Meets Arashiyama Project 2026

Arashiyama has long been one of Kyoto's most beloved destinations, drawing visitors with its postcard-perfect scenery and timeless charm. But this March, travelers will have the opportunity to experience the area in a more meaningful way, that gives back as much as it takes.

From March 13th to March 29th, 2026, the Meets Arashiyama Project will unfold across the Arashiyama area, including the beloved Togetsukyo Bridge. Led by creative company Naked Co., Ltd., the initiative is designed to counter mass tourism by building a more sustainable system that connects visitors, local culture and the natural environment.

At its heart, the project reimagines tourism as a two-way exchange. The nightly illumination of Togetsukyo Bridge (6pm–9pm) encourages visitors to explore beyond peak daytime hours, helping ease congestion while offering a magical after-dark perspective of the Katsura River.

It's the hands-on elements that truly set this event apart from others, though. A Katsura River clean-up experience invites travelers to roll up their sleeves and participate in environmental conservation. Participants who return collected rubbish to the event space in Nakanoshima Park can receive local Saga rice and discount coupons for nearby shops, turning eco-action into a meaningful (and tasty) reward.

A quiz stamp rally further supports local businesses, with completed cards doubling as discount vouchers. Meanwhile, performances of Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen and Japanese drumming on a special stage offer a rare opportunity to engage with living cultural heritage.

Supported by Kyoto City and Kyoto Prefecture, the Meets Arashiyama Project offers the idea that travel can be more than just sightseeing. It can be participation, preservation, and partnership, plus a way to leave a destination just a little better than you found it.