Visiting Arashiyama Park in Late Autumn
Visiting Arashiyama Park in late autumn truly amazed me. Standing on the Togetsukyo Bridge and looking back, the layered mountains were draped in fiery red, reflecting brilliant colors on the clear Katsura River. I specifically brought a wide-angle lens, and it proved to be a wise choice, allowing me to capture the continuous mountain scenery and winding river in one shot.
Photography enthusiasts are advised to prepare a wide-angle lens, at least below 24mm, to fully capture the magnificent scenery of Arashiyama. Especially when shooting from the Togetsukyo Bridge, a wide-angle lens can encompass the bridge piers, river, and red-leaved mountains, presenting the unique autumn charm of Arashiyama.
Walking down the stone steps along the riverbank to the riverside path, the perspective suddenly changes. Watching the shallow clear water of the Katsura River gently flow past the cormorant fishing boats, with boatmen dressed in traditional attire, holding long poles, slowly gliding across the river, creates a moving ukiyo-e painting. Switching to a standard lens at this time can better capture the boatmen's focused expressions and the intertwined details of the red leaves.
The most unforgettable moment was at dusk, when the sun set, and golden sunlight penetrated the maple leaves, sprinkling onto the river, as if the entire Katsura River was dyed golden. At this time, there were fewer visitors in Arashiyama Park. I sat on a large stone by the river, quietly appreciating the scene of boats shuttling between the golden light and red leaves, occasionally with water birds skimming the surface, creating ripples.
If time permits, it is recommended to walk slowly along the riverbank to experience the scenery of Arashiyama from different angles. The walk from Togetsukyo Bridge to the bamboo forest is not short, but the route is full of excellent photography spots. Especially in areas dense with maple leaves, looking up, the sunlight forms a natural filter through the red leaves, casting dappled shadows, combined with the sparkling river, creating a very moving composition.
Remember to arrive early, as Arashiyama is particularly popular in autumn, and the earlier you arrive, the easier it is to find ideal shooting spots. Bringing a tripod and ND filter is also a wise choice, especially if you want to shoot long-exposure river scenes, making it even more necessary.