How long does it take to walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest?

The main path through the Bamboo Forest is about 400 meters long and takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to walk. However, including stops like Tenryu-ji and Okochi Sanso, you should plan for a 3 to 4-hour visit to the area.

Is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest free to visit?

Yes, the main bamboo grove path is a public space and is free to access 24 hours a day. Note that surrounding attractions like Tenryu-ji Temple and Okochi Sanso Garden require paid admission.

What is the best time to visit Arashiyama to avoid crowds?

To avoid the largest crowds, arrive by 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM. Most tour groups arrive after 10:00 AM, making the early morning the best time for photography and a peaceful atmosphere.

Can I see monkeys on this Arashiyama walking route?

The Iwatayama Monkey Park is located just across the Togetsukyō Bridge on the opposite side of the river from the Bamboo Forest. It requires a steep 20-minute uphill hike and offers views of the city.

Is Arashiyama accessible for people with mobility issues?

The main streets and the Bamboo Forest path are flat and paved. However, many temples like Okochi Sanso have steps. Tenryu-ji has accessible paths around the pond, but the indoor temple buildings may have stairs.

How do I get to Arashiyama from Kyoto Station?

The fastest way is the JR Sagano Line (San-in Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station, which takes about 15-20 minutes. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to the Togetsukyō Bridge.

Is Arashiyama worth visiting in the winter?

Yes, Arashiyama is beautiful in winter, especially during the 'Hanatouro' illumination event in December. While the trees may be bare, the evergreen bamboo and the potential for snow on the temples create a unique, serene atmosphere.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the urban bustle of central Kyoto and immerse yourself in Arashiyama, a district where the whispers of ancient history mingle with the rustle of towering bamboo. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a landscape that has inspired poets and emperors for over a millennium. Your journey begins at the iconic Togetsukyō Bridge, a structure whose name—'Moon Crossing Bridge'—evokes the celestial beauty of the Katsura River. As you cross, you'll witness the dramatic seasonal shifts of Mount Arashiyama, from cherry blossoms to fiery autumn maples. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about the scenery; it's an exploration of Japan's spiritual and artistic soul. Following the river, you will encounter the Kimono Forest, a vibrant installation of textile art that bridges traditional craftsmanship with modern design. From there, the route leads to the serene precincts of Tenryu-ji, a head temple of Zen Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, the 14th-century garden remains virtually unchanged, offering a masterclass in 'borrowed scenery.' The path continues toward the mystical Nonomiya Shrine, famously mentioned in The Tale of Genji, before leading you into the heart of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walking through this emerald corridor is a sensory experience unlike any other, where the filtered light and the sound of swaying stalks create a natural cathedral. This walking route concludes at the Okochi Sanso Garden, the former private estate of a silent film star, offering panoramic views of the city and a quiet moment of reflection with traditional matcha. While many visitors look for a walking tour Kyoto offers, this independent audio walk allows you to linger where you feel most inspired, bypassing the rush of a traditional guided tour Kyoto might provide. Whether you are a photography enthusiast seeking the perfect light or a history buff tracing the footsteps of the Heian aristocracy, this route provides the ultimate Arashiyama experience at your own pace.

Highlights

Cross the historic Togetsukyō Bridge for stunning river and mountain views

Walk through the vibrant Kimono Forest at Randen Arashiyama Station

Explore the UNESCO-listed Zen gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple

Discover the ancient black torii gate at Nonomiya Shrine

Experience the immersive 'soundscape' of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Enjoy matcha and panoramic views at the exclusive Okochi Sanso Garden

Tour Stops (6)

Togetsukyō Bridge

Welcome to the gateway of Arashiyama. The Togetsukyō Bridge, or 'Moon Crossing Bridge,' has spanned the Katsura River for centuries. Its name comes from an observation by Emperor Kameyama in the 13th century, who remarked that the moon looked as if it were crossing the bridge itself. While the current structure dates back to 1934, its aesthetic remains deeply traditional, with wooden railings that blend into the natural landscape. This is one of the most photographed spots in Japan, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Take a moment to look toward the mountains; the view has remained largely unchanged for a thousand years, serving as a backdrop for countless works of classical Japanese literature.

Kimono Forest

Just a short walk from the river is the Randen Arashiyama Station, home to the Kimono Forest. This isn't a forest of trees, but of 600 acrylic pillars wrapped in brilliant Kyo-yuzen textile. These fabrics are dyed using traditional methods that have defined Kyoto’s fashion for centuries. Designed by artist Yasumichi Morita, the installation creates a vibrant pathway leading through the station grounds. Look for the 'Ryu-no-Atago' or Dragon Pond, where visitors often pray for safe travels. This stop beautifully illustrates how Kyoto preserves its ancient crafts by reimagining them in contemporary, accessible ways. It is a perfect spot for photography before heading toward the deeper history of the temples.

Tenryu-ji

Tenryu-ji is the most important Zen temple in Arashiyama and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded in 1339 by the shogun Ashikaga Takauji, the temple was dedicated to the memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. The highlight here is the Sogenchi Garden, designed by the famous Zen master Muso Soseki. Unlike many of the temple buildings which were rebuilt after fires, the garden survives in its original form from the 14th century. It features a large pond surrounded by rocks and pine trees, utilizing the 'shakkei' or borrowed scenery technique, which incorporates the distant Arashiyama mountains into the garden's design. As you walk the perimeter, notice how the perspective shifts, revealing new details of the landscape.

Nonomiya Shrine

Tucked away at the entrance to the bamboo forest is Nonomiya Shrine, a site steeped in literary history. This shrine is famously featured in the 11th-century masterpiece 'The Tale of Genji.' Historically, this was where imperial princesses would undergo a period of purification before serving as high priestesses at the Ise Grand Shrine. You will notice the rare 'kuroki torii'—a sacred gate made of unbarked oak logs, representing one of the oldest styles of shrine architecture in Japan. Today, the shrine is a popular stop for those seeking help in matters of the heart or safe childbirth. The lush green moss garden here provides a tranquil contrast to the busier paths nearby.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

You are now entering one of the most iconic landscapes in the world. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is more than just a visual marvel; it is a sensory experience. The Ministry of Environment has designated the sound of the wind rustling through these bamboo stalks as one of the '100 Soundscapes of Japan.' As you walk the winding path, the stalks of 'Moso' bamboo can reach heights of over 20 meters, filtering the sunlight into a soft, ethereal green glow. Bamboo is a symbol of strength and flexibility in Japanese culture, and this grove has provided material for local crafts like baskets and mats for generations. Try to walk in silence for a few moments to truly hear the 'whisper' of the bamboo.

Okochi Sanso Garden

This self-guided adventure concludes at the Okochi Sanso Garden, the former estate of Denjiro Okochi, a legendary star of Japanese silent samurai films. Over the course of 30 years, Okochi meticulously designed this villa and garden to capture the essence of all four seasons. The climb through the garden paths rewards you with some of the best panoramic views of Kyoto and the Hozugawa River. Your entry usually includes a bowl of hot matcha and a traditional sweet in the tea house, providing a perfect moment of Zen to reflect on your journey. It is a quiet, refined sanctuary that feels a world away from the crowds of the bamboo grove just outside its gates.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way to experience Arashiyama is a self-guided route that starts at Togetsukyō Bridge and ends at Okochi Sanso Garden. This path covers the 14th-century Tenryu-ji Zen garden and the famous Bamboo Forest at your own pace.