Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Scenic spot · Kyoto-shi ·

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Scenic spot · Kyoto-shi ·

Towering bamboo stalks create a serene, otherworldly atmosphere.

Information

Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan Get directions

@travelleisure

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This 11-day Private Jet Trip Takes You Through Japan's Hidden Gems

"A tranquil bamboo grove in Kyoto where travelers can experience the towering bamboo stalks up close by taking traditional rickshaw rides through the atmospheric paths." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/tcs-world-travel-private-jet-trip-japan-hidden-gem-11753628

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for LGBTQ+ Travelers

"A serene bamboo grove with walking paths, perfect for a leisurely walk or bicycle ride, located near local workshops that have used bamboo for centuries." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/japan-lgbtq-culinary-adventure-itinerary-8622476

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

"In western Kyoto , there is a very large forest of bamboo. As you can see in the photo, the shoots grow very tall, making those who stroll by look quite small. I'm sure there are times when this road is crowded, but when we were there, people were few and far between. My only regret was not understanding that this forest would be the only one we saw. I wish I had taken more photos. Bamboo grows extremely fast, which is why it is the fastest renewable plant product that I know. It is not a tree, it is a grass. Some forests have grown to 20 to 30 feet in a growing season of four months. Just Google Arashiyama bamboo forest and you will see more photos and more data about this location and how to get there. The walk through this forest was most peaceful."

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for 2025: From 1 to 3 Weeks

"The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a compact but stunning stand of towering bamboo near Tenryu-ji; I recommend arriving at sunrise to enjoy it before the crowds arrive." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/japan-itinerary/

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Updated 2025)

"For a relaxing break in Kyoto, I head to Arashiyama where dense, towering bamboo stands envelop you near Tenryu-ji temple; it’s not that big but has hidden areas to explore and fills up fast after sunrise so arrive early if you want it without the crowds." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/seven-day-japan-itinerary/

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Remee

Google

Visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was one of those Kyoto moments that really stayed with me. Walking between the towering bamboo felt surreal, almost like stepping into another world where everything slows down. The way the light filters through the tall green stalks and the soft sound of the bamboo swaying in the wind creates a calm, almost meditative atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else. I went early in the morning, which made a huge difference. It was quieter, cooler, and felt more peaceful before the crowds arrived. Taking my time along the path, I found myself just looking up, breathing it all in, and appreciating how simple yet powerful the scenery is. The walk itself isn’t very long, but it doesn’t need to be — the experience is more about the feeling than the distance. What I loved most is how close it is to other beautiful spots. After the bamboo forest, wandering around Arashiyama, crossing Togetsukyo Bridge, and grabbing a coffee nearby made the whole area feel like a perfect day out. Yes, it gets busy later on, but even then, the bamboo forest still feels special. It’s one of those places that reminds you why Kyoto is so unforgettable and why slowing down while traveling really matters.

Google

The bamboo forest is undeniably stunning and has an almost surreal atmosphere, with towering stalks of bamboo creating a calm and otherworldly setting. Walking through it feels like stepping into a postcard, especially when the light filters gently through the greenery. That said, it is also one of the most popular attractions in the area, so it can get extremely crowded. The large number of visitors makes it difficult to fully enjoy the serenity or to take scenic photos without people in the background. Visiting early in the morning may help, but it is something to be prepared for. One experience that should not be missed is the scenic train ride. The train takes you on a leisurely journey through a breathtaking gorge, running alongside a river and offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and seasonal scenery. It is a relaxing and visually rewarding experience, and easily one of the highlights of the visit. For those seeking something more adventurous, there is also a river boat ride available. This boat ride takes you across several rapids, adding a bit of excitement while allowing you to admire the gorge from a completely different perspective — right from the water below. At the scenic train stop, there is a charming picnic area with simple but satisfying food options, including yakisoba, buns, and a matcha ice cream stall. It’s a pleasant place to take a break, relax, and enjoy a casual meal. I would highly recommend having lunch there while waiting for the scenic train, especially after purchasing your tickets, as it adds to the overall experience and makes the wait much more enjoyable.

Carla C.

Google

Quite crowded but a beautiful area. It is worthwhile also visiting the Snow Monkey Park as well to round off the trip. Local river is stunning with greater and lesser Egrets and cormorants. Also had fun hiring a kimono and walking around the temples and villages with the red maple leaves. I would say that if you wanted a quieter tranquil bamboo forest the side hike up to Mt Inari near Tori gates was more serene.

Melisa H

Google

Best is to arrive before 10 am due to crowds. If you want to do the train ride 🚂 you should book in advance and the boat ride 🛶 we couldn’t do due to cold weather🥶 You can walk towards Otagi temple, it’s quite scenic neighborhood and also less crowded. On the way you’ll have coffee/tea spots 🍵 ☕️ see my other reviews to see which one i recommend!

B Adams (Adams F.

Google

An absolutely unforgettable way to experience the bamboo forest. We only had 2.5 hours here, and with walking on crutches there’s no way we would have seen even half of it on our own. This tour made everything possible — effortless, immersive, and genuinely special. Having a knowledgeable guide meant we didn’t just see Arashiyama, we understood it, and the photos along the way were such a gift to take home. Huge thanks to Aki & Yuza for their kindness, patience, and warmth. This wasn’t just a tour, it was a memory we’ll treasure forever. 🌿

Abhinandan K.

Google

The forest can get very crowded, so try to visit as early as possible. It’s absolutely worth it though. Wander off the main paths a bit – after about a 1.5 km walk we stumbled upon a beautiful park and a stunning nearby valley, and the views were breathtaking. After that, you can follow the riverside trail to a very cool dam that’s definitely worth seeing.

Moiz M.

Google

Come very early. As early as you can muster. The crowd comes in at 9am onwards. You get the place all to yourself and take as many pics as you like. However, this place is known for bear sightings..so you might wanna prepare for that. Get a whistle. Bears hate loud noise. Even at 7am when I went, there were already people on the trail. Enjoy the scenery and the sunrise. Walk up the hill to the arashimaya viewpoints to see the gorges. Thereafter, you can walk down and either take the boat or the romantic train around the area. Highly recommended to visit.

Olgakay92

Google

Perfect time to come here is morning around 6/7am. I know it still early.. but if you come a bit late, it hard to fine a good spot without tourist. If you come earlier, you can explore many place nearby and still have time to jump to other destination (on my case is Inari *need 1 hour to go here) so better you go earlier! Spot bamboo itself is deep inside, you can see it less cable (attach my image for difference spot)

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

This 11-day Private Jet Trip Takes You Through Japan's Hidden Gems

https://www.travelandleisure.com/tcs-world-travel-private-jet-trip-japan-hidden-gem-11753628

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for LGBTQ+ Travelers

"A serene bamboo grove with walking paths, perfect for a leisurely walk or bicycle ride, located near local workshops that have used bamboo for centuries." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/japan-lgbtq-culinary-adventure-itinerary-8622476

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@afar

25,132 Postcards · 3,702 Cities

The Best Things to Do in Kyoto

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for 2025: From 1 to 3 Weeks

"The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a compact but stunning stand of towering bamboo near Tenryu-ji; I recommend arriving at sunrise to enjoy it before the crowds arrive." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/japan-itinerary/

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

@nomadicmatt

6,682 Postcards · 1,172 Cities

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Updated 2025)

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/seven-day-japan-itinerary/

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Remee

Google

Carla C.

Google

Melisa H

Google

B Adams (Adams F.

Google

Abhinandan K.

Google

Moiz M.

Google

Olgakay92

Google

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Postcards

Media

This 11-day Private Jet Trip Takes You Through Japan's Hidden Gems

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for LGBTQ+ Travelers

The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for 2025: From 1 to 3 Weeks

The Perfect 7-Day Japan Itinerary (Updated 2025)

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This 11-day Private Jet Trip Takes You Through Japan's Hidden Gems

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