Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kyoto Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most beautiful and serene places I visited in Kyoto, Japan.
Millions of bamboo trees rise in a large area, creating a spectacular view. The forest is green and quiet, like a completely separate world from the bustling life.
About Kyoto Bamboo Forest Japan
One of Kyoto’s most fascinating landmarks is Sagano Bamboo Forest, also known as the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
This area is considered one of the most beautiful forests in Japan. From the Heian period (794-1185), Japanese people have chosen this place as their favorite resort.
Japanese people also use bamboo as handicraft materials such as baskets, bags, chairs, and cups.
How to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
Arashiyama is about 9km from the center of Kyoto to the Northwest, and you can get there easily by train.
To travel from JR Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, you can take the Sanin Honsen (Sagano Line) toward Kameoka or Sonobe and get off at Sagano Arashiyama Station.
The ticket fare is 240 Yen, and you can use Japan Rail Pass.
Best time to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama is a popular tourist spot, so it’s usually very crowded, and you often have to line up at the attractions. The busiest times are generally in the afternoon, weekends, or holidays.
The peak tourist season in Arashiyama is in early April and November each year, corresponding to the cherry blossoms blooming season and autumn.
For a great photoshoot at the Kyoto bamboo forest, you should arrive here early in the morning. There’re fewer visitors, and the weather is also comfortable.
Although the forest is also quite empty in the late afternoon, there would not be enough light for your photos.
Things to see and do in Arashiyama
Exploring Arashiyama bamboo forest
Taking a walk along the bamboo forest trail is a fantastic experience. The main course extends about 600m from the Nonomiya Jinja Shrine, crossing north to the Tenryuji temple.
The main trail is free and opens 24 hours.
In addition to the free main road, there is a smaller road for rickshaws, and you can experience beautiful scenery around Arashiyama.
Note: Learn more about the rickshaw experience.
For a better experience, you should rent kimono and explore Kyoto. You can book your kimono here.
Visiting temples and shrines
In addition to the iconic bamboo grove, Arashiyama also charms its visitors with temples and shrines.
Nonomiya Shrine
An interesting site to visit in Arashiyama is Nonomiya Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for spiritual experience. Many unmarried women come here and pray for love.
Tenryuji Temple
Just outside the forest is the nearly 700-year-old Tenryuji temple, one of the five great temples of Kyoto, Japan.
Tenryuji temple was built in 1339, under Muromachi (1338 – 1573), and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Address: 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Japan
Admission fee
The admission fee to the garden is 500 yen for adults. If you’d like to visit the shrine, you can pay an additional 300 yen.
In addition to the houses in the temple, you can also visit the gardens and walkways between nature.
Explore more
Where to visit after the Arashiyama Bamboo forest? Check out these articles for travel inspiration.
This must be amazing and excited at the same time. But you have to make sure you don’t get lost in the forests! Be safe and take care!