I’m not alone in being captivated by the Arashiyama bamboo forest — this glowing natural grove is one of the most photographed places in one of Japan’s most photogenic cities, Kyoto.
The scale is part of it. The grass (as I remembered that bamboo is a grass, not a tree!) towered over us and I felt so small.
Also, there was the vibrant color of the trees. The path is shaded, but the canopy glows a citrusy lime green through the reflected rays of the sun.
The path offers a chance to meditate on the simple beauty of light and color and nature.
How to get there:
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a 10 min walk from Saga Arashiyama train station (JR Sagano line) and a 15 min walk from Arashiyama train station (Henkyu railway). It’s best paired with a visit to the Tenryu-ji Temple, the grove is right in back.
I went to Kyoto just for one day but didn’t have time to make it to this forest (one day is certainly not enough for Kyoto!). I love bamboo, and the color in your photos seems beautiful. Next time 🙂
Thanks, Jenna! It was such a interesting place tucked in behind one of Kyoto’s 1,000+ shrines and temples. There’s so much beauty in that city!
Cassie, I love your photos of the bamboo. Unfortunately we did not see this the first time we went to Kyoto, so we’re planning another trip…maybe next summer.
Thanks, Corinne! I’m anxious to go back, too 🙂