Arashimaya (嵐山): Bamboo Grove

Breakfast at Kohikan > Arashimaya (嵐山) > Bamboo Grove

From myths to legends, the Japanese seem to have an affinity with bamboo. So needless to say, they would have ~~forest~~ garden filled with bamboo. To be able to see bamboo grow so abundantly and magnificently is certainly a treat for the eyes.

There will be signs showing the way to the bamboo forest

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a well known tourist spot renown for its wondrous bamboo. Just google it up and magnificent photos of the place makes you want to go visit! The serene 200 meters pathway meandering between the luscious stalks of bamboo makes for a tranquil walk or bicycle ride.

A map for the bicycle path and how much it costs to rent a bicycle - 100¥

Besides walking or cycling, there is another alternative - renting rickshaws that are pulled by young (and muscular) Japanese men to go through the bamboo forest path and around Arashiyama if you want. The average price is around 5,000 - 7,000¥ depending on where you want to go.

Kimonos, rickshaws and bamboo

Rest those legs as the rickshaw pulls you through the cool path meandering through lush bamboo

A railway crossing we had to cross to get to the bamboo grove

We visited in the late morning close to noon, so the sun was shining brightly. The moment we entered the grove, a nice cool breeze greeted us with a faint scent of bamboo, a reprieve from the blazing sun. Standing amidst the magnificent stalks of lush green bamboo with the bright sunlight intertwining between bamboo leaves and stalks, along with the occasional breeze swaying the stalks of bamboo back and forth exudes a sense of serenity away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

As we neared our destination, two girls in kimonos were on their way out

A little 'shop' set up before entering the groove

Even students appreciate nature

The mystical feel of light inter-playing with shadows

The path with light filtering through the bamboo

Even with that shade towering over from the lush bamboo, it never hurts to carry an umbrella lol

Luscious green bamboo

Looking up to the thick bamboo which seem to almost reach for the sky with the sun peaking through the leaves, and listening to the bamboo swaying gently under the guidance of the breeze, is like being transported into another world - a magical forest.

Entrance to the Bamboo Forest Trail

Bamboo Forest Trail

There was a moderate crowd of tourists that day, but there were moments when it seemed like I was the only one in the grove

Magical Forest 'feel'

Tranquility

So straight, so uniform... all reaching towards the sky

Tourists hidden away by the tall stalks of bamboo, you would think that you are the only one

Sunlight peeking through all that green

So tall, they almost seem to reach the sky

Eager tourists snapping away at wefies, selfies and photos

While I was exploring the grove with my camera, M actually found it boring because she thought that there would be more to the grove than bamboo. So if you are the sort that needs to see more than just green bamboo (e.g. flowers) and cannot appreciate nature in that sense, than you can consider skipping the visit to the Bamboo Grove. However, if you want to experience a unique bamboo encounter, than a visit to the bamboo grove will definitely make you feel refreshed when you leave the place. All those stunning photos of the Bamboo Grove on google does not really capture that feeling of standing in the midst of luscious stalks of bamboo rustling and swaying in the breeze with the sunlight peeking through - you have to experience it for yourself!

The lush leaves of the bamboo shading some of the sunlight

The path leads to the entrance to the the former villa and garden of the popular silent actor Okochi Denjiro, which is atop a small hill. We did not visit the villa and garden but ended up at Nonomiya Shrine.

Nonomiya Shrine (野宮神社) >>

Bamboo Grove Admission Fee: Free

How to get there

From Kyoto Station:

Bus: Kyoto City Bus No. 28 or Kyoto Bus No. 71, 72, 73
Train: JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama Station.

From Kyoto downtown:

Bus: Kyoto City Bus No. 28 or No. 11
Train: Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station (from Shijo Omiya Station).

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