Where is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Located?
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the vast collections of Bamboos, located in the villages of Sagno on the west side of the Kyoto city of Japan. Known for its iconic views in the city, reaching the height of 25 meters with up to a 25 cm diameter. Due to its beautiful green views and walking sides making it one of the most attractive sights for photographers and nature lovers too.
Why is Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Famous?
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Forest is famous for its mesmerising amount of
Bamboo collections, its ideal walking trails amidst the Bamboo forest,
inclusions of ancient shrines and temples inside of the forest and unique and
atmospheric experiences.
History of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest or Grove
The bamboo Grove path is a 400 meter long walking trail located in the
Sangno, Ukyo Ward, in Kyoto. It has a significant historical backgrounds from Heian
periods;
1. Heian Period (794 to 1185)
During the Heian Period, Arashiyama region was fully flourished and emperor Saga decided to establish a detached palace in the area, in order to promote residences and refined lifestyles. Therefore growing bamboo is most likely incorporated into the gardens' estates.
2. Establishment of Nonomiya Shrine
In 809, Nonomiya shrine was established nearby in the Bamboo Grove path. Later this shrine was known as a “Sakaki” and often known as a purification site for the Saiin princesses. So, the surrounding Bamboo forest is believed to have been the most holy and sacred place of the emperors and people of Kyoto.
3. Kamakura Period (1185 to 1333)
In 1255, Emperor Go Saga constructed the Kameyama Palace in Sagano. This massive step by the emperor made the area a cultural hub for the aristocracy. During this period, bamboo began to be recognised as a most aesthetic value and known for the modern Bamboo Grove Path.
4. Edo Period (1603 to 1868)
Bamboo forests gained more popularity and tourism recognition during the Edo Period. Tea ceremonies and garden cultures also reached duing Edo time along with initiations bamboo groves cultivation during the Edo period. However, Sagno became a popular destination for poets and scholars, leading to cultural landmarks in Japan. The Edo period also contributed Atago shrine, temple town and charming Edo ear architectures to this forest.
5. Walking Path Renovation
Another new walking trail path was added to the northern section of the Bamboo Grove Path in 2015. Interestingly, its total cost was given by the local rickshaw operators in the Arashiyama Sagano area. Today it helps us to experience diverse opportunities and indulge the diverse beauty of the bamboo forest, making it one of the most enjoyable natural walking paths in the world.
Interesting Facts about Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Below 5 interesting facts which will make you more curious and mesmerising about Arashiyama. Let’s see
1. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Species are primarily made up of “MosoBamboo”. Which is a unique species, known for impressive height up to 90 feet
high and its underground root system helps to hold soil and restore water
tables.
2. These Bamboo Forest covers 3,950 acres of land and each are 140 meter
wide and 500 meters long. It spans over 16 square kilometres, providing a
serene walking path for visitors.
3. Bamboo, often known for its sound and soothing music, procured by the
wind swaying through the bamboo stalks makes a more peaceful and haunting experience
to visitors.
4. Due to its historical significance, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is
deeply rooted in Japanese cultures, which symbolises Strength, Flexibility and
Longevity in their everyday life.
5. Nonomiya Shrine is a tiny, picturesque Shinto shrine located in the
middle of the Bamboo Forest. Recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage site,
situated near bamboo groves, offers clever views and a known for strength and
prosperity.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Entrance Fees
There is no Entrance Fees to enter inside the Bamboo forest. We
recommended visiting early in the morning or on a weekdays to avoid more crowds
and rush.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Timings
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is open 24/7, where you can visit at any time, either day or night. Usually tours and groups start to arrive around 8:30 am, so try to be in early morning.
How to Get to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Grove
There are too many transportations available to reach bamboo forests
from nearby cities like Kyoto. The most easy and convenient mode of
transportation is the “JR Sagano Line from Kyoto station to Saga Arashiyama
station”. Despite of that;
1. Train
One of the popular forms of public transportation, the train is the
cheapest and most accessible transportation mode in Kyoto. Undershot, Jr Sagano
Line to Saga- Arashiyama Station train will take you to the Bamboo forest.
2. Walking
If you are a person who likes to walk alone or walk with a partner to spend time with nature, then you can try it here. Once you reach Saga Arashiyama Station, you should take just 10 minutes to walk to reach the forest entrance.
If you are not interested in walking then take Hankyu Line to Arashiyama station, it is one of the alternative train options available to the visitors.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at Night
Since Arashiyama Bamboo Grove forest is open 24/7, it is very
interesting to see at night. Once you complete your day trip to multiple sites
in Kyoto like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Temples and Shrines and Beautiful Gardens,
make sure you plan a night in Bamboo forest.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove forest is surreal with a sea of green lit by moonlight and soft glow of lanterns, with dancing shadows and whispering rustle of the trees. During December, the Hanatouro lantern festival is the perfect time to enjoy the night time with lanterns.
Night time pillars are illuminated resulting in a magical feeling of lights and never forget to bring a torch with you to get more visibility of the bamboo grove trail, Tenryu-ji temple garden and Kastura riverbank.
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