When to Visit the Bamboo Grove
The grove is open 24 hours a day and free to enter. There are no gates, so you can go as early or as late as you’d like. If you want to experience a bamboo forest like the one you’ve seen in photos, you may need to set your alarm clock a little early, or linger on in Arashiyama a little behind the crowds. If you want to avoid crowds, you’ll find the lightest traffic in the early morning, before 9 a.m. Later afternoons and evening are also often quieter than midday.
What to expect by season
Spring: Cherry blossoms in nearby parks and temples, but not in the grove itself
Summer: Shady and cooler than the open streets (great for a break from the heat)
Autumn: Excellent foliage nearby; grove itself stays green
Winter: Quiet and sometimes snowy, which makes the area very atmospheric
Don’t Stop at the Grove: What Else to See in Arashiyama
While the bamboo grove is the main draw for many visitors, Arashiyama has a lot of other beautiful locations worth visiting. In fact, most of the area’s highlights are just a few minutes’ walk away. It’s worth setting aside half a day, or perhaps a bit more, to explore some of the other sights.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Right next to the bamboo grove, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s top Zen temples. Its gardens are beautiful year-round, and the view from inside the temple changes with the seasons.
Admission: 500–800 yen depending on which areas you enter
Note: North gate connects directly to the bamboo grove
Okochi Sanso Villa
At the far end of the grove, this former actor’s estate offers panoramic views over Kyoto, beautifully maintained gardens, and a quiet teahouse where you can enjoy matcha with a sweet.
Admission: 1,000 yen (includes tea and snack)
Togetsukyo Bridge & the Katsura River
A short walk from the grove, this iconic bridge offers views of the surrounding mountains. You can rent a small boat, walk the riverbanks, or just enjoy the scenery with a coffee or something sweet from a nearby shop. In cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, this area is especially popular.
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Across the bridge, a short but steep hike takes you to a park filled with wild macaques. You can feed them from a sheltered viewing area and enjoy one of the best views of Kyoto from above. You can find more information here: A Guide to Arashiyama’s Monkey Park: Meet Kyoto’s Wild Monkeys
Shops and Local Food
Streets around the grove and near the river are filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and food stalls.
In short
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic views, and if you can visit it during a quieter period, it’s every bit as magical as it seems. While you’re in Arashiyama, though, there’s plenty more to see and do, and the area is well worth exploring.
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