京都嵐山

About this photo

This photo shows a river and the mountain beyond it, with the title printed as "Kyoto Arashiyama." It appears in Nihon Fukei Fuzoku Shashincho (Photo Album of Japanese Scenery and Customs), published in 1910. The English caption reads "A Scene near Kyoto."

When this book came out, the Arashiyama area belonged to Kadono District and lay outside the city of Kyoto. The town of Saga, the village of Matsuo and other areas became part of Kyoto City in 1931 (Showa 6). Arashiyama is a 382-meter mountain on the west side of the Oi River, and in the late 13th century the retired Emperor Kameyama is said to have moved several hundred cherry trees here from Yoshino. More cherry trees were planted after that, and it has long been known for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

In 1927 (Showa 2), it was designated a Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty, and in 1930 it also became a scenic zone (fuchi chiku). At its foot lies the Arashiyama National Forest, about 59 hectares, which is a protection forest that preserves the landscape.

Glossary