What other travelers are saying about Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
We came in the afternoon and yes like others say there are crowds. I don't think it was as crowded as it could've been because we visited in the winter. When it comes to taking pictures you have to put in the effort to find an uncrowded area.
It's truly a beautiful work of nature, thank you to staff for preserving this forest. Even with the crowds it can still be a peaceful place. We also walked alongside some very small neighbourhoods and businesses.
We didn't have time to explore much of the forest but I think it's definitely worth seeing as much as you can.
It is a very nice place but I am not sure if it's worth the 30 minutes walk from town. There is a pretty but small bamboo growth that takes 5 minutes to walk through. You can buy a cup of green tea and enjoy the bamboo. The whole visit will cost you 1000 yen per person.
April 14th, 2023:
Majestic. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds. I think we got there around 6:30am.
It's a nice walk. We walked all the way through the forest and then ended up in a residential area outside the forest. The Japanese that live here must love going for morning strolls. It's soothing
I’m not going to lie, I wasn’t really thrilled with this place. Don’t get me wrong, there are two main spots that really made me stop and go “wow, that’s cool”, but it’s the same two spots that you will meet everyone else and have to squeeze yourself through to walk. This is the first touristy spot where I witnessed people disrespecting rules and honestly just being rude to those trying to enjoy the walk. If you want to take pictures, just pull over to the side. It’s better than just blatantly stopping in the middle of the path or trespassing on property marked “Do not enter”. It is a shorter walk and the back streets were beautiful to walk to avoid the crowds.
So many tourists. The forest is alright but not as spectacular as imagined, the second part behind the triangle crossing is better! I recommend going further up the village and explore the temples there, you might find another small bamboo passage in one of them ;)
