Bamboo Grove Walks in Arashiyama | Routes and Highlights

The Arashiyama bamboo grove is one of Kyoto’s iconic tourist attractions.

The approximately 400-meter-long path through the bamboo grove feels like a lush green tunnel, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. Every breeze rustles the bamboo, and the sound harmonizes with the surrounding quiet to create a peaceful atmosphere. The contrast of light and shadows intensifies during the early morning and at dusk, enhancing the grove’s mystical ambiance.

This article will guide you through the walking routes, highlights, and local information about the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.

Arashiyama is a scenic area located in the Nishikyo Ward of Kyoto, home to many tourist attractions such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove Path, and Tenryuji Temple. The Bamboo Grove Path near Togetsukyo Bridge is particularly famous, representing one of Kyoto’s quintessential landscapes. Approximately 1,600 bamboo stalks line this path, offering a picturesque walking experience.

Arashiyama has been celebrated in many Japanese poems since ancient times and flourished as a villa area for nobles during the Heian Period.

The bamboo grove in Arashiyama offers visitors a unique experience filled with allure. This place, deeply rooted in the history of Japan’s ancient capital, has long been cherished as a tranquil retreat.

One of its main attractions is the peace and serenity experienced while walking through the bamboo. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you are enveloped by the sound of the wind passing through the trees and the scent of bamboo. Slowing down to the rhythm of nature, you will experience a sense of calm.

Furthermore, the appearance of the bamboo grove changes constantly with the light conditions. From dazzlingly bright spots to cool shaded areas, each step reveals a new vista.

Access to Arashiyama is direct and easy from Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, taking about 20 minutes without any transfers. By bus, it takes about 40 minutes from the Kyoto Station bus terminal to the Arashiyama Park bus stop.

The travel time is about 20 to 30 minutes by train and about 40 minutes by bus. While the train is recommended for smoother travel, the bus may be a few hundred yen cheaper.

One of the best routes for exploring Arashiyama’s bamboo grove starts at the north gate of Tenryuji Temple, enters the bamboo grove, and returns to Arashiyama’s main street. This route, which takes about one hour on foot, allows you to thoroughly enjoy the bamboo grove and other popular attractions in Arashiyama.

Entering the bamboo grove from the north gate of Tenryuji Temple, you are immediately on the bamboo-lined path. (Turning right at the north gate of Tenryuji Temple will take you towards Nomiya Shrine and Togetsukyo Bridge.) Continuing along the path, you encounter Okochi Sanso Villa, and then enter Kameyama Park. As you walk downstream along the Katsura River, Togetsukyo Bridge comes into view. Crossing the bridge, you return to Arashiyama’s main street.

While Arashiyama’s bamboo grove is renowned worldwide for its beauty, there are also many other attractive spots nearby not to be missed. Below are some recommended tourist destinations to visit when in Arashiyama.

おはようございます。今朝の嵐山は曇天です。６月３０日は夏越の大祓ということで野宮神社では茅の輪ができました！ pic.twitter.com/IyOaMOFo

— 人力車 えびす屋_公式 (@ebisuyacom) June 27, 2012

Located near the entrance to the bamboo grove path, Nomiya Shrine is an ideal spot to visit during a stroll through Arashiyama. The shrine grounds host a tea house where visitors can enjoy matcha and sweet sake. Surrounded by Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, the shrine offers a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature throughout the seasons. Particularly in autumn, the colorful foliage provides a serene and authentically Japanese ambiance.

Nomiya Shrine is also known for its connection to The Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s classical literary works, where it is depicted as the site where the heroine, Lady Murasaki, undertook religious training.

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Founded during the Heian Period, Tenryuji is one of Kyoto’s most prominent temples and has been designated as a World Heritage Site. It houses numerous important cultural properties, offering a deep connection to Japan’s classical culture. The temple is said to have been inspired by a vision of a dragon god that appeared to Ashikaga Takauji in his dreams. Historically, it flourished as a significant Zen Buddhist temple.

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Particularly famous is the temple’s garden, considered a masterpiece of Japanese landscaping. The “Sogen Pond Garden,” a beautiful example of a pond-strolling garden, reflects the beauty of each season and draws crowds, especially during the autumn foliage season.

Located about a 17-minute walk from Saga Arashiyama Station at the base of Ogurayama, Nisonin Temple is set amidst peaceful rural scenery. Once celebrated in a collection of classical Japanese poetry, it offers visitors a tranquil experience.

Founded between 834 and 848 AD by order of Emperor Saga and established by the great monk Ennin, Nisonin is a Tendai sect temple rich with cultural treasures designated as cultural properties by Kyoto City.

