Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

Sagano Bamboo Forest (Chikurin no Michi) or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is together with the Fushimi Inari-Taisha shrine and Kinkaku-ji the most popular tourist destination in Kyoto. The tall thick green moso bamboo stalks (between 5 to 10 m high) create a unique and mystic atmosphere. The total area of the forest spans over 16 square kilometers. Follow the approx. 500 m long paths from Tenryu-ji Temple, which leads slowly uphill, through the thick bamboo forest on foot, by bicycle, or take a rickshaw ride (jinrikisha). At the end of the path, you will reach the Okochi Sanso Villa. The famous silent actor Okochi Denjiro (1898 - 1962) called this place his home. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Kyoto Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > By the way, the sound created by the wind while it blows through the bamboo has been voted as one of the "100 must-be-preserved sounds of Japan" by the Japanese Ministry of Environment. You will know what that means, once you go there:) An absolute highlight is the illumination of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at the end of the year. This event usually happens between the 10th to 19th of December from 5:00 pm until 8:30 pm.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove:
• Open - always, whole year
• Admission Fee - free

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the beautiful Arashiyama district (incl. Sagano Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo bridge, Tenryuji temple and some special food) in Kyoto with a local guide? Check out this page > for more details.

History

For centuries bamboo has been used in Japan to manufacture a huge variety of products like cups, baskets, boxes, chopstick rests, and mats at local workshops. The Arashiyama district became popular during the Heian Period (794-1185) when the upper class/nobles enjoyed its beautiful scenery. Bamboo groves are often located near Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. They are a symbol of strength and are viewed as a smart way of warding off evil forces.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Tenryu-ji Temple - The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the group of Kyoto Gozan (the five most important Zen temples of Kyoto). Read more >

Okochi-Sanso Villa - Denjiro Okochi (1898 - 1962), a late silent film star of samurai movies (jidai-geki), has lived here.

Nonomiya Shrine - This small Shinto shrine features a unique black Torii gate. It was during the Heian period (794 - 1185) a purification shrine for imperial princesses appointed as priestesses for the Ise Shrine.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

February

Setsubun (3rd)
One day before spring arrives (lunar calendar) the Setsubun is celebrated. Bean throwing (Mame maki) ceremonies are held at the shrine to get a good fortune for the year. Do not miss the bonfire on the evening.

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31st)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Ochatsubo Dochu (1st)
The Ochatsubo Dochu or Traveling Tea Canisters festival dates back to the Edo Period. It represents the practice of showing the new tea harvest from Uji to the ruling shogun in the old days. Now during the parade large ceramic containers with tea are carried by people wearing traditional costumes from Kenninji Temple to Yasaka Shrine.

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine and ends at the Kamigamo Shrine (Kamigamo-jinja). More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.

November

Shichi-Go-San (15th)
The well-being and growth of young children is celebrated at the shrine and in the rest of Japan.

December

Illumination of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (10th - 19th)
Enjoy this beautiful scenery during a ten day period.