In Kyoto and heading to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? This post will go over my experience at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and gives you all the information you need to know to help better prepare you for your visit. I also provide some useful tips so you can spend more time enjoying this serene forest.
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Intro
There are some places that are so magical that they make you feel like you’re stepping into a movie. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of those places. It’s located at the western edge of Kyoto and is one the most popular places to visit if you’re in town. It’s iconic, surreal, and serene (if you can look past the crowds). In this post, I will provide information on what to expect when visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest based on my experience. Don’t forget to check my tips out too!
Getting There
Getting to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is easy. You can either take a couple trains which will take approximately 30 minutes to get there. Or you can take Kyoto’s taxi rideshare called Didi (similar to Uber/Lyft).
If you take a train to get there, the forest will be a short walk away. The path is well-marked and you’ll know you’re close when you see tons of people.
Entry
Entry to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is FREEE! This makes visiting the forest super accessible and affordable for those on an extreme budget.
Arriving at Arashiyama: First Impressions
I got to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest right at 9 AM, which I thought was pretty early, but maybe not early enough? There were still plenty of people although still space. I could only imagine what it would be like arriving in like a couple hours… probably p-a-c-ked.
BUT other than the hoards of people that had the same idea as I did with coming early, walking into the bamboo grove felt like entering another world.
The Bamboo Forest
The bamboo forest is a stretch of straight walkway with reed grass framing them at the bottom. While walking through, you are completely surrounded by towering green bamboo stalks where you can’t see beyond them. And if you take some time to soak in the atmosphere, you’ll notice the trees gently swaying with the winds. It’s really magical (again, if you can look past the hoards of people lol).
But I do have to say, during my visit, I did spend a bit of time in this forest to not just soak it in, but to also take photos (of course!). There were definitely times when there were pockets of less people where you can have a moment of peace and quiet in the forest. These “no-people-pockets” came around every so often where I was also able to take some photos with no people photobombing. SO if you’re trying to get the picture perfect no photobombing people in the shot, then be a bit patient!
Even though the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a popular tourist spot, it still managed to feel calm and serene to me, especially if you do early in the morning before it gets super packeddd.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Go Early
As always, to avoid the most people, try going early! I arrived early-ish at 9 AM and there were still a good amount of people. BUT at this time, it was not super packed like sardines just yet. I imagine if you want the place to be empty, then aim to arrive before 9 AM.
2. Be Patient
If you go at a time where there are still a bunch of people, there can be moments where the people lessen and you get these pockets of less people around. This is definitely helpful if you want a picture with no photo bombers, or if you want to experience being in the forest in true peace and quiet. Either way, be patient and wait for these “no-people-pockets” to appear.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
When exploring anywhere in Japan, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes! You’ll want to explore the surrounding areas and walk down the street afterwards too.
4. Soak In the Surroundings
I know this one might be a bit hard with all the people, but if you do get a chance where there’s less people, or are just really good at tuning people out, then I suggest to take the time and soak it all in. The gentle swaying of the trees and the sounds of the rustling leaves and stalk creaking is such a unique experience you probably can’t get at home.
5. Restrooms in the Garden
There is a public restroom located at the other end of the Bamboo Forest path and to the left. BUT this one might be closed for cleaning (it was when I was there!). So I want to share that there is another restroom inside the Okochi Santo Garden directly at the end of the Bamboo Forest path, but it does have a small entrance fee to enter the gardens and use the restroom. If you end up having to use these, might as well wander through the gardens and get some tea!
Nearby Things to Do
The Bamboo Forest is not the only thing to do in Arashiyama. There are temples, gardens, and a monkey park! The Okochi Santo Garden is located at the end of the bamboo forest walkway and also has the nearest restroom to the Bamboo Forest BUT there is a small fee to enter. There is a public bathroom for no fee further down from this garden though.
Things to Do near the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest:
- Okochi Santo Garden (entrance fee but includes a free tea & nearest restroom to bamboo forest)
- Tenryuji Temple
- Nonomiya Shrine
- Iwatayama Monkey Park
- Togetsukyō Bridge
Nearby Food & Snacks
After exploring and doing tons of walking, you’re going to want a treat. There are tons of places to eat as well as cafes right along the street from the Bamboo Forest where you really can’t go wrong with any of them.
You can grab a matcha soft serve, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, get a gold-covered matcha ice cream! Yes it is covered with real gold that you can eat and it also makes for an awesome photo. To find where we got our gold covered matcha, head to Saga Par. There is an ice cream spot around this establishment with a picture of the gold covered ice cream.
If you’re looking for a pick me up, check out % Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama, although there might be a bit of a line though. Then enjoy your snacks or coffee along the river and enjoy the atmosphere.
For food, if you like unagi, check out Unagi Hirokawa but be sure to make a reservation ahead of time! Right next door is Kijurou which has delicious beef and rice sets with a view of a nice zen garden.
Gold-Covered matcha ice cream & Kijurou restaurant • photos by Jeanie A
Where to Stay in Kyoto
We stayed at the GION KAWASEMI located a short walk away from Gion-Shijo train station, Gion Shopping Street, and Shijo-dori. It is in a convenient location near the central train station which makes getting to all the main sights easy.
Book the same stay by clicking here or add your dates and click “Search” for availability in the widget below:
Final Words
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a must-see spot while in Kyoto. You can walk the tranquil path and feel immersed in a magical forest, visit the many nearby sights, and have delicious food and unique treats! I hope you add visiting the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to your Kyoto itinerary.
Have you been to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
(japanese “thank you!”)
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