Sagano Bamboo Forest (Arashiyama) in Kyoto 2024-2025

The Sagano Bamboo Forest, also known as the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, is one of Kyoto's most iconic natural attractions. Located just 30 minutes from the city's urban center, the forest offers a tranquil escape into nature with towering bamboo stalks, creating a striking contrast to the bustling city life. While the sound of camera clicks and crowds is common, the forest remains a serene spot, with several wooden paths winding through the bamboo, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the calming environment fully.

Best Time to Visit

The Sagano Bamboo Forest is open year-round, making it accessible at any time. Summer is a popular season to visit, but to avoid large crowds, it’s recommended to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon, especially on weekdays. In December, visitors can also experience the Kyoto Arashiyama Hanatouro illuminations, which add a beautiful light display to the area at night. The forest is free to visit and open 24 hours, so early visits, around 7 am or 8 am, are ideal for a quieter experience.

Location

The Sagano Bamboo Forest is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It stretches for kilometers along the west side of the town, near the Tenryu-ji Temple in the Arashiyama Mountains. The grove is easily accessible, just a ten-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, and can be directly reached from the main street of Arashiyama, north of the entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple. It is recommended to pair your visit with a trip to the temple: exit the temple’s north gate, take a left, and you’ll be at the entrance to the bamboo grove in no time. The forest features a single main path that gradually ascends uphill, providing a peaceful walk through the towering bamboo stalks.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove consists of two separate bamboo forests, each nestled between the Tenryu-ji Temple grounds and the JR Sagano-Saiin line train tracks. Spanning a combined length of around 500 meters and about 140 meters wide, it offers an enchanting walk through towering bamboo stalks. Within the eastern section of the grove, you'll encounter Nonomiya-jinja Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine. In contrast, the western section leads to Tenryu-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most revered Buddhist temples.

The highlight of a walk through the grove is the unique sound created when the wind rustles through the bamboo, making it sway and creak. This soothing, creaking sound is so iconic that it earned the spot on Japan’s “100 Soundscapes of Japan” list by the Ministry of the Environment.

Walking Tour

To avoid the crowds at the entrance of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, you can enter via the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple. This allows you to enjoy both the temple and the more peaceful parts of the Bamboo Grove. After exploring the grove, you can visit Okochi-Sanso Villa and then make your way to Kameyama-koen Park. Located on the edge of the park, this paid attraction offers traditional matcha tea and sweets while you enjoy views of the bamboo forest from the teahouse. From there, follow the path down to the Katsura-gawa River and walk along it until you reach the main street of Arashiyama. This scenic route offers a more relaxed experience, and if you take your time to enjoy the sights, the whole journey will take around three to four hours.

Attractions in Arashiyama, Japan

Near the Sagano Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, you’ll find several attractions to explore. Popular spots include Monkey Park Iwatayama, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Okochi-Sanso Villa, as well as the Togetsukyo Bridge, a central landmark of the area. The region is also home to various shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences. A fun and convenient way to get around the Sagano area is by rental bicycle, available near the train stations for around 1000 yen. Arashiyama is especially vibrant during cherry blossom season in early April and again during fall color season in November. In the summer months, tourists can enjoy watching traditional cormorant fishing on the Hozu River.

History

Arashiyama has long been a favored location for imperial villas and temples, especially during the Heian Period. Bamboo was widely cultivated in the area during the Edo Period, both for crafting and culinary use. However, many groves were abandoned or turned into residential areas in modern times. In 1967, the Japanese government protected the remaining bamboo groves, ensuring the preservation of the iconic forest seen today.