Arashiyama Bamboo Forest : The best time to visit

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a popular tourist spot in Arashiyama, Kyoto that attracts many visitors every year. This article provides an overview of the bamboo Forest and surrounding attractions.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is located about 330ft (100m) north of Nagatsuji-dori Street, which is in front of Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railway. Follow the small path marked with a sign that says “Chikurin-no Komichi (Path of Bamboo)” for about 820ft (250m). The approximately 1312ft (400m)-meter-long bamboo grove extends from Nonomiya Shrine to Arashiyama Park, passing by the North Gate of Tenryu-ji Temple and the entrance to Ohara Sanso Garden. The Forest is home to millions of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), which can grow up to more than 65ft (20m) tall, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Eight types of bamboo fences, such as Takeho-gaki (a fence made of bundled bamboo branches) and Mozume-gaki (a fence that  representing the wall of Mozume Castle), line both sides of the path.

Best time to visit

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a natural bamboo forest consisting mainly of Moso bamboo, an evergreen species that allows visitors to enjoy its fantastic atmosphere all year round. In spring, you can enjoy the fresh green of newly sprouted bamboo shoots. In summer, the grove provides a cool and refreshing respite from the heat. Even in the fall, when the leaves of other trees turn red, the bamboo retains its green foliage, making it a unique addition to any fall foliage tour. In winter, the bamboo grove provides a stunning winter wonderland. Interestingly, Moso bamboo is said to flower only once every 72 years, making it a rare sight.

Bamboo forest illumination

Every year around December, the bamboo grove path is illuminated with lights. The bamboo forest illuminated by the lights at night creates a mystical atmosphere. During this illumination period, various places in Arashiyama are illuminated, including the Togetsukyo Bridge, a wooden bridge over the Ohara River, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where visitors can encounter wild Japanese macaque monkeys.

Other attractions in Arashiyama

Tenryu-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji Temple is the head temple of the Rinzai Zen sect, Tenryu-ji School, and covers approximately 12,000yd2 (100,000 m2) of land, along with 11 sub-temples. The Sogenchi Garden, a traditional Japanese walking pond garden, is particularly popular, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Okochi Sanso Garden

The OKochi Sanso Garden is a sprawling 24,000yd2 (20,000m2 ) garden meticulously created by famous Japanese actor Denjiro Okochi over 30 years as his private retreat. The garden offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Hiei and Arashiyama.

Nonomiya Shrine

Nonomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine located within the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. It is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the solar deity . It is said that if you stroke the turtle-shaped stone in the shrine grounds while praying, your wish will come true within a year.  The shrine is famous for its “Kuroki no Torii,” a black wooden shrine gate made from the bark of an unpeeled oak tree.

Arashiyama Park

Arashiyama Park is a Kyoto Prefectural Park located on a small hill next to the Katsura River. Covering an area of approximately 130,000 square yards (10.6 hectares), the park is a popular place to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and fall.

Togetsukyo Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is a large wooden bridge that spans the Katura River. It is believed to have been built between 834 and 848 AD and was restored in 1934. The breathtaking view of Arashiyama and the Katsura River from the bridge attracts many tourists.

Tips to Avoid Crowds at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest 

Arashiyama is a very popular tourist destination, and the bamboo grove is one of its main attractions. To avoid the crowds, here are some tips

• Visit on a weekday :
  Weekdays tend to be less crowded due to a lower volume of domestic tourists.
  
•  Early morning visits:
  While the Bamboo Forest is open 24 hours a day, the surrounding bamboo can block sunlight, so early morning visits before 8 a.m. are ideal for a less crowded experience.
  
• Combine with Tenryu-ji Temple:
  A leisurely stroll through the bamboo Forest takes about 30 minutes. Given the proximity of Tenryu-ji Temple, whose north gate opens at 8:30 a.m., a combined visit to both sites is recommended.

About transportation:
Due to the frequent traffic jams in Arashiyama, it’s recommended to use public transportation such as trains and walk to the bamboo grove instead of taking a bus or taxi to ensure punctual arrival.

By train

• 7-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Line
• 9-minute walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station on the JR Line
• 17-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Hankyu Line.

Information

Open Hours
24 hours

Entrance Fee
Free

Adress

Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394