The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Arashiyama, a popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan.
It has appeared frequently in Kyoto guidebooks, and many people have probably seen pictures of the beautiful bamboo grove in the background.
The scenery of the blue-green bamboo grove is fantastic and photogenic, and attracts many tourists every year.
In this article, I, a Kyoto resident, will tell you how to walk through the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is free to visit!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, known as a symbolic spot in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is a 400-meter path that runs from Nomiya Shrine to Okochi Villa, passing Tenryuji Temple's North Gate.
It is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist attractions and a frequent photo spot on social media.
Because of its magnificent appearance, many people wonder if there is an admission fee to enter the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. However, it is free of charge for anyone to visit.
There are no entrances or exits, and visitors can enjoy the bamboo grove from any direction they wish.
There is no time limit, but it is best to visit during the daytime as the bamboo grove is not visible at night.
By the way, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is said to have been a villa area for aristocrats during the Heian period (794 - 1185).
The lush green bamboo groves standing in neat rows are mysterious, and you will feel as if you have stepped into a different world.
It also has distinctive healing aura.
In 2015, an easy-to-walk bamboo grove walking path like the one above was opened on the north side of Nomiya Shrine, across the JR railroad crossing. Admission is also free here, but be careful when visiting, as it is only open between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Access to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
It is recommended to take a train or bus from Kyoto City to Arashiyama. However, please note that buses take much longer than usual during the tourist season due to traffic congestion on the roads.
■ By train
Take the Sagano (Sanin) Line from JR Kyoto Station for 15 minutes and get off at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. It is about a 15-minute walk to the entrance of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
From Arashiyama Station on the Randen (Keifuku Line), it is about a 10-minute walk. It is convenient to get there from Shijo or other places.
■ By Bus
From JR Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto Bus or Kyoto City Bus for 40-50 minutes. The closest bus stop is Nonomiya (Kyoto Bus), which is about a 3-minute walk. There are several other bus stops within walking distance, so choose the one that best suits your destination.
If you are coming from Tenryuji Temple, walk along Nagatsuji Dori lined with stores and turn left before the Nonomiya bus stop, and you will arrive at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. From there, walk along the path and a world of bamboo groves will unfold.
＜ Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ＞
Address: Sagano-baba-cho, Tenryuji Temple, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Admission: Free
How to enjoy Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Here are three ways to enjoy the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest!
Method 1. Take a picture in Kimono
There are many kimono rental stores near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Strolling around in kimono is a great way to enjoy a different atmosphere from everyday life, and to take memorable photos and videos.
Kimono rental stores offer not only kimonos but also accessories for rent, so you can visit completely empty-handed.
Wearing a traditional Japanese kimono and taking pictures with a bamboo grove in the background is sure to be a photo-worthy experience, so why not try taking a commemorative photo wearing a kimono?
Method 2: Rental bicycles for fun
Walking is a great way to explore Arashiyama, but you can also enjoy sightseeing by renting a bicycle.
Bicycle rental is a great way to explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Trail, as well as other major spots in the area, and is recommended for those who have many places to visit.
Since Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has some slopes, bicycles with electric power assists are recommended.
During the tourist season, the path is often crowded, so it is best to walk your bike in crowded areas.
＜ Randen Arashiyama Station Rambura Bicycle Rental ＞
Phone:075-882-5110
Address: 20-2 Saga Tenryuji Zoujicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Hours: 9:00 am -5:00 pm (last entry at 3:00 pm)
3-speed bicycles: 1-day rental 1,100 yen, 2-hour rental 600 yen
Electric bicycles: 1-day rental 1,600 yen
Electric e-bike: 1-day rental 2,000 yen
Official website:https://www.kyotoarashiyama.jp/
Method 3. Tour by rickshaw
The popular Arashiyama sightseeing rickshaw is also recommended. The Jinrikisha Ebisuya Arashiyama Sohonten departs from the platform on Togetsukyo Bridge and takes you to your favorite spots within the time available.
Ask for a course that includes the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. You can enjoy an elegant stroll around Arashiyama while listening to the guide's guidance. You can also ask to have your photo taken with your cell phone, which is also included in the tour. It will be a wonderful memory to have your picture taken riding on a jinrikisha ("人力車" literally "man-powered car") against the backdrop of a bamboo grove.
＜ Jinrikisha Ebisuya Arashiyama So Honten ＞
Phone:075-864-4444
Togetsukyo Pick-up Area: 3 Sagano-baba-cho, Tenryuji Saga, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Hours of operation: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (varies depending on the season)
Bamboo Forest trip (30-minute charter): 9,000 yen (1 person), 10,000 yen (2 persons), 19,000 yen (3 persons), etc.
Official website:https://www.ebisuya.com/
How long does it take to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?
The path through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is 400 meters long and can be walked in 10 minutes, but it is recommended to allow about 30 minutes if you take your time to appreciate and take pictures.
Near the bamboo grove, there are some sightseeing spots such as Nomiya Shrine and Okochi Sanso where you can enjoy the good old Japanese atmosphere.
Also, as for the Arashiyama sightseeing route, after visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, when heading to Jojakkoji Temple or Nison-in Temple. We also recommend taking the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. We hope you will find your favorite walking path.
*In recent years, there has been a problem of bad manners among tourists, such as writing graffiti on the bamboos and throwing garbage on the streets. In order to protect the beautiful scenery, please be sure to enjoy sightseeing while observing good manners.
Let's enjoy the elegant Arashiyama Bamboo Forest!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a popular sightseeing spot that is free to visit.
The view of thick bamboo growing in unison toward the sky is hard to find anywhere else.
Please enjoy the fantastic scenery surrounded by greenery in your favorite way, such as taking pictures wearing a kimono or riding on a rickshaw!
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