Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

In short

A bamboo grove centered around the "Chikurin-no-Komichi Path," a roughly 400-meter-long path that extends from Nonomiya-jinja Shrine through the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi Sanso Villa. Well-maintained bamboo stalks line both sides of the path in an orderly fashion, stretching on as if covering the sky, making it one of Kyoto's representative scenic spots. It is said that this area was a villa location for nobles during the Heian period.

• ​Light and Shade​​: On sunny days, the sunlight filtering through the bamboo is pleasant, while on days without sunshine, it becomes dim even during the daytime, changing its appearance depending on the weather
• ​Sounds of the Bamboo Grove​​: The bamboo groves spreading across Sagano and the Rakusei area were selected as the "Bamboo Groves of Kyoto" in 1996 (Heisei 8) by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) among the "100 Soundscapes of Japan to Be Preserved." The sounds can be heard throughout the year, but the green of the fresh bamboo is especially vivid from May to June
• ​Preserved Landscape​​: In fiscal year 2017, thinning of bamboo and repairs to hogaki (fences made from bamboo twigs) were carried out to protect the landscape of the bamboo grove

History and Highlights

​Arashiyama Bamboo Grove​ is a bamboo grove centered around the "Chikurin-no-Komichi Path," a roughly 400-meter-long path that extends from Nonomiya-jinja Shrine through the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple to Okochi Sanso Villa. Well-maintained bamboo stalks line both sides of the path in an orderly fashion, stretching up to cover the sky, making it one of Kyoto's representative scenic spots. It is said that this area was a villa location for nobles during the Heian period.

The bamboo groves spreading across Sagano and the Rakusei area were selected as the "Bamboo Groves of Kyoto" in 1996 by the Environment Agency (now the Ministry of the Environment) among the "100 Soundscapes of Japan to Be Preserved." As the bamboo groves sway in the wind, undulating like ripples, large waves, or living creatures, they create a variety of sounds. It is regarded as a soundscape of the ancient capital to be handed down to the future.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Light and Shade​​: On sunny days, the sunlight filtering through the bamboo creates a pleasant atmosphere, while on overcast days without direct sunlight, it becomes dim even during the daytime, changing its appearance depending on the weather.
• ​Sounds of the Bamboo Grove​​: Although the sounds of the bamboo grove can be heard throughout the year, the vibrant green of the fresh bamboo is especially vivid from May to June. In information provided by the Ministry of the Environment, the north side of Tenryu-ji Temple and the small path leading from Nonomiya-jinja Shrine to Jojakko-ji Temple are mentioned as good places to listen to them.
• ​Preserved Landscape​​: In fiscal year 2017, thinning of bamboo and repairs to hogaki (fences made from bamboo twigs) were carried out in Special Historic Landscape Preservation Zones such as Sagano to protect the landscape of the bamboo grove.

Tips for Exploring

It is a 10-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station, 13 minutes from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, and 21 minutes from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. The bamboo grove path connects to the north gate of Tenryu-ji Temple. The north gate was opened in 1983, allowing visitors to exit onto the bamboo grove path from the Hyakka-en Garden within the Tenryu-ji Temple precincts. Tenryu-ji Temple is about 170 meters to the east, and Nonomiya-jinja Shrine is about 300 meters to the east. Jojakko-ji Temple is about 400 meters to the northwest, Rakushisha Hermitage is about 420 meters to the north, and Togetsukyo Bridge is about 740 meters to the southeast, allowing visitors to tour them on foot together.