The Togetsu-Kyo Bridge has a venerable history of over 1,000 years. It is believed to have been first built in 836 when the priest Dosho (a disciple of Kobo Daishi, founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism) was conducting construction repair work along the Oi river.

The name Togetsu means “Crossing Moon,” and is said to have been given by Retired Emperor Kameyama, as he observed the moon crossing the sky from east to west.

In 2005, the Arashiyama Preservation Society Hydro-Power Station was built along the river. Water from the Katsura River is used to generate electricity for the footlights illuminating the bridge as the sun sets.

Arashiyama scenery with wild cherry blossoms