Just outside of Kyoto, Japan, a hidden gem awaits: the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Step into this magical realm where time stands still, and nature’s beauty unfolds. Wander amidst the towering bamboo stalks, their graceful sway inviting you into a world of wonder. Sunlight dances through the canopy, casting enchanting shadows upon the ground. The bamboo grove is a sanctuary of serenity, beckoning you to embrace the ethereal beauty around you.
This stunning bamboo forest in Arashiyama, Japan has become one of the most famous sights in the world. You’ve probably seen it all across social media and advertisements. Even the official Japan tourism bureau displays photos and videos of it at the airport! It’s just as beautiful as in the photos, but depending on how well you’ve planned your trip, the experience may or may not be as magical as you expected.
I was determined to experience Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in its full glory, so I was meticulous about planning! I have put together the best tips to ensure that you can experience the same.
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How to Get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The towering bamboo grove is often listed on must-see guides for Kyoto, but it’s actually not located in central Kyoto at all. The region of Arashiyama is located west of central Kyoto, where you will likely be staying.
The easiest way to get here is by taxi, especially if you are planning on coming early in the morning when there are fewer people. You’ll also have the option to stop briefly as you drive across the stunning Togetsukyo Bridge, another one of the most famous tourist sights in Arashiyama. The taxi ride takes about 35 minutes. We called an Uber and paid 2,980 yen for one-way.
If you prefer to take public transportation, you can catch the train from Kyoto Station. Take either the JR San-in Line or Sagano Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The train takes about 20 minutes. From Saga-Arashiyama Station, you will either have to take a bus or walk for about 15 minutes to reach the bamboo forest entrance.
Alternatively, you can take a guided tour for the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto with one of these options:
Tips for Visting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Show up early. I cannot stress this enough; you should definitely show up at Arashiyama Bamboo Forest early. The bamboo forest is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is completely free to enter. This generous opening policy plus the bamboo forest’s ever-growing popularity means that there are people here even before the sun rises, as early as before 6 AM! We arrived at 6:30 AM on a weekday and there were already a few people here.
Even if you aren’t interested in seeing the bamboo forest empty for photography reasons, the amount of people makes a huge difference in the experience. The famous straight section of the grove is actually quite small and narrow. When there are more than just a handful of people, the noise gets trapped inside, voices seem extra loud, and the peaceful immersion is spoiled. No matter what, I highly recommend coming to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest as early as possible so you can enjoy its magic without the crowds.
Play with angles and framing. If you are interested in taking a photo in the bamboo forest, it can be tricky to take a good one. As I mentioned before, the famous section of the grove is completely straight and quite small. So if there is even just one other group of people present, you will see them in your photo. Plus, the grove is not a one-way path, so people are constantly flowing in and out from both ends. I recommend playing with angles and framing. Taking a photo from a low angle allows you to block the people behind you while also capturing the beautiful soaring bamboo above.
Don’t forget to look up. Speaking of the beautiful bamboo all around you, don’t forget to look up and marvel at the stunning, towering bamboo forest canopy. The enormous stalks of bamboo reach over 50 meters high! Seeing these elegant, leafy giants instills a sense of wonder in your heart. I stood and looked up for so long that I felt as though I were falling into the endless sky. Nature never ceases to impress me with its beauty!
Conclusion
Though the days of seeing a completely empty and peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Forest may be behind us, it is still possible to enjoy this natural wonder the way it was meant to be appreciated—in the still early mornings full of dewy air and quietude. Enjoy the beauty of Arashiyama, Japan, and make this sight one to remember.
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