Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Bamboo Forest Arashiyama

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is probably the number one place in Kyoto everyone wants to visit. Thanks to social media, this tourist attraction has become world-famous over the last few years—and even more famous after the pandemic.

This simple, picturesque tourist attraction goes by many other names, such as Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or Sagano Bamboo Forest. It is also easily accessible from Kyoto via bus or train, mainly on a half-day or full-day trip.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

In 2024, I visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest twice on different trips, and I have to say that it was still amazing, even on the second time there. The first time was at the beginning of Spring, and the second time I visited was at the beginning of Autumn.

Bamboo Forest Kyoto
It’s almost impossible to get a nice photo without any tourists in them.
Bamboo at Arashiyama
Looking up at the tall Arashiyama bamboo trees.
Crowd Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Part of the early crowd at Arashiyama.
Photo of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
A section of the bamboo forest as you head deeper inside.
Bamboo Arashiyama
The beautiful bamboo grows on both sides.
Kyoto Bamboo Forest
A close-up of the bamboo trees.
Arashiyama Bamboo Plant Shoot
Bamboo shoot growing.
Arashiyama Forest
You will see scenes like this when you come early, except for the tourists.
Bamboo Forest Arashiyama
This photo was taken in September 2024 on my second visit.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Best Photography Spot
This is the best photography spot in the bamboo forest. Come early to beat the crowd otherwise, you will have a frustrating time trying to get some nice photos.

The weather was beautiful both times, but on the second visit, the crowds were tenfold compared to the early part of the year. My inaugural visit was surreal as I had never done any research or homework before heading here, and I loved the surprise.

But most younger generation travellers would do a lot of research, especially for their social media postings, and they end up just visiting the place to feed their TikTok, Instagram or social media account without truly enjoying the beauty of the bamboo forest. This is an alarming trend, which many do not care about nowadays.

Why Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a Must-Visit in Kyoto:

  1. Natural Beauty: The towering bamboo stalks create a serene and picturesque environment unique to Japan. Walking through the grove offers a peaceful escape into nature.
  2. Cultural Significance: Bamboo is significant in Japanese culture, symbolizing strength, flexibility, and resilience. The grove’s historical and cultural importance adds depth to the visitor’s experience.
  3. Photography: The bamboo grove’s visual appeal, with its tall, straight stalks and filtered sunlight, provides ample opportunities for photography. It’s a popular spot for capturing memorable moments.
  4. Nearby Attractions: Besides the bamboo grove, Arashiyama is home to notable attractions such as the Tenryu-ji Temple, the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park.
  5. Seasonal Beauty: The grove offers different experiences throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms add colour to the surroundings, while autumn brings vibrant foliage. Each season offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the bamboo grove.
  6. Easy Access: Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama is easily accessible by train or bus from the city centre, making it a convenient day trip destination.

Photos of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Below are random photos of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, taken with my smartphone. For your added info, I only use my smartphone to take my travel photos, which I have done since 2016. Currently, I use a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for my travel photography. Anyway, enjoy some of my photos taken here on both occasions.

Map of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The tourist map for Arashiyama. Once you arrive here, you can roughly look at the map to see where you are.
Bus to Arashiyama
Bus 28 from Kyoto Station goes directly to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and stops in front.

How to Go to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?

As the bamboo forest is about an hour away from Kyoto, the best way to get here is by public bus from Kyoto Station. You can opt to take a train, but you will need to change trains, and it is not that difficult. The bus is fast and stops right in front of the main entrance into the bamboo forest.

Buses leave from the main Kawaramachi-dori street or the Kyoto Station bus terminal. Signs indicate which platform you must be at to catch the Arashiyama bus. There are also staff walking about, ready to assist you with the buses.

On my first trip, I just waited outside Kawaramachi-dori Street, and the bus was empty at 6.30 AM. By the time the bus reached Kyoto Station, it was full, and there was only standing room left. On my second trip, I went straight to the Kyoto Station bus terminal and caught the bus there. I was lucky there were available seats because it was a weekday.

Tourists Arashiyama
This photo was taken in April 2024, showing part of a large tourist crowd when I was leaving at 10.30 AM.

Where I Stayed in Kyoto

During my trips to Kyoto, I stayed at the Travelodge Kyoto Kawaramachi, which is super convenient if you want the best of everything in one place. It is located on the main street, but surprisingly, the rooms are quiet. It is the convenience that got me excited, as the bust stops are just outside the hotel, while the main shopping streets are minutes’ walk away.

Conclusion

Overall, I must stress that the best thing you can do is wake up extra early in the morning, catch the 6:45 AM bus, and be at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest by 7:45 AM. This way, you will surely beat the main crowd and have peace of mind when you are there early.

The general crowd in tour buses starts to arrive by 9:00 AM, and the family or other general travellers will begin to arrive by 8:00 AM. So, if you come here at 7:00 AM, you will have a good headstart from everyone.

When you arrive, don’t waste time outside the main town area; get straight into the bamboo forest. It will take you about 10 minutes to walk to the main junction where people take photos. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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