Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Quick Attraction Briefing
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan's most photographed natural paths - a 200-metre walkway enclosed by towering bamboo stalks that filter light into shifting green columns. The grove is free, open 24 hours, and best experienced at dawn when the path is empty and the morning light pours through the canopy.
Quick Briefing
- Area: Arashiyama, western Kyoto
- Time needed: 15-20 min (the main path is 200m)
- Best time slot: 6am for sunrise light; weekday mornings before 9am for fewer crowds
- Must do: Walk the full path and continue into Tenryu-ji garden (adjacent)
- Cost: Free. Open 24 hours.
- Access: Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR Sagano Line) - 30 min from Kyoto Station (¥240). 5 min walk to the grove entrance.
By the Numbers
- Path length: ~200m, but the enclosing effect of the bamboo makes it feel like walking inside a living green tunnel.
- Growth rate: Bamboo can grow up to 90cm per day - the grove is actively maintained by the surrounding Tenryu-ji temple.
- Tenryu-ji: The Zen garden running alongside the grove is over 1,000 years old in concept, designed by master garden designer Muso Soseki. Garden entry ¥500. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage garden.
- Rickshaw rides: Rickshaw (jinrikisha) rides are available from the grove entrance - ¥4,000+ for a 30 min circuit. Hugely popular with couples and families.
- Lighting: Open 24 hours. The best natural light falls through the bamboo at dawn and dusk when the angle is low.
What's Nearby
- Tenryu-ji Garden - directly adjacent to the grove. One of Japan's top five Zen gardens, with a beautiful central pond. ¥500 garden, ¥1,100 with main hall. Allow 45-60 min.
- Arashiyama Monkey Park - 15 min walk south. 200+ wild Japanese macaques on a forested hill above the river. ¥550 adults / ¥250 children. Excellent for families.
- Togetsukyo Bridge - 10 min walk south. The famous arched bridge over the Oi River. Best at sunrise or dusk. Free.
- Sagano Scenic Railway - station 5 min from the grove. A romantic narrow-gauge train through the Arashiyama gorge (¥880 one way). Very popular - book in advance on weekends.
The bamboo grove is the highlight of the afternoon on Day 1 of the Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary. For couples, sunrise at the grove before 7am is one of Kyoto's most magical experiences - see the Kyoto Couples Itinerary for the full plan.