What other travelers are saying about Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
For ¥500, you can have the bamboo forest all to yourself for picture taking. It’s a very serene site with a short climb to the top. The area houses a shrine and it’s located in a very nice residential district
It is a very fascinating temple, believed to be dedicated to the souls of those who have died without any surviving relatives. Each of these souls is commemorated with a statue that tells their story or represents it.
One of the most enchanting parts is this small bamboo forest that you will find going straight on at the entrance and then on the left side. There was no one there when I visited the place, and it is as beautiful as the one in Arashiyama in my opinion. Even better because there are no crowds. I hope that mass tourism does not turn it into an overly crowded place.
The entrance fee was mandatory, but it was still a symbolic amount.
Inside, you can also ask for the 御朱印 (stamp).
Enjoy the place!
IT IS SMALL, the "bamboo forest" is just the stairs area so it is not a replacement for Arashiyama. There is an entrance since it is a temple. You can visit the statues and the history behind this spot. However, if you're coming just to get a bamboo picture, it's an OK visit, not the best.
I'm so glad I took the 7 minute 900 yen taxi here after visiting Tenryuji! After paying the 500 yen (per adult; younger person charges were less) entrance fee, I was able to feel the history and sanctity of this space in a way that was harder at some of the other temples. It's not a large space but it packs a lot into the area, and was very empty late in the day (I went around 4pm). It has a much shorter bamboo forest than Arashiyama, but the steps and evening lighting made it more unique. The bamboo trees also seemed much thicker, and the fence was a lot lower, so it was easier to get nice photos. Given how empty it was (surprisingly so the day after Gion Matsuri), it really just afforded much easier 'quintessential' bamboo forest shots. The many stones around the central statutes and the cast iron bell were really cool as well. I'd definitely go back!
Very lovely place, but well out of the way. They claim it's a hidden gem but I guess the word is out, the place was crazy packed when we came. Add that "influencers" literally camp out on the only stairs with bamboo for literally over half an hour and you're better off just fighting the crowds in the more touristy areas.
