Arashiyama

Bamboo groves and riverside walks on Kyoto's western edge

Suits Nature lovers who want the iconic bamboo grove photo and a quieter side of Kyoto

01 of 01

The read

What it feels like: Famous for the towering bamboo path that looks surreal in photos. The area around the grove is touristy but the riverside walk south is calmer. Monkey Park Iwatayama up the hill gives panoramic views. Best visited at opening time before the crowds arrive.
Who is around: Early morning photographers, large tour groups by 10am, and families visiting the monkey park
On foot: Flat along the river but hilly near the temples and bamboo grove. The main path from the station to the grove is about a 15-minute walk.
After dark: The area mostly shuts down by early evening. During the December Hanatoro illumination festival, the bamboo grove is lit with thousands of lanterns, creating one of Kyoto's most striking nighttime scenes.