We visited in the afternoon, and like many have noted, there were crowds. However, it wasn’t overly crowded due to our winter visit. For taking pictures, it requires some effort to find less crowded spots.
This beautiful place showcases nature at its best, and I appreciate the efforts of the staff in preserving this forest. Despite the crowds, it remained a tranquil spot. We also strolled through some quaint neighborhoods and local shops.
Although we didn’t explore much of the forest, I believe it's definitely worth experiencing as much as you can.
On April 14th, 2023:
This place is majestic. I recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid crowds; we arrived around 6:30 AM.
The walk through the forest is lovely and leads to a residential area outside. The local Japanese must enjoy their morning walks as it is very soothing.
To avoid crowds, you should arrive early. We got to the area at 8 AM, which allowed us to enjoy the peaceful surroundings leading to the forest. We also had the opportunity to have breakfast at a food stall near the bus station before continuing to our next destination.
Catching the train from Kyoto main station is straightforward. Once you disembark, it's a short 10-15 minute walk to the bamboo grove. The main bamboo area is free to enter. There are beautiful gardens and temples nearby that, while they may charge a small fee, are worth visiting. Facilities like restrooms are plentiful, and the trails are safe for walking. There’s a lesser-known lookout point atop the hill. Many visitors are eager to capture that perfect photo, but foot traffic is manageable. This is a must-see when in Kyoto.
We had expected vast expanses and long trails through the bamboo forest, but it turned out to be just a five-minute walk. While the bamboo plants are indeed magnificent, the nearby area offers two temples that are worth a visit.
I suggest getting to the bamboo forest by 8 AM to capture selfies and enjoy the peace before the crowds arrive. The temples open at 9 AM, so there might be a wait to enter, but they are absolutely worth it.
The photos captured also show locations beyond the bamboo grove and the temple grounds.
