the Randen line directly to the location.

Arashiyama is the perfect half day/day trip on the outskirts of Kyoto with its many temples and shrines, not to mention the famous national heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful garden (well worth a visit!). The famous Bamboo grove is also located here, with many interesting hiking trails, the hill top monkey park and the main walking strip with lots of delicious little eateries and souvenir shops and rickshaw rides. In the summer months this makes the perfect trip as the river running through this little town keeps the air much cooler. Arashiyama has a lot going on, a lot to do and beautiful nature spots to relax in but the Kimono forest seems to often go unnoticed.

The kimono forest is a beautiful maze of acrylic pillars filled with vibrant, colourful kimono fabrics. It's not a huge space but it's made up of around 600 pillars, that wind down and through the train station platform leading to the 'pond of the Dragon'. Named after the dragon of Tenryu-ji Temple. The dragon acts as an omen of safety in travel. This is a fun, little spot with plenty around here to do also. As the kimono forest is part of the station, there are many cafe's, food and souvenir shops and ice cream stands at hand. You can also find little pin machines where you can collect an array of pins related to the station and area. Even better, is the hidden foot spa located at the end of the station platform! By entering the station information kiosk you can pay ¥200 (approximately £1/$2) to soak your feet in the spa with no limit to long you can stay (but please be considerate if there are people waiting)! They even give you a little towel to dry your feet with and keep as a souvenir or pop it in their wash basket to have it recycled. This is a perfect way to end your busy walking day taking in all the incredible sights and views. Stick around until dusk, when the kimono forest lights up, creating an entirely new atmosphere! Rain or shine, night or day, this little spot is a must-see. Through my 6 week travels in June/July 2019, I spent many evenings soaking my feet here. In the summer months the foot spa closes at 7pm and the kimono lights go out at 9pm.

Below is a little video and picture slideshow of the Kimono forest and Arashiyama area. For more pictures and information on Japan snippets, you can follow @stevie.aana on Instagram!

Stevie