Source: Luan Anh
Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is one of the main tourist attractions of Kyoto, Japan. The Bamboo Forest is located in Arashiyama which itself is a scenic beauty and a must in the itinerary of tourists from all over Japan as well as the different countries from the world. Here are seven things about Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama in Kyoto that you should know.
1. Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a district that is located on the western side of the Kyoto Prefecture. It stands on the slopes of the Arashiyama mountain across the Ōi River. The beautiful mountain provides a surreal backdrop for this picturesque district. Arashiyama district is one of Japan’s nationally designated history sites.
Information
- Name: Arashiyama
- Address: Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
- Opening hour: Always open
- Website: http://wikitravel.org/en/Kyoto/Arashiyama
2. Bamboo Forest
There are many tourist attractions in Arashiyama but the Bamboo Forest is the most famous of them all. The Bamboo Forest is a grove of carefully planted tall Bamboo plants. Winding roads go through and across the forest. Entering in this forest is like coming to a whole new world which is calm, serene and a beauty in green!
Information
- Name: Bamboo Forest.
- Address: Arashiyama
- Opening hour: Always open
3. Hozu River Cruise
If you’re visiting Arashiyama and you haven’t gone on a river cruise of the Hozu River, you haven’t experienced Arashiyama to its fullest extent. The river cruise a must for tourists. The beautiful river is surrounded by forests and mountains on both sides. There are a number of beautiful boats available to take you on a cruise.
4. Walking Tour in the Bamboo Forest
If you really want to enjoy the Bamboo Forest, you must take a walking tour. If you’re looking for guided tour, there are different tourism agencies that offer excellent guided tours. If you want to walk in the forest by yourself or with your family, that’s fine too. But remember to take a map and necessary items with you.
5. Kimono Forest
Arashiyama isn’t only famous for the natural beauty of the Bamboo Forest but it’s also famous for the Kimono Forest. It’s not actually a forest but a path in the Randen Station that has 600 poles that stand 6.5 feet tall each. They get their unique name thanks to the traditional Kimono cloth draped around the poles. The Kimono Forest looks like some place taken from a Disney movie!
Information
- Name: Kimono Path/ Kimono Forest
- Address: Randen Arashiyama station
- Opening hour: Always open
- Fees: Free
6. Gioji-Temple
Gioji Temple is another favorite tourist attraction of Arashiyama. The small temple is famous for its history. This is the place where two sisters converted to Buddhism. The moss garden beside the temple is so beautiful that no one should miss a visit to this place.
Information
- Name: Gioji Temple
- Address: Arashiyama
- Price: ¥300
- Opening hour: 9 AM to 5 PM
7. Rickshaw Ride
Have you ever ridden a Rickshaw? It’s super fun! If you haven’t, Arashiyama is the perfect place to take a ride on traditional Japanese rickshaws! You can go on a ride around the district, you could also go on a ride inside the Bamboo Forest. It’s an authentic Japanese experience that no one should miss.
Arashiyama is a beautiful district. Nature has gifted the district with abundance! The sites and activities listed above are only the tips of the iceberg. If you’re visiting Japan, you should definitely make time to visit Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto.
Have a good trip and travel!
