Sagano

Sagano refers to a broad area at the foot of Arashiyama and Mount Ogura in western Kyoto and is sometimes simply called Saga. When introducing sightseeing areas, Arashiyama and Sagano are often grouped together, and there is no strict boundary between them, but the area around Togetsukyo Bridge is generally called Arashiyama, while the area north of Tenryu-ji Temple is known as Sagano. Since ancient times, Sagano has been a retreat for nobles and literary figures seeking a quiet, simple life away from the capital, and it appears frequently in literature and history from classical court writings to early modern haikai poetry. Major attractions include the Zen temple Tenryu-ji, Nonomiya Shrine known for matchmaking, Okochi Sanso Villa with its beautiful Japanese garden, Jojakko-ji Temple famed for autumn foliage, Rakushisha Cottage where a disciple of Basho once lived, Seiryo-ji Temple with its exquisite Shakyamuni statue, Nison-in Temple with its two principal images, and Takiguchi-dera Temple known for its tragic love story. Beyond Adashino Nenbutsu-ji lies the area known as Adashino. While the area around Tenryu-ji’s Sanmon Gate is lively with souvenir shops, a short walk reveals a tranquil landscape where the sound of rustling bamboo leaves can be heard, capturing the essence of Sagano.