The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of the most photographed places in Kyoto. You’ve almost certainly seen it before, in books and in the feeds of travel influencers. Tall stalks of green bamboo stretch overhead to create a peaceful, tunnel-like path that draws visitors from all over the world.
But while the grove is beautiful, it’s also not the only thing to do in the Arashiyama area. In fact, for many travelers, the best parts of Arashiyama are what surround the grove: historic temples, mountain views, riverside walks, and plenty of local shops and food. And while the grove itself is worth a visit, during high seasons when crowds are denser, you may find yourself missing out on the tranquil scenes you’ve seen on social media. With a little bit of careful planning, though, you should be able to catch the grove at a quieter time, and live out a little of the Kyoto fantasy walk you were probably hoping for.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the bamboo grove—and why you should stick around to explore the rest of Arashiyama.
What is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a short walking path lined on both sides by bamboo stalks that can reach over 20 meters high. The path itself is not so long (the main section of the grove is about 400 meters long, and most visitors walk through it in about 15-20 minutes), but you’ll find it’s worth just standing in to experience the otherworldly atmosphere. The grove is also a public path, not a park, so there are no gates or entrance fees.
In Kyoto, bamboo is often associated with temple gardens and quiet backstreets. The Arashiyama grove is special not because bamboo is rare, but because it’s grown so tall and densely in a scenic setting.
Despite what you might see in photos, this isn’t a remote forest. Although it feels a world apart when you’re walking in the shaded, blue-and-green corridor, the grove sits right next to some of the area’s top sights, and it’s easily accessed from nearby streets, temples, and train stations.
How to Get to the Bamboo Grove
The grove is located in the heart of Arashiyama, a district in western Kyoto. It’s a little bit outside of the city center, but it’s easy to reach by train from Kyoto Station or Karasuma/Kyoto-Kawaramachi Stations.
From Kyoto Station (JR Line)
Take the JR Sagano Line (San-in Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station (approx. 15 minutes)
From the station, it’s about a 13 minute walk to the bamboo grove entrance.
From Karasuma or Kyoto-Kawaramachi Stations (Hankyu Line)
Take the Hankyu-Kyoto Line to Katsura Station (8-10 minutes) and transfer to the Hankyu-Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station (approx. 8 minutes).
This station puts you across the river from the bamboo grove (it’s about a 20 minute walk), but it might be worth it to start out your visit by crossing the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge and strolling along the Katsura River.
Once you’re in Arashiyama, everything is within walking distance, including temples, shops, and the riverfront.
Read on: When to visit the bamboo grove for the best sights, and what else to see in Arashiyama
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