Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most well-known attractions in Kyoto.
With a short but winding trail through a towering forest of lush, green bamboo, I will admit that it’s pretty spectacular to see and if you time it right - it can be incredibly serene and calming.
I first visited Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in the spring of 2017 and while there were definitely other tourists there, I was shocked when I returned to Japan in autumn 2023 to see how busy the bamboo forest was, and in fact how busy the whole of Arashiyama is.
Arashiyama as a town is charming with lots of food vendors on the main street outside the station. If you stroll further towards the mountains there’s also beautiful, quiet residential streets. There’s also the scenic boat rides through the gorge and the scenic train ride. But the main area of the town and bamboo forest was BUSY in November 2023.
Fortunately I wasn’t just there to see Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, I was there to see another bamboo walkway in Arashiyama that’s much lesser known!
So in this guide I’m going to share the best way to get from Kyoto to Arashiyama. Then I’m going to share with you not one, but two other bamboo forest locations close to Kyoto - one in Arashiyama and one slightly further south.
That way you can make up your mind where to visit!
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, near Kyoto
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How to get from Kyoto to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
I would recommend going to Arashiyama earlier in the day; crowds seem to peak 10am until the mid afternoon. So if seeing the bamboo forest without crowds is important to you, then I’d recommend getting there before 10am.
If you’re a keen photographer and want to see it as empty as possible, I’d recommend getting there at 5-6am.
There are two ways to get to Arashiyama from Kyoto depending on where you’re staying in Kyoto.
1. If you’re staying near Kyoto Station, take the JR San-In Line 7 stops from Kyoto Station to Saga Arashiyama station (runs every 20 minutes, costs 240 yen)
2. If you’re staying near Omiya, take the Randen Line 12 stops from Shijo-Omiya Station to Arashiyama Station (runs every 10 minutes, costs 250 yen)
Depending on whether you arrive at Arashiyama Station or Saga-Arashiyama station, it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Using Google Maps is a reliable way to navigate your way to Arashiyama via the best transport option depending on where you’re staying in Kyoto.
Kyoto Arashiyama Train
Bamboo forest Kyoto entrance fee
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is free to visit, you only need to pay for your train ticket to get there.
Follow the trail through the Bamboo Grove until you reach the other side. It’s only short and will take you less than 10 minutes to walk through. You can walk back and forth through it several times if you want to take more pictures etc.
Arashiyama Bamboo forest crowds (not even in peak season)
Other things to do in Arashiyama
There’s also so much more to see in the park area that surrounds the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Don’t miss the Arashiyama Observation Deck for a free viewpoint of the Gorge (marked on Google Maps). The surrounding Arashiyama Park Kameyama area is a famous spot for cherry blossom in spring and foliage in the autumn in Japan - so allow some time to explore the area too.
You can also take the Sagano Romantic Train through the Rankyo Gorge. This is a scenic train ride with open sides and is definitely best enjoyed when the cherry blossom is in bloom or the autumn foliage is out. It costs 880 yen each way and takes about 25 minutes. Find more details and the current schedule here. NOTE: the train does not operate in winter.
Another alternative way to see the Gorge and colourful trees is to take a boat ride. Although these aren’t cheap, especially if you’re travelling solo or as a couple - one boat ride is 4000 yen.
The autumn colours in Rankyo Gorge
Where is the alternative bamboo grove in Arashiyama
Secret bamboo grove near Kyoto (number 1)
The quiet pathway at the alternative bamboo grove in Arashiyama
Bamboo grove alternative near Kyoto
I promised an alternative, lesser known bamboo grove and while you might have seen this “secret Kyoto bamboo grove” on social media I visited around midday in autumn season and NO ONE else was there!
It’s much shorter than the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove but curves around in a way that’s great for pictures!
It’s located in Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple which is a Buddhist Temple just 20 minutes walk from Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the walk itself is beautiful.
Use Google Maps to walk there and the route takes you through the traditional village area of Arashiyama, away from the crowded main street and the traditional houses are stunning!
There are also several local craft stores, think wooden decor or ceramics.
The whole walk there was so peaceful and such a contrast from the hectic Arashiyama main street and the busy Bamboo Grove. I loved it for this reason alone, before I even saw the temple!
Adashino Nenbutsuji was one of the highlights of my 2 days itinerary in Kyoto because it was so unexpected and stunning - just look at these photos!
It costs 500 yen to visit and you follow the one-way trail through some gorgeous Japanese gardens, then along the Ranken stone statues and the shrines. The autumn foliage when we visited was incredible.
The thousands of Ranken stone statues at Adashino Nenbutsuji Shrine
The temple itself is famous for over 8000 Ranken stone statues which are gathered in the centre of the temple. These represent lost souls (people without graves) and while you can take pictures of them from outside, it’s asked that if you go into the grave area, you do not take pictures.
The alternative bamboo grove is located at the back of the temple complex (diagonally opposite the entrance you came in). It’s a small set of stairs which lead up to another quieter area of the temple complex.
It’s only short but as you can see - there is no one else around!
I really expected to spend about 10 minutes at this temple and I think we spent 45+ minutes exploring it - it’s so beautiful and definitely a hidden gem in Kyoto as well as a lesser visited bamboo forest.
Autumn leaves at the shrine
Ranken Statues
Secret bamboo grove near Kyoto (number 2)
This is another bamboo grove close to Kyoto which is an alternative to Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and I found out about this one after we’d left so unfortunately I don’t have any photos.
BUT I wanted to share it with you guys in case option 1 has gotten a bit busier in the year since I visited or perhaps this location is closer to your accommodation.
Still to the west of Kyoto but slightly further south than Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a park called Kyoto City Rakusai Park.
You can get here in 35 minutes from Kyoto Omiya Station directly on the Hankyu-Kyoto line for 200 yen.
This huge park is worth exploring on its own, but inside the park is a Bamboo Path (take-no-michi). Again this is a shorter bamboo path than Arashiyama, but if you’d prefer to find an alternative bamboo path to Arashiyama then this one definitely comes without the crowds!
Summary: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest alternative bamboo grove
I hope this guide has given you all the information you need to find the alternative bamboo groves near Kyoto, especially during the peak seasons of spring and autumn when crowds are at their peak!
Pin for later to plan your trip!
