A riverside ryokan in Arashiyama overlooking the Oi River and Togetsukyo Bridge, Benkei offers traditional Japanese rooms with river views and an outdoor hot spring bath by the water. The location is exceptional for cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast are included.
Arashiyama Benkei occupies a commanding position on the banks of the Oi River in the Arashiyama district of Ukyo Ward, with rooms and an outdoor hot spring bath facing the historic Togetsukyo Bridge and the forested hills that frame one of Kyoto's most celebrated landscapes. The ryokan is set in the Arashiyama valley approximately 25 minutes by train from central Kyoto, and this relative distance from the urban core is integral to its appeal: guests arrive into a river-valley environment where bamboo groves, temple paths, and the sound of moving water replace the rhythms of the city. The property offers traditional Japanese rooms finished in cedar, washi paper, and indigo-dyed textiles, with futon sleeping, yukata robes, and views toward the river or the garden. The riverside outdoor hot spring (rotenburo) is the defining amenity: guests soak in naturally heated mineral water while looking directly across the Oi River to the Togetsukyo Bridge and the tree-covered hillsides beyond. During cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (mid-October to mid-November), the view from the bath is among the most spectacular available anywhere in the Kyoto region. Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast are included in the standard room rate, prepared in-house using seasonal Kyoto ingredients. The dinner sequence follows the kaiseki format, reflecting the kitchen's access to freshwater fish from the Oi River system, wild mountain vegetables, and producers from the surrounding Tamba and Maizuru farming regions. The Arashiyama district provides one of Kyoto's densest clusters of sightseeing activity: the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Garden (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Jojakko-ji hillside temple, the Sagano Scenic Railway, and a number of machiya cafés and craft shops are all within walking distance. The Togetsukyo Bridge is immediately outside the ryokan entrance.
Amenities
- riverside onsen
- kaiseki meals
- futon bedding
- yukata
- river views
- wifi
Location
34 Sagatenryujisusukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385
35.0158, 135.6721 View on map
Highlights
- Riverside location directly facing Togetsukyo Bridge and the forested Arashiyama hills, one of Kyoto's most iconic natural settings
- Outdoor riverside hot spring bath (rotenburo) with direct views to the bridge — spectacular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons
- Kaiseki dinner and Japanese breakfast included, prepared with seasonal Kyoto and regional ingredients
- Traditional Japanese rooms with futon sleeping, yukata robes, and views of the Oi River or garden
- Immediate access to Arashiyama's key sights: the Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Garden, and the Sagano Scenic Railway
Tips for visiting
- Request a riverside room at booking to maximise the views and proximity to the outdoor rotenburo bath
- Cherry blossom (late March–early April) and autumn foliage (mid-October–mid-November) are the most beautiful periods but require booking three to six months in advance
- The outdoor rotenburo is typically reserved in time blocks — confirm the schedule on arrival to plan bathing around dinner and other activities
- Arashiyama's main sightseeing sites are most enjoyable before 09:00 and the ryokan's early breakfast timing supports dawn visits to the Bamboo Grove
- Arashiyama Station (Hankyu line) and Togetsukyo bridge bus stops are both within a 5-minute walk, offering direct connections to central Kyoto
Accessibility
Arashiyama Benkei is a traditional ryokan set across multiple floors with tatami-mat rooms, low thresholds, and internal staircases as the primary access between levels. The outdoor hot spring area requires steps to reach. The property is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility requirements are advised to contact the ryokan directly before booking to assess whether the property meets their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
What makes Arashiyama Benkei's location special?
The ryokan sits directly on the Oi River bank facing the Togetsukyo Bridge, with forested hillsides rising behind. The outdoor hot spring bath directly overlooks this scenery, making it one of the most scenic onsen settings in the Kyoto region, particularly during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Are meals included at Arashiyama Benkei?
Yes, kaiseki dinner and a traditional Japanese breakfast are included in the room rate. Both are prepared in-house using seasonal Kyoto and regional ingredients and served at the ryokan.
How far is Arashiyama Benkei from central Kyoto?
Arashiyama is approximately 25–30 minutes from central Kyoto by the Hankyu Arashiyama line (changing at Katsura) or the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station. Taxi from central Kyoto takes 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Is the outdoor onsen bath available year-round?
Yes, the outdoor rotenburo operates year-round. Winter visits can be particularly atmospheric, with steam rising from the heated water against cool river air and the mountain landscape across the river.
What is the Togetsukyo Bridge and is it visible from the ryokan?
Togetsukyo (Moon-Crossing Bridge) is Arashiyama's iconic landmark, spanning the Oi River at the foot of the forested hills. River-facing rooms and the outdoor bath have direct views of the bridge and the surrounding landscape.