Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: A Magical Grove In Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easily one of the top must-visit places in Kyoto, if not all of Japan!
Towering slender bamboo stalks reaching into the sky. Eerie, clacking music as the stalks sway in the wind.
Ancient shrines scattered along the trail and nearby. Stunning Japanese gardens with ponds and views.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, sometimes called Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Grove, is located on the western edge of Kyoto along the beautiful Katsura River in the foothills of Mount Arashiyama (also called Mount Ogura).
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The trail through the beautiful bamboo grove is short at 0.3 mile one way, but an enchanting, magical experience!
Make an outing of your trip by visiting some iconic landmarks in the vicinity: the famous Tenryu-ji Temple and gardens, the Nonomiya-jinja shrine and the stunning Okochi Sanso Garden.
And if you have more time, you can visit the famous Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a short walk on the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River, where you can view (and even feed) Japanese macaques, commonly called snow monkeys.
Temple lovers have any number of picturesque temples with tranquil grounds to add to their Arashiyama itinerary if time permits.
Interested? On this comprehensive Arashiyama Bamboo Forest website you will find everything you need to plan your visit!
Visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and looking for other fun activities nearby? The Hozugawa River Boat Ride takes you on a cruise through some of the most dramatic scenery in the area! Beautiful year round, jaw-dropping in the spring and fall. 🛶 🛶 🛶
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Complete 2025 Guide to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This Arashiyama Bamboo Forest website is your one-stop for all the details you need to plan your trip!
Located in the Arashiyama district, a suburb of Kyoto in Japan, the address for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is easily accessible from Kyoto Station, from nearby Kyoto attractions like Fushimi Inari and Kinkakuji Temple or even from Osaka.
If you plan to use your JR Pass, there are different ways to get from Saga Arashiyama Station to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
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This Arashiyama Bamboo Forest map can be expanded for directions and nearby attractions.
While Arashiyama Bamboo Forest opening hours are all daily, 24×7, the best time to visit is usually early morning (before the tour groups arrive)!
And if that doesn’t work or you want a repeat visit to this beautiful bamboo grove, check out Arashiyama Bamboo Forest at night: a magical, enchanting experience especially on full moons!
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in winter is a completely different experience, especially in virgin snow after a fresh snowfall!
And best of all, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is completely free! No tickets needed or entrance fees! Amazing for a Kyoto top 10 things to do.
Will make you want to splurge on a kimono rental for that perfect Instagram picture, but make sure you plan ahead as the rentals are very popular!
Wondering how long to spend at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove? Just walking the grove is a quick affair, but you’ll want to allow time to experience some of the other attractions in Arashiyama!
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hike at a Glance
| Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Trail | Details |
| Walk Length from Main Street Arashiyama | 500 meters (0.31 mile) |
| Walk Length from Tenryu-ji North Gate to Okochi Sanso Villa Entrance | 400 meters (0.25 mile) |
| Bamboo Path Trail Difficulty | Easy, mildly uphill |
| Time Taken to Walk the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest | About 30-45 minutes depending on stops |
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Kyoto Hotels for Your Stay
Downtown Kyoto is the most central place to stay, giving you easy access to the main sightseeing areas. Hotel Okura Kyoto is a luxury hotel that features larger rooms and good onsite restaurants. For a great midrange option, try Cross Hotel Kyoto.
In Higashiyama, try Hotel Yuraku Kyo-yasaka: it’s a 10-minute walk from the Gion Shijo Station and gets high marks for ambience.
Staying near Kyoto Station is convenient if you plan to do several day trips. Hotel Granvia Kyoto is a luxury option located literally within Kyoto Station and offers largish rooms. For a ryokan, try Izuyasu, a renovated historic inn walking distance to Kyoto Station.
While in Kyoto, here are some must-try experiences!
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2. Ramen cooking class: make the noodles, mix the soup, and add toppings! 🍜
3. Explore the world of geishas on a cultural walk in Gion 👘
Things to Do in Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Temples, Gardens and More!)
1. Walk the Arashiyama Bamboo Path
Walking the much-Instagrammed path through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and photographing the “Bamboo Alley” is of course a bucket-list item for many visitors to Kyoto.
There are actually two sections to the grove: one by the Nonomiya Shrine and the second that runs between Tenryu-ji Temple and Okochi Sanso. The latter section is considered more scenic.
For a convenient way to experience the bamboo grove, access the path just outside the north gate entrance of Tenryu-ji Temple and walk left up to the Okochi Sanso Garden entrance, near which you will find the most photo-worthy part of the famous path.
To access the lower section of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, turn right from the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple.
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The mature bamboo stalks rise gracefully into the sky, creating their own melody as they brush against one another with the breeze. The bamboo stays green year round, but it’s most vibrant in the summer.
