Covering a total of 16 km², the Bamboo Forest is on the list of the ‘100 must-be-preserved sounds of Japan’ as voted by the Japanese government. The sound being what you hear when the winds blow through and across the thick bamboo grove. I wish I heard that myself but I didn’t need to hear it to know that this forest is one of the most unique and natural environments in Japan.
The adventure began way before we arrived at the Bamboo Forest. In order to get there, we crossed what is called the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. If you look closely enough, in the fourth picture, there is a group of men dressed in white dancing or performing where the water flows over the short vertical drop. Basically the bottom of the mini waterfall. I wonder how they managed to keep warm as they would have been soaking wet and ten times colder from the winter breeze.
There were boats along the river offering visitors a boat ride to rent. It is especially popular when the cherry blossoms are out and blooming along the riverside. Unfortunately, the trees were bare so we skipped the boat ride. Maybe next time.
After crossing this bridge and embarking on a walk along the river, we stepped foot in Arashiyama Park. This park has many temples, observation lookouts and most significant of all the Bamboo Forest. We ventured into the park and followed a pathway that led us to a beautiful scenic lookout pictured below.
Last but not least, we marched on toward the Bamboo Forest and spent a good amount of time walking along the path while enjoying the magnificent view and company. The materials used to fence off the bamboo grove and pathway are actually dried leaves and old fallen bamboo. Way to be eco-friendly Japan!
Below are a couple of photos I captured on the way back from the Bamboo Forest toward Hankyu Arashiyama Station.
Overall, I loved the experience and connection I felt with nature when I was in this place, and would say to anyone visiting that it is a must!
Wonderful post. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much ! I hope you enjoyed it 🙂
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You’re welcome. Loved the post. 🙂
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😀
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This was also one of my favourite sights in Japan, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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I sure did! Its too beautiful not to be a favourite 🙂
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Great Photos. I really liked the shots of the bamboo.
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Thank you 😀
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I loved this bamboo forest when I was in Kyoto! I want to go back one day soon.
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Me too! I don’t think its possible to get enough of Japan.
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The trip to the forest is a good trip in itself. The forest is beautiful.
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It sure is 🙂
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That eco friendly fence is so cool! I love things when they are functional, beautiful, and environmentally savy. Really nice area…makes me wanna go!
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Yes agreed! Its great how they have turned the dried old bamboo parts into something useful 🙂
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Wow, that’s amazing. I had no idea that bamboo could grow so high. Beautiful place. Thanks for a great post.
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Yeah it can grow up to 30m or more in height, crazy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 😀
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I regret that I didn’t get to Arashiyama, but your photos are amazing! 🙂
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Thank you Lee! Definitely head there when you have a chance, its well worth it. Many things to see 🙂
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Thank you for sharing your trip to this special place. Beautiful photos and very interesting information!
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I’m glad you found it interesting! Thank you Cynthia 😀
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Wonderful!
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Thank you 😀
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Great post. Next time, along with the cherry blossoms, you must check out the monkey park. It’s at the top of a 20 min. climb (not too difficult).
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Yes, I saw photos of them. I actually love monkeys so I’ll make sure to visit next time 🙂
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Great photo! Would love to visit this forest soon. Thanks for sharing:)
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Thank you Angela! 🙂
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I thought of the movie house of flying daggers 🙂 lovely!
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Oh yes it does! And thank you 🙂
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The pandas would have loved to visit that place, we will probably sit there and munch on bamboos lol
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hahaha
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