Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama Coloring Pages

The Symbol of Arashiyama

Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama is a long bridge over a river in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
It is about 155 meters long. It has calm wooden handrails that stretch on and on.
The view of the mountains, river, and bridge together is famous as the best view in Arashiyama.
In Kyoto, it is a popular spot just like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple.

"The Moon Crosses" Brings the Name Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama

People say that Retired Emperor Kameyama gave Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama its name in the Kamakura period.
At night, he saw the moon move slowly across the sky above the bridge. He said, "It looks just like the moon is crossing the bridge!" That is how it got its name.
It sounds wonderful, just like a storybook name, doesn't it?

Autumn Leaves in Fall, Cherry Blossoms in Spring

Arashiyama is famous for autumn leaves and cherry blossoms.
In fall, the mountains turn bright red and yellow. Around November, many people come to see the beautiful leaves.
The second coloring page shows Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama crossing in front of the colorful autumn mountains.

Three Coloring Pages

The first picture shows Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama as seen from the riverbank. You can easily see the wooden legs lined up under the bridge.
The third picture shows Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama through the branches of a big pine tree. It has lots of pine needles drawn on it. It is a detailed picture that you can take your time to color.
Even for the same bridge, it looks very different depending on where you stand!

How to Enjoy Arashiyama

Around Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama, there are many fun places to see, like a bamboo forest path, old temples, and a sight-seeing train.
On the river, you can ride in traditional roofed boats or rowboats.
If you look down from the bridge, the quiet river reflects the autumn mountains and sparkles in the light.
In summer, people do traditional cormorant fishing on the river, and bonfires light up the water at night.
This place shows a different lovely view in every season.
You can walk across the bridge yourself! You can look at the mountain view while feeling the cool breeze on the river.
The view looking upstream from the middle of the bridge is completely different from the open view looking downstream.
When you finish coloring, talk with your family about which view you like best!

Color the bridge like real wood

Color the railings and wooden boards of Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama in light brown or greyish-brown.
If you color the long railings in the same shade all the way across, your bridge will look super neat!
Color the bridge legs a little darker brown to make the shape pop out.

Color the autumn mountain with 3 colors

On the second picture, try using 3 colors—red, orange, and yellow—for each cluster of trees on the mountain.
If you leave a little green here and there, the mountain will look lively and just like autumn!
Color the mountains far away a bit lighter to make them look far in the background.

Color the river with blue and light blue

For the river water, color it lightly with light blue first. Then add a little blue along the flow of the water.
Making it darker under the bridge and lighter in the front makes the water look nice and deep!

Color the pine tree with dark green

On the third picture, layer dark green and yellow-green on the pine needles to make the tree look nice and 3D!
For the trunk, use dark brown and blackish-brown to color along the bumpy, scale-like pattern.

Change the season and time of day with sky colors

If you color the sky light blue, it becomes a daytime scene. If you layer orange and pink, it turns into a sunset scene!
When you make a sunset, add a bit of the same colors to the river water to bring the whole picture together.
If you color the mountains green and the sky light blue, it becomes summer in Arashiyama. If you add pink to the mountains, it turns into spring in Arashiyama, too!
Pick your favorite colors while thinking of your favorite season!

Looks Like Wood, Built with Concrete

The Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama we see today was rebuilt in 1934.
It looks like a wooden bridge, but it is actually made of reinforced concrete.
Wooden boards are placed on the outside to keep its traditional look.
It was built strong so it will not wash away, even during big floods.

The River Changes Its Name

The river under Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama is usually called the Oi River above the bridge, and the Katsura River below it.
It is fun to know that the same river has different names depending on where you are!

The Bridge of Juso Mairi

In Kyoto, there is a tradition called Juso Mairi, where 13-year-old children visit Horinji Temple in Arashiyama.
People say you must not look back until you cross Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama on your way home.
If you look back, you will give back the wisdom you received!

The Name Arashiyama

People say the name Arashiyama comes from the strong mountain winds blowing down, making the cherry blossoms and colorful leaves dance in the air.
It would be so fun to see the leaves dancing in the autumn wind at Arashiyama!