Looking for an alternative to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest? This post goes over the best alternative to skipping crowds and chaos! It is a secret hidden bamboo forest located at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple on the edge of Kyoto.
When you purchase through an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
By doing so, you are supporting the upkeep and maintenance of this site. Thank you for your support! Learn more.
Check Out
Intro
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is an iconic and magical place that most tourists flock to while in Kyoto. But it’s because of this that there are hoards of people and the chaos that brings. However, if you’re craving for a truly peaceful and quiet, dreamy bamboo forest minus the crowds, then visit the better alternative: a secret bamboo forest hidden at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple! This hidden gem temple offers the same magical atmosphere and iconic bamboo forest look, but without the chaos.
Where is the Secret Bamboo Forest?
You’ll find the bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple. It is a quiet temple hidden away located not far from the busier Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This temple is definitely off the radar from most tourists, and it has a more solemn vibe to it.
The small stones are memorials, so it’s important to be quiet and respectful here. However, a short walk past the stones is the hidden gem within: an empty bamboo grove, similar to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
It is just as photogenic as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest but with only a fraction of the people. During our visit it was just us and one other person, that’s how secret and hidden it was!
So! If you’re looking for the same “look” as the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest but don’t want the crowds, then definitely visit the Adashino Nenbutsu-ji temple.
Getting There
From central Kyoto, take a train to the Saga-Arashiyama Station. Then you can either walk or call a taxi:
- Walking will take about 30 minutes. You’ll walk through quiet preserved neighborhoods lined with traditional wooden homes.
- Or you can call the taxi ride share Didi and be dropped off within 5 minutes.
If you’re in the area, why not also visit the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (another hidden gem temple). It’s only a 10 minute walk from Adashino and both temples make a great pair. Find out more why at 2 Hidden Gem Temples in Kyoto You Shouldn’t Miss.
Secret Bamboo Forest Map
The above map shows the location of the secret bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple in Kyoto.
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE KYOTO SECRET BAMBOO FOREST MAP:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| On Larger Map view, click the STAR ☆ under “Secret Bamboo Forest“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account to access anytime on Computer* or on Phone App** |
| * On Computer: In your Google Maps, Click “Saved” on left bar → Click “Maps” → Click “Secret Bamboo Forest“ | ** On Phone App: In your Google Maps app, Click “You” on bottom bar → Scroll to bottom → Click “Maps” → Click “Secret Bamboo Forest“ |
Walking to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple • photos by Jeanie A
Why It’s Worth Visiting
1. Less Crowded
You are likely to be at the temple with only a handful of other people, if any! During my visit to Adashino, there was only one other person visiting! We practically had the whole place to ourselves to soak it in in true peace and quiet.
2. Unique & Different
This hidden gem temple is different from the more tourist-y and popular spots in Kyoto. The calm, serenity and peace of Adashino offers a unique experience that you won’t forget.
3. Beautiful Temple Grounds
The temple is known for its thousands of small stone statues. Each stone statue is placed in memory of those who died without family. It’s incredibly moving, and the setting—surrounded by hills, moss, and forest—adds to the serenity.
Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple • photos by Jeanie A
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. Wear Comfortable Shoes
To get to the temple, there is a short walk from the nearest drop-off point. The walk itself however is part of the adventure as you go through quiet traditional neighborhoods surrounded by bamboo and crisp air.
2. Bring Cash
To enter the temple grounds, you do have to pay a small entrance fee, which is usually around 300 Yen
3. Don’t Rush
This is a temple that is best appreciated if you slow down and don’t rush through it.
3. Be Respectful & Quiet
The stone statues are memorials to those who have passed, so be respectful and be quiet when near them. And if you enter the memorial area, do not take photos out of respect.
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
Kyoto has a ton of visit-worthy places but sometimes the best ones are not on any “top 10” lists. If you’re looking for an alternative to the popular Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, then visit the secret bamboo forest at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
Have you been to the Adashino Nenbuts-ji Temple?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
(japanese “thank you!”)
Travel Resources
Use my travel resources to plan your next adventure
eSim
All PHOTOS ©️ 2023-2025 to infinity and abroad
Leave a Reply