All You Need to Know about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, commonly known as the cultural capital of Japan,  is very popular among tourists all over the world because of its rich cultural heritage. This city remained the national capital for over a thousand years before Tokyo replaced it. This is why it has great historical significance even in today’s time. Kyoto enthrals a large number of visitors as it has a number of ancient historical and cultural landmarks, including more than a dozen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This city is also famous for being home to the largest number of shrines and temples in Japan. In short, for history enthusiasts, there can be no better place than this to take a glimpse into the glorious past of the country. However, this is not the only reason why a large number of tourists visit Kyoto every year. This city is considered the largest hub for traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware. It is also famous for its delicious cuisine, which includes traditional Japanese dishes like sushi and ramen.

Other than this, Kyoto has also been blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and a number of natural attractions. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a famous bamboo forest in Kyoto that allures a large number of tourists from all over the world. Located at the foot of the Storm Mountains in the northern part of the city, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also among the most photographed Japanese bamboo forests.

Here is what you need to know about this idyllic spot in Kyoto:

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

For people looking for a serene and enchanting experience in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is definitely a must-visit. Dotted with thousands of bamboo trees, which stand tall and straight, this place gives off an absolutely unique vibe. These towering green bamboo stalks create a canopy of shade and make soothing, rustling sounds as the wind blows through them. While walking through the bamboo forest, you will feel a sense of peace and tranquility. Taking a leisurely stroll along the walking paths is the best way to admire nature’s stunning creation while immersing yourself in its beauty. It has been a popular destination since the Heian Period when it was frequented by nobles for its natural beauty.

Another interesting thing is that a major part of this bamboo forest is made up of a particular type of bamboo species called Moso bamboo. This is a gigantic bamboo plant that is native to China and Taiwan. However, this bamboo species is found in several other parts of Japan as well. These bamboo trees are known for their impressive height, as they can shoot up to 90 feet high.

It is best to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest during the early morning hours. At this time, you can see the morning sunlight filtering through the bamboo leaves, which creates a dappling effect. Another reason is that there is a lesser crowd in the morning, so you can admire the gorgeous surroundings while taking a peaceful walk.

Weather Conditions

This region is known to have unpredictable weather and a rather cool climate. Regardless of the season, this area gets plenty of sunlight, making it suitable for exploring. The summer season does not last for long, and during that time, days are hot and sometimes cloudy. The winter season, on the other hand, can get really cold. The days are windy and partly cloudy. Over the course of the year, the average temperature of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ranges between 32°F and 89°F.

Best Time to Visit

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a year-round destination, so you can visit this place at any time of the year. However, it witnesses a huge visitor influx during the months of November and December. During this time, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest turns into a wonderland, hitting its peak of beauty. So if you plan a visit around this time, you are sure to get tons of Instagram-worthy shots.

How to Reach

Being the popular tourist attraction it is, the Arashiyama Bamboo Groove offers seamless connectivity to other major parts of the country. The best way to get here is by taking a train from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama Bamboo Groove. The Saga-Arashiyama Station is the nearest one, located at a walking distance of 10 minutes.

Things to Do

Contrary to popular belief, this stunning bamboo forest in Kyoto, Japan, is not just about soaring bamboo stalks. This is a place full of surprises that gives you a chance to explore nature’s offerings in the most unique way. Here are a few things you can do to make the most of your trip to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest:

Experience the Arashiyama Illumination.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is flocked by a large number of visitors every season. However, the winter season is still considered the peak season for tourists. Starting in late November and ending in early December, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest gets illuminated for 10 long days at night. The daily timing for illumination is from 17:00 to 20:30.

Take a Boat Ride

If you are visiting this bamboo forest in the summer season, you should definitely go for a boat ride. This idyllic spot is best accessed via a boat ride on the scenic Hozugawa River and adds a dash of adventure to your trip as well. It takes approximately two hours to travel down the Honzugawa River between Kameoka City and Arashiyama.

Witness the Rich Flora and Fauna

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also known for its extremely diverse ecosystem. If you want to get up close and personal with different animal and plant species native to Japan, this is definitely the right place for you. Some of the common animal species found here are the Giant Panda, Mountain Gorilla, Tiny Bat, etc., and Drymophila, Flatbill, Antbird, etc. are common birds you can find here. As the name suggests, bamboo is the dominant plant in this forest. It can grow very quickly and gets pollinated by the birds and animals that live here. In return, it also serves as the staple diet for the pandas and provides shelter for the tiny bats.

Now that you know all the important details about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, you can easily plan a trip. At Veena World, you can explore a wide range of all-inclusive Kyoto holiday packages and choose the one that suits you the best.