Kyoto’s Sagano Bamboo Forest: A Natural Wonder Like No Other

In the outskirts of Kyoto, Japan, the Sagano Bamboo Forest is home to towering green bamboo stalks that sway in the breeze, their creaks echoing as they twist and collide, with rustling leaves adding to the ethereal atmosphere.

Sunlight filters through the thick canopy, casting delicate beams of light across the path where tourists, cameras in hand, carefully maneuver to avoid capturing others in their shots as they stroll along the main trail.

Gone are the days when you could enjoy this serene spot in solitude during your trip to Japan.

If you’ve ever browsed a list of must-see places or scrolled through a collection of the world’s most stunning forests, there’s a good chance you’ve spotted a picture of Sagano Bamboo Forest.

Nestled in the scenic Arashiyama district of western Kyoto, the Sagano Bamboo Forest has gained immense popularity in recent years, paralleling the overall surge in tourism across Japan.

While the towering bamboo is the main draw for visitors, the unique sound of the rustling stalks has also become an attraction in its own right.

In a recent addition to Japan's cultural heritage, the Ministry of Environment included the Sagano Bamboo Forest in its '100 Soundscapes of Japan' – a curated list of natural sounds meant to encourage people to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature's melodies.

For an optimal visit, arrive early in the morning or during the late evening hours, and avoid weekends when the crowds of local day-trippers, particularly in spring and fall, can overwhelm the area. (The forest is open 24/7, with no admission fee.)

A prominent temple and a famous film star’s former residence add to the allure of the area.

Just outside the Bamboo Forest, you'll find the northern gate of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the five Kyoto-gozan, the most important temples of Kyoto.

This proximity is no accident. In Japan, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often built near bamboo groves, as bamboo is believed to ward off evil, symbolizing both strength and protection.

Founded in the 14th century by a shogun in memory of Japan's emperor, Tenryu-ji features one of the country’s most stunning Zen gardens and serves as the headquarters of the Rinzai School of Zen Buddhism.

At the far end of the Bamboo Forest trail lies Okochi-Sanso Villa, the former residence of the late silent film star Denjiro Okochi. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A sprawling complex of gardens known for showcasing the beauty of all four seasons, Okochi-Sanso Villa also features a temple, a study, a tea hut, and a museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Denjiro Okochi.

Exploring the Arashiyama Area

While the Bamboo Forest, along with Tenryu-ji Temple and Okochi-Sanso Villa, attracts the most attention from international visitors, the entire Arashiyama district is well worth a deeper exploration.

With its lush, tree-clad mountains cascading down to the river, along with historic temples and quaint streets, Arashiyama has earned recognition as both a National Historic Site and a Place of Scenic Beauty by Japan.

Since the 8th century, this area has drawn affluent locals, particularly aristocratic families who visited to admire the changing colors of the seasons and to enjoy boating on the Hozu River, which feeds into the Katsura River.

Today, one of the most popular ways to experience the region's natural beauty is by taking a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train.

This vintage-style steam train runs for seven kilometers along the Hozu River, departing every hour from the Sagano Torokko Station – just a short walk from JR Arashiyama Sagano Station – daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Wednesdays. (The train is closed from December 30 to February 28.)

The full journey lasts less than 30 minutes.

After the scenic train ride, many visitors choose to board a bus that links the station to the river, where Hozu River Boat Rides set off for a two-hour, 16-kilometer journey from Kameoka to Arashiyama.

Boats operate daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with shorter hours from December 1 to March 1. Private charters are also available.

On land, renting bikes is one of the best ways to discover Arashiyama’s network of temples, shrines, eateries, and souvenir shops.

The centerpiece of the area is the Togetsukyo Bridge (Moon Crossing Bridge), which spans the Hozu River.

Originally built during Japan’s Heian Period (794-1185) when Kyoto was the capital, the structure was later rebuilt in the 1930s.

Japanese tourists often pose for photos here while wearing vibrant kimonos, reflecting Kyoto’s reputation as the cultural heart of Japan.

After a day of sightseeing, stopping by one of the many soft-serve ice cream stalls is the perfect way to wind down – the vanilla and green tea swirl is especially irresistible.

Exploring Arashiyama’s Hidden Gems

Though Arashiyama can get quite crowded, the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by tourists due to its slightly more remote location compared to other attractions in the district.

Located about a 30-minute walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is home to over 1,000 unique stone rakan (statues of enlightened beings), crafted between 1981 and 1991 during the temple’s reconstruction.

Some statues are seen with joyful expressions, while most appear serene, covered in a blanket of moss.

Among the many statues, one stands out, holding a tennis racket.

On weekdays, the charming uphill walk from the Sagano Bamboo Forest to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is pleasantly free of tourists, and is lined with unique gift shops – including one run by an artist who crafts works from silk worm cocoons – as well as a grand traditional torii gate, tea rooms, and private homes.

For a livelier experience, head up Mount Arashiyama to the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you'll find around 100 Japanese macaques.

What’s unique about this park is that the humans are behind the cages while the monkeys roam freely, and visitors can even feed them.

Dining and Accommodation Tips

To avoid the crowds, consider staying overnight at a local ryokan (traditional inn), giving you the chance to visit the bamboo forest at dawn before the influx of day-trippers from central Kyoto and Osaka.

After sunset, the streets of Arashiyama are deserted, though many shops and restaurants close their doors not long after dusk.

The top luxury accommodation in Arashiyama is the riverside ryokan Hoshinoya Kyoto, which can only be accessed by ferry. However, there are also several more affordable options available.

For a charming three-star experience, consider the Japaning Hotel LiV Ranroukaku, located just steps from the Monkey Park, offering traditional Japanese-style rooms with views of the Togetsukyo Bridge.

The main streets of Arashiyama are lined with eateries serving local dishes, though many close early, just after sunset.

One example is Steak Otsuka, which is open only for lunch. It’s a bit tricky to get a seat – no reservations are taken, and you’ll need to show up early to put your name on the list – but it’s worth the effort for its exceptional wagyu beef steaks.

As evening falls, indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal. For a delightful experience, Shoraian, set in a picturesque mountain-side house, is a great choice. If you’re in the mood to splurge, Kyoto Kitcho, with its three Michelin stars, is an unforgettable option.

Getting to Arashiyama

From Kyoto Station, take Kyoto City Bus #28 or Kyoto Bus #71, #72, #73, or hop on the JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama Station.

If you’re coming from downtown Kyoto, you can take City Bus #28 or #11, or the Keifuku Arashiyama Line to Arashiyama Station.

For private tours of the Arashiyama area, Virtuoso-affiliated Windows to Japan offers an excellent western Kyoto itinerary, covering all the must-see spots.