Few experiences in Japan compare to walking through the whispering green tunnels of Arashiyama’s Bamboo Forest. The tall stalks sway gently in the wind, the light filters through the leaves like silk, and the air itself feels ancient. Located on Kyoto’s western edge, this magical grove is easy to reach once you know the right route.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Kyoto, here’s the complete 2025 guide on how to get from Kyoto to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest — by train, bus, taxi, or even bicycle.
Table of Contents
By Train – The Fastest Way:
The JR San-In (Sagano) Line is the most straightforward route from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama.
- Route: Kyoto Station → Saga-Arashiyama Station
- Travel Time: 17 minutes
- Fare: ¥240 (covered by JR Pass)
- Frequency: Every 10–15 minutes
Once you arrive at Saga-Arashiyama Station, follow the signs toward the Bamboo Forest — it’s about a 10-minute walk through quiet lanes lined with souvenir shops and cafes.
Tip: The walk from Saga-Arashiyama takes you past the famous Tenryu-ji Temple, which shares its garden boundary with the Bamboo Grove. Enter through the temple, and you’ll step directly into the forest.
By Bus – Scenic but Slower:
If you prefer to take in more of Kyoto’s local life, the bus offers a slower but scenic ride.
- Bus Numbers: 11, 28, and 93 from Kyoto Station or Shijo-Karasuma
- Travel Time: Around 45–55 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Fare: ¥230 one way
The buses drop you off near Arashiyama Station (Keifuku Line) or Nonomiya Shrine, a short walk from the Bamboo Forest entrance.
Local Insight: Avoid taking the bus during late mornings or weekends — Arashiyama traffic can significantly increase the travel time, making a 45-minute trip into a 90-minute. Morning rides (before 8:30 a.m.) are far smoother.
By Taxi Comfortable and Quick:
If you’re traveling with family, heavy luggage, or visiting in bad weather, a taxi from Kyoto Station is the most comfortable option.
- Fare: ¥2,500–¥3,000
- Duration: 25–30 minutes
Taxis in Kyoto are safe, clean, and efficient. Ask the driver to drop you near Tenryu-ji Temple or the Bamboo Grove North Gate for a shorter walk.
You can also use JapanTaxi or car. See below the cost if like to see before booking.
By Bicycle – A Scenic & Relaxing Ride:
For travelers who love slow exploration, cycling from Kyoto city to Arashiyama is a rewarding experience.
- Route: Follow the Katsura River cycling path west from central Kyoto.
- Duration: Around 40–50 minutes.
- Rental: Bicycles available near Kyoto Station and Gion (¥1,000–¥1,500 per day).
The riverside path is quiet, dotted with cherry trees and small shrines. You’ll reach Arashiyama with beautiful views of Togetsukyo Bridge, where the river reflects Kyoto’s mountain skyline.
Day Trip Plan:
Wondering what to See Around the Bamboo Forest?
Most travelers combine the Bamboo Forest with nearby attractions. Here’s a simple route that fits perfectly into a one-day Kyoto itinerary:
- Start Early (7:00–8:00 a.m.) – Arrive before tour buses and crowds.
- Tenryu-ji Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage site with Zen gardens.
- Bamboo Forest Path – Enter from the north gate and walk toward Okochi-Sansō Villa.
- Togetsukyo Bridge – The scenic heart of Arashiyama, perfect for photos.
- Iwatayama Monkey Park – Cross the bridge and climb for 20 minutes to see wild Japanese macaques.
- Lunch at Arashiyama Yoshimura – Riverside soba with panoramic views.
- Kimono rental or rickshaw ride – Optional, but great for photos.
Best Time to Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest:
The Bamboo Forest is open year-round, but each season paints a different mood:
- Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms frame Togetsukyo Bridge.
- Summer (May–August): Deep green canopy and soft breeze through the grove.
- Autumn (October–November): The hills behind glow with red and gold maple leaves.
- Winter (December–February): Quiet, almost hauntingly peaceful — perfect for photography.
Pro tip: Visit early morning (7–8 a.m.) or late afternoon (4–5 p.m.) for the best light and fewest crowds.
See the Google Map below:
Kyoto Station → Saga-Arashiyama Station → Tenryu-ji Temple → Bamboo Forest →
Insider Photography Tips:
- Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the towering stalks.
- Avoid tripods during peak hours (crowd control restrictions).
- Visit after light rain — the bamboo glistens beautifully.
- For magical shots, frame the pathway with sunlight filtering through the bamboo tops.
Getting from Kyoto to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is simple — but the journey itself is part of the experience. The train gives you speed, the bus gives you scenery, and walking over Togetsukyo Bridge gives you a taste of Kyoto’s timeless calm.
Spend the day wandering between temples, bridges, and riversides. When evening falls, and the last light slides through the bamboo leaves, you’ll understand why this grove is more than a tourist site — it’s Kyoto’s living poem.