A walk in Kyoto

Arashiyama bamboo lanes

嵐山の竹林と寺めぐり

Best by 8 am

2.6 km, about 3 h, 7 stops from Arashiyama Station. Every stop with its Japanese name and what to look for.

Start Arashiyama Station

Togetsukyō Bridge渡月橋
The long bridge across the river, with the wooded hills of Arashiyama right behind.
Tenryū-ji天龍寺
Its pond garden is close to 700 years old. Leave by the north gate into the bamboo.
Bamboo grove path竹林の小径
Tall bamboo on both sides of a fenced path. Calmest early in the morning.
Ōkōchi Sansō大河内山荘
A hillside villa and garden. The ticket includes matcha and a sweet in the teahouse.
Jōjakkō-ji常寂光寺
Moss and maples on the slope of Mt Ogura, with a small pagoda and a view.
Nison-in二尊院
Its main gate came from Fushimi Castle. Maples line the long approach.
Giō-ji祇王寺
A tiny temple with a moss garden under the trees.

Paths can be steep or slippery, and places close or change their hours. Check before you go.

Plan the rest

Sources

Our summary of the sources below, checked Nov 9, 2026