With the sun’s rays filtering through the bamboo leaves and creating a magical dappled effect on the forest floor, it is easy to see why this very short path (about 0.25 mile) is so popular.
If you have mobility issues or you are traveling with small children, consider a rickshaw tour to experience the grove in comfort.
There’s just one walking path through the small grove, and it is extremely popular, so expect it to be congested with visitors through the day.
Visit at dawn or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. Arashiyama at night can be magical as well.
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2. Visit the Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryu-ji Temple is one of the five great zen temples of Kyoto and a must-visit on your trip to the Arashiyama District of the city.
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Located just a short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji is easy to visit even on a day trip to Arashiyama. If you visit Tenryu-ji Temple first, exit through the north gate to find yourself at the bamboo grove!
Featuring several historic buildings and a beautiful garden laid out around the picturesque Sogen Pond, Tenryu-ji Temple will appeal not only to history and culture buffs but also to nature and garden lovers.
Admire the Cloud Dragon painting in the Hatto, the Dharma Hall. Snap photos of the gorgeous facade of the Kuri. Gaze at the centuries-old image of the Shakyamuni Buddha in the Daihojo.
Walking the path around the Sogen Pond Garden is a must in any season, but especially captivating during cherry blossom season in the spring or in the fall when leaf colors peak.
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3. Stroll the Okochi Sanso Garden
Somewhat of a hidden gem, the Okochi Sanso Garden is another must-visit attraction in Arashiyama, right by the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
A three-decade labor of love by Japanese period actor Okochi Denjiro, the Japanese gardens were carefully planned to be attractive in every season.
With cherry trees, azaleas, pine trees, and maples, the garden is an oasis of serenity or ablaze with color, depending on when you go.
Also in the complex is the Daijo-kaku, a blend of ancient styles of Japanese architecture. Also stop by the small but lovely Shinto shrine, and take in the views over Kyoto from the top of the mountainous garden.
There’s also a tea house where you can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
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4. See Japanese macaques in the wild at the Iwatayama Monkey Park
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama is a must!
The mountaintop park boasts a snow monkey population of about 120, and, because the park staff feeds them on a schedule, they hang out around the park, making it easy to observe them.
You can even buy snacks like peanuts or fruit and feed the macaques from within the “feeding hut.”
And because of its location at the top of Mt. Iwatayama, the monkey park offers expansive views over the city of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains and forest.
Note that a visit to the Arashiyama monkey park requires a moderate uphill hike. Allow enough time to get there and back, plus time to observe the cute Japanese macaques!
5. Take the Sagano Romantic Train to Kameoka
One of the best things to do in Arashiyama, a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train will captivate you regardless of the season.
Relax in an open or closed car pulled by a brightly-colored vintage locomotive as you take in the striking landscapes of the Hozugawa Gorge.
The route, which runs between Arashiyama and Kameoka, is short and takes less than 30 minutes.
Admire the beauty of cherry blossoms in the spring, take in the lush greenery in the summer, enjoy the brilliant shades of foliage in the fall, and look for a dusting of snow on the canyon walls in the winter.
Many visitors to Arashiyama take the Sagano Scenic Railway from Arashiyama to Kameoka, and enjoy the Hozugawa river boat cruise on the trip back.
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6. Take a Hozugawa River Boat Ride!
For twice the fun and the opportunity to take in the stunning beauty of the Hozugawa Gorge from a different perspective, take the Hozugawa River Boat Ride from Kameoka back to Arashiyama.
The boat cruise on the Hozu River is about 16 kilometers (just under 10 miles) and takes about two hours.
Along the route through the gorge, you’ll enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains, the trees on the slopes of the canyon, and the boulders on the banks. The river features rapids as well!
The boat ride is beautiful in every season, and a must for your Arashiyama itinerary.
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7. Enjoy the Views at Togetsukyo Bridge
An iconic landmark in Arashiyama, the Togetsukyo Bridge is a must-visit for the spectacular scenery, especially if your visit coincides with cherry blossom season or fall foliage season.
The Togetsu-kyo Bridge spans the Katsura River, or the Oi River. It was originally made entirely of wood, but today the bottom is reinforced concrete.
Other than taking photos, you can stroll the bridge or go on a boat ride on the Katsura River. During the summer, after dark, you can watch fishermen practice the art of cormorant fishing.
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8. Stop by the Nonomiya Shrine
Right by the bamboo grove and the renowned Tenryu-ji Temple is the small but lovely Nonomiya Shrine, well worth a stop for the serene mossy garden.
Founded as a purification site for Japanese princesses selected to be high priestess of the Ise Shrine, Nonomiya is a shrine focused on women’s themes. Women that want to find love or have an easy childbirth come to Nonomiya to worship.
