Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Beautiful but Busy — Get There Early! The bamboo forest was absolutely beautiful, but as many have mentioned, it does get very crowded. What surprised us, though, is that the bamboo grove is actually just a small part of a much larger, stunning park. If you’re an early riser, it’s definitely worth heading there first thing in the morning to enjoy the peaceful surroundings before the crowds arrive. The town itself is super charming, but most shops don’t open until around 10 a.m. One highlight for us was visiting the former home of an old Japanese actor — admission was only 1,000 yen and totally worth it. The gardens were gorgeous, and there were plenty of great photo spots.

I visited the bamboo forest on a regular day (not a holiday or weekend), and while the beauty of the towering bamboo is absolutely worth seeing, be prepared for a lot of people. The path through the grove is stunning—peaceful in theory—but hard to fully enjoy with the constant crowd. It’s still magical to walk beneath the swaying green stalks and hear the rustling leaves, but if you’re hoping for quiet moments or photos without people, you’ll need to arrive very early—like sunrise early. Still, it’s a must-see when in Kyoto. Just go with the mindset that you’re sharing the experience with many others!

A stunning and serene experience to absolutely see, despite the crowds you’re sure to bump into. If you can, go early in the morning like we did and you’ll get a much more intimate ALMOST crowd free experience. As time went on, more and more people poured in, even by 9AM. We enjoyed picking a bench and just breathing in the fresh air and admiring how towering the bamboo was. Don’t let the crowds completely dictate whether or not you come here, this place is magical even with lots of people in my opinion. If that’s the case though, just know that your photos will not be crowd-free. If you go into it knowing that, I think you’ll have a great time. Or, go very early 😉

This Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is truly one of the experiences that drew me to travel all the way to Japan, and it lives up to every description I've encountered. Stepping into this serene grove is like entering another world. The bamboo itself, with its towering stalks reaching skyward, possesses a unique character that resonates deeply with life's principles. Its strength and flexibility, allowing it to sway gracefully in the wind without breaking, symbolizes resilience and adaptability. The rapid growth of bamboo mirrors the constant cycle of renewal and the vibrant energy of nature. In many Asian cultures, bamboo represents prosperity, strength, and longevity, qualities that are palpable within this tranquil space. Beyond the captivating bamboo, the Arashiyama area also boasts a delightful variety of flowers, adding splashes of color and fragrance throughout the seasons. While the bamboo grove itself is primarily green, the surrounding hills and gardens host numerous blooms. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the landscape in delicate pinks and whites, creating a breathtaking contrast with the verdant bamboo. Azaleas erupt in vibrant hues of pink, purple, and red, while hydrangeas offer a softer palette of blues and purples during the early summer months. Even later in the year, you can find camellias and other seasonal flowers adding their charm to the natural beauty of Arashiyama. The presence of these diverse flowers enhances the sensory experience, making a stroll through this area a truly immersive encounter with the beauty and resilience of nature.