🕓 2025/4/10
#観光地
Is It True That You Can Visit Kyoto’s Famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Anytime?

Table of Contents
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Hours
- Best Time to Visit: The Charm of an Early Morning Walk
- Best Time to Visit: The Enchantment of Nighttime Strolls
- How to Access Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Introduction
Among all the sightseeing spots in Kyoto, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (also known as “Bamboo Path” or “Bamboo Forest Path”) stands out as one of the most iconic and beloved destinations.
As the wind blows, the sound of rustling bamboo leaves gently fills the air. Surrounded by countless tall stalks stretching straight up to the sky, the path offers a tranquil atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
But before visiting, many people find themselves wondering:
“What are the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove hours?”
“When is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds?”
“How do I get there? Is there an entrance fee?”
This article answers all those questions and more.
We provide a comprehensive guide to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove hours, how to get there, whether you need to pay an entrance fee, and what makes early morning and nighttime visits so special.
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Hours
The Bamboo Path (Chikurin no Komichi) in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is one of the city’s most iconic sightseeing spots. As the wind blows, the bamboo leaves rustle gently, and countless tall bamboo stalks stretch straight toward the sky—creating a scene so enchanting, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world. This magical place attracts visitors from all over Japan and abroad.
Before visiting, many people wonder:
“What are the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove hours?”
To answer that question right away—the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Bamboo Path) is open 24 hours a day. Unlike most tourist attractions, there are no opening or closing hours. That’s because the path is officially considered a public road, which means it’s accessible at any time, day or night.
In fact, this path is not only popular with tourists, but it’s also used by local residents as a part of their daily walking route. Stretching approximately 400 meters in length, the grove offers a breathtaking experience no matter the time of day—whether bathed in morning light or shrouded in nighttime quiet.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the major attractions located adjacent to the Bamboo Grove—such as Tenryu-ji Temple and the Okochi Sanso Garden—do have specific hours of operation and closing days. So if you plan to combine your bamboo grove walk with a visit to these temples or gardens, be sure to check their opening hours in advance.
2. Best Time to Visit: The Beauty of an Early Morning Walk
In the early morning, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is wrapped in a peaceful silence that feels worlds away from the crowds that gather later in the day. Between 7:00 and 8:00 AM, when few tourists are around, the grove takes on an almost sacred atmosphere—so quiet and serene, it feels like you have the entire path to yourself.
As the morning sun filters through the narrow gaps between the bamboo stalks, each leaf glistens in the light, creating a dazzling natural spectacle. The only sounds are the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of bamboo swaying in the breeze. It's a calming, almost meditative experience that soothes the soul.
This time of day is especially recommended for photography enthusiasts. The soft morning light enhances the vivid green of the bamboo, making it ideal for both landscape and portrait shots. The lighting is gentle, yet rich—perfect for capturing the grove's natural beauty without harsh shadows.
If you want to avoid the crowds and fully appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of the grove, early morning is without a doubt the best time to visit. Even if it means waking up a little earlier, the experience is more than worth it.
Since the arashiyama bamboo grove hours allow for 24-hour access, taking advantage of this quiet window in the morning can transform your visit into something truly unforgettable.
3. Best Time to Visit: The Allure of a Nighttime Stroll
At night, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove transforms into a completely different world—quiet, mystical, and almost otherworldly. As the crowds thin out, the grove becomes wrapped in silence, and bamboo shadows gently illuminated by moonlight or faint streetlights appear like scenes from a traditional Japanese painting.
出展:https://kyoto-option.com/blog/19333/
In this serene setting, even the subtle sounds of bamboo swaying in the wind or your own footsteps echo vividly, creating a calming and unforgettable experience. Many visitors are drawn to the grove at night specifically to enjoy this mysterious atmosphere, which contrasts starkly with the lively energy found during the day.
However, there are some important things to keep in mind. The Bamboo Path has very limited permanent lighting, meaning that the ground can be quite dark after sunset. If you plan to visit at night, be sure to bring a flashlight or use your smartphone’s light, and walk carefully to avoid tripping.
Also, keep in mind that the Arashiyama area is a quiet residential neighborhood surrounded by nature. Please avoid loud conversations, playing music, or any disruptive behavior during your evening walk. Respecting the peaceful environment ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.
Thanks to the 24-hour accessibility of the grove (arashiyama bamboo grove hours), a nighttime visit can be both romantic and deeply memorable—as long as safety and courtesy are kept in mind. If you're looking to experience the quiet soul of Kyoto, a walk through the bamboo grove at night is truly something special.
4. How to Access the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is easily accessible by a variety of transportation options, including trains and buses. Below is a detailed guide on how to reach the grove, along with estimated walking times from each station or bus stop.
【Access by Train – Walking from Nearby Stations】
Station | Walking Time | Notes |
JR Sagano Line – Saga-Arashiyama Station | Approx. 10–15 minutes |
Head west after exiting the station. |
Randen (Keifuku Electric Railway) – Arashiyama Station | Approx. 5–10 minutes |
Exit to the left. The area is lively, with many souvenir shops and restaurants nearby—ideal for strolling. |
Hankyu Railway – Arashiyama Station | Approx. 15–20 minutes |
Walk via the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge route. From the station to the bridge takes about 8–10 minutes, and the bamboo grove is another short walk from there. |
Sagano Scenic Railway – Torokko Arashiyama Station |
Approx. |
Convenient if you are taking the sightseeing train. Be sure to check the train's seasonal operating schedule. |
【Access by Bus – Closest Bus Stops】
There are several bus stops located within walking distance of the bamboo grove. Below are the main ones and their approximate walking times:
Bus Stop | Main Bus Lines | Walking Time |
Nonomiya | Kyoto Bus, Kyoto City Bus | Approx. 3–7 minutes |
Arashiyama Tenryu-ji-mae |
Kyoto City Bus | Approx. 10 minutes |
Arashiyama | Kyoto City Bus, Kyoto Bus | Approx. 13 minutes |
Conclusion
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Bamboo Path) is one of Kyoto’s rare scenic spots that is open to visitors 24 hours a day. Whether you go in the crisp morning air to enjoy the quiet, or in the evening to be surrounded by its mystical atmosphere, the grove offers a different kind of beauty depending on the time of your visit.
There is no admission fee, and access is easy and flexible. You can reach the grove by JR, Randen (Keifuku Railway), Hankyu Railway, local buses, or even the charming Sagano Scenic Railway (Torokko Train)—making it convenient no matter what kind of traveler you are.
Step away from the noise of everyday life, and take a moment to listen to the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves.
Choose the time of day that suits you best, and enjoy a peaceful and memorable journey through the natural beauty of Arashiyama’s bamboo forest.