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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Entrance Fee

Wondering if Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan, has an entrance fee?

Short answer: even though the bamboo grove is a hugely popular attraction, it is totally free to visit. However, nearby temples and other attractions do charge fees.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Entrance Fee

Entrance FeeDetails
Arashiyama Bamboo ForestFREE – absolutely no entrance fee!
Iwatayama Monkey Park800 Yen (about $5.14) / adult, 400 Yen (about $2.57) / children 4-15
Tenryu-ji Temple500 Yen (about $3.50) for gardens, +300 Yen for temple’s interior
Sagano Romantic Train TicketsAbout 880 Yen (about $6) / adult, 440 Yen / child
Kimono ForestFree!
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Entrance Fee at a Glance!

Best Things to Do in Japan at a Glance

PlaceActivities & Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
TokyoMt Fuji & Hakone, Tokyo highlights, Go-Kart, bar-hopping, sushi-making, local food tour, sumo
KyotoKyoto highlights, Fushimi Inari hike, local food tour, ramen cooking, samurai, kimono tea ceremony, sake tasting, Nara highlights
OsakaOsaka castle, Go Kart, street food, sushi making, Nara highlights, Kyoto highlights

What is the Cost for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ?

There is no entrance fee for Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The stroll through the world-famous grove of swaying tall bamboo is absolutely free!

Since there is no admission fee for this otherworldly walk, it is VERY popular. Visit early or late to avoid crowds, especially in high season.

🚌 Explore Kyoto’s Iconic Landmarks in a Day! Join the PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour to visit must-see sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple and more. This comprehensive tour is ideal for travelers with limited time.

Attractions within the Arashiyama area like the Iwatayama Monkey Park and the Tenryu-ji Temple have nominal entrance fees.

Snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) at the Iwatayama Monkey Park near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Snow monkeys (Japanese macaques) at the Iwatayama Monkey Park near Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Pro Tips

Bring cash in yen

If you’re visiting multiple spots with fees, plan ahead and bring cash in yen—many smaller attractions don’t accept credit cards.

🦌 Visit Nara’s Historic Sites and Friendly Deer! Explore beyond Kyoto with the World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience. This full-day tour includes visits to Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, and a matcha tea experience in Uji.

Arrive early

Arrive early to beat the crowds, especially at Tenryū-ji, where the gardens feel most tranquil in the morning light.

Don’t miss the free or cheap attractions

While wandering the area, don’t miss the Togetsukyō Bridge, the Kimono Forest or the seasonal boat rides on the Hozugawa River—these activities are free to admire but the boat rides offer a unique perspective if you choose to splurge.

🎎 Experience Geisha Culture Up Close! Join the Discover Geisha Arts: Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show to learn about the traditions and arts of geisha. This 3-hour tour includes a guided walk and an authentic geisha performance.

Kimono Forest lit up at night
Kimono Forest lit up at night

Check out the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest map for the location of nearby attractions, most of which are walking distance from the grove.

The Best Kyoto Experiences (Ranked by Traveler Rating)

Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!

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!

Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
Top 10 Things to Do in Japan