Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Kyoto

Located at Ukyo-ku, Sagano, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is perhaps one of the most famous and photographed destinations in Kyoto City.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Details

Also called Sagano Bamboo Forest, this tourist destination is known for the scenic pathway flanked by bamboos that grow 10 to 20 feet high. This place is so popular that an article about Kyoto won't be complete without it. As a matter of fact, it also graced the cover of Lonely Planet's Japan Travel Guidebook. Since we are talking about its popularity, let me first give you a warning before you visit. Keep in mind that visitors usually crowd this 100-200 meter scenic pathway, all looking for that Instagram perfect shot. If you also want that Instagram-worthy shot, the best time to visit is early in the morning of a weekday. Avoid weekends at all costs!

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove - Kyoto City

Welcome to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Lucky for us there were only a handful of tourists around

Nature lovers would probably be happy to hear that the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove was listed as part of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan" by the Ministry of Environment. Meaning, the locals are encouraged to stop by and enjoy nature's music here. Then again, you'd only appreciate "nature's music" if you visit very early in the morning when the noise of the crowd is still nonexistent. 

Tenryuji (Temple)

A side trip to Tenryuji is a must

After checking out the famed bamboo grove, one can explore the nearby Tenryuji (Temple) and its beautiful Sogenchi Teien (garden). Just so you know, Tenryuji is listed as one of the 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto. Visitors can also check out the nearby Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area for a quieter less crowded bonding time with Mother Nature. From there, one can check out the equally scenic Oi River.

Suminokura Ryōi

The statue of Tsuzaki Muraoka-no-Tsubone - A fierce political activist

Oi River

The Arashiyama Tsuten

Try riding the ebisuya

My family and I got to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the afternoon of the 5th day of our 2018 Japan trip. We were lucky enough to visit on a weekday, Monday to be exact, as there were only a handful of tourists. However, since it was an afternoon, we only had limited time to explore the area. Regardless, we still got to see and take pictures of the famed bamboo groves. We also got to go on a side trip to the Arashiyama Park Kameyama Area up to the banks of the Oi River.

Team Nicerio in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Overall, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is an amazing place to visit. Just make sure to visit when there are only a few people though as you'd be annoyed to see a sea of tourists during peak days/hours. So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove now (or maybe tomorrow, just not on a weekday).

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Entrance Fee

It's good to note that you don't need to pay any entrance fee to enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove area.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Opening Hours

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is open 24 hours.

Why visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?

A trip to Kyoto City won't be complete without visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. It is one of the city's most famous destinations. Although keep in mind that this also one of the most crowded tourist destinations in the city.

Getting to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove:


From Kyoto Station, ride the JR San-in Line and board down at Saga Arashiyama Station. From there, you can walk for about 8 minutes to reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Fare: 240 yen
Travel time: 24 minutes

Another option is to ride Bus #28 at Shimogyoku Sogo Chosha mae which is about 3 minutes away by foot from Kyoto Station. Board down at Arashiyama Tenryuji mae and walk for about a minute or two to reach Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Bus Fare: 230 yen
Travel Time: 45 minutes

Ratings:
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Overall rating

Comments

  1. Thanks for sharing. Your pictures are amazing they look like post cards.

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  2. the place is so Zen....perfect for an early morning meditation....

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  3. I had so much fun here when I went! Luckily there weren't so many people there and it was so relaxing.

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  4. Kyoto's bamboo grove definitely looks so amazing. It seems so calm. :)

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  5. Lovely photos! Kyoto has a lot of tourist attractions. I look forward to visiting the Bamboo forest someday.

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    Replies
    1. I'm praying that you get to visit this wonderful place too.

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  6. Such a great beauty! Recently, I also read about many tourist leaving marks on these bamboos, scribbling their names etc. It is disgusting how these many tourist act.

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    Replies
    1. Oh! Yes that's true. I think the local government closed down a portion of the bamboo grove but I don't know what they did to remove those vandalism.

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  7. Love all these pictures! So cool

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  8. How peaceful this all looks! Your photos are incredible. I can imagine how much more brilliant this would look in person.

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  9. This is so peaceful and so beautiful! I want to do photos here. It’s so nice that there wasn’t that many tourists too!

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