All You Need to Know About Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Famous temples, geisha and maiko, rows of vermilion torii shrine gates — the list of iconic sights associated with Kyoto goes on. Among these, one of the most popular sights is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with its towering bamboo stalks looking almost otherworldly, especially when sunlight shines through them. This is one Kyoto attraction you won’t want to miss, so read on to start planning your trip to this magical forest.
1. Overview
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, also known as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a unique natural wonder. It's not just a single path but actually consists of two distinct routes. The first, Chikurin no Komichi (which translates to the “Path of Bamboo”) is a 400-meter-long promenade starting near Tenryu-ji Temple, and it is considered the main and most popular path. The second, Chikurin no Sansakuro (the “Bamboo Forest Trail”), is an extension that begins north of Nonomiya-jinja Shrine, an ancient shrine for love, marriage, and fertility nestled in the heart of the forest.
The seemingly endless rows of lush green bamboo stalks are pleasing to the eyes, and the sounds of rustling leaves and bamboo swaying with the wind can be rather calming. You’ll have to experience this phenomenon for yourself to understand why Japan’s Ministry of the Environment picked Arashiyama Bamboo Forest for its “100 Soundscapes of Japan” list.
While the forest’s immense popularity now makes it practically impossible to take photos without other visitors in the background, with patience and timing, who knows — you might get lucky. The best photos are taken further inside the forest, not right at the entrance.
If you want to look your finest in photos, how about renting a kimono for your visit? And for a unique experience, you can also take a rickshaw ride through the forest.
While Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is open 24 hours, we do not recommend visiting at night unless there’s a seasonal illumination event. Arrive early in the morning instead for a better chance at avoiding the crowds.
2. How to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Technically, the closest station to the bamboo forest is Torokko Arashiyama on the Sagano Scenic Railway. You can reach the bamboo forest in less than five minutes from here.
However, the Sagano Scenic Railway is a sightseeing train with fewer departure times than a regular train; instead, we recommend getting off at the Arashiyama tram stop served by Keifuku Railway’s Randen tram network. The bamboo forest is about a 10-minute walk from this station. Head north of Tenryu-ji Temple, and you’ll soon find yourself in this famous grove.
Alternatively, walk for 15 minutes from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano Line. However, you can slightly cut down on the walking time by boarding bus number 11 or 93, getting off at Nonomiya, and walking for about seven minutes. Meanwhile, from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, the walk to the bamboo forest will take a little over 20 minutes.
If you’d rather travel from central Kyoto to the bamboo forest by bus, take any bus that will stop at Nonomiya, such as bus number 28, which departs from Kyoto Station.
3. Other attractions near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
As one of the most popular parts of Kyoto, Arashiyama can easily take up an entire day with the many things to see and do in the area. In addition to the bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge is another symbol of Arashiyama. Be sure to capture the picture-perfect view of the bridge with the Katsura River flowing underneath it and the area’s namesake, Mount Arashi, in the background.
Nonomiya-jinja aside, several other temples and shrines can be found all over Arashiyama. If you have some spare time, we recommend visiting Tenryu-ji Temple. You’ll be passing by it on the way to the bamboo grove anyway, so you might as well check it out. A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kyoto’s top five Zen temples, this majestic temple with a scenic garden is rich in historical and cultural significance, and it’s quite beautiful in spring and autumn, too.
Other places of interest in Arashiyama include Okochi Sanso Villa — a film actor’s estate now known for its seasonal beauty — and Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, home to over 100 wild Japanese macaques. And don’t forget to set aside some time for shopping and dining; there are plenty of souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, and street-food stalls in Arashiyama!
4. Where to Stay Near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Stay within reasonable walking distance of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and other popular attractions while enjoying tranquility and luxurious comfort at Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel Kyoto. Overlooking Mount Arashi and the Hozu River, this hotel will be the perfect place to retreat after a long sightseeing day. Out of its 39 spacious rooms, 17 come with a private hot spring bath. Guests can also reserve two private baths.
Housed in an over 100-year-old nobleman’s summer residence, the hotel’s restaurant, Kyo-Suiran, will delight your palate with its innovative Japanese cuisine prepared with the finest local ingredients and French culinary methods.