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The Randen Tram in Kyoto, Japan

Kinkakuji Temple to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

How to Get from Kinkaku-ji Temple to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Trying to figure out how to get from the Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? The train is your best option if you don’t have a rental car in Japan!

Kinkakuji Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest are both among the top attractions in Kyoto and on most first-time visitors’ bucket lists, so it’s helpful to know how to get from one to the other.

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

Kinkakui-ji Temple to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by Train

By the JR Sagano Line

Take the local bus from Kinkakuji-michi bus stop to Enmachi Station.

From Enmachi Station (sometimes spelled as Emmachi Station) travel on the JR Sagano line to Saga Arashiyama Station. The journey takes about 7 minutes and there are frequent trains.

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Rapid trains stop at both Enmachi and Saga Arashiyama.

From the Saga Arashiyama Station, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a 10- to 12-minute walk.

You can use your Japan Rail pass, if you have one, for this journey.

The train is unquestionably the best way to get around Japan. Click to get your Japan Rail Pass now!

By the Keifuku Railway (Randen)

Take the bus from the Kinkakuji-michi bus stop to Kitano-Hakubaicho Station. You can also walk: it takes about 20 minutes on foot.

From Kitano-Hakubaicho Station travel by the Keifuku Railway (Randen Tram) Kitano Line to Katabiranotsuji Station, where you will transfer to the Arashiyama Line. This journey takes about 11 minutes.

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Once on the Arashiyama Line, alight at the Randen Arashiyama Station. This journey takes about 8 minutes.

With transfer time, expect the station-to-station journey to take about 26 minutes.

From the Randen Arashiyama Station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

You cannot use your JR Rail Pass on the Randen Tram.

Tip: While at the Randen Arashiyama Station, be sure to snap a few photos of the famous Kyoto Kimono Forest!

🍵 Immerse Yourself in a Traditional Tea Ceremony! Participate in the Kimono Tea Ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya, NISHIKI. This 1.5-hour session allows you to wear a kimono and experience the art of Japanese tea preparation.

Kinkaku-ji Temple to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest by Taxi

If you don’t mind parting with a few thousand yen, a taxi is the quickest way to get from the Kinkaku-ji Temple to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

The journey is about 8 kilometers and will set you back around 3,500 yen (about USD 23.00). The ride lasts about 10 minutes in normal traffic.

Book these top, 5-star rated, immensely popular Kyoto experiences!

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!

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Top 10 Things to Do in Japan