What other travelers are saying about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
It was cool to walk down the main path, and see how tall to bamboo grows. But is doesn't take long to get tired of seeing the same thing and start people watching, which is what we spent most of.the time doing. A ton of tourist visiting the area and the paths were full. The real treat came at the end. Most people turned around but we stuck it out and discovered at the end of the trail an entrance to a park. Take it and hike to the top, you will not be disappointed.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is an amazing and peaceful place. It brought back childhood memories for me, as I grew up around bamboo — but this felt different.
The bamboo here is uniquely beautiful, and the whole area has a calm, quiet vibe. Parking is limited, so I’d recommend using public transport. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the nearby gardens, temples, and the charming village too. Definitely worth a visit if you’re in Kyoto.
It’s a great scenic place with tall bamboo trees. You should be prepared for long walking and hiking if you want to visit hidden gems like the lake there so consider wearing proper shoes and clothing. If you want to skip the crowds, you can plan your visit in early morning. There are some venues like museums and temples that may require to book your ticket in advance. Although there are some vending machines in the hiking areas, but it’s better to have some bottles of water to prevent dehydration especially in summer.
Bamboo forest is less crowed during the afternoons.
Providing that it’s a hot afternoon. This way more tourists hide in the shade, and less people come out.
If you want an experience with more beautiful views to see. Buy the ticket for a separate entry for a building that is designed by a superstar. They offer free teas and a place to rest.
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.
