Togetsutei launches multilingual audio guide app for Arashiyama

Togetsutei has released a smartphone audio guide for Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, with Japanese and English now available and four more languages planned by 2027. The app aims to help visitors understand the history, culture and landmarks behind one of Kyoto’s most visited areas while also funding local conservation.

Why it matters: - Arashiyama draws visitors for its scenery, but the new app is meant to add historical and cultural context to the area’s most visited sites. - The project also links tourism to conservation by directing part of premium revenue to environmental efforts in Saga-Arashiyama.

What happened: - Togetsutei, a ryokan in Arashiyama, developed the Kyoto Arashiyama Audio Guide smartphone app. - The app is available now in Japanese and English. - Traditional Chinese, French, German, Spanish and Simplified Chinese are planned by the end of 2027. - The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. - Users can search for “Kyoto Arashiyama Audio Guide” to download it.

The details: - The guide covers more than 10 spots in the Saga-Arashiyama area, including Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, the Arashiyama National Forest, Hōrin-ji Temple, Matsuo Taisha Shrine, Rokuo-in Temple, Senkō-ji Temple, Arashiyama Monkey Park, the Bamboo Grove Path, Nonomiya Shrine, Nison-in and Jōjakkō-ji. - The app also includes content on ryokan culture and Kyoto cuisine. - The free version includes audio for the introduction, Arashiyama National Forest, Kogouzuka and Koto-kiki Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, Tonase Falls, Togetsukyo Bridge, and ryokan culture and Kyoto cuisine featuring Togetsutei. - The map in the free version also shows public restrooms, trash bins, convenience stores, currency exchange counters, ATMs and coin lockers. - A paid version unlocks premium audio guide content. - Premium access is valid for three weeks. - The app currently offers 16 audio tours in total, across free and paid content. - The app is designed to help visitors understand the difference between temples and shrines and the meaning of each site.

Between the lines: - Togetsutei is positioning the app as more than a navigation tool; it is a curated cultural guide meant to extend visits beyond a quick sightseeing stop. - The premium model doubles as a funding stream for added languages, more guide locations and tourism conservation work. - One supported initiative is the Arashiyama Senbon Sakura Project, which plants cherry trees for future blossoms in Arashiyama.

What's next: - Togetsutei plans to add more spots in the Saga-Arashiyama area in future releases. - The company also plans to add coupons for restaurants and souvenir shops in the area. - Premium proceeds will continue to support conservation efforts, including cherry tree planting.

The bottom line: - Togetsutei is turning a local sightseeing app into a multilingual tourism tool that teaches Arashiyama’s history while helping pay for its preservation. - More information is available on Togetsutei’s website.