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We've compiled the best of the best in Arashiyama - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
If the beauty of Arashiyama inspires you to spend the night in the area, consider this resort whose draws include its kimono-clad staff, modern amenities, multicourse meals, and spacious hot springs a short walk from the monkey park. In addition to the communal areas, there are five private thermal-water pools guests may use, three of them invitingly open-air. Other perks include complimentary ice-cream bars after your bath or massage.
The original wooden structure of an industrialist's traditional estate was renovated into the river-view dining room of this gorgeous woodsy hotel, one of Kyoto's most upscale properties. The cuisine is nouvelle Japanese served French-style. As with the other facilities here, the restaurant's feel is old countryside resort but with modern hotel conveniences. The Suiran is along the Hozu River, one of Kyoto's main waterways.
Some rooms at this hillside hot-springs resort outside Kyoto proper have their own rotemburo (outdoor hot tub) overlooking a private garden, but gender-separated communal baths are available to all guests, and meals are included with your room. Though the building's facade is nondescript, the Japanese-style lobby's garden path–like approach and sliding paper door suggest Old Kyoto. Seasonal ingredients form the basis of kaiseki meals that can include crab, sukiyaki, and, in winter, wild boar. The scenic way to get here is aboard the Sagano Torokko train that leaves from Saga Torokko Station in Arashiyama.
