It is hard to believe that after only about 30 minutes of travel from the city center of Kyoto, one will come across a fascinating bamboo forest. The towering Sagano bamboo forest is in complete contrast to the urbanity that surrounds it.
If there is any list of “places to see before I die” or a list of beautiful forests around the world, the Sagano bamboo forest Japan will be at the top. The forest is located in the Arashiyama in western Kyoto. Its green stalks of popular plants are famous for their Swaying, Colliding, And Twisting In The Wind With Its Eerie Creaking Sounds.
Sagano Bamboo Forest – Tourist Hotspot in Japan
The popularity of the Sagano bamboo forest has recently increased with Japan’s overall rise in tourism. The beautiful sights of the rows of bamboo bring in the mass tourist though the distinctively creaky rustling sound is an attraction on its own. One can find the Sagano bamboo forest in the selection of 100 soundscapes in Japan, intended to promote nature’s voice among the locals.
Places to Visit
The Tenryuji Temple is among the five major temples in Kyoto and is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO. Its northern gate is just outside the entrance to the Bamboo Heritage Site.
This is not a coincidence, as you can find most Buddhist temples and shrines close to Bamboo groves. The symbolism wards off the evils, while the bamboo represents strength.
The best time to visit the Sagano bamboo forest is a visit early morning or in the evening. Tourists can avoid weekends as the local Japanese day tourists flock to this area. The good part is that it is open 24×7, and there is no admission fee.
Places to Stay and Eat Out
Considering the high tourist footfalls, one can opt for staying in a local inn (ryokan). It will allow you to get to the Sagano bamboo forest at the crack of dawn, much before the local Osaka and Central Kyoto day-trippers come in.
The Hoshinoya Kyoto is a luxury ryokan by the river. This is the best hotel in a bamboo forest in Japan, in Arashiyama. There are budget-friendly options like the 3-Star Japaning Hotel LiV Ranroukaku. This staying facility is next to the Monkey Park.
Arashiyama’s main streets are lined with shops and restaurants serving local specialties. The Restaurant, Steak Otsuka, is open for lunch only and famous for its Wagyu Beef steaks. There is no reservation option; showing up early and putting your name on the list is the easiest way to get in.
How to Get to Japan Bamboo Forest?
One can take the Kyoto City Bus- plenty of them plying from the Kyoto Station or the JR Sagano Line to Saga Arashiyama station onward to Sagano bamboo forest.
Hence, this bamboo forest in Japan is really an amazing attraction for both its citizens and tourists alike.
