The Sagano Bamboo Forest, located in the Japanese prefecture of Kyoto, is a picturesque grove of thousands of towering evergreen trees sandwiched in the middle of urban landscapes. The bamboo stalks, swaying in the light breeze, produce melodious sounds reminiscent of wind chimes popular in the East.
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| Sagano Bamboo Forest Arashiyama |
Key points
The Sagano Bamboo Forest is a protected area. Its history dates back to the 14th century. By order of the monk Muso Soseki, a beautiful park was created, from which stunning views of the mountains and temples of Japan opened up.
Now the bamboo forest occupies an area of 16 square kilometers. Where the soil is very loose from the roots of the trees that have come out, the residents have installed hanging bridges. It is very cool here at night. As soon as it gets dark, lanterns illuminate the path. Then the long paths seem even longer due to the tall trees and shadows from the lanterns.
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| Sagano Bamboo Forest Arashiyama |
The shops at the forest's main entrance offer handmade souvenirs made from this evergreen plant, including baskets, cups, dishes, and boxes.
Adviсe
The Arashiyama tourist area, which includes the Sagano Bamboo Grove, includes the nearby Tenryu-Ji Shigetsu Buddhist Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Togetsukyo Bridge, the Iwatayama Monkey Park (open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., until 4:00 p.m. from November to March), traditional huts and small temples.
The Arashiyama Park complex occupies a fairly large area in the southwest of Kyoto, so to comfortably move around the area, it is worth renting a bicycle. Rental points are located at the main entrance to the park, as well as at ground transportation stations. Renting a two-wheeled vehicle for a day will cost an average of 1,000 JPY (~$9.7).
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| Sagano Bamboo Forest Arashiyama |
Location
The 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.
How to get there
You can get to Arashiyama Park by commuter trains, trams, and buses.
The train service connects Kyoto Central Station with the suburban Sagaarashiyama Station, located 750 meters northeast of the Sagano Bamboo Forest. Trains depart from the Shijo-Omiya Terminal. Some services are operated by Keifuku Electric Railroad, a company based in Kyoto.
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| Sagano Bamboo Forest Arashiyama |
To get to the park from central Kyoto, take the Hankyu Arashiyama suburban train 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.
The Arashiyama Station tram stop is 450 meters north of the grove; you can get there from central Kyoto on the JR Sanin Main Line. The journey takes about 40 minutes.
Buses 11, 28, and 93 connect Kyoto and the Arashiyama Park area. You can also take bus 91 to Daikaku-ji Temple, about 1.5 km from the bamboo forest. Be careful: during rush hours, it is better to take the train because of the risk of getting stuck in traffic.