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Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan

Kimono Forest

The Kimono Forest at the Keifuku Randen tram station is a popular photo spot and a must-add to your itinerary for Arashiyama!

Hundreds of cylindrical pillars, “dressed” in colorful kimono fabric, were installed during a renovation of the station in 2013. Clustered like trees in a forest, the pillars make for a stunning sight.

Kimono Forest in Kyoto, Japan
Colorful pillar clusters at the Kyoto Kimono Forest

Several hundred kimono pillars can be found all over the station, with some lining a pathway to create a “kimono lane,” the perfect place to pose for a photo.

While Kyoto’s Kimono Forest is a quick photo stop for casual visitors, art and design enthusiasts will find the fabric designs worthy of more time.

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!

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What is the Kimono Forest in Kyoto?

A unique outdoor art installation at the Randen Tram Station in Arashiyama, the Kimono Forest consists of 600 cylinder-shaped pillars. Each pillar is 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall.

The inside of each pillar is draped in traditional Japanese kimono fabric. The 32 fabric designs were chosen by famous interior designer Yasumichi Morita.

The Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, Japan
The Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, Japan

Created using the traditional kyo-yuzen dyeing technique at Kamedatomi, a Kyoto-based textile company, the kimono fabrics are a riot of color and patterns.

While the pillars can be found in clusters all over the station, the most popular area to experience the Kimono Forest is the “kimono lane,” a pathway lined with kimono pillars.

At the end of the kimono lane is an energy spot where you will find the Ryu no Atago, a dramatic black ball etched with a golden dragon and set in a reflecting pond. It’s said that prayers and wishes made here come true!

There are LED lights in each pillar, and the Kimono Forest is illuminated every night from sunset until 9 p.m.

Kimono Forest in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan, illuminated after dark
The Kimono Forest is lit up at night

Kimono Forest Hours

The Kimono Forest art installation is open 24/7. The pillars are illuminated from sunset until 9 p.m.

Kimono Forest Entrance Fee

The Kimono Forest in Arashiyama is free to visit. There is no entrance fee.

Best Time to Visit the Kimono Forest in Arashiyama

While you can visit during the day to appreciate the colors and patterns of the beautiful kimono fabrics, the pathway looks dramatic lit up at night.

If you are in Arashiyama after dark, the Kimono Forest is definitely worth a quick stop when it is illuminated!

Kimono Forest Photography

The Kimono Forest in Arashiyama is a popular place for photography.

While the pathway known as “Kimono Lane” is a great place to pose for a photo for your Instagram account, note that there are power lines that run above the lane.

The reflecting pond with the dragon ball makes for a wonderful photo, with the colorful pillars forming a backdrop.

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