In autumn, its approach, known as “Momiji no Baba,” is beautifully lined with vibrant fall colors, providing a profoundly picturesque setting. The temple also has a custom where visitors can ring the “Bell of Happiness” three times to wish for personal, communal, and global well-being.

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Jojakkoji Temple is renowned for its moss-covered garden, which features a wide variety of moss types creating a gradient of greens.

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In autumn, the approach to the temple’s pagoda is lined with colorful leaves, and it offers panoramic views across Kyoto and Mount Hiei.

The temple grounds are home to about 200 maple trees, which burst into vivid colors each fall. In early summer, the fresh green maple leaves create an ethereal tunnel leading to the Niomon gate, casting the cobblestone path in a light green glow.

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The Sagano Scenic Railway connects Arashiyama with Kameoka, offering a leisurely train ride with views of the Hozugawa River gorge. This tourist train is particularly spectacular during cherry blossom season in spring and amid the autumn colors. About 700 cherry trees planted along the route bloom in spring, while illuminated maple trees form a beautiful tunnel in the fall.

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The train operates with retro-style cars, adding an exciting element to the journey. The spacious interiors provide a sense of openness, enhancing the overall experience.

こんにちは。嵐山は雨が降ったりやんだりしています。竹の緑がとても鮮やかに映えますね。 ただ、非常に強い雨で避難勧告の出ている地区もあります。今後の雨にも警戒してください。（Ａ） pic.twitter.com/HpJBETTp

— 人力車 えびす屋_公式 (@ebisuyacom) July 12, 2012

When visiting the area around Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, it is highly recommended to explore wearing a kimono, take a rickshaw tour, or use a rental bicycle. Choose the style that best suits your interests and preferences to fully enjoy Arashiyama.

The bamboo grove in Arashiyama is an ideal place to stroll in a kimono. The vivid colors of the kimono complement the green of the bamboo, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of a painting.

There are many kimono rental shops in the area around Arashiyama. Rental prices vary depending on the type of kimono and obi, and the rental duration, but typically range from 5,000 to 15,000 yen. Once dressed in a kimono, you can enjoy walking through the bamboo grove and visiting places like Tenryu-ji Temple. Strolling through the bamboo path in a kimono feels like stepping into a scene from a period drama, making for exceptionally beautiful photos. This experience is especially recommended during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn leaf season.

Rickshaws are a popular mode of transport for sightseeing in Arashiyama.Trained rickshaw drivers provide guided tours of major tourist spots such as the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge, explaining the history and significance of each location. Prices vary depending on the route and duration, but generally range from 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Rickshaw Ebisuya Arashiyama Head Store is one of the well-known providers.

The view from a rickshaw is expansive, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding scenery while resting your feet. This makes rickshaws popular with families and couples alike. They also offer an efficient way to visit many tourist spots in a short amount of time.

Using a rental bicycle, such as from Arashiyama Station Ranbura Rental Cycle, allows you to freely explore the Arashiyama area at your own pace. Not only can you enjoy the famous bamboo grove, but you can also discover attractive landscapes and hidden spots in the surrounding area.

Bicycles enable smooth movement away from the crowds, making them ideal for those who want to visit many locations in one day. For instance, the rental fee at Arashiyama Station Ranbura Rental Cycle starts at about 600 yen for two hours.

There are many traditional Japanese inns and hotels in the area around Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, but here are three notable ones:

Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Kadensho is conveniently located just a one-minute walk from the station and features rooms in three styles: Kyoto Machiya, Kyoto Japanese, and Kyoto Modern. Each room incorporates traditional Kyoto motifs.

Arashiyama Onsen Saishiki no Yado Hanafusa is a cozy inn known for its views of Mount Atago from its scenic open-air baths and its meals featuring soy milk hot tofu. The inn has both an indoor bath and an open-air bath, allowing guests to fully enjoy the hot springs experience.

Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto is situated along the Katsura River, offering a luxurious experience amidst the natural beauty of Arashiyama. Suites include open-air hot spring baths, and the decor features lavish traditional Japanese colors.

Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, with its lush scenery and tranquil atmosphere, remains one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist spots. Whether you’re exploring, dining, or engaging in any of the various available activities, Arashiyama offers something for everyone.

The area retains a traditional Kyoto ambiance, and exploring the bamboo grove or temples in a kimono can enhance the historical experience, making for beautiful photographic memories. Moreover, rickshaws, synonymous with Arashiyama, offer a relaxed way to enjoy the views and learn about the area’s rich history.

*This article is based on information current as of April 2024.