Have you ever dreamed of walking through a bamboo forest so dense that it creates a magical, relaxing atmosphere?!
Rhetorical question: no one actually dreams about magical, relaxing bamboo forests. But we weren’t sure how else to introduce you to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan—a place that comes pretty close to magical and relaxing.
Read on for some interesting facts about this incredible place in incredible Japan
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: why is it so famous?
Arashiyama is famous for many reasons: first and foremost, the bamboo paths stretching for over 500 meters between Tenryu-ji Temple and Nonomiya Shrine, which give this forest its unmistakable character. And then, of course, there’s its iconic bridge, Togetsukyo.
Besides being especially popular with travelers from all over the world, it is also much loved by the Japanese.
Perhaps because the Japanese themselves have a long history with bamboo in myths and legends, which metaphorically link human strength to this plant.
It’s no surprise, then, that many festivals involve the use of bamboo in various forms.
We see it in ice cream cups, buildings, and fences. However, it is not very common to see bamboo forests in their natural state, growing thickly along the path, as they do here.
The most breathtaking spot is undoubtedly the one just beyond the entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple, where the bamboo groves grow farther apart from one another, allowing them to become even denser as they rise upward.
Seven curiosities about one of Japan’s most iconic bamboo forests
1. The train is one of the many ways to explore the bamboo grove
In addition to walking along the path, you can also take the Sagano train for a more panoramic view of the forest.
This old-style train runs for seven kilometers along the Hozu River, the journey lasts about 30 minutes, and it departs every hour.
2. Nonomiya Shrine is located in the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
This peaceful forest is home to more than just bamboo plants.
At its center stands the famous Shinto shrine of Nonomiya, once visited by imperial princesses preparing to serve.
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s five principal temples.
It is interesting to note that in Japan, it is traditional to have Buddhist temples near bamboo groves. And no, it is not a coincidence.
In Japan, Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples are often located near bamboo groves, considered a clever way to ward off evil, because bamboo is seen as a symbol of strength.
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3. The bamboo forest is filled with relaxing music
Bamboo plants are known for their soothing music. As you walk through the forest, in fact, you will hear this sound produced… by the plants themselves.
When the wind blows, bamboo produces a gentle music that masks the surrounding noise—so much so that the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has included this sound among the country’s 100 soundscapes.
This encourages local residents to connect with nature through their senses.
4. The grove has beautiful walking paths
Walking through this forest is perhaps the method chosen by most travelers.
The path winds through dense vegetation lined with towering bamboo plants, and it is accessible from Arashiyama’s main road; it is 300 meters long and wide enough for both pedestrians and cyclists.
Despite the crowds during the peak tourist season, the Arashiyama forest still retains its natural calm.
5. Tourists have damaged the bamboo in this area
For years, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has been visited by millions of tourists and travelers.
Unfortunately, as we know, not everyone is respectful of the environment.
The bamboo plants, in fact, have often been vandalized by passersby who carved their initials into them, which is said to interfere with the plants’ growth.
We don’t really understand what drives people to carve L+A into trees and plants: it’s foolish—especially when it means damaging nature and interfering with its natural course.
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6. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is characterized by a particular species of bamboo
This forest is made up mostly of a particular type of bamboo called Moso Bamboo.
It is a gigantic bamboo plant that is not native to Japan, but to China and Taiwan: it can reach 92 meters in height—and it is a truly beautiful sight to see.
7. In Arashiyama there is a forest of… kimonos
This is one of Arashiyama’s famous attractions.
This section is located at Randen Station, near Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO site.
That’s right: the Kimono Forest consists of 600 poles standing 2.5 meters tall, each one draped with colorful traditional kimono fabrics.
Very striking indeed.
Conclusions
In this article, we talked about the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and shared some interesting facts about this iconic place in Japan. We know it is very famous and well known, but we are sure you didn’t know absolutely everything about it!
So, if you are looking for a trip that lets you enjoy this natural wonder (and much more), take a look at our itinerary and set off with us at Sto Gran Tour!
