Arashiyama Bamboo Forest might be one of the most popular locations in the whole of Japan. Drawing thousands of tourists, both Western and Japanese, every single day. It’s easy to see why this place is so popular.
A huge bamboo forest located just outside of Kyoto, Japan. It’s a perfect spot for Instagram queens, dressed-up tourists in traditional Kimono and well, me.
Despite the heavy tourism, this place is absolutely beautiful and there is something quite fascinating about bamboo and how it grows. One of the fastest-growing trees in the world, bamboo can go from seed to full-sized tree in less than 60 days!
How to get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Don’t do what I did and just put Arashiyama into your google maps, it’ll take you to the actual forest, which you cannot drive instead of the temple and walkway.
Parking is EXPENSIVE, if you’re coming in a car just be mindful. But there are lots of easy ways to get here on public transport so it is accessible to anyone.
Entrance is either through the temple or down the street. If you’re visiting early, the temple will not be open.
It’s well sign posted and you can’t miss it.
My Experience with Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
After a restless night’s sleep I didn’t wake up at the time I wanted too, which meant I arrived after 8 AM. Sites like these you absolutely do not want to be showing up after 8 AM. These are sunrise, or before sunrise spots always.
There were already a tonne of people ahead and in the walkway upon arrival, and despite not being able to get some good photos of the actual walkway itself, the bamboo is still photogenic in its own right.
I’d imagine the whole experience would be totally different had I arrived at 630AM, and the crowds would have been limited. But absolutely still worth the visit.
If you’re coming here, would be rude not to visit the monkey park which is a short, but steep, walk away from the temple and the walkway. But absolutely loved it and cool to see some snow monkeys where they belong, in Japan!
If you’ve any questions about Arasiyama Bamboo Forest then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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