What other travelers are saying about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
We came in the afternoon and yes like others say there are crowds. I don't think it was as crowded as it could've been because we visited in the winter. When it comes to taking pictures you have to put in the effort to find an uncrowded area.
It's truly a beautiful work of nature, thank you to staff for preserving this forest. Even with the crowds it can still be a peaceful place. We also walked alongside some very small neighbourhoods and businesses.
We didn't have time to explore much of the forest but I think it's definitely worth seeing as much as you can.
April 14th, 2023:
Majestic. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. I think we got there around 6:30am.
It's a nice walk. We walked all the way through the forest and then ended up in a residential area outside the forest. The Japanese that live here must love going for morning strolls. It's soothing
If you want less crowd visitor… you should come early. We got here around 8AM and could enjoy the serene housing environment along the way to the forest. We had a chance to eat breakfast at the food stall near the bus station before heading to our next destination.
The train is easy to catch from Kyoto main train station. Once you are off the train it is a quick 10-15 min walk and you are there. The main bamboo area is free of charge. There are some nice gardens and temples to look at, these do cost money but are cheap. Toilets everywhere and safe walking trails. There is a less visited lookout at the top of the hill. A lot of people looking to get ‘the money shot’ photo but the foot traffic does move quickly. A must do whilst in Kyoto.
Well, we were expecting acres and acres and miles of paths through this bamboo forest. It was a five minute walk through it and we were done. While the bamboo plants were truly magnificent, the immediate area has at least two temples worth visiting.
Suggestion: get to the bamboo forest no later than 8am. You’ll be able to get selfies and enjoy the quiet before the crowds descend on the path. The temples open at 9am, so there may be a wait to get in, but they are definitely worth seeing.
The photos include areas beyond the bamboo forest and the temple grounds.
