Walk bamboo paths at Arashiyama
Kyoto, Japan • 
Must Do
Must DoKyoto, Japan
Must Do
Best months to visit
Apr, May, Nov
10°C – 20°C, mild spring weather; frequent sunny days, but occasional rain, high crowds, peak season
10°C – 20°C, mild spring weather; frequent sunny days, but occasional rain, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
The grove features well-maintained, flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Visitors will need to traverse the path on foot or with mobility aids, as seating is limited.
The grove features well-maintained, flat paths suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Visitors will need to traverse the path on foot or with mobility aids, as seating is limited.
Value for money
Medium
Free entry, but crowds can diminish the experience.
Free entry, but crowds can diminish the experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Peaceful Stroll
Couples found the bamboo grove romantic, especially early in the morning.
Breathtaking Beauty
The light filtering through bamboo created a magical, unforgettable experience.
Easy Access
Train access and flat paths made it a convenient and accessible visit.
Overcrowded Paths
Many couples reported the crowds made enjoying the grove difficult.
Vandalism Concerns
Recent reports of vandalism somewhat marred the natural beauty.
Underwhelming Experience
Some couples felt the experience was less impressive than anticipated.
Hours of operation
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Tips to know before visiting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest!
Embark on an enchanting walking tour through the surreal Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.
Discover the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest through the eyes of tourists in this video.
Experience the cinematic visuals of Arashiyama's enchanting Bamboo Forest!
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
February
LOW
2-10°C
Still winter; cold but slightly milder than January. Occasional rain, rare snow, and clear air.
Still winter; cold but slightly milder than January. Occasional rain, rare snow, and clear air.
Open
No seasonal restrictions; open 24/7. Public transport fully operational.
No seasonal restrictions; open 24/7. Public transport fully operational.
Recommended
Quiet and calm; ideal for photography and experiencing the bamboo grove with few people around.
Quiet and calm; ideal for photography and experiencing the bamboo grove with few people around.
March
MEDIUM
5-14°C
Transition to spring; cool but more comfortable. Rainfall increases slightly, and early cherry blossoms may begin by late March.
Transition to spring; cool but more comfortable. Rainfall increases slightly, and early cherry blossoms may begin by late March.
Open
No seasonal restrictions; open 24/7. Nearby attractions may see increased crowds.
No seasonal restrictions; open 24/7. Nearby attractions may see increased crowds.
Recommended
A pleasant time to visit as nature awakens. Still less crowded than peak sakura season.
A pleasant time to visit as nature awakens. Still less crowded than peak sakura season.
April
HIGH
10-20°C
Mild spring weather; frequent sunny days, but occasional rain. Cherry blossoms in full bloom nearby.
Mild spring weather; frequent sunny days, but occasional rain. Cherry blossoms in full bloom nearby.
Open
No restrictions; open 24/7. Public transport and accommodations may be crowded or more expensive.
No restrictions; open 24/7. Public transport and accommodations may be crowded or more expensive.
Recommended
A beautiful but crowded time to visit. The bamboo grove is accessible, but plan for large numbers of tourists and higher prices for local services.
A beautiful but crowded time to visit. The bamboo grove is accessible, but plan for large numbers of tourists and higher prices for local services.
May
HIGH
13-24°C
May in Kyoto is warm and pleasant, with moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures. Rainfall starts to increase toward the end of the month, but most days remain suitable for outdoor exploration.
May in Kyoto is warm and pleasant, with moderate humidity and comfortable temperatures. Rainfall starts to increase toward the end of the month, but most days remain suitable for outdoor exploration.
Open
No restrictions; open 24 hours daily. Early morning visits recommended for fewer crowds.
No restrictions; open 24 hours daily. Early morning visits recommended for fewer crowds.
Recommended
May is an excellent time to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, featuring pleasant weather and lush scenery, but expect heavy crowds and higher accommodation prices, particularly during national holidays.
May is an excellent time to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, featuring pleasant weather and lush scenery, but expect heavy crowds and higher accommodation prices, particularly during national holidays.
How to get there
Bike
Recommended
Bicycle rentals are available near train stations, such as Ranbura Rental Cycle inside Randen Arashiyama Station, offering a flexible way to explore the area.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis are readily available throughout Kyoto and offer direct access to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. A taxi ride from Kyoto Station takes approximately 20-40 minutes.
Train
Recommended
The JR Sagano Line (Saga-Arashiyama Station) and Hankyu Arashiyama Line (Arashiyama Station) provide direct access. The Keifuku Randen Tram (Randen Arashiyama Station) is also an option.
Bus
Kyoto City Bus routes, such as number 28, stop near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The Arashiyama-Tenryuji Mae bus stop is a common point of arrival.
Car
Driving a private or rental car is possible, but parking is limited and traffic can be heavy. Paid parking lots, such as 'D Parking Arashiyama Bamboo Grove No. 1', are available.
Walking
Walking is essential within the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The main path is approximately 500 meters long, and clear signage directs visitors from nearby stations.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Flat Terrain
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
