Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan
If you have ever googled Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is among the first pictures you see, along with the Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine. The bamboo forest is one of the most photographed sights, so if you do not come early in the morning, expect a lot of people. And as much as the pictures are beautiful, they are nothing compared to standing there.
How To Get to the Bamboo Grove
You can access it directly from the main street of Arashiyama, a little to the north of the entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple, but it’s best when combined with a visit to that temple (exit the north gate, take a left, and you’ll be in the grove in no time).
There’s just one main path through the grove, which leads slowly uphill.
- 10 min walk from Saga Arashiyama Station, JR Sagano line
- 15 min walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyu railway
Is the Bamboo Grove free?
Yes! The Arashiyama bamboo grove is open 24/7, and admission is free.
Our Waddle through the Bamboo Grove
The site of the bamboo grove has been a popular destination since the Heian Period. Many nobles visited it and loved its natural beauty.
As mentioned, it is beautiful but often overcrowded. The internet made it a popular spot, and Instagram made it even more famous. Over the years, it became Japan’s most famous bamboo forest.
Although the photos you will find look very quiet, beware because Bamboo Grove is rarely as quiet as photos suggest.
If you want to get a picture with no one on it, you have to come very early in the morning, and even then, it is not guaranteed. In our case, we were not hunting for such a picture and simply enjoyed it on our way back from the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Let’s be clear; it’s a nice place. But most of the time, you will not enjoy a peaceful stroll. We visited in late October, and the grove was still beautifully green, but when checking online, the winter and snow provided an even more incredible experience. This is what we love about Japan; no matter the season, it’s always beautiful.
The waddle will take you about 20 to 30 minutes.
We really enjoyed the many people dressed up in yukatas. It takes you back in time.
Interesting facts about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Approximately 4.94 million tourists visited Kyoto in November 2019, the highest monthly total for the year, according to data company Statista. For visiting Japan, we recommend autumn. Although honestly, no matter the season, you will fall in love.
- A shrine in the middle of the forest is called the Nonomiya Shrine, which was often visited by the Imperial Princesses who were in preparation for serving.
- It is interesting to note that it is a tradition in Japan to have Buddhist Temples near bamboo groves. Bamboo represents strength.
- Tourists have tampered with the bamboo here. Many bamboo plants are vandalized by tourists who curve their initials on them.
- It has a particular bamboo species called Moso Bamboo, and its scientific name is Phyllostachys edulis. It is a gigantic bamboo plant that is not originally from Japan but native to China and Taiwan.
- There is a Kimono Forest in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Well, the Kimono forest is made up of 600 poles that are 6.5 feet tall. You will find this section in the Randen Station, near the Tentyu-ji Temple, a UNESCO site. These poles have colorful traditional kimono cloth draped on each pole. It is quite scenic. Unfortunately, many miss this attraction.
- The bamboo plants here are known for their soothing music. Walking through the forest, you will hear this soothing sound made by the plants. As the soft wind blows, the bamboo produces soft tunes that mask the noise around. If you are visiting, stop on your waddle, close your eyes, and listen.
- You can book a rickshaw ride through the forest.
Is a trip to the bamboo forest worth it?
Definitely! Even though it might be overcrowded, it is still a sight worth visiting. The experience is still enchanting, despite the crowds.
