Right after we visited the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple in Kyoto – Japan, we planned to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which already listed in our itinerary plan. Because it was the second day of our bicycle rental, we can’t use it anymore as they have a time limit to return the bike latest at 6pm. That’s why, first we returned our bike to Kyoto Eco Trip and hurried to the Kyoto Station. We have to be at Arashiyama before the day is getting dark. Around 5pm, we bought a train ticket from the Ticket Counter at Kyoto Station to reach Arashiyama. We took the JR Train (JR Sagano/San-in Line) to Saga-Arashiyama Station. The train ticket cost ¥240 one-way trip per person, so that’s mean ¥960 return trip for two persons.
Train Ticket from Kyoto Station to Shin-Arashiyama (return trip).
Just outside the Saga Arashiyama Station there is a 19th Century Hall, a museum covering the unlikely combination of steam locomotives and pianos. We didn’t enter the museum, but we just look at it from the outside and took a picture of a giant locomotive. Then we walked through a long alley next to the museum to reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
After walking for about 15 minutes, finally we arrived at the end of the road junction. There we saw some tourists with a backpack are standing in front of the Nonomiya bus stop. It turns out in front of this place; there is an access to the Bamboo Grove Arashiyama.
Because it was almost night, this place is not too crowded anymore, so we are free to take pictures. A lot of walks to reach the bamboo groves, that’s why I suggest you to wear a comfortable clothing, hat and shoes. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent as there are a lot of mosquitos. Although it took a lot of walks, we do not feel tired because there are a lot of vending machines along the way.
There are lots of places to visit in this area, such as the Monkey Park Iwatayama (admission fee ¥550), Tenryuji Temple (the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama, admission fee ¥500), the great Togetsukyo Bridge (Arashiyama‘s most iconic landmark), etc. But we couldn’t visit all of them because all the parks closed at 17.00.
If only we have more time to spent at Arashiyama, we would rent a bike from a bicycle rental near the Museum Hall or rent the Rickshaw Ride at Arashiyama. The word rickshaw originates from the Japanese word “jinrikisha,” which means “human-powered vehicle.” They first appeared in Japan in the late 19th century. The Rickshaw ride provides the tourist a private tour, in 30, 60 or 120 minutes around Arashiyama, but I heard it is quite expensive starts from ¥7000.
However, it was worth the long walk where we can see the natural beauty surrounding, especially when we saw the lovely bamboo forest. We took a refreshing walk through the beautiful bamboo forest. The bamboo grove is amazing, beautiful and so peaceful. We both enjoyed the bamboos and the way they were laid out. Besides the famous Bamboo Forest, this charming little town also has many local shops selling foods, drinks and souvenirs. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a sight not to be missed in Japan! Don’t forget to put this place in your itinerary list! 🙂
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