Free Observatories · Arashiyama
Kameyama Park Observation Deck 亀山公園 展望台
A hilltop park above the Hozu river at the far end of the bamboo grove, with a deck looking straight down into the Hozukyo gorge where boats and the Sagano Romantic Train pass.
About
Kameyama Koen, officially part of Arashiyama Park, occupies the hill behind Tenryu-ji and the bamboo grove. A 10-minute climb from the riverside or the grove end leads to an observation deck perched over the Hozu river gorge, where you can watch the Hozugawa river boats shooting the rapids and, with luck, the Sagano Romantic Train on the opposite bank. In spring there are cherry trees and in autumn maples, and wild monkeys are sometimes seen. A statue of Suminokura Ryoi, the 17th-century merchant who opened the river to boat traffic, stands in the park. Despite being steps from Arashiyama's busiest spots, few tourists come up.
Highlights
- Deck above the Hozukyo gorge
- Views of Hozugawa river boats and the Sagano Romantic Train
- Statue of Suminokura Ryoi
- Cherry and maple trees
- Quiet escape from central Arashiyama
Tips
- Climb from the top of the bamboo grove: follow the signs to the observation deck.
- Check the Sagano Romantic Train timetable to time a photo of it passing.
- Watch for wild monkeys; do not feed them.
- Free and open all day.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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Open in the appNearby
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- Arashiyama Bamboo GroveNature & Hike · 310 m away
- Tenryu-jiTemple · 400 m away
- Jojakko-jiTemple · 510 m away
- Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, KyotoStay · 510 m away
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