Tatsumi Bridge, Kyoto

Before surrendering its waters to the mighty Kamo River, the dainty Shirakawa canal sneaks through Gion like a well-mannered guest who knows how to make an impression. And right where things get photogenic, you'll find Tatsumi Bashi鈥攖he largest and most camera-hungry bridge on the block鈥攏estled near the Tatsumi Shrine, in a part of town that until recently was pretty much 鈥渓ocals only鈥� (before Instagram blew its cover), hidden from busy streets and well-trodden tourist paths.

However, due to a scene from the Hollywood movie "Memoirs of a Geisha", featuring Tatsumi Bashi, the bridge has gained considerable fame, attracting many visitors eager to capture its beauty in photographs. And it doesn't really matter that the famous scene was filmed nowhere near Kyoto鈥攖he carefully recreated bridge replica was shot on a set near Los Angeles鈥攖ruth proved no match for cinema magic. Thus, today, Tatsumi Bashi basks in the soft-focus glow of global attention. Attesting to that are the abundance of selfie sticks and the presence of newlywed couples (asserting Tatsumi Bashi's newly-acquired status as a popular spot for wedding photography).

Still, despite its popularity, the bridge sees moderate foot traffic and takes on a truly magical allure. Come on a drizzly day and you鈥檒l see it in its true form: glossy stones and a moody charm straight out of a woodblock print. Nighttime makes it just as impressive, as this place surely knows how to dress for the dark, adorned with glowing red lanterns.

The surrounding streets offer a tempting lineup of riverside shops, bars, and restaurants that seem to have all agreed on a collective pact to keep the whole area impeccably clean鈥攁 pure joy to walk around. So, whether you鈥檙e out to capture the perfect romantic shot or just here for a serene stroll, Tatsumi Bashi makes sure your visit feels like a gentle step back in time鈥攚ith just a hint of cinematic d茅j脿 vu.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Tatsumi Bridge
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Gion District Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

The Arashiyama district of Kyoto is slightly out of the way for tourists, but that means you can enjoy it more comfortably.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

It'd be fair to say that Kyoto is a theme park for lovers of history, religion, and all things deeply, unmistakably Japanese. If so, Higashiyama Ward, with its long lines, can easily be recognized as its star attraction. Tucked along the city鈥檚 eastern edge鈥攈ence its poetic name translated as 鈥淓astern Mountain鈥濃€攖his district is where Kyoto flaunts its heritage like a geisha in full... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

The cultural capital of Japan, Kyoto is just as famous as a shopper鈥檚 paradise and, without a doubt, the best place in the country to buy traditional and modern Japanese goods. Souvenirs, food, bargains, and various 鈥渙ne-of-a-kind items鈥� are all up for grabs here.

In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Imperial Kyoto Walking Tour

Kyoto served as Japan鈥檚 imperial capital for over 1,000 years, from 794 to 1869, beginning with Emperor Kanmu鈥檚 relocation of his court to Heian-ky艒 (which is Kyoto鈥檚 former name). Though political power eventually shifted to the shogunate and later to Tokyo, Kyoto remained the cultural and symbolic heart of Japan. Its long association with the imperial court helped shape it into a refined... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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