The Arashiyama bamboo grove is the image of Kyoto on a thousand screensavers — and, by 10 a.m., one of the most crowded paths in Japan. The good news: the grove is only a small part of Arashiyama, a whole district of temples, river views and village lanes on Kyoto’s western edge. Go early, walk further than everyone else and it remains one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Arashiyama tours available now
How to get to Arashiyama
| From | Line | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyoto Station | JR Sagano line to Saga-Arashiyama | ≈ 15 min | ¥240 |
| Central Kyoto (Shijo-Omiya) | Randen tram to Arashiyama | ≈ 25 min | ¥250 |
| Kawaramachi / Umeda (Osaka) | Hankyu to Arashiyama (change at Katsura) | ≈ 20 min / 50 min | ¥230 / ¥410 |
The Randen tram is the most charming option — a single-car streetcar with a foot bath at Arashiyama station.
What to see in Arashiyama (in order)
1. The bamboo grove (Chikurin-no-michi)
A 400-metre path between towering moso bamboo. Walk it once at dawn, when only photographers and joggers are around, and you’ll understand the hype. After 9 a.m. it becomes a slow-moving queue.
2. Tenryu-ji
The head temple of the Rinzai Zen school and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its 14th-century landscape garden, designed by Muso Soseki, « borrows » the mountains behind it. Garden entry ≈ ¥500; it has a north gate opening directly onto the bamboo grove.
3. Okochi Sanso villa
The former estate of silent-film actor Okochi Denjiro, at the top of the grove. The ¥1,000 ticket includes matcha and a sweet in the tea house — and the garden views are the best in Arashiyama. Few tour groups go in.
4. Sagano lanes, Gio-ji and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji
North of the grove, thatched-roof houses line the Saga-Toriimoto preserved street. Gio-ji is a tiny moss temple; Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, 30 minutes further, has 1,200 whimsical stone rakan statues. This is the « secret » half of Arashiyama.
5. Togetsukyo bridge and the Iwatayama monkey park
The « moon-crossing bridge » spans the Katsura river. On the other bank, a 20-minute climb leads to a park where around 120 wild Japanese macaques roam freely, with views over Kyoto (entry ≈ ¥800). Kids love it.
The best guided tours of Arashiyama
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Morning Tour by Bike
Earliest start
- Duration: 3.5 h
- Price: ≈ USD 108
- Rating: 4.9/5 (170 reviews)
Arrive at the grove before the crowds, then ride along the river and the Sagano lanes. Our pick for photographers.
Arashiyama walking tour: bamboo forest, Zen garden & monkey park
On foot
- Duration: half day
- Includes: bamboo grove, temple, monkey park
- Good for: families
A guided walk combining the grove, a Zen temple and the monkey park — with stories you’d miss alone.
Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo, Togetsukyo Bridge, Okochi Sanso and more
Classic
- Duration: ≈ 3 h
- Format: guided walking tour
A complete three-hour walk through the highlights, ideal for a first visit.
Sagano scenic train and Hozugawa river boat
The Sagano Romantic Train is a vintage open-air train running 25 minutes along the Hozu gorge (≈ ¥880, reserve in advance in spring and autumn). Combine it with the Hozugawa river boat, a 2-hour descent of the rapids back to Arashiyama on a traditional wooden boat. It’s the most beautiful half day in western Kyoto, especially in November.
Book the Sagano train + Hozugawa boat →
Read also:Best Kyoto bike tours
Where to eat in Arashiyama
- Yudofu (simmered tofu) is the local speciality — Shigetsu inside Tenryu-ji serves Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
- Arashiyama Yoshimura serves soba with a view over the Togetsukyo bridge.
- % Arabica by the river for coffee — expect a queue.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Arashiyama bamboo forest open?
The bamboo grove is a public path, open 24 hours a day and free. The best time to go is between sunrise and 8 a.m.
Is the Arashiyama bamboo forest worth it?
Yes, if you go early and combine it with Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso and the Sagano lanes. If you only see the grove at midday, it can be disappointing.
How long do you need in Arashiyama?
Half a day covers the grove, Tenryu-ji, the bridge and the monkey park. A full day lets you add the Sagano train, the Hozugawa boat and the northern temples.
Can I combine Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji in one day?
Yes. They’re about 8 km apart: take a taxi (≈ 20 min), the Randen tram plus a short bus, or a bike tour that links both.
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