The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan

We are going to end the week knowing one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. For this we have to move a few kilometers from Kyoto, Japan, an important city that one day became the country's capital. Although it stands out for being a cultural city, with numerous museums and cultural centers, here you can also visit palaces, temples and gardens. And it is one of the best preserved cities in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Today we want to stop at one of the most visited tourist spots in the area. We are referring to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a beautiful place where bamboo breaks through the undergrowth creating a charming landscape of light and shadow. Do you want to know more about this beautiful Japanese corner? Well, do not miss anything we tell you below!

One of the most visited tourist destinations in Japan

As we were saying, very close to Kyoto, specifically in the city of Kamakura, we find the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is not only one of the main destinations tourist of the area, but it is one of the most visited places in all of Japan. And the truth is that it is not surprising, because walking through this beautiful forest is something that is not forgotten in life.

The forest

This spectacular Japanese forest is home to more than 50 varieties of bamboo. The most surprising thing is that some of the trunks are more than 20 meters high. Within the forest you can find different hiking trails where you can enjoy the different effects that the lights and colors have on the environment depending on the time of day. Interestingly, the Arashyaima Forest became a fairly popular destination from the 9th to the 12th century. Of course, it was a place reserved for the high aristocracy Japanese. Fortunately, today everyone can visit this place. Of course, since bamboo is a very invasive species, much emphasis is placed on controlling the expansion of the forest.

In any season and at any time

Although the journey through this forest will seem incredible at any time of the year, during spring and autumn the landscape is even more beautiful. And all thanks to the beautiful colors that this station always provides to natural spaces. The walk through this forest is worthwhile at any time of the day, including at night, as the trails are illuminated. Of course, the ideal is to be able to visit it in the morning, since the high bamboos and the rays of the sun cause a really beautiful play of light and shadow. Of course, you will also love walking the trails at night, as the forest takes on an atmosphere of unreality. Also, we cannot forget the rocking of the trunks, which produces an intoxicating whisper. As you can imagine, a walk through this place can be most reassuring.

Other activities in the environment

Beyond the forest, you should know that in the environment it is possible to visit some temples. One of the most visited is Tebryu ji. In addition, in the area you will find cafes and shops where you can stop along the way. Also in the surroundings you can find different workshops where artisans make different objects: glasses, baskets, chopsticks ... Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you will find more images of the Kyoto Bamboo Forest. Do not miss it!

Kyoto's Bamboo Forest & More: Guide to the Arashiyama District (April 2024)