The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a path through tall stands of bamboo on Kyoto's western edge, where the stalks close overhead, the light comes through green and the stems creak and rustle in the wind. It lies in the Arashiyama district beside Tenryu-ji temple and its garden, with the Togetsukyo bridge, the river and the Iwatayama monkey park close by.

Highlights

• The bamboo path - the walkway through the towering green stalks.
• Tenryu-ji temple - the Zen temple and garden beside the grove.
• The Togetsukyo Bridge - the scenic bridge over the river.
• The riverside district - the hills, boats and monkey park nearby.

When to go

Year-round; go at dawn to have the famous path to yourself, as it fills with crowds by mid-morning. Spring and autumn are the mildest and loveliest in the surrounding hills, and the grove is atmospheric in light rain.

Practical notes

The grove itself is a short, single path, and it gets extremely crowded by mid-morning, so dawn is the only time to experience it peacefully; photos rarely show the crush. It is best combined with the temples, bridge and river of the wider Arashiyama district to fill a rewarding half day.

Nearby

Tenryu-ji temple, the Iwatayama monkey park and the Sagano district are alongside; central Kyoto is a train ride.

Key facts