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An aerial view of the Katsura River in Arashiyama, Kyoto

How Long To Spend At Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

How much time should you allow for the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? Short answer: that depends on what you are looking to see and do on your visit!

Just walking the length of the bamboo alley in Arashiyama should take you no longer than 30-45 minutes, even with stops for photos.

🚌 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.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto, Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

To visit Tenryu-ji Temple, the major shrine in Arashiyama known for its gardens, walk the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and visit the Togetsukyo Bridge, allow a couple of hours.

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

If you have a half-day in Arashiyama, you can walk the two stretches of the bamboo grove, visit Tenryu-ji and the Nonomiya Shrine, snap photos at Togetsu-kyo Bridge, wander the Okochi Sanso Garden, visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park and maybe do some souvenir shopping or enjoy a bite to eat.

🦌 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.

In order to experience the major attractions in Arashiyama, including the two stretches of the bamboo grove, a couple of shrines, Iwatayama Monkey Park, the Sagano Romantic Train, and the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, you need a long and full day in Arashiyama.

Better yet, plan to spend a night and take in all the sights at leisure! Arashiyama is beautiful, especially in the spring and the fall, and well worth all the time you can afford.

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

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Best Kyoto Tours (Ranked by Travelers!)

Saga Arashiyama Station to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest