Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which, sometimes referred to as Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, has grown to be one of Kyoto’s best-ranking attractions and here's why: standing among these towering stalks of bamboo makes one feel as if getting lost in another world.
If you have been thinking of visiting Kyoto, you’ve perhaps already seen photographs that bring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove somewhat alive, including Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine's torii tunnels and Kinkaku-ji Temple; they are the city's most photographed attractions. However, no picture could possibly capture the complete feeling of one actually standing in the moment in this area of sprawling bamboo grove, for the entire site exudes an indescribable sense of otherness which is rather different that of most forests.
You have the option of accessing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove straight from the central street of Arashiyama, which is a bit to the northern of the Tenryu-ji Temple's entrance; you may want to enter this temple with another person. There’s only one chief walkway through the grove, leading gradually uphill. After you reach the top of this hill, the entry to the Okochi-Sanso Villa happens to be directly before you. Enter and you won't be disappointed.
The most effective way for exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is through an Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walking Tour, and it outlines the actual best path to follow.
Opening hours: 24 hours
Nearest Transport:
10 minute walk from Saga Arashiyama Station, JR Sagano line
15 minute walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyu railway
Most Famous Must-See Tourist Attractions in Japan
