Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Path in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into the Mystical Scenery Created by 25-Meter Tall Bamboo

2023-12-282024-09-22

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Path is located in Arashiyama, on the western side of Kyoto, and is one of the city’s most iconic tourist spots. The 400-meter-long walking path is lined with tall bamboo, creating a wonderful place to leisurely stroll through the peaceful bamboo forest.

This article will share the highlights of Bamboo forest path, along with some personal photographs.

Getting To Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Path from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Bamboo forest path from Kyoto Station is by train.

STEP

Take the JR Sagano(San-in) Line at Kyoto Station.

The JR Sagano(San-in) Line is located on platform 32 or 33. It can be accessed from either platform 32 or 33.

STEP

Disembark at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

It takes about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station.

STEP

Walk about 950m, which takes about 14 minutes.

After exitting the ticket gate, turn left and exit the station from the south gate.

As soon as you exit the station, turn right and enter the side street.

Continue along the road with Saga Torokko Station on your right.

Follow the path for a while, turn into the side street shown in the photo above. Please be careful not to pass by as the side street is difficult to be find.

As soon as you enter the path, you will find the entrance to the bamboo forest path.

Highlights of Arashiyama Bamboo forest path

Along this bamboo path, you’ll find towering bamboo that is so tall it blocks out the sky. The scene feels like stepping into a fairy tale, allowing you to enjoy a mystical atmosphere unlike any other.

After the path opens up for a moment, you’ll soon re-enter a more authentic bamboo forest trail.

It is said that during the Heian period (794-1185), this area served as a retreat for the nobility, and the beautiful bamboo scenery loved by these nobles has endured for over a thousand years.

By the way, Japan is known for its frequent earthquakes, and it is said that the abundance of bamboo in Kyoto helps strengthen the ground and prevent landslides, thanks to the robust roots of the bamboo.

The bamboo in this grove is among the largest in Japan, reaching heights of about 25 meters. The straight bamboo shoots rise from the ground and gradually lean inward at the top, creating a sense of passing through a bamboo tunnel.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Path is globally famous, attracting many tourists. If you want to enjoy it at a more leisurely pace, I recommend visiting in the early morning! At that time, you can have the tranquil bamboo grove all to yourself and take a relaxing stroll. I visited around 8 a.m. that day, and the morning sun shining through the bamboo was absolutely beautiful.

Along the way through the bamboo grove, you’ll find Nonomiya Shrine. This shrine is a popular power spot for matchmaking and safe childbirth, particularly favored by women.

At Nonomiya Shrine, there is Japan’s only “Black Wooden Torii.” Unlike traditional vermilion or stone torii gates, this one is made from unprocessed wood, making it a very rare structure. Due to the difficulty of preservation and the challenge of obtaining the raw wood from the cork oak tree, it is truly a unique find.

Information of Arashiyama Bamboo forest path

Web Site	Official web site
Opening hours	–
Phone number	–

Please check the official website for the latest information.

Nearby tourist spots include Arashiyama Monkey Park, Tenryuji Temple and Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. If you’re interested, please check out the article below.