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Top 10 Facts about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

This bamboo grove is located just outside the major city of Kyoto in Japan. Characterised by tall bamboo shoots, the Arashiyama bamboo grove offers some of the most serene walkways in the city.

AS one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto and the world, this bamboo grove is a must-see attraction while in Kyoto.

The site of the bamboo grove has been a popular destination since the Heian Period. It was frequented by nobles who loved its natural beauty.

During the cherry blossom season, Arashiyama receives thousands of tourists. People enjoy the iconic views and beautiful fall colours.

Inside the bamboo grove are shrines, a golden pavilion as well as tunnels of red tori.

The bamboo oozes so much tranquillity and calming sound that has been classified as one of the 100 Japanese Soundscapes.

Check out these top 10 facts about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

1. Nonomiya Shrine is found in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

photo sourced from Wikimedia

It is not just bamboo plants that are found in this tranquil forest. There is a shrine in the middle of the forest. The Nonomiya Shrine is a tiny picturesque Shinto shrine.

This shrine was frequented by the Imperial Princesses who were in preparation for serving.  There is also the Tenryu-ji Temple, outside the northern gate.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto five major temples.

It is interesting to note that it is a tradition in Japan to have Buddhist Temples near bamboo groves. Bamboos are believed to resemble strength. 

This is no coincidence. In Japan, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often situated near bamboo groves, which are viewed as a clever means of warding off evil, while the bamboo is seen as a symbol of strength.

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is just outside the City

Sagano Bamboo Forest is also sometimes called the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto. This city is the most populated city on Honshu Island.

With more than 1.5 million people, the bamboo forest offers a great escape for city dwellers. As the cultural capital of Japan, this well-tended bamboo forest is a gem.

3. Tourists have tampered with the Bamboos here

Photo by Jason Richard on Unsplash

The Arashiyama bamboo grove has had millions of tourists walk in through its gates for years. Unfortunately, not all tourists are not mindful of the environment.

The bamboo plants have been vandalized by tourists who curve their initials on them. Most of these names are of foreign tourists marking their visit to the forest.

This has been said to tamper with the growth of bamboo.

4. There are beautiful walking paths in the Grove

The walking trail in this forest is popular with tourists. The trail cuts through thick vegetation lined with a landscape of tall bamboo plants.

This trail is accessible from the main street of Arashiyama. It is 300 metres long and wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

Despite the traffic it gets during tourist peak season, it maintains its natural calm. Your walk here will be made more pleasant when there is the light wind that makes the bamboo plants sway lazily.

5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has a particular bamboo species

Photo by Marek Piwnicki on Unsplash

This bamboo forest is mostly made up of a particular type of bamboo called Moso Bamboo, the scientific name is Phyllostachys edulis.

It is a gigantic bamboo plant that is not originally from Japan but native to China and Taiwan. The species is found in several other parts of Japan.

This species of bamboo shoots up to 92 feet high and beautiful sight.   

6. One way to explore the Bamboo Grove is on a train

The nobles have been attracted to this gem since the 8th century. They would visit Kyoto for vacations with their families to enjoy the changing seasons’ colours. They would also go boating on the Hozu River, which is part of the Katsura River.

Other than walking through the trail, take the Sagano Romantic Train for a more scenic view of the forest. This old-fashioned train runs for 7 kilometres along the Hozu river.

The train ride lasts about 30 minutes and departs every hour. There are also boats that can be used to explore the Arashiyama forest.

7. There is a Kimono Forest in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Photo by Jo Sorgenfri on Unsplash

You might be wondering what this is all about, are they real trees?  It is one of the famous attractions in Arashiyama.

Well, the Kimono forest is made up of 600 poles that are 6.5 feet tall. You will find this section in the Randen Station, near the Tentyu-ji Temple a UNESCO site.

These poles have colourful traditional kimono cloth draped on each pole. It is quite scenic. Unfortunately, most tourists miss this attraction. Check it out now that you know about it.

8. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is the most photographed forest

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most photographed forests in the world. This vegetation is a natural beauty detailed with tall straight-shooting bamboos.

Light rays sneak through the thin bamboo leaves during the day and yellow light at night from footlights. The beauty here is just stunning.

9. The Bamboo forest is full of soothing music

Photo by kazuend on Unsplash

The bamboo plants here are known for their soothing music. Walking through the forest, you will hear this soothing sound made by the plants.

As the soft wind blows, the bamboo produces soft tunes that mask the noise around. The Japanese ministry of environment added this sound to the 100 soundscapes of Japan.

This encourages the locals to experience and connect with nature through their senses.  

An interesting fact about bamboo is that it grows back after being cut in 6 months. It is sustainable and produces different products such as cups, mats and baskets.

10. Enjoy a Rickshaw ride through the forest

A rickshaw ride is a lot of fun. You can experience this in Arashiyama what’s more fun is, it is a traditional Japanese rickshaw.

You can go on a ride around the Bamboo Forest. It’s an authentic Japanese experience that you cannot miss.