Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

A very picturesque and incredibly popular place on the Kyoto map. An interesting experience, it's worth going there at least once. The ubiquitous greenery, as if entering another reality. Beautiful, tall bamboos. I heard about the crowds, I expected them. Fortunately, we were there in the late afternoon and the crowds had decreased. Visited in September 2024

A must place to visit if you are around this area. The renowned bamboo forest is definitely something for the soul… a slow walk surrounded by lush of bamboo stalks is such a healing moment away from all the busy bustling corporate life. These bamboo must be very old..(see one of the pic where its width vs my hand)..looking up.. it’s probably 15-20 feet tall!! 😲 One of the surprise was.. while walking through the forest… all the sudden there’s train passing through.. I thought it was platform 9 1/2..train to Hogwarts castle..😂😂😂.. one should try the train ride passing through the Forrest ( I didn’t managed to ride one) …I bet the feel must be amazing.. There’s plenty of souvenir and cafes shop around and it’s just a short walk from the train station. Do wear a good pair of sneakers …it’s a long walk and at times uphill too. Will I visit this place again… answer is yes.. Recommendation : Get a cup of large coffee or tea, walk slowly along the walls of bamboos, savor the atmosphere and vibes, absorb the energy and chi.. and lastly.. enjoy it..👍

Peaceful and tranquil if you take away the crowd. If you wish to enjoy the tranquility of the forest, come during off peak. Beautiful bamboo forest and good place to take picture. There is a roast potato mobile store. If you chance into him, you can get a hot roasted potato in a cold weather. There are some trails for those 'trail'bazers. Walk down to the river and there is another scenic area for picture taking. If you are game for boat ride, you can row a boat along the scenic river. Enjoy!!!

The train is easy to catch from Kyoto main train station. Once you are off the train it is a quick 10-15 min walk and you are there. The main bamboo area is free of charge. There are some nice gardens and temples to look at, these do cost money but are cheap. Toilets everywhere and safe walking trails. There is a less visited lookout at the top of the hill. A lot of people looking to get ‘the money shot’ photo but the foot traffic does move quickly. A must do whilst in Kyoto.

Well, we were expecting acres and acres and miles of paths through this bamboo forest. It was a five minute walk through it and we were done. While the bamboo plants were truly magnificent, the immediate area has at least two temples worth visiting. Suggestion: get to the bamboo forest no later than 8am. You’ll be able to get selfies and enjoy the quiet before the crowds descend on the path. The temples open at 9am, so there may be a wait to get in, but they are definitely worth seeing. The photos include areas beyond the bamboo forest and the temple grounds.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is truly magical—just like the Instagram videos, but even better in person! The towering bamboo creates a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere. It's incredibly picturesque, with countless spots perfect for capturing beautiful views. What I loved most was exploring beyond the forest itself. There are small hiking trails that lead down to the riverside, offering breathtaking scenery and a peaceful escape from the crowds. Whether you're there for the photos or to enjoy a tranquil walk, this place is absolutely worth a visit!

I had the opportunity to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in September 2024, and it was an unforgettable experience. This serene and picturesque spot is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Kyoto. The first thing that strikes you is the sheer beauty of the place. Walking through the forest, you’re surrounded by towering bamboo stalks that seem to stretch endlessly into the sky. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, making it an ideal spot to relax and reconnect with nature. There’s something magical about the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves as the wind passes through—it’s soothing and almost meditative. The only downside is that it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours. When I visited, there were many other tourists, which slightly diminished the tranquility. If you’re looking for a quieter experience, I’d recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the evening when the crowds are thinner. Despite the crowd, the forest’s beauty still shines through. It’s a fantastic place for photography, with every angle offering stunning shots. The pathways are well-maintained, making it an easy and enjoyable walk for visitors of all ages. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is more than just a scenic spot—it’s an experience that brings a sense of calm and wonder. Whether you’re a nature lover, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful escape, this is a place you shouldn’t miss. Highly recommended!

Arrived at 7:30AM and it was already packed. I think the possibility to take a picture without anyone around is really remotes despite that it’s still a very particular experience that you can’t have in many other places so it’s definitely worth a visit. Just make sure you take the time to walk around to other spots as there are beautiful mountain sceneries , probably even more powerful than the bamboo forest. Do note that during the day it gets super packed, like difficult to move packed, so be sure to go early