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.

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.

Beautiful although the bamboo forest area was crowded. But rightfully so! However, the village, shrines, parks and river surrounding the bamboo forest are also very picturesque & worth exploring, we spent most of a day doing so. In multiple parks in Arashiyama there are scattered rocks containing excerpts of famous Japanese poetry. A beautiful treat for a poetry & nature lover, if you are one. I am and I loved it!

The bamboo forest is absolutely beautiful and well worth a visit, even with the crowds. It’s best to go in the morning to avoid the heavy influx of tourists that usually arrives around midday. While the main forest area can be busy, you can still find scenic spots for photos. A stroll through the surrounding village is peaceful and pleasant. The area is accessible by both bus and train.

This was one of my favorite places to visit in Kyoto. I loved the bamboo forest and the bridge area so much that I visited it twice during my 5 day stay in Kyoto. It can get a bit overwhelming as there are lots of people moving around the bamboo forest but if you go early enough, you will avoid the crowd. I really enjoyed walking in the area that encompasses the bridge, the river, all the quaint little food stalls/restaurants. The food wasn’t the greatest in this area, I tried a few things and all were below my expectation. Go here, and if possible go early to get a peaceful experience.