This iconic bamboo grove is Kyoto's top attraction and rightly so

You might have seen the internet replete with photos of this paved walkway that runs around the 6 square mile grove. Located on the outskirts of Kyoto, you will find the breathtakingly beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, or the Sagano Bamboo Forest, as it’s fondly called. Undoubtedly, this is one of the world’s most famous bamboo forests.

It’s also one of the most photographed places in Kyoto and showcases brilliant shades of greens and golds. It’s one of Kyoto's most iconic sights and a walk through it will leave one the most lasting impressions of this city in your heart.

Is this place worth visiting?

If you have been planning a trip to Kyoto, you should definitely visit this sprawling bamboo grove, which is unlike that of any normal forest we know of. Make sure that you get some of the best pictures along the torii tunnels of Fushimi-Inaro-Taisha Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Right time to visit Arashiyama

Earlier, it was possible to have the entire place to yourself; but now, if you go during high season, you will be surrounded by crowds and of course, innumerable selfie sticks. Luckily, the crowds tend to thin out as you make your way away from the main street of Arashiyama.
So, while it’s possible to enter the groove directly from the main street of Arashiyama, if you enter via the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple, you will not only check out the beauty of the temple, but also manage to skip the worst of the crowds.

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How to reach Arashiyama?

Reach Kyoto Station, take the JR San-in or Sagano lines to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The train ride will last around 20 minutes. From the JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, you can opt to take a bus, or else you may walk about 15 minutes to the bamboo grove.

1. Why you should visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove?
   You should definitely visit this sprawling bamboo grove, which is unlike that of any normal forest we know of.
2. When to visit this place?
   If you go during high season, you will be surrounded by crowds and of course, innumerable selfie sticks. Luckily, the crowds tend to thin out as you make your way away from the main street of Arashiyama.
3. Which is the less crowded route?
   If you enter via the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple, you will not only check out the beauty of the temple, but also manage to skip the worst of the crowds.