Admire the unique black gate, visit the shrines, and imbibe the tranquility of the garden at Nonomiya.
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9. Snap Photos of the Kimono Forest
While Arashiyama is most renowned for its bamboo forest, you’ll find a man-made forest of a different kind to also visit here.
The Kyoto Kimono Forest is a large outdoor art installation at the Randen Arashiyama Station that consists of hundreds of “kimono” pillars: cylindrical tubes lined inside with traditional kimono fabric in many colors and patterns.
Walking the Kimono Lane at the station leads you to a lovely reflecting pond with a ball etched with a dragon set in the water. It’s a photo spot you must not miss!
You can visit the Kimono Forest at any time, but it is especially worth visiting at night, when the pillars are illuminated.
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10. Enjoy the Serenity at Jojakko-ji Temple
Looking for a quiet place to enjoy in Arashiyama? Head to the Jojakkoji Temple, where you can enjoy a stroll in relative solitude except during leaf-peeping time in the fall.
While the stunning pagoda at Jojakko-ji Temple is a must-photograph sight, the temple also offers lovely views since it is located on the slopes of Mount Ogura.
The gardens are famous for maples and moss. More than 200 maple trees put on a brilliant show of color in the fall, which is a popular time to visit this otherwise less-visited temple in Arashiyama.
In the summer, the serene green of the trees and the moss make it a tranquil retreat.
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11. Visit the Historic Nison-in Temple
Just like Jojakkoji Temple, Nison-in is a hillside temple in Arashiyama that dates back to the 9th century. Both the structures and the garden here are worth the time!
Arashiyama’s Nison-In Temple features two lovely gates (the main gate and the Imperial Envoy Gate) and a dramatic wide pathway lined with cherry trees and maple trees.
Beautiful and tranquil any time of the year, Nison-in Temple is particularly worth visiting during cherry blossom bloom in the spring or the fall foliage season.
Nison-in also has a famous cemetery, located along the slope of Mount Ogura, that you can stroll. There are moss-covered monuments and statues to admire.
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12. Admire the 8,000 Stone Statues at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple
One of the quieter temples in Arashiyama, the Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple is located a bit of a walk away from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the main touristic hub.
The main reason to visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is to gawk at the thousands of stone statues on the grounds that honor the departed souls of people that passed without family.
The structures here are also unique: there’s a pagoda that looks out over the statues, a brick stupa, and a torana, a stone gate that you typically see at Buddhist sites in India. They all make for great photos!
And as a bonus, you will also find a small and much quieter bamboo grove here, with a path to pose for photos.
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13. Marvel at the Rakan Statues at Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple!
Also set in a somewhat remote location in Arashiyama, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple features 1,200 stone statues of Buddha disciples. It’s well worth a visit after you’ve walked the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and taken in the popular sights.
What’s totally unique about these statues is that they are quite new — created in the 1980s — and they were carved by visitors that came to the temple seeking a lesson in sculpting from the head priest, a sculptor himself.
With varying expressions from solemnity to guffaw and some holding modern objects like a tennis racket or Walkman, these statues make for a fascinating sight.
Taking a taxi from the main tourist hub is the best way to visit.
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14. Photograph the Mossy Grounds of the Gioji Temple
A nature photographer’s dream, Gioji Temple is not too long of a walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. If you love tranquil spaces, put it on your Arashiyama itinerary!
Gio-ji Temple is known mainly for its beautiful green moss, which looks especially lovely after a bit of rain. In the fall, maple trees on the grounds offer fall foliage color as well.
The only surviving structure is a simply-built convent, and the tranquil grounds are the main draw. There is also a beautiful gate that makes for great photos.
Gio-ji Temple is named after Gio, a dancer who retired to the temple after she was cast aside by her powerful lover, Taira no Kiyomori.
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Where to Eat near the Arasahiyama Bamboo Forest
Planning to spend a few hours exploring the attractions near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? You’ll want to know where to eat nearby!
For a meal with a breathtaking view, head to Arashiyama Yoshimura, a super popular soba restaurant. The food is great too, with options for vegetarians. Visit at off meal times if you hope to snag a table by the window for a fabulous view over the Togetsu-kyo Bridge and the Katsura River.
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Shigetsu, inside the Tenryu-ji Temple complex, is another good choice for a meal in Arashiyama if you want to enjoy shojin ryori, Japanese Buddhist cuisine. It is vegetarian, with the focus on seasonal produce. Reserve in advance.
Feel like a sandwich? Le Bouchon T offers both indoor and outdoor seating and the quality of the food is topnotch. You’ll find pizza, sandwiches, and pastries, as well as bowls and curries.
Kijurou Arashiyama is known for its wagyu beef set meals that come with side dishes. The restaurant is on the main street in Arashiyama and has a lovely setting with a garden.