Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
嵐山竹林の小径 · Ukyō, Kyoto
A 'tunnel of light' with sun filtering through the bamboo, its rustling chosen among the '100 Soundscapes of Japan'
Know before you go
- Carving on the bamboo stems is strictly forbidden (heavy fines, and a criminal offence)
- don't break bamboo or dig up shoots
- don't occupy the path for long with tripods in the grove.
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Once a villa district of Heian nobles, today the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine and Tenryū-ji make up a world of profound beauty. The rustle of wind through the bamboo has been chosen as one of 'the Japanese sounds most worth preserving'; with autumn leaves and the winter 'Hanatōro' illuminations, the grove takes on different expressions. Rickshaw pullers threading through with their carts are Arashiyama's most charming sight.
Local customs
- Keep to the side of the path and don't block the rickshaw lane
- Nonomiya Shrine is famous for prayers for a good match, with the usual shrine etiquette
- don't be loud around Togetsukyō Bridge.
Religion & beliefs
- Nonomiya Shrine (Shinto) and Tenryū-ji (Rinzai Zen) are within walking distance
- the grove itself has no religious character, but Japanese people see nature as a dwelling place of the gods, so come with reverence.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Carving on the bamboo stems is strictly forbidden (heavy fines, and a criminal offence)
- don't break bamboo or dig up shoots
- don't occupy the path for long with tripods in the grove.
Locals appreciate DO
- Kyoto people appreciate visitors who come in the early morning for 'forest bathing' in the grove
- eating yudōfu (simmered tofu) in Arashiyama's old streets and buying bamboo crafts to support local artisans is most popular.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Fewest people and best light before 7 a.m. |
|---|
Travel tips
- Before 7 a.m. there are the fewest people and the most beautiful light. Free
- the 'Arashiyama Hanatōro' in December and the autumn-leaves season (late November) are most beautiful but crowded
- combine with Tenryū-ji, Togetsukyō Bridge and the monkey park for a half day.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Yudōfu set meal
- Yuba (tofu skin) dishes
- Matcha soft-serve
Yudōfu set meals (Saga tofu), yuba dishes, matcha soft-serve, bamboo-shoot dishes in season (spring), Arashiyama coffee / wagashi
| Where to eat | The shopping street in front of Tenryū-ji's main gate, Shigetsu (the shōjin ryōri restaurant inside Tenryū-ji), restaurants around Togetsukyō Bridge |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Shōjin ryōri inside Tenryū-ji must be booked, vegetarian without the five pungent vegetables; don't eat or leave rubbish in the bamboo grove |
| Typical price per person | JPY 2,000–3,500 ≈ CNY 90–158 |
| Tips | Famous yudōfu restaurants have lunchtime queues — arrive before opening; book meals ahead in cherry-blossom and autumn-leaves seasons. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Flickr user cobacco(hiro kobashi) · CC BY 2.0
Photos
Photos
Chris Spackman / TakuyaMurata · CC BY-SA 3.0
Bjørn Christian Tørrissen · CC BY-SA 4.0
Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
Compiled from Kyoto city tourism guides
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