Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (嵐山竹林)
Perhaps one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (嵐山竹林), alternatively called the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, is a picturesque jewel that sits at the foot of the Storm Mountains. The experience is commonly described as stepping into a mystical world, one that brings you among infinite rows of bamboo stalks soaring through the skies and swaying gently with the wind. The sprawling forest, whose narrow paths cover a combined distance of approximately 400 metres, is best explored on a leisurely walk, a bicycle stroll, or even a guided rickshaw ride within secret trails.
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest has become increasingly popular in recent years that, despite being open 24 hours a day, makes it almost impossible to find a time when you can have the grove to yourself. Strangely, not even the crowds can take away the magic of this emerald forest. The distinct sound of rustling bamboo—which echoes throughout the tranquil site—has been listed as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan,” an initiative aimed to combat noise pollution while preserving the wonders of everyday sounds.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, 61 Bunkicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0028, Japan