Sagano Bamboo Forest

Sagano Bamboo Forest, located in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, is a picturesque grove of thousands of towering evergreen trees tucked away in the middle of the urban landscape. Bamboo stalks swaying in the breeze produce melodious sounds reminiscent of wind chimes popular in the East.

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Video: Sagano Bamboo Forest

Contents

Highlights

The Sagano Bamboo Forest is a protected area. Its history dates back to the fourteenth century. At the command of the monk Muso Soseki, a beautiful park was created with beautiful views of mountains and temples of Japan.

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Now the bamboo forest covers an area of 16 square kilometers. Where the soil is quite loose from the roots of the trees, the inhabitants have equipped awning bridges. It is very cool here in the dark. As soon as it gets dark lanterns light up the path. Then the long paths due to the tall trees and shadows from the lanterns seem even longer.

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The stalls at the main entrance to the forest offer handmade souvenirs made from this evergreen plant, including baskets, cups, dishes and boxes.

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Tips

In the Arashiyama tourist area, home to the Sagano Bamboo Grove, you can visit the nearby Tenryu-Ji Shigetsu Buddhist temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Iwatayama Monkey Park (open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., November through March until 4:00 p.m.), traditional huts and small temples.

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Arashiyama Park Complex covers a fairly large area in southwest Kyoto, so it’s worth renting a bicycle to get around the area comfortably. Rental shops are located at the main entrance to the park, as well as at ground transportation stations. Renting a two-wheeler for a day will cost an average of 1,000 JPY (~$9.7).

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Location

Sagano Bamboo Grove is located in Arashiyama Park, on the western outskirts of Kyoto City, in the prefecture of the same name in southwestern Japan.

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How to get there

Arashiyama Park can be reached by commuter trains, streetcars, and buses.

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Rail service connects Kyoto Central Station to Sagaarashiyama Suburban Station, located 750 meters northeast of the Sagano Bamboo Forest. Trains depart from the Shijo-Omiya terminal. Some transportation is provided by the Kyoto-based Keifuku Electric Railroad.

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To get to the park from central Kyoto, one can take the Hankyu Arashiyama commuter rail line. Trains depart from Katsura Station and arrive at the Arashiyama platform, located about one and a half kilometers from the bamboo forest. Travel time is about half an hour.

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The Arashiyama Station streetcar stop is 450 meters north of the grove; it can be reached from central Kyoto via the JR Sanin Main Line. Travel time is about 40 minutes.

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Buses #11, 28, and 93 connect Kyoto and Arashiyama Parkway. In addition, you can take the #91 bus to the Daikaku-ji Buddhist temple, located about one and a half kilometers from the bamboo forest. Be careful: during rush hours, it is better to opt for rail transportation due to the risk of getting stuck in traffic